US20100199399A1

US20100199399A1 - Skirt and pants construction with interchangeable components

Info

Publication number: US20100199399A1
Application number: US12/322,964
Authority: US
Inventors: Sandra D. Garza
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-02-09
Filing date: 2009-02-09
Publication date: 2010-08-12

Abstract

The present invention relates to a skirt and pants construction. More particularly the invention relates to a skirt or pants that may be changed in length, style, configuration, and or comes with interchangeable and reversible components.

Description

PRIOR ART

In spirit there is prior art for the convertible pants, but they do not include reversible components, and or skirts coveralls or overalls that also change in length or design. Furthermore they do not include detachable waistbands and or attachable components that embellish the apparel or allow you to color coordinate.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Skirts and pants usually range in lengths. Skirts and pants are worn for fashion and for comfort. Sometimes people buy the same type of skirt or pants with different colors and designs on them or in different lengths. With my invention you can change the features and lengths on the skirt and pants foundation which gives the illusion of a complete different skirt or pants. You can buy one skirt or pants and convert it into different styles and lengths with interchangeable components. This feature saves the consumer a lot of money and creates an abundance of versatility. The appearance of the skirt or pants may also be altered by attaching embellishments in the allotted spaces or changing components. My invention also includes attachable sections for the sleeve areas and leg areas that add length. Because children usually grow in height before they grow in girth my invention will be very useful.
In view of the fact that the prior art is silent on a skirt and pants construction that breaks up into different components and or sections that are reversible and creates different style skirts, overalls, coveralls or pants. To achieve this and other readily apparent objectives, the present invention essentially discloses a skirt and pants construction for enabling a user or wearer to selectively attach a component for improving function and or appearance of the skirt and pants construction. The skirt and pants construction according to the present invention comprises a skirt or pants foundation member and at least one attachable or detachable component.
Depending on different configurations, the attachable components may vary in shape and size. The zipper portions will have an inner skirt that allows for a smooth operation of the zipper slide and pull half portion attached to the lower peripheral edge of the inner skirt, as it engages with a reciprocating zipper post half portion, attached to a top edge or bottom edge or top or bottom region of an attachable section or skirt or pants foundation.
Attachable components may employ other fastening means, such as snaps, mechanical traditional snaps, buttons, Velcro® Hook and Loop, buckles, linear zippers, linear dual post zippers, and curved zippers.
The fastening devices may not be concealed. Further, it is noted that such non-concealed fasteners can be attached by being sewn in, glued and punch pressed and by any other means conventionally known to those skilled in the art.
If the demarcation between the foundation pants or skirt or attachable component is of a curved nature with no sharp corners, a curved zipper such as in U.S. Pat. No. 6,224,484 of Farrell, can optionally be used for attachment. These can be single post on the component if it is not reversible. Notably, the attachable components may be reversible if the design lends itself to the invention. In this case, it can use a dual post zipper for the reversible component. The curved zipper can be outwardly visible, or it can be covered by an outer flap of any geometric configuration or attached inner skirt.
In a further embodiment, the outer attachable component that serves as a trim on the pants or skirt is attached to an inner surface of another component located inside the foundation pants or skirt or attachable component adjacent to its edge. This is facilitated by flaps attached to the open edge of the foundation in which the flaps are pulled upward over the foundation pants or skirt edge engaging its inner surface.
A zipper may be sewed into or around the exterior of a foundation skirt or pants allowing for an attachable component serving as an embellishment.
A component used to trim or embellish a foundation may be made as thin as ¼ inch in width attaching at the peripheral edge of a foundation or an attachable component.
So that the manner in which the above recited features of the invention are attained and can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to the embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings.
It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a convertible skirt foundation.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a coverall pants foundation.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a convertible skirt foundation with an alternative attachable section and a wider waist band.

FIG. 4 is deleted

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative convertible pants foundation that employs knee pads and a waist band component attached around the top perimeter of the pants.

FIG. 6 is an alternative embodiment that employs an attachable component that runs axially around the leg region.

FIG. 7 is an attachable band component.

FIG. 8 is an alternative embodiment of a convertible pants foundation.

FIG. 8A is an exploded view of the band component from FIG. 8.

FIG. 9 is an alternative embodiment of a pants foundation.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a pants construction.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of FIG. 10 with the components exploded from the foundation.

FIG. 10B is a rear view of the pants foundation with pockets on it.

FIG. 10C is a perspective view of an alternative lower component for a pants or skirt foundation.

FIG. 10D is a perspective view of an attachable component.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, wherever possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of skirt foundation that breaks up into sections. Each section 2 creates a different style or length. The sections are made with zippers 3 on the perimeters that are hidden beneath a flap 9. The sections have zipper 3 features on both of the perimeters. These sections are optionally reversible. When they are reversible, they will be made with dual post zippers. The skirt foundation has a zipper 3 section for a decorative band strap 94 around the foundation. Notably this design may be implemented into overall skirts or coveralls and may be asymmetrical or symmetrical.
FIG. 1A is a cut out perspective view of the flaps 9 being turned upward and downward, displaying the zipper feature.
FIG. 1B is the skirt foundation. This is the part that encompasses the waist and hip region of your body. Notably, this foundation may be made with exterior pockets 92. This skirt foundation is constructed with a half zipper 3 member around the top and bottom perimeter of the foundation. The zipper feature allows you to attach a waist band or lower components that embellish or lengthen the skirt.
FIG. 1C is a detachable skirt section. Notably, these attachable sections may be made of different sizes or configurations.
FIG. 1D is an attachable band 94 component that trims the lower perimeter of the skirt.
FIG. 1E is an attachable waist band 15 component. This waist band component may come in different lengths.
FIG. 1F is a perspective view of a detachable pocket 92 component.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the coverall pants foundation. This foundation breaks apart into sections. The upper and lower half components each have utility bid itself and may be worn alone or the complete foundation may be worn together. Notably, when worn alone waist band components may be attached to both sections. (not shown)
FIG. 2A is the lower region of the coverall pants foundation. This is the part that encompasses the hips, the legs and the derriere region of your body. Notably, this foundation may be made with exterior pockets 92. This pants foundation is constructed with a half zipper member around the waist region 23, and around the openings for your legs. Notably, this foundation has utility by itself and may be broken down into a short pants 93 foundation. Furthermore, this coverall construction may be implemented into a skirt embodiment of any size.
FIG. 2B is the upper region of the coverall foundation. This upper region 97 may be made with detachable sleeve members or sleeves that break up into shorter lengths. The edge of the opening of the sleeve, collar or the waist region no matter what length it is may employ an attachable component that serves as an embellishment, a cuff or elastic to cinch that area.
FIG. 2C is a detachable leg 12 section. Notably, these attachable sections may be made of different sizes or configurations and may be employed as the child grows into their pants.
FIG. 2D is the upper sleeve 12 region that may also be detachable.
FIG. 2E is the detachable collar 21 section.
FIG. 2F is a detachable cuff 22 component.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a convertible skirt foundation employing an alternative attachable component.
FIG. 4 is deleted.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative pants foundation. This pants foundation is constructed with depressions 75 within an allotted space on the knee regions. These depressions have a single zipper 3 feature around the perimeter of the depressions beneath a flap 9. The zipper features allow for an attachable member 89 to be affixed in that area. Notably, the pants foundation may be constructed without material within the depressions 75 which would create an opening on those areas when an attachable member is not employed. Furthermore the configurations of the depressed areas or openings may be of any configurations such as circles, rectangles, squares, ovals, diamond, half circles, pentagons, hexagons, stars, octagons and any other configurations that will lend itself to the design of the pants. Notably, the pants may be constructed with allotted spaces for embellishments anywhere on the pants foundation or on the sleeve members of the upper region of the coveralls. These zipper 3 features are both matable with the zipper half on the perimeter of the pants foundation. The sleeve members may be designed with detachable elbow pads or with a depression within an allotted space that runs vertical or horizontal anywhere on the sleeve from the collar 72 region to the wrist 77 or waist 71 region. The said is constructed with zippers 3 beneath a flap 9 that allow for attachable components. Notably, if the design lends itself to the invention the zippers may be curved or one single zipper may be employed. The zippers 3 are attached in a vertical or horizontal manner, one on each side of the depression. The depression allows for the attachable component to be planar with the rest of the sleeve giving the illusion that it was constructed that way. Notably, the depression 75 for the component may be of any width or configuration allowing for components of different sizes. This vertical feature malt also be implemented into the pants or skirt construction. The removable knee pads 89 may be constructed with padding and or a robust surface that lengthens the life of the pad. These pads are ideal for children who like to play on the floor. With this feature the act al pants foundation will never wear out on the knee area so long as you employ a set of knee pads 89. The decorative pads may be used for comfort or fashion.
FIG. 5A is a cutout view of the depression on the knee region.
FIG. 5B is a perspective view a knee pad exploded from the pants.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative pants leg member with a depression 75 in an allotted space for an attachable band component that runs axially around the leg region. This foundation would employ a circumferential band component. Each depression has circumferential zippers on the top and bottom regions beneath a flap.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a band strap 11 component. This band strap comes with two zipper 3 halves that are matable with a sleeve or pants foundation that has a compatible sized space for the band strap. Notably, the band strap 11 may be made in different sizes. This strap embellishes the sleeve members or allows you to color coordinate. This strap may be made of different colors, materials, fabrics and or embellishments. This strap member is straight but it is noted that it may be circumferential. Notably, this illustration is for illustration only and must not be construed as limiting and other fasteners may also be employed such as Velcro or snaps.
FIG. 8 is a perspective cut out view of an alternative pants foundation. This pants foundation also has an allotted space for an attachable component. The said is constructed with female 7 and male 6 snap halves within a flap 9 member. The snaps fasten traverse the attachable component. Notably, this is only an illustration and must not be construed as limiting. Velcro or zippers may also be used as the fastener for the components. They will be equally effective.
FIG. 8A is a cut out perspective view of an attachable band member for FIG. 8. This band member will be constructed with eyelets that allow for the snap fasteners on the sleeve member to go traverse the band and fasten. Notably, this construction will be less expensive because the complete fasteners will be on the sleeve member. This is for illustration purposes only and must not be construed as limiting.
FIG. 9 is an alternative embodiment of a pants foundation displaying the side view where the attachable components attach to the pants. The attachable components attach via zipper. This perspective view displays a band member affixed to the foundation. The allotted space for the attachable component may be of any length or width. Notably, this design may be implemented into a pants foundation of any length or a skirt of any length including overalls and coveralls.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a pants construction. This pants construction is made with several detachable components. Notably, this construction may be made of any length and may employ any number of components. This illustration shows the cuff member being pulled upward exposing the zipper 3 feature.
FIG. 10A is a perspective view of FIG. 10 with the components exploded from the short pants foundation. This view depicts a waist band 15, a short pants foundation 93, two sets of lower 12 components and a set of cuff 22 components. Notably, the cuff components may be attached at the bottom of the short pants foundation or any of the leg members.
FIG. 10B is a rear view of the short pants foundation. The view depicts two different type pockets being pulled away from the foundation. The zipper 3 feature is exposed. One of the pockets is a full pocket 92 and the other is a flap 89 for a pocket. By changing this feature one would think that it is a different pair of pants. Notably different style or color pockets will be sold separately. This illustration must not be construed as limiting, as it is for illustration purposes only.
FIG. 10C is an alternative design for a pants leg component. This component is displayed employing a gusset 99 member. This component is constructed with a zipper 3 member. When the zipper member is unzipped it creates an opening or a slit in that area. When the component is unzipped it allows for an attachable gusset 99 component to be affixed in that area via zipper. The gusset member will be constructed with reciprocating zipper members for that area.
FIG. 10D is a perspective view of the gusset 99 component exploded from the lower component. This component is constructed with zipper 3 features that correspond with that of the lower component.
It will now be noted that all of the embodiments may be made of any material that lends itself to the invention such as denim, chiffon, cotton, lace, wool, cashmere, polyester, nylon, leather, suede, terry cloth, silk, rayon, velour, spandex, denim, synthetic fibers, knit, waterproof materials, embroidered materials, embossed, materials, stretchy fabrics, satin, patent leather, velvet, PVC, wool, polyester, snake skin, alligator skin, ostrich skin, crocodile skin, pony hair, all furs, goatskin, lambskin, flannel, vinyl, beaded fabric, corduroy, faux leather, pebbled leather, faux skins, monogrammed suede embossed, canvas, plastic coated canvas, silk, quilted materials, goose down insulations, woven materials, studded fabrics, sequence fabrics. It is also noted that the foundation may be of any length skirt, pants, overalls or coveralls. It is also noted that detachable liners for the skirt or pants foundations may be incorporated into the design. The liners may be made of silk, satin, cashmere or any other material that lends itself to the invention.
It is also noted that the skirt and pants foundation is fully functional by itself. The attachable components may be symmetrical or asymmetrical. Dual post curved zippers are optional for reversible components. All of the components may or may not be constructed to be reversible.
While the drawings do not illustrate various examples of flaps or depressions within the skirt or pants foundation for attachable members, it is noted that trapezoidal curved or straight flaps covering the connection between the attachable sections which may or may not be reversible which without any attachable component is fully functional by itself.
Where a permanently affixed outer flap is provided over a zipper, such as a dual post zipper for reversible and or interchangeable components such as a regular zipper for non-reversible interchangeable attachable component, then in such case, the flap itself may be further pulled down to expose an inner skirt having a connection interface at an outer distal end region or edge, to allow better manual access therein and allow for the use of horizontal zippers in instances where the demarcation edge of flaps is other than a horizontal shape (i.e. trapezoid, curve, zigzag, wavy, angular, etc.)
It is believed that the advantages of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It will also be apparent that a number of variations and modifications may be made therein without departing from its spirit and scope. Accordingly the foregoing description is to be construed as illustrative only, rather than limiting. This invention is limited only by the scope of the following claims.

Claims

I. This is claim 1. A skirt and pants construction and system, comprising: a foundation skirt or pants having a surface that encompasses the hip and derriere region; wherein said foundation may connect to at least one attachable component by at least one edge and further the foundation may have a removable liner with a common connection interface and or allotted areas for embellishments that have fastening means within them. I also claim an attachable member that attaches via zipper fastening means that serves as a lengthener or an embellishment for any skirt or pants foundation that attaches around the perimeter or any edge that has a zipper fastening means on it, on the skirt or pants foundation or on allotted sections as in claim 1 and that they may be sold separately.
II. This is claim 2. I claim a pants, overall or coverall construction with an allotted section at the knee region that allows for attachable knee pads. The said also having detachable sections that allow for versatility in length.
III. This is claim 3. I claim a skirt, pants, overall or coverall construction having an allotted space that runs vertically or horizontally on the arm sleeve or leg sleeve regions with zipper features within it for attachable components.
1. I claim a skirt or pants foundation that doesn't increase in length but that allows for changeable components and has utility by itself.
2. Wherein, as part of claim 1, 2 and 3 where attachable sections may serve as increasing the length or changing the style of the skirt or pants foundation, changing waist bands, pockets, the trim and or features to embellish or color coordinate the skirt and pants.
3. Wherein as part of claim 1, 2 and 3. I claim an attachable component that may be used as a knee pad or an embellishment of different colors, textures including rubber or designed with different themes.
4. As part of claim 1, 2 or 3 an attachable component where a zipper is ideal although it may be made of any type of fastening means such as snaps mechanical traditional snaps, buttons, hook and loop, buckles, linear zippers, eyelets and lace-up structures.
5. A skirt, pants, overall and coverall construction and system as in claim 1, 2 and 3 having at least one attachable upper component or lower component with an engageable portion for said fastener and with additional sections that allow a child to grow into their pants.
6. A skirt, pants, overall and coverall system as in claim 1, 2 and 3 where user friendly fasteners are selected from the group compromising snaps, buttons, studs, curved zippers, linear zippers, linear dual post zippers and Velcro.
7. Wherein as claim 1, 2 and 3 A skirt or pants system where the foundations may, be overalls or coveralls.
8. A skirt and pants system as in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein a said array comprises an extended arranged plurality of fasteners, said array preferably being comprised of at lease 2 such groups of apertures in combination with apertures and related connections engaging a foundation skirt or pants and an interchangeable component.
9. Wherein said connection interface is a zipper or a dual post zipper in reference to claim 1, 2 and 3.
10. A skirt or pants system as in claim 1, 2 and 3 where the skirt or pants foundation, attachable upper components and lower components may be made of studs, felt, rubber, wool, silk, chiffon, lace, nylon, canvas, organic materials, weather proof materials, cotton, polyester, angora, crocheted fabrics, linen, felt, sweat wicking fabric, acrylic, knitted fabrics, denim, satin, silk, lace, velvet, velour, rhinestones, jewels, sequence, leather, suede, canvas, beads or any other materials that lend themselves to the invention.
11. Wherein as claim 1, 2 and 3. I claim that the sleeve members and the skirt and pants foundations may have allotted vertical, horizontal or any shape spaces within a depression that allow for attachable components that serve as embellishments or that allow you to color coordinate.
12. We claim that the attachable members from claim 1, 2 and 3 such as upper components, lower components, and embellishments may be sold separately.
13. Wherein as claim 1, 2 and 3 we claim that the attachable members of one skirt or pants foundation may fit another skirt or pants foundation creating more versatility so long as the sizes are compatible.
14. Wherein as claim 1, 2 and 3. I claim that the sleeve and lower regions of the foundations may detach completely or break up into sections on all of the skirts and pants, or coveralls.
15. I claim that the attachable components may vary in size and may be open ended or may not have any open ends (joined circumferentially).
16. I claim that the skirt or pants foundation of claim 1, 2 and 3 may be of any length.
17. I claim that a skirt or pants system may be sold with at least one upper or lower component up to an unlimited number, thus creating a skirt, dress, pants, overalls, or coveralls of different lengths or styles.