Sectional skirt   

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/129,130, filed Jun. 5, 2008.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to women\'s apparel. More specifically, the present invention is drawn to a sectional skirt having interchangeable panels.

2. Description of the Related Art

Skirts are one of the mainstays of a woman\'s wardrobe. In the workplace, on vacation or just for ordinary, everyday chores, the skirt is often the piece of clothing selected for wear. It is not unusual that a large number of skirts make up the wardrobe to insure a variety of selections. Aside from high costs, such large numbers can create a storage problem if closet space is limited. Furthermore, extended travel for vacation or business could require additional luggage space to hold the necessary number of skirts that would be needed. It would certainly be advantageous if one could reduce the number of skirts required while still maintaining the different looks that a variety of skirts would give. Thus, a sectional skirt solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

SUMMARY

The sectional skirt has multiple panels that are secured together in an easily detachable manner to form a skirt. As presently contemplated, at least four panels or sections will be employed to form the skirt. It should be recognized, however, that any number of panels may be employed to form the skirt if so desired. Fastener elements are utilized to detachably secure the panels together. Although zippers are preferred, other conventional fastener elements (hook and loop, buttons, etc.) may be employed if suitable. By interchanging a panel(s) with a panel of a different color, fabric or design, the wearer can create a different look without resorting to another entire skirt.

Accordingly, the sectional skirt presents a skirt that can be converted to attain a different look or style merely by replacing panels or sections thereof. The zipper fastener makes such replacement easy with minimum effort required. The panels can be manufactured in different widths to accommodate possible weight gain or loss. The invention provides for improved elements thereof in an arrangement for the purposes described that are inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing their intended purposes.

These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a sectional skirt according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of detached panels of a sectional skirt according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of an assembled, sectional skirt according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of an assembled, sectional skirt according to the present invention having hidden fasteners.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Attention is directed to FIGS. 1-4, wherein the sectional skirt is generally indicated at 10. The skirt 10 comprises multiple panels 12, each panel having respective zipper elements 14 on each respective side. Zipper elements 14 are coextensive with the entire length of the respective panel sides. Although only four panels are shown, the sectional skirt 10 contemplates the availability of several panels of different patterns, colors and/or textures. The panels 12 may be interchanged to create several different looks or designs. The zipper elements 14 can be exposed for a sporty look, as shown in FIG. 3, or, alternatively, a flap 15 can be provided to hide the zipper elements 14 to create a more conservative look, as shown in FIG. 4. Skirt 10 is provided with an elastic waist 16 to insure a more comfortable fit. Loops 18 may be provided on selected panels 12 to accommodate a stylish belt.

In use, desired panels 12 are selected by the wearer and easily secured together by employing zipper elements 14, thereby creating a skirt. If a different look is desired, one or more panels 12 may be interchanged with a panel of a different color, design and/or texture.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.