Modular, transformable, convertible, and interchangeable dress having a removable top layer

Abstract

A modular garment is disclosed, including a base layer including a plurality of first connection components and a top layer including a plurality of second connection components to enable the removable attachment of the base layer to the top layer via the connection between the plurality of first connection components and the plurality of second connection components. The modular garment enables the user to efficiently and readily change the appearance of the garment by interchanging the top layer from the bottom layer.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The embodiments generally relate to garments and more specifically to modular, transformable, convertible, and interchangeable dress-type garments having a removable top layer to enable the alteration of the garment's appearance.BACKGROUND

[0002] The fashion industry is continuously in search of unique and innovative designs to allow individuals to express themselves through the clothes they wear. For example, dresses, skirts, and similar garments are primarily worn by women and are worn on the torso and hand down over at least a portion of the legs. They are comprised of a bodice and a skirt which are integrally attached to form a cohesive article of clothing. Lengths, textures, colors, materials, cuts, and shapes of the garment may vary depending on the particular style the user wishes to wear.

[0003] Fashion trends often change, and the style of garment is selected based on the intended style, formality, and comfort which is desired by the wearer. In such, individuals may find themselves wanting to change aspects of their attire throughout the day depending on the situations they find themselves in.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] This summary is provided to introduce a variety of concepts in a simplified form that is further disclosed in the detailed description of the embodiments. This summary is not intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to a modular garment which provides a transformable garment capable of being configured in various designs. The modular garment includes a base layer including a plurality of first connection components and a top layer including a plurality of second connection components to enable the removable attachment of the base layer to the top layer via the connection between the plurality of first connection components and the plurality of second connection components. The modular garment enables the user to efficiently and readily change the appearance of the garment by interchanging the top layer from the bottom layer.

[0006] The modular garment allows for the user to configure the garment in limitless configurations to form a dress, a skirt, or similar garment having various color, texture, design, length, other ornamental configurations. The modular garment can be easily reconfigured using various connection components such as one or more snaps, one or more hooks, and one or more hook-and-loop systems, one or more hook and eyes systems, one or more buttons, one or more fabric ties, one or more lace-ups with loops, one or more frog closures, one or more toggle fasteners, one or more tape components, one or more suspender clips, one or more pins, one or more clasps, and one or more magnets.

[0007] The modular garment provides a fully customizable and wearable garment capable of being efficiently and readily transformed into various sizes, configurations, lengths, and themes to provide the user with the ability to modify the appearance of the garment. Each component of the garment can have various colors, designs, textures, lengths, cuts, seams, and other design elements. Each component and other components which may not be mentioned can be added and / or removed.

[0008] Other illustrative variations within the scope of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. The detailed description and enumerated variations, while disclosing optional variations, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] A complete understanding of the present embodiments and the advantages and features thereof will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the base layer of the modular garment, according to some embodiments;

[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the top layer being partially removed to show the base layer of the modular garment, according to some embodiments;

[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the top layer of the modular garment, wherein the top layer is connected to the base layer, according to some embodiments; and

[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the modular garment wherein the top layer is partially removed from the base layer, according to some embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are set forth in this application. Any specific details of the embodiments described herein are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitation(s) or inference(s) are to be understood or imputed therefrom.

[0015] Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of components related to particular devices and systems. Accordingly, the device components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0016] In general, the embodiments provided herein relate to modular garment system which provides infinite combinations to the appearance, style, and configuration of a dress, skirt, or similar garment. The modular garment includes a base layer which is releasably engaged to a top layer (i.e., a skin). The top layer can be readily and efficiently replaced to alter the appearance of the garment.

[0017] The top layer may be constructed of various materials having various colors, textures, designs, and other features. Once connected to the base layer, the top layer provided a unique appearance. The top layer may be provided as a set or a kit which includes multiple top layers. This allows the user to select a suitable top layer which they prefer. For example, the top layer can include a casual design, color, texture, pattern, etc. and be readily changed to a formal top layer having a more formal design, color, texture, pattern etc. Each component of the garment can be constructed of known materials in the arts for constructing garments.

[0018] In some embodiments, the top layer may be changed while the base layer remains on the body of the user. In such, the user may not need to de-robe or otherwise undress themselves to change the top layer, and thus, change their appearance. Alternatively, the top layer may be connected to the bottom layer when the user is not wearing the modular garment.

[0019] The top layer and the base layer are releasably engaged via at least one attachment mechanism such as one or more snaps, one or more zippers, one or more hooks, and one or more hook-and-loop systems, one or more hook and eyes systems, one or more buttons, one or more fabric ties, one or more lace-ups with loops, one or more frog closures, one or more toggle fasteners, one or more tape components, one or more suspender clips, one or more pins, one or more clasps, and one or more magnets. In such, the user may readily and efficiently attach, disconnect, and reattach various components of the garment to create infinite combinations of appearances of the garment.

[0020] In some embodiments, the top layer may be sized differently than the base layer. This allows the user to select the length, style, cut, and overall appearance of the garment without changing the bottom layer.

[0021] The garment, while being illustrated as a dress, can be configured in the form of any wearable item known in the arts.

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates the base layer 100 of the modular garment 10. The base layer 100 is constructed of a first fabric 110 which may or may not be similar to the fabric used in the top layer. A plurality of first connection components 120 are positioned on the base layer 100 to connect with complimentary second connection components on the top layer. The base layer 100 may include a main body portion 130 and straps 140 (in an embodiment wherein the modular garment 10 is a dress).

[0023] FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 illustrate the modular garment 10 wherein the base layer 100 is partially connected to the top layer 200 via first connection components 120 positioned on the exterior surface 210 of the base layer 100 and second (complimentary) connection components 220 interior surface 230 of the top layer 200. The first connection components 120 and second connection components 220 are aligned with one another to enable a secure connection between the base layer 100 and the top layer 200. As is shown in FIG. 2, the first and second connection components 120,220 are first and second snaps 150a,150b which connect to form a secure connection between the base layer 100 and the top layer 200. As is shown in FIG. 4, the first and second connection components 120,220 is a hook-and-loop system 400a,400b which connect to form a secure connection between the base layer 100 and the top layer 200.

[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates the modular garment 10 wherein the top layer 200 is fully connected to the base layer using the aforementioned connection components. The top layer 200 can be constructed having various lengths and configuration while still being releasably attachable to the base layer.

[0025] While the specific examples of snaps, zippers, and hook-and-loop connection components are illustrated, one skilled in the arts will readily understand that various attachment mechanisms may be used to provide the connection components and to sufficiently connect the base and top layers. For example, the connection components may be any combination of one or more snaps, one or more hooks, and one or more hook-and-loop systems, one or more hook and eyes systems, one or more buttons, one or more fabric ties, one or more lace-ups with loops, one or more frog closures, one or more toggle fasteners, one or more tape components, one or more suspender clips, one or more pins, one or more clasps, and one or more magnets.

[0026] During use, the user may disconnect and / or reattach the attachment mechanisms (e.g., the one or more snaps, one or more hooks, and one or more hook-and-loop systems, one or more hook and eyes systems, one or more buttons, one or more fabric ties, one or more lace-ups with loops, one or more frog closures, one or more toggle fasteners, one or more tape components, one or more suspender clips, one or more pins, one or more clasps, and one or more magnets.

[0027] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law and regulations. The systems and methods described herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.

[0028] Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and / or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.

[0029] The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating, explaining, and describing embodiments of this disclosure. Modifications and adaptations to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of this disclosure.

[0030] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0031] It should be noted that all features, elements, components, functions, and steps described with respect to any embodiment provided herein are intended to be freely combinable and substitutable with those from any other embodiment. If a certain feature, element, component, function, or step is described with respect to only one embodiment, then it should be understood that that feature, element, component, function, or step can be used with every other embodiment described herein unless explicitly stated otherwise. This paragraph therefore serves as antecedent basis and written support for the introduction of claims, at any time, that combine features, elements, components, functions, and steps from different embodiments, or that substitute features, elements, components, functions, and steps from one embodiment with those of another, even if the description does not explicitly state, in a particular instance, that such combinations or substitutions are possible. It is explicitly acknowledged that express recitation of every possible combination and substitution is overly burdensome, especially given that the permissibility of each and every such combination and substitution will be readily recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0032] In many instances entities are described herein as being coupled to other entities. It should be understood that the terms “coupled” and “connected” (or any of their forms) are used interchangeably herein and, in both cases, are generic to the direct coupling of two entities (without any non-negligible (e.g., parasitic intervening entities) and the indirect coupling of two entities (with one or more non-negligible intervening entities). Where entities are shown as being directly coupled together or described as coupled together without description of any intervening entity, it should be understood that those entities can be indirectly coupled together as well unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0033] While the embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that these embodiments are not to be limited to the particular form disclosed, but to the contrary, these embodiments are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit of the disclosure. Furthermore, any features, functions, steps, or elements of the embodiments may be recited in or added to the claims, as well as negative limitations that define the inventive scope of the claims by features, functions, steps, or elements that are not within that scope.

[0034] An equivalent substitution of two or more elements can be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element can be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements can be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination can be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0035] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the following claims.

Claims

1. A modular garment, comprising:a base layer including a main body portion and a plurality of first connection components, wherein the plurality of first connection components comprise a plurality of snap fasteners positioned on an exterior surface of the base layer; anda top layer including a plurality of second connection components, wherein the plurality of second connection components comprise a plurality of complementary snap fasteners positioned on an interior surface of the top layer, the plurality of snap fasteners and the plurality of complementary snap fasteners aligned with one another to enable the removable attachment of the base layer to the top layer via a connection between the plurality of first connection components and the plurality of second connection components.

2. The modular garment of claim 1, wherein the top layer is a removable skin configured to alter the appearance of the modular garment.

3. The modular garment of claim 1, wherein the plurality of second connection components releasably attach the base layer to the top layer, and wherein the plurality of first connection components and the plurality of second connection components further comprise at least one of: one or more hooks, one or more hook-and-loop systems, one or more buttons, or one or more magnets.

4. The modular garment of claim 1, wherein the base layer and the top layer form the modular garment as a dress.

5. The modular garment of claim 1, wherein the first connection components are positioned on an exterior surface of the base layer.

6. The modular garment of claim 1, wherein the second connection components are positioned on an interior surface of the top layer.

7. (canceled)8. (canceled)9. The modular garment of claim 1, wherein the base layer is capable of remaining on a user's body while the top layer is removed and changed.

10. A modular garment, comprising:a base layer including a main body portion and a plurality of first connection components, wherein the plurality of first connection components comprise a plurality of snap fasteners positioned on an exterior surface of the base layer; anda top layer including a plurality of second connection components, wherein the plurality of second connection components comprise a plurality of complementary snap fasteners positioned on an interior surface of the top layer, the plurality of snap fasteners and the plurality of complementary snap fasteners aligned with one another to enable the removable attachment of the base layer to the top layer via a connection between the plurality of first connection components and the plurality of second connection components,wherein the removable attachment of the base layer to the top layer via a connection between the plurality of first connection components and the plurality of second connection components enables a user to readily change the appearance of the modular garment.

11. The modular garment of claim 10, wherein the top layer is a removable skin configured to alter the appearance of the modular garment.

12. The modular garment of claim 11, wherein the components and the plurality of second connection components releasably attach the base layer to the top layer, and wherein the plurality of first connection components and the plurality of second connection components further comprise at least one of: one or more hooks, one or more hook-and-loop systems, one or more buttons, one or more magnets, one or more hook and eye systems, one or more fabric ties, or one or more clasps.

13. The modular garment of claim 12, wherein the base layer and the top layer form the modular garment as a dress.

14. (canceled)15. (canceled)16. The modular garment of claim 13, wherein the base layer is capable of remaining on the user's body while the top layer is removed and changed.

17. A modular garment kit, comprising:a base layer constructed of a first fabric and including a main body portion and a plurality of first connection components, wherein the plurality of first connection components comprise a plurality of snap fasteners positioned on an exterior surface of the base layer;a first top layer including a plurality of second connection components, wherein the plurality of second connection components comprise a plurality of first complementary snap fasteners positioned on an interior surface of the first top layer, the plurality of snap fasteners and the plurality of first complementary snap fasteners aligned with one another to releasably attach the first top layer to the base layer, the first top layer having a first appearance; anda second top layer including a plurality of third connection components, wherein the plurality of third connection components comprise a plurality of second complementary snap fasteners positioned on an interior surface of the second top layer, the plurality of snap fasteners and the plurality of second complementary snap fasteners aligned with one another to releasably attach the second top layer to the base layer, the second top layer having a second appearance different from the first appearance,wherein the first top layer and the second top layer are interchangeable on the base layer to alter an overall appearance of the modular garment kit.

18. The modular garment kit of claim 17, wherein the first appearance of the first top layer comprises a first one of a color, a texture, a design, and a pattern, and the second appearance of the second top layer comprises a second one of the color, the texture, the design, and the pattern different from the first one.

19. The modular garment kit of claim 17, wherein the base layer is configured to remain on a body of a user while the first top layer is removed from the base layer and replaced with the second top layer without requiring the user to remove the base layer from the body of the user.

20. The modular garment kit of claim 17, wherein at least one of the first top layer and the second top layer is sized differently than the base layer.

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