Abstract:
The present invention relates to a jacket, coat and snow suit construction. More particularly the invention relates to a jacket or coat that may be changed in length, style, configuration and or comes with interchangeable and reversible components.

Description:
PRIOR ART 
       [0001]    In spirit coats have been made to change in length and with detachable sleeves but the prior art is silent on coats that convert into different styles. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Coats usually range in lengths. Jackets and coats are worn for fashion and for comfort. Sometimes people buy the same type of jacket or coat with different colors and designs on them or in different lengths. With my invention you can change the features and lengths on the coat foundation which gives the illusion of a complete different coat or jacket and lengthen the coat and snow suit as the child grows. You can buy one coat and convert it into different styles and lengths. This feature saves the consumer a lot of money and creates an abundance of versatility. The appearance of the coat may also be altered by attaching embellishments in the allotted spaces or changing components. 
         [0003]    In view of the fact that the prior art is silent on a coat construction that breaks up into different sections and creates different style jackets or coats. To achieve this and other readily apparent objectives the present invention essentially discloses a coat and snow suit construction for enabling a user or wearer to selectively attach a component for improving function and or appearance of the coat. The coat construction according to the present invention comprises a jacket or coat foundation and at least one attachable or detachable component. 
         [0004]    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. 
         [0005]    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. 
         [0006]    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 region of an attachable section or jacket foundation. 
         [0007]    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. 
         [0008]    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. 
         [0009]    If the demarcation between the foundation coat or jacket 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 upper component if it is not reversible. Notably, the upper 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. 
         [0010]    In a further embodiment, the outer attachable component that serves as a trim on the jacket or coat is attached to an inner surface of another component located inside the foundation jacket 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 jacket or coat edge engaging its inner surface. 
         [0011]    A zipper may be sewed into or around the exterior of a foundation jacket or coat allowing for an attachable component serving as an embellishment. 
         [0012]    The attachable 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. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a convertible coat foundation. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the detachable components exploded from the jacket. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the jacket foundation from  FIG. 1  with a different set of attachable components attached to the jacket. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a jacket foundation with the attachable components exploded from the jacket. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the jacket member from  FIG. 1  with a waist band component affixed to the lower region of the jacket. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of  FIG. 5  with the attachable components exploded from the jacket. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the jacket foundation with an alternative fastening means, collar and waistband. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the alternative fastening means from  FIG. 7  exploded from the jacket. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of the backside of the alternative fastening means from  FIG. 7 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 8B  is an exploded view of the attachable convertible cuff components from  FIG. 7 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a snow suit embodiment. 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  is an alternative embodiment of a jacket foundation. 
           [0025]      FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of the center region attachable components for  FIG. 10  exploded from  FIG. 10 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 10B  is a perspective view of attachable elbow region components for  FIG. 10  exploded from  FIG. 10 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  is a cut out perspective view of an alternative sleeve construction for  FIG. 10 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 11A  is a cut out perspective view of an alternative sleeve component with a horizontal depression that allows for an attachable component. 
           [0029]      FIG. 11B  is a perspective view of a horizontal band attachable component. 
           [0030]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a vertical attachable component that embellishes the jacket or allows you to color coordinate. 
           [0031]      FIG. 13  is a cut out perspective view of an alternative sleeve member ( FIG. 11A ) with an attachable component affixed to it. 
           [0032]      FIG. 14  is a cut out view of an alternative sleeve construction for  FIG. 10 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 14A  is a cut out perspective view of an attachable component for  FIG. 14 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 15  is an alternative convertible coat foundation. 
           [0035]      FIG. 15A  is an exploded view of an attachable component that attaches around the perimeter of a coat foundation. (See  FIG. 15 ) 
           [0036]      FIG. 15B  is a perspective view of the cuff member exploded from the coat foundation on  FIG. 15 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0037]    To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, wherever possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures.
     1 —zipper component     2 —zipper clasp component     3 —flap     4 —jacket foundation     5 —middle region attachable section for coat     6 —lower region attachable section for coat     7 —exterior pockets     8 —collar region     9 —cuff region     10 —waist band region     11 —center front of jacket foundation     12 —upper sleeve section     13 —lower sleeve section that increases the length     14 —lower pants leg section that increases the length     15 —attachable vertical band strap component     16 —attachable horizontal band strap component     17 —collar component     18 —cuff component     19 —waist band component     20 —attachable fastener for coat     21 —female end snap half     22 —male end snap half     23 —attachable component that changes the design of the jacket or coat     24 —gusset member     25 —pants half of the snow suit     26 —elbow region     27 —elbow region attachable component     28 —depression     29 —shoulder region     30 —wrist region     31 —allotted space for attachable component     32 —attachable collar component that also attaches vertically down the front of the jacket or coat on both sides     33 —elastic component     34 —mouth of the pocket     35 —velcro fastener     131 —attachable section that increases length on legs and arms   
 
         [0074]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of coat foundation that breaks up into sections. This is the preferred embodiment of the invention. Each section creates a different style or length. This embodiment in particular has two removable sections that create different lengths. The lower section converts the jacket into a longer coat. By omitting the middle section, the jacket is converted into a short bolero style jacket. The sections are made with zippers on the perimeters that are hidden beneath a flap. The sections have zipper features on both of the perimeters. These sections are optionally reversible. When they are reversible, they will be made with dual post zippers. The coat foundation has a zipper section for a decorative band strap around the perimeter of the jacket foundation. Notably, the jacket foundations may be of any style, such as a thick puffy coat, biker style jacket, a pea coat, wind breaker, trench coat, sports coat, A line coat, a club collar coat, Wrap coat, a full length long coat, a city coat, a swing coat, a ¾ length coat, a hip length parka, a bomber jacket and they may employ hoods. The amount of removable sections will depend on the length of the coats and on the manufacturer. The coat foundations will be made of leather, suede, nylon, micro fiber, denim, corduroy, cotton, weather treated materials, fur, faux fur, wool, wool blend, cashmere, knitted material, silk, satin, rayon, angora, pony hair, cow hide, lambskin, alligator, snake skin, ostrich, crocodile, mink fur, beaver fur, fox fur, shearling, chinchilla fur, synthetic materials, and any other materials known to those skilled in the art. Depending on the amount of sections on a coat, a band component may be employed. This component will become the coat fastener or may serve as a trim. If the component is serving as a fastener, it will have one long continuous zipper or different set of fasteners in the center and will be flanked by zipper halves that are engagable with that of the zippers on the coat. 
         [0075]      FIG. 1A  is a cut out perspective view of the flaps being turned upward and downward, displaying the zipper feature. 
         [0076]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the jacket half foundation. This jacket half may be constructed with a section that detaches above the waist region of the jacket which will create a short bolero style jacket. The sleeve members may also be removed creating a vest. The attachable components will also be made to fit on the sleeve region, the waist region and the collar region of the foundation. This coat foundation may be made with two zipper features around the collar region. One zipper will be for an attachable hood, and the other zipper will be for an attachable collar component. Notably, the jacket foundations may be of any style, such as a biker style jacket, a pea coat, wind breaker, sports coat, A line coat, a club collar coat, Wrap coat, a city coat, a swing coat, a ¾ length coat, a hip length parka, a bomber jacket and they may employ hoods. Notably, the jackets may be made with at least one detachable component ranging from a collar to the cuffs to the coat fastener to a section that shortens the coat or jacket or to sleeve components. 
         [0077]      FIG. 2A  is the jacket half of the foundation. This is the part that encompasses the shoulders, arms and the torso region of your body. Notably, this foundation may be made with exterior pockets that are removable or permanently attached or they may be made with Velcro fastener around the perimeter of the exterior of the mouth of the pocket that allows for an attachable component that may embellish the jacket or color coordinate the jacket with the rest of the out fit. The pockets will attach via zipper but other fasteners may be used. Notably the sizes of the allotted sections may vary in size depending on the design. This coat foundation is constructed with half zipper features around the collar region, the cuff regions, the waist band region and down the center of the front of the coat on each side. These half zipper features allow for attachable components. Notably, the lower waist region may have elastic incorporated into the design. 
         [0078]      FIG. 2B  is a detachable sleeve section. Notably, these attachable sections may be made of different sizes or configurations. 
         [0079]      FIG. 2C  is the upper sleeve region that may also be detachable. 
         [0080]      FIG. 2D  is the detachable collar section. The collar sections may be made with elastic. 
         [0081]      FIG. 2E  is a detachable cuff component. The cuff components may be made with elastic and or buttons, buckles and snaps. 
         [0082]      FIG. 2F  is a perspective view of a hood component. This hood component displays the zipper features that allows for the hood to attach to the collar region of the jacket. It also displays an optional zipper feature that allows for an embellishment to be affixed around the perimeter of the hood. 
         [0083]      FIG. 2G  is a perspective view of the section that converts the jacket into a coat. Notably, this section may be made in any length or style and may have an additional section that attaches to this section (not shown) hence creating a longer coat. 
         [0084]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the jacket foundation of  FIG. 1  employing a different set of attachable components. The components include a collar member, two cuff members, and a waist band member. Notably, these attachable components may be made in any material, style, configuration, design or color. 
         [0085]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of the fastening components exploded from  FIG. 3 . This illustration shows both sections which correspond with each other. One section has female end snaps, and the other section has male end snaps. 
         [0086]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the attachable components exploded from the jacket foundation from  FIG. 3 . 
         [0087]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the jacket foundation employing a waist band component. The waist band components may be made with elastic. The waist band may be made with buttons, toggles, buckles, snaps and any otter fastening means known to those skilled in the art. 
         [0088]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the attachable components from  FIG. 5  exploded from the jacket foundation, which include a waist band, two cuffs, a collar and the fastening means which include the female end snaps and the male end snaps. Notably the attachable components that serve as fastening means for the jacket foundation may be of any type, such as snaps, zippers, hook and loop, buckles, toggles, cords that tie, buttons and any other fastening means known to those skilled in the art. 
         [0089]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the jacket foundation employing an alternative fastening means. 
         [0090]      FIG. 8  is the attachable component from  FIG. 7  exploded from the jacket. This component serves as the fastening structure for the jacket foundation. This component is one whole piece but it is noted that the sections may be constructed to detach from one another. 
         [0091]      FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of the backside of  FIG. 8 . This view is displaying the zipper features beneath the flaps. There are four separate zipper half sections. The collar region has a zipper section around the inner perimeter. The section that encompasses the waist region has a zipper around the upper perimeter. The fastening members have zippers on each side. Notably, this type of component may be made with one continuous zipper. 
         [0092]      FIG. 8B  is a perspective view of an attachable cuff component. This view is displaying a gusset, two flaps, and two zipper halves and a zipper clasp at the top of the gusset member. This cuff member is convertible. When the zipper features are fastened the cuff will be straight. When the zippers are unfastened the cuff flares out exposing a gusset member. 
         [0093]      FIG. 8C  is a perspective view of the cuff member in a straight form with the zippers zipped downward. 
         [0094]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a snow suit embodiment. This embodiment detaches at the lower torso region. The leg and arm regions have sections on them that may be affixed to the foundation as needed or as the person grows. The jacket half may be worn alone. The jacket half may also employ an attachable member that lengthens the jacket and creates a coat. The jacket half may be constructed with elastic or a draw string at the center region right above the area where it detaches. (Not shown) The pants half of the snow suit foundation is constructed with two zipper half fasteners that are permanently attached axially on the perimeter of the upper region of the pants. These zipper features allow for adjustability. The lower one creates a shorter torso region when it is fastened to the jacket. The pants half may be designed with a draw string or elastic around the upper perimeter. Notably, the jacket and the pants both have utility by themselves. An embodiment of this sort will save the consumer a lot of money. When kids grow, it is usually their legs and arms that grow first before they grow in girth, so with that said you can buy a jacket or snow suit and lengthen the arm and leg regions as needed. The zipper feature around the top perimeter of the pants foundation lets you adjust the torso region as needed. 
         [0095]      FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of an attachable component that will make the snow suit jacket into a coat. This component has a zipper fastener and elastic around the upper perimeter. 
         [0096]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an alternative jacket foundation. This jacket foundation is constructed with depressions within an allotted space on the back of the jacket and on the elbow  60  regions. These depressions have a zipper feature around the perimeter of the depressions beneath a flap. The zipper features allow for an attachable member to be affixed in that area. Notably, the jacket foundation may be constructed without material within the depressions which would create an opening on those areas when an attachable member is not employed and the jacket may be made with the openings on the shoulder regions. 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 jacket. Notably, the jacket may be constructed with allotted spaces for embellishments anywhere on the jacket foundation or on the sleeve members including the shoulder regions. These zipper features are both matable with the zipper half on the perimeter of the jacket member of the foundation. 
         [0097]      FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of the attachable component that goes on the center region of the jacket from  FIG. 10 . 
         [0098]      FIG. 10B  is a perspective view of an attachable component for the elbow region. 
         [0099]      FIG. 11  is a cut out perspective view of an alternative sleeve member. This sleeve member may be detachable. The said sleeve member has a depression within an allotted space that runs down the sleeve from the shoulder to the wrist region. The said is constructed with zippers beneath a flap that allow for attachable components. The zippers are attached in a vertical 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 for the component may be of any width allowing for components of different sizes. 
         [0100]      FIG. 11A  is an alternative sleeve member with a depression in an allotted space for an attachable band component that runs axially, around the sleeve member. This sleeve would employ a circumferential band component. 
         [0101]      FIG. 11B  is a perspective view of an attachable horizontal component. The component has circumferential zipper halves on the top region and on the bottom region which are matable with the zipper halves on the sleeve member. 
         [0102]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a band strap component. This band strap comes with two zipper halves that are matable with a sleeve component that has a compatible sized space for the band strap. Notably, the band strap 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. 
         [0103]      FIG. 13  is a cut out perspective view of a sleeve member (See  FIG. 11 ). The said is employing a band component (See  FIG. 12 ) 
         [0104]      FIG. 14  is a perspective cut out view of an alternative sleeve component. This sleeve member also has an allotted space for an attachable component. The said is constructed with snaps 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. Notably it will be equally effective. 
         [0105]      FIG. 14A  is a cut out perspective view of an attachable band member for  FIG. 14 . 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. 
         [0106]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an alternative convertible coat foundation that does not change in length but allows you to change the collar and cuff regions. Notably, this coat construction may be made in any length or style. 
         [0107]      FIG. 15A  is a perspective view of the collar member exploded from the coat in  FIG. 15 . This collar member attaches around the perimeter. Notably, this attachable component may be constructed long enough to attach all of the way around the perimeter of the coat. This design may be implemented on a coat or jacket of any size and length. 
         [0108]      FIG. 15B  is a perspective view of the cuff component exploded from the coat. 
         [0109]    Further, it is noted that all of the embodiments may be made of any material that lends itself to the invention such as wool blend, micro fiber, cashmere, leather, suede, nylon, nylon with goose down insulations, terry cloth, 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, shearling, goose down insulations, woven materials, studded fabrics, sequence fabrics. It is also noted that the foundation may be of any size or style jacket. It is noted that detachable liners for the jacket or coat foundations may be incorporated into the design. The liners may be made of silk, satin, cashmere, fur, faux fur or any other material that lends itself to the invention. 
         [0110]    It is appreciated that many different types (i.e. sizes and styles) and the amount of zippers placed on the outside or within the jacket or coat foundations and to the attachable components will vary and can also be used in accordance with the invention. It is also noted that the zipper slide and pull portions or snap portions located on the foundations or the attachable components may be in full view or hidden via a flap of material on the foundation jacket or coat or attachable components themselves or may be in full view and its function is also an aspect of the design. 
         [0111]    It is also noted that the foundation jacket or coat foundation is fully functional by itself The attachable components may be symmetrical or asymmetrical. Dual post curved zippers are optional for reversible components. 
         [0112]    While the drawings do not illustrate various examples of flaps or depressions within the coat or jacket 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. 
         [0113]    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. 
         [0114]    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.