Patent Publication Number: US-9403044-B2

Title: Outerwear system incorporating a base garment with attachable outer skins, such as for providing terrain dictated camouflage

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 61/769,634 filed on Feb. 26, 2013, the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     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 &amp; 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 (Kevlar®) panels, accessory support portions, and 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 
     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. 
     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 U.S. Pat. No. 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. 
     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&#39;s, U.S. Pat. No. 6,851,126 and Rossini, U.S. Pat. No. 6,060,142. Other references depicting attachable panels or apparel items include each of Shannon, US 2006/0174391 and Spanier, U.S. Pat. No. 3,661,689. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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 &amp; 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. 
     Finally, the skins can integrate any number of integrated components, such as without limitation including ballistic resistant (Kevlar®) 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 
       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: 
         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; 
         FIG. 2  is a succeeding unfolded and partially open view of an outer jacket skin forming a portion of the present system; 
         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 ; 
         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; 
         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; 
         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; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates, in wide view, the zipper attachment of the outer skin to the base suit at the overlapping neck area; 
         FIG. 8  is an illustration of the outer skin depicting snap attachments at the chest pocket location; 
         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; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates the skin over the base suit with the cargo pocket closed; 
         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; 
         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; 
         FIG. 13  is a depiction of an outer skin at the cuff location showing a fully engaged position relative to the base suit; 
         FIG. 14  is an illustration of the outer skin attached to the pants portion of the base suit; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates the zipper and snap attachments established between the outer skin and the base suit at the waist area; 
         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 &amp; loop attachments (e.g. Velcro®) portions established between the inner and outer layers; 
         FIG. 17  is a succeeding view  FIG. 30  showing the edge of the skin peeled back to depict the unique snap and hook &amp; loop scheme; 
         FIG. 18  is a semi-engaged position of the outer skin at leg cuff showing the loop and snap attachment scheme; to 
         FIG. 19  is an illustration of the outer skin fully engaged to the boot welt area and leg cuff; 
         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; 
         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; 
         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; 
         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; 
         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 
         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 
     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. 
     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 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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     The skins additionally can integrate any number of integrated components, such as without limitation including ballistic resistant (Kevlar®) 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. 
     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. 
     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&#39;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. 
     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  &amp;  14  and  15  and snaps  16 ,  17 ,  18 ,  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. 
     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.  FIG. 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 .  FIG. 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). 
     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 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 . 
       FIG. 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).  FIG. 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 . 
     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.  FIGS. 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. 
     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 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.  FIG. 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. 
       FIG. 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 .  FIG. 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. 
     Proceeding to  FIG. 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  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 . 
     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 &amp; 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. 
     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.  FIG. 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. 
       FIG. 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. 
     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  FIG. 2  et seq. and can take advantage of any combination of snaps, zippers, buttons, magnetic attracting portions, hook and loop fasteners or the like. 
     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&#39;s imaging technology in this respect. 
       FIG. 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). 
     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 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.  FIG. 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 . 
       FIG. 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  FIG. 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. 
     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 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. 
     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). 
     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 limitation, other such skin designs can include those tailored to identifying participants engaged in sporting or other team styled events. 
     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.