Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
OUTERWEAR SYSTEM INCORPORATING A BASE
GARMENT WITH ATTACHABLE OUTER SKINS, SUCH AS
FOR PROVIDING TERRAIN DICTATED CAMOUFLAGE
[0001]
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002]
The present invention relates generally to a camouflage style outerwear system
for
providing a base wearable component with multiple interchangeable outer skins.
More
specifically, the invention discloses such a system providing any plurality of
outer
interchangeable skins, each exhibiting a different pattern or style
corresponding to a desired
outdoor environment, and which are individually attached or removed from the
base garment
(one piece jump suit or separate pants/bibs or top) by the use of any of
zippers, snaps, magnetic
attachable portions, buttons or hook & loop (Velcro ) style fasteners. Access
slots or linings can
be configured at overlapping attachment locations established between the base
(underbody) suit
and each outer skin to facilitate inter-engagement of the skin to the
underbody. As will be
further described, the system can encompass any hunting or military related
applications in
which it is desired to exhibit a maximum number of different camouflage
patterns with a
minimum of outerwear gear, as well as any other non-related recreational
pursuits such as
paintball or snowboarding, where there is an advantage in the ability to
provide fast changing
outer skins. Finally, the skins can integrate any number of integrated
components, such as
without limitation including ballistic resistant (Kevlar0) panels, accessory
support portions, and
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hydration (fluid reservoir) packs. Other features of the skins can include
infrared (IR) or thermal
insulating properties, additional variants further contemplating more one skin
being applied in
successive layered fashion depending upon the operational environment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The prior art is well documented with examples of outerwear, such as
a one piece
suit or individual bib and jacket, and which are worn by individuals engaged
in a variety of
pursuits, including such as military applications, hunting and the like. Given
the differences in
terrain associated with varying geography, a given camouflage design coating
the exterior of the
outwear suit may not be equally optimal or even suitable for all such
geographies. Accordingly,
the user is often faced with the unenviable requirement of having to purchase
any number of
outerwear suits, each exhibiting a different exterior camouflage pattern or
design and
corresponding to a selected locale.
[0004] Also noted in the prior art are a pair of related references
disclosing systems and
methods for providing modular camouflage (referring to Morgan US 2012/0017353
and USPN
7,987,522) and which include a retaining mechanism and at least two coupling
mechanisms for
attaching the device to the clothing or directly to the wearer, the user
immobilizing the
camouflage material by inserting it between the retaining mechanism and the
apparel or person.
[0005] Additional references are directed to Ghillie suit related
disclosures (generally
defined as a base net or mesh fabric with sufficiently large openings for
permitting attachment of
leaf-like elements). Reference in particular is made to each of Humphrey's,
USPN 6,851,126
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and Rossini, USPN 6,060,142. Other references depicting attachable panels or
apparel items
include each of Shannon, US 2006/0174391 and Spanier, USPN 3,661,689.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention discloses a camouflage outerwear system which
includes a
base suit (either one piece or with separate top and bibs), along with a
plurality of outer
interchangeable skins, each exhibiting a different pattern or style
corresponding to a desired
outdoor environment. The skins are individually attached or removed from the
base suit by the
use of any of zippers, snaps or buttons.
[0007] Depending upon the fasteners used, access slots or linings can be
configured into the
design to facilitate inter-engagement of the skins to the underbody. The
camouflage outerwear
system depicted is understood to not be limiting strictly to hunting or
military related
applications in which it is desired to exhibit a maximum number of different
camouflage patterns
with a minimum of outerwear gear, but can also include other non-related
recreational pursuits
such as paintball or snowboarding, where there is an advantage in the ability
to provide fast
changing outer skins.
[0008] In one non-limiting application a system for providing any plurality
of exchangeable
(typically thin-walled and lightweight) outer skins in combination with a
wearable base garment
includes the base garment being selected from as at least one of pants or a
jacket and exhibiting a
first plurality of fasteners. A first selected outer skin is configured for
positioning in overlaying
fashion relative to at least one of the pants and jacket of the base garment,
the outer skin garment
exhibiting a second plurality of fasteners which inter-engage with the first
plurality of fasteners.
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10009] The first outer skin exhibits a first decorative pattern and, upon
being detached from
the base garment, can be substituted by a second identically constructed outer
skin exhibiting a
second decorative pattern. Additional features include first and second
pluralities of inter-
engaging fasteners incorporating any one or more of zippers, snaps and hook &
loop fasteners.
The outer skins, as previously described, can each exhibit a different
camouflage decorative
pattern and the base garment can further include either of a one piece suit or
separately
attachable bibs and top.
10010] Finally, the skins can integrate any number of integrated
components, such as
without limitation including ballistic resistant (Kevlare) panels, accessory
support portions, and
hydration packs. Other features of the skins can include infrared (IR) or
thermal insulating
properties, additional variants further contemplating more one skin being
applied in successive
layered fashion depending upon the operational environment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
100111 Reference will now be made to the attached drawings, when read in
combination with
the following detailed description, wherein like reference numerals refer to
like parts throughout
the several views, and in which:
100121 Fig. 1 is an operational illustration of an the outerwear assembly
composed of a base
wearable garment along with first and second separately attachable skins, each
exhibiting a
different camouflage pattern;
100131 Fig. 2 is a succeeding unfolded and partially open view of an outer
jacket skin forming
a portion of the present system;
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[0014] Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of section 3-3 in Fig. 2 and showing a
cargo pocket pass
through from an outer side corresponding to an inner lining side as
illustrated in Fig. 2;
[0015] Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of section 4-4 of Fig. 2 and showing a
sleeve cuff
attachment protocol for securing a selected outer skin to the jacket shell;
[0016] Fig. 5 is an initial assembly operation step in which the outer
jacket skin is pre-
positioned upon an associated base suit and further depicting aligning zipper
locations associated
with the chest and neck of the jacket skin which align with similar zipper
locations of the base suit;
[0017] Fig. 6 is another illustration of the outer skin laid upon a base
suit and further depicting
each of aligning chest zippers and snap attachments configured at cargo pocket
locations
associated with each article;
[0018] Fig. 7 illustrates, in wide view, the zipper attachment of the outer
skin to the base suit
at the overlapping neck area;
[0019] Fig. 8 is an illustration of the outer skin depicting snap
attachments at the chest pocket
location;
[0020] Fig. 9 is a depiction of the outer skin or layer applied over the
base suit at the cargo
pocket area in an open condition;
[0021] Fig. 10 illustrates the skin over the base suit with the cargo
pocket closed;
[0022] Fig. 11 is a close up illustration of loop and snap attachment
portions configured
between the outer skin and the bottom of the base suit and in both open and
engaged positions;
[0023] Fig. 12 illustrates the outer skin at the cuff location and showing
a similar arrangement
of loop and snap attachments in both open and engaged positions;
[0024] Fig. 13 is a depiction of an outer skin at the cuff location showing
a fully engaged
position relative to the base suit;
[0025] Fig. 14 is an illustration of the outer skin attached to the pants
portion of the base suit;
[0026] Fig. 15 illustrates the zipper and snap attachments established
between the outer skin
and the base suit at the waist area;
[0027] Fig. 16 is an illustration of the outer skin at a boot welt
associated with the underlying
base suit bottom (or pants) and depicting an engagement scheme of snaps and
hook & loop
attachments (e.g. Velcro ) portions established between the inner and outer
layers;
[0028] Fig. 17 is a succeeding view showing the edge of the skin peeled
back to depict the
unique snap and hook & loop scheme;
[0029] Fig. 18 is a semi-engaged position of the outer skin at leg cuff
showing the loop and
snap attachment scheme; to
[0030] Fig. 19 is an illustration of the outer skin fully engaged to the
boot welt area and leg
cuff;
[0031] Fig. 20 is an operational view of an outerwear system according to a
further
embodiment and which incorporates jacket and pants with individually
attachable skins exhibiting
a desired camouflage pattern;
[0032] Fig. 20A is an illustration similar to Fig. 20 and illustrating
outer attachable skins
which may include no surface patterning and which may further include any
layering or
composition of an IR or thermal shielding or insulating material;
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[0033] Fig. 21A is an illustration of a further variant of attachable skin,
such as which my
integrate a combination of ballistic impact resistant panels along with sewn
in or otherwise
integrated hydration packs and the like;
[0034] Fig. 21B is an alternate illustration to Fig. 21A and depicting a
redesign of the ballistic
resistant panels along with such additional features as extending accessory
engaging straps and
neck positioned hydration tube;
[0035] Fig. 22A is a rear perspective operational view of an outerwear
system in which the
ballistic impact resistant panels and hydration pack are exhibited on an
exterior surface of the
attached skin; and
[0036] Fig. 22B is an alternate illustration to Fig. 22A and depicting the
hydration pack in
phantom lines to represent it being sewn or otherwise hidden between inner and
outer skin layers.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0037] As previously described, the present invention relates generally to
a camouflage style
outerwear system for providing a base wearable component, along with multiple
interchangeable
outer skins or like components. As will be described in further detail
throughout an explanation
of the succeeding preferred embodiments, a plurality of outer interchangeable
skins are provided
in combination with the wearable base component, such as a one piece suit or a
combination bibs
and top.
[0038] Each of the outer skins can exhibit a different pattern or style
corresponding to a
desired outdoor environment and which is further understood to not be limiting
to different
camouflage style patterns to the various illustrations are directed and which
are individually
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attached or removed from the base suit by the use of any of zippers, snaps,
magnetic attracting
portions, buttons or hook and loop fasteners which are arranged as first and
second opposing
pluralities between the exterior surfaces and ends of the under/base component
and the opposing
inner surfaces and ends of the exteriorly attachable skins.
[0039] As will also be disclosed, access slots or linings can be configured
at overlapping
attachment locations established between the base (underbody) suit and each
outer skin to
facilitate inter-engagement of the skin to the underbody and for quickly
attaching or
detaching/substituting a given skin (such as depicting a first camouflage
pattern) with a second
skin depicting an alternate pattern. The desire to substitute the exterior
decorative appearance of
the wearable system which can be accounted for by a change in any of geography
or season (e.g.
summer to winter) and in which a suitable alternate exterior covering is
desired without the
wearer having to undertake the major expense of purchasing another entire
outfit, and as opposed
to simply purchasing a lesser expensive and suitably decorated outer skin for
use with a
previously purchased base outfit.
[0040] As will be further described, the system can encompass any hunting
or military
related applications in which it is desired to exhibit a maximum number of
different camouflage
patterns with a minimum of outerwear gear. Additional non-related recreational
pursuits which
can take advantage of the present system include, without limitation, such as
paintball or
snowboarding, as well as any other recreational pursuit where there is an
advantage in the ability
to provide fast changing outer skins.
[0041] The skins additionally can integrate any number of integrated
components, such as
without limitation including ballistic resistant (Kevlart) panels, accessory
support portions, and
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hydration packs. Other features of the skins can include infrared (IR) or
thermal insulating
properties, additional variants further contemplating more one skin being
applied in successive
layered fashion depending upon the operational environment.
[0042] Given the above explanation, Fig. 1 is an operational illustration
of an the outerwear
assembly composed of a base wearable garment 2 along with first 4 and second 6
separately
attachable skins, each exhibiting a different camouflage pattern. The garment
2 and skins 4 and 6
are depicted in a folded configuration in this illustration however are
understood to include any of
a one piece jumpsuit style outerwear garment or a two piece garment including
bibs or pants in
combination with any style of jacket or top. As will be further explained,
base garment and outer
attachable skins can be constructed of any natural or synthetic material, such
as including, such as
which can include any necessary pre-treatment for increased durability, water
resistance and,
where applicable, scenting applications which may be suitable for a given
environment or
application.
[0043] Without limitation, it is further understood that additional
properties integrated into
the skins 4 and 6 can include a liner or coating layer of an infrared (IR) or
thermal resistant
material, such as which can be donned by personnel in the field in short
order, and such as to retard
the effects of enemy combatant's IR or thermal imaging capabilities. Although
not shown, the
skins can further include a hooded portion or the like, such as which can be
integrated into a
zippered neck extending compartment.
[0044] Referring to Fig. 2, a succeeding unfolded and partially open view
of an outer jacket
skin, again shown in Fig. 1, is depicted forming a portion of the present
system and which can
include any arrangement of fasteners not limited to zippers 12 & 14 and 15 and
snaps 16, 17, 18,
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19, 20, et seq. As will be described in further detail, the attachment schemes
can also include any
of buttons, mutually adhering magnetic portions, and hook and loop fasteners
which are integrated
into opposing aligning locations of the base wearable garment and selected
outer skin and which
facilitate fast attachment or substitution of a given skin, such as in
response to an environmental or
tactical scenario with which the wearer is confronted. As further shown, a
selected cargo pocket
pass through (slit) location is further depicted at 22 in proximity to snaps
17, the configuration of
which facilitates installation of the outer skin 4 or 6 in an aligning and
inter-engaging location
associated with the wearable base garment.
[0045] Also illustrated is a chest pocket pass through location of the
jacket skin along with a
selected sleeve, as well as another view of a cargo pocket pass through, at
24, from an outer side
corresponding to the inner lining side. Figure 3 is an enlarged sectional view
taken from Fig. 2 and
depicting a cargo pocket pass through from an outer side corresponding to an
inner lining side as
illustrated in Fig. 2, the snaps shown at 18 being integrated into reinforced
lining portions defining
the pass through slit or location 24. Figure 4 provides another enlarged
sectional view of a sleeve
cuff attachment protocol for securing a selected outer skin to an associated
and base wearable
garment or jacket (not shown in this view).
[0046] Proceeding to Fig. 5, an initial assembly operation step is depicted
in which the outer
jacket skin 4 is pre-positioned upon an associated base (garment), this
depicted at 27 and which
again can include any of a one-piece jump suit or can be provided as separate
pants (or bibs) along
with a jacket or coat. Further depicted at selected and aligning locations are
additional zippers (one
side extending zipper visible at 28 along with an exterior neck extending
zipper and 30), these
associated with and opposing the zippers 12, 14 and 15 associated with the
chest and neck of the
CA 02883004 2015-02-25
selected skin, again at either 4 or 6. Other snaps are shown at 31 along a
collar portion of the base
garment 27 and which can also be configured to engage opposing snaps
associated with the base
garment or a suitably configured and inwardly folding edge location (not
depicted in this variant)
of the attachable skin 4.
[0047] Figure 6 is another illustration of an outer skin laid upon the base
garment or suit and
further depicting each of aligning chest zippers 12 (again for skin) versus at
32 (for base suit) and
in addition to snap attachments configured at cargo pocket locations
associated with each article
(i.e. at 17 as previously identified for skin 4 or 6 in Fig. 2 as well as
further at 34 for base suit).
Figure 7 presents a close in illustration of an outer skin again exhibiting a
zipper attachment 15
extending around a neck area of a base suit exhibited by a similar zipper
attachment 30.
[0048] Proceeding to Fig. 8, an illustration is provided of the outer skin
depicting snap
attachments, see as also previously depicted at 16 in Fig. 2, at the chest
pocket locations and which
align with additional snap attachments 36 associated with an exterior mounting
location of the base
garment. Figures 9-10 depict variants of the outer skin or layer applied over
the base suit at the
cargo pocket area of Fig. 8 in an open condition, with the cargo pocket
subsequently being closed
through the inter-engagement of any desired combination of snap attachments.
In this instance of
Fig. 9, snaps 16 associated with the selected outer camouflage skin design can
be engaged with any
suitable arranged plurality of snaps, such as depicted at 38, associated with
the base garment.
[0049] In the further instance of Fig. 10, a similar illustration is
provided of the outer skin
over the base garment taken at the chest pocket location, with the provision
of both outer snap
locations 18 associated with the slit defined in the skin, this engaging to
interior aligning snaps of
the base garment (not shown in this illustration) such that the associated
slit defined in the outer
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skin provides the wearer with both ease of installation of the outer skin to
the underlying garment
26 as well as ease of access to the interior pocket defined in the base
garment. Figure 10 further
depicts the outer skin arranged over the base suit and illustrating the pass
through slit defined in the
chest pocket location and which can further include a zippered portion 39,
such as further capable
of being defined in mating fashion between engaging edges of the base suit and
attachable skin in a
manner which can complement or substitute for the inter-engaging snaps as
previously described.
[0050] Figure 11 provides a close up illustration of a selected pair of
inter-engaging snap
attachment portions, see at 40 configured at spaced locations along a strap
portion 41 extending
from a skin (such as again either at 4 or 6 in Fig. 1), the strap extending
through a loop 42 defined
at the bottom or leg cuff of the base garment suit or pants. As depicted, the
supporting length of
fabric defining the strap portion 41 is weaved through the loop 42, with the
spaced apart and
opposing pair of snaps (one of which is shown at 40) shown in inter-engaged
fashion to provide for
engagement of the outer (pant shaped) skin at that location. Similarly, Fig.
12 illustrates the outer
shell at a cuff location and showing a similar fastening arrangement of a loop
44 (associated with
the base garment) and tab or strap 45 supported snap attachments (one of which
is shown at 46)
extending from a mounting location of the outer skin and which are likewise
inter-engaged after
weaving through the loop 44. Figure 13 is a further depiction, at 47, of the
outer skin at the cuff
location of Figs. 11-12, showing a fully engaged position relative to the base
suit.
[0051] Proceeding to Figure 14, an illustration of a further pants
configured outer skin is
generally depicted at 48, attached to a pants portion of the base suit, at 50.
As further shown in
Fig. 15, aligning zipper and snap attachments are established between the
outer skin and the base
garment (pants) at the waist area. Specifically, shown are snaps 52, 54, et
seq. and zippers 56 and
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58 associated with the pants skin 48, these aligning with inter-engaging snaps
defined at locations
upon the base garment 50 and as best depicted by selected snaps 60 (aligning
with snaps 54 of the
pants skin 48) and selected waist zippers 62 and 64 of the base garment 50
which align with the
zipper locations 56 and 58 at locations along the skin 48. In this fashion,
the outer skin is fully
engaged at the waist and associated access areas by inter-engagement of the
zippers and aligning
snap profiles defined with the base suit, with Fig. 15 again best depicting
the outer skin
engagement snaps 52/54 and upper edge extending zippers 56/58 at the waist
area for mounting to
the associated zippered edges 62 and further at 64 associated with the base
pants (also termed bibs)
50.
100521 Referring now to Fig. 16, an illustration is shown of the outer skin
at a boot welt
associated with the underlying base suit bottom (or pants) and depicting an
engagement scheme of
individually and opposing pluralities of extending snaps 66/68 (skin) and
further at 70/72 (pants),
this in addition to the provision of hook & loop attachments (e.g. Velcro )
portions established
between the inner and outer layers and which is shown by non-limiting Velcro
portions at 74
along inner surfaces of the boot welt area of the outer skin which engage
aligning locations on
surfaces of the pants. Without limitation, the hook and loop fasteners, such
as at 74, can be
configured to engage locations on the skin, the base garment, or other inter-
engaging locations
between the skin and base garment.
100531 Further shown are the manner in which the aligning and overlapping
snaps established
between the outer skin and the boot welt of the base suit mate in order to
provide a secure closure
between the elements. Figure 19 further provides a further semi-engaged
position of the scheme of
Fig. 16, the outer skin engaging to the boot welt area and leg cuff.
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100541 Figure 17 is a succeeding view showing the edge of an outer skin
peeled back to depict
a further configuration of snaps, at 76 and 78 which extend from tabbed fabric
locations 76' and
78", these engaging through loops 80 and 82 further defined upon the leg cuff
of the pants of the
base suit. According to any of a number of non-limiting varieties, suitable
inter-engaging schemes
between the base suit and selected outer skin can envision alternately
configured schemes of
hooks, snaps, zippers, Velcro or other suitable inter-engaging fastener
portions employed in any
alternate or complementary fashion in order to facilitate fast attachment of
the various locations
established between the outer skin and inner suit. As further shown in Fig.
18, a rotated and
enlarged view of the scheme of Fig. 17 additionally shows a bottom extending
zipper 84 associated
with the skin leg cuff, this capable of inter-engaging with another zipper
(hidden from view) and
which can be defined upon an inside trim edge of the underlying leg cuff of
the base pants.
100551 Proceeding to Fig. 20, an operational view is generally shown at 86
of an outerwear
system according to a further and non-limiting embodiment and which
incorporates jacket and
pants (hidden) with individually attachable skins, including a top jacket skin
88 and a bottom pant
skin 90, each illustrated as exhibiting a desired camouflage pattern, such as
a digital style pattern
which is commonly used and assists in providing necessary background
camouflage depending
upon the environment the wearer is operating in. Without limitation, any of
the attachment
schemes previously described can be incorporated into the embodiment of Fig.
20 and such as
further in which the pants skin 90 can exhibit inner split edges (see at 94),
along with front snaps
95, and which enable the skin 90 to be quickly attached to the base pants
without the user having to
remove his or her boots. The upper or top skin 88 can also be attached to the
under worn garment
in a similar fashion as described in reference to Figs. 2 et seq. and can take
advantage of any
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combination of snaps, zippers, buttons, magnetic attracting portions, hook and
loop fasteners or the
like.
100561 Proceeding to Fig. 20A, an illustration similar to Fig. 20 is
provided and illustrating
outer attachable skins 92 and 94 which may include no surface patterning
and/or may only include
a given consistent coloring such as which may also be suited for operation in
a given environment.
Consistent with the previous description, the construction of the outer
attachable skin may further
include any layering or composition of an IR or thermal shielding or
insulating material, such as
which may counter the effects of an enemy combatant's imaging technology in
this respect.
100571 Figure 21A is an illustration, generally at 96, is shown of a
further variant of a
customizable outerwear system in which upper 98 (top) and lower 100 (pant)
attachable skins are
depicted attached over a one or (typically) two piece base garment. The skins
98 and 100 are
typically provided with a dual outer/inner layers (the outer layer of which is
removed in this variant
but would normally cover ballistic impact resistant portions (see at 102, 104
and 106 integrated
into upper skin 98 and further at 108 and 110 integrated into lower skin 100),
such that the
attachable skins 98 and 100 can be quickly retrieved by the user and attached
over the base
garments (such as further after removing a previously worn thin skin not
including such ballistic
protection features).
100581 Without limitation, such outerwear systems envision outer attachable
skins which may
integrate any combination of features not limited to the ballistic impact
resistant panels (such as
provided as Kevlar portions sewn or otherwise formed into the skin), as well
as such other
features as integrated hydration packs (see further in Fig. 22 and as further
depicted by collar
located drinking straw 112. It is also envisioned that the armored
attachments/panels and/or the
CA 02883004 2015-02-25
other accessories can also be configured on the exterior of the skin (without
provision of an outer
layer), and in such instances a suitable coloring or camouflage pattern may
also be applied over the
ballistic impact resistant panels or other accessories. Figure 21B is a
variant 96' of Fig. 21A and
depicts a redesign of the ballistic resistant panels, at 114 and 116, and
further shows such
additional features as extending accessory engaging straps 118 and 120 (these
often including clip
or snap ends) and which are secured to the skin for engaging such as a
binocular, flashlight or other
accessory, the upper skin separately depicting the neck positioned hydration
tube 112 of Fig. 21A.
[0059] Figure 22A is a rear perspective operational view of an outerwear
system, generally at
122, in which are shown redesigned upper 124 and lower 126 skins, the upper
skin 124 integrating
redesigned ballistic impact resistant panels (illustrated at 128 and 130 which
are associated with
elbow locations of selected upper skin 124). Also better depicted is a
hydration pack incorporating
a fluid reservoir or pouch 132 integrated into structurally supporting vest-
like structure 133 which
can be formed onto an exterior surface of the skin 124 or, again without
limitation, can be
integrated between inner and outer layers defining the skin such that the
hydration pack is hidden
within the skin and as further depicted in Fig. 22B in phantom 133'. An
extraction tube is further
shown at 134 (see Fig. 22A) and extends from the fluid (e.g. water or other
water based
replenishing fluid) reservoir to the front collar located drinking straw 112,
with a reservoir refill
port further depicted at 135. Snaps 136 are shown in Figs. 22A and which, as
previously
described, can define inner split (or chaps) locations of the exteriorly
attachable pants skin 126 in
order to provide quick attachment.
[0060] As described previously, variants of the outerwear system
contemplate a variety of
skins, each individually attachable to the base garment and which can provide
different features or
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functionality dependent upon the circumstances encountered by the wearer. In
one non-limited
scenario, a quick change outerwear system utilized by combatants can include a
variety of skins,
ranging from thinner skin camouflage articles (such as for use during
reconnaissance and other
non-combat tasks) to thicker (battle armored) skins which can quickly
substitute for the thinner
skins and can be provided with additional features and functionality which are
often required in a
combat scenario.
[0061] Without limitation, a variety of exterior skins provide scalability
of use at lesser
expense and inconvenience (such as permitting the skins not in use to either
be carried by the user
or stored in a readily accessible fashion within an accompanying military
transport or the like). In
this fashion, and upon impending or immediate battle conditions being
encountered, the
combatants (e.g. infantrymen or the like) can quickly exchange or attach a
given (typically
armored) skin, without having to first remove their underlying base suit or
uniform (saving
valuable time and convenience in instances of extreme environmental
conditions).
[0062] As also previously described, other non-limiting applications of the
present invention
contemplates a plurality of alternately designed and generally identically
configured camouflage
style skins which can be substituted for each other in engagement over the
base garment, this in
order to change an outer camouflage appearance and without the wearer having
to incur either the
expense of alternately having to purchase a base outerwear exhibiting a given
camouflage pattern,
or having to obtain and carry multiple base outfits and as opposed to a single
such base garment
with multiple (thin) shells or outer skins. The versatility of the present
system also contemplates a
variety of uses not limited to military, recreational and/or hunting type
applications. Without
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limitation, other such skin designs can include those tailored to identifying
participants engaged in
sporting or other team styled events.
[0063] Having described my invention, other and additional preferred
embodiments will
become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, and without
deviating from the
scope of the appended claims.
[0064] I claim:
18
