Patent Publication Number: US-10786052-B2

Title: Articles incorporating a coupled slider system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application, assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/914,714, filed Mar. 7, 2018, and titled “Articles Incorporating a Coupled Slider System, is a Non-Provisional Application claiming priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/469,810, titled “Articles Incorporating a Coupled Slider System,” and filed on Mar. 10, 2017. The entirety of the aforementioned application is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Aspects herein relate to articles with a coupled slider system. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Articles having two or more layers of material may pose challenges when it comes to slider systems used to selectively open or close one or more of the layers. For instance, it may be difficult to access a slider mechanism positioned on an internal layer of an article without opening the external layer first. Aspects in accordance herein provide a practical solution to this type of problem, as described in further detail, below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Aspects herein is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1A  depicts an exemplary lower body garment system having an exemplary coupled slider system, wherein the lower body garment system comprises a compression layer in a non-tensioned state in accordance with aspects herein; 
         FIG. 1B  depicts the exemplary lower body garment system of  FIG. 1A  with the compression layer in a tensioned state in accordance with aspects herein; 
         FIG. 2A  depicts an exemplary upper body garment system having an exemplary coupled slider system, wherein the upper body garment system comprises a compression layer in a non-tensioned state in accordance with aspects herein; 
         FIG. 2B  depicts the exemplary upper body garment system of  FIG. 2A  with the compression layer in a tensioned state in accordance with aspects herein; 
         FIG. 3  depicts a close up view of a slider mechanism of the exemplary coupled slider system, where the slider mechanism is attached to the external garment layer of the garment system shown in  FIG. 1A  as indicated by the numeral  3  in  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 4  depicts an exemplary cross-sectional view of the exemplary coupled slider system taken along line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 3 , in accordance with aspects herein; 
         FIG. 5  depicts an alternative cross-sectional view of an exemplary coupled slider system, in accordance with aspects herein; 
         FIG. 6  depicts another alternative cross-sectional view of an exemplary coupled slider system, in accordance with aspects herein; 
         FIG. 7 , depicts a further alternative cross-sectional view of an exemplary coupled slider system, in accordance with aspects herein; 
         FIG. 8A  depict an exemplary cross-sectional view of a garment system having an exemplary coupled slider system that utilizes a gusset, in accordance with aspects herein; 
         FIG. 8B  depicts an exemplary cross-sectional view of a garment system having an exemplary coupled slider system that utilizes a different gusset, in accordance with aspects herein; 
         FIG. 9A  depicts a cut away view of a portion of a garment system in accordance with aspects herein; 
         FIG. 9B  depicts a cross-sectional view along the line  9 B- 9 B in  FIG. 9A , in accordance with aspects herein; 
         FIG. 10A  depicts a cut away view of a portion of a different garment system, in accordance with aspects herein; 
         FIG. 10B  depicts a cross-sectional view along the line  10 A- 10 A in  FIG. 10A , in accordance with aspects herein; 
         FIG. 11  depicts an exemplary lower body garment system depicting different exemplary locations for an exemplary coupled slider system, in accordance with aspects herein; 
         FIG. 12  depicts an exemplary head garment system having an exemplary coupled slider system, in accordance with aspects herein; 
         FIG. 13  depicts an upper body garment system having an exemplary coupled slider system, in accordance with aspects herein; 
         FIG. 14  depicts an upper body garment system having an exemplary coupled slider system, in accordance with aspects herein; 
         FIG. 15  depicts an exemplary structure for a coupled slider system, in accordance with aspects herein; 
         FIG. 16A  depicts an adapter structure for conversion of conventional slider mechanisms into a coupled slider system, in accordance with aspects herein; 
         FIG. 16B  depicts a coupled slider system employing the adapter structure shown in  FIG. 16A , in accordance with aspects herein; 
         FIG. 16C  depicts a different configuration employing an adapter structure in a coupled slider system, in accordance with aspects herein; and 
         FIG. 17  depicts an exemplary alternative slider system for reversibly opening and closing a slider mechanism of an internal layer, in accordance with aspects herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The subject matter of the present invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed or disclosed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Moreover, although the terms “step” and/or “block” might be used herein to connote different elements of methods employed, the terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly stated. 
     Aspects herein generally relate to a coupled slider system for use in articles having a layered construction. Exemplary articles may include articles of apparel such as apparel for an upper torso of a wearer, apparel for a lower torso of a wearer, protective apparel such as shin guards or pad systems, socks, shoes, support garments such as brassieres (i.e., bras), hoodies, as well as articles such as bags, purses, backpacks, sleeping bags, and the like. In exemplary aspects, the article may comprise an internal layer of material and an external layer of material that is positioned adjacent and external to the internal layer of material. The internal layer of material may comprise a first slider mechanism that is useable to open the internal layer of material when moved in a first direction or close the internal layer of material when moved in a second direction opposite the first direction. The first slider mechanism may be coupled to a second slider mechanism positioned on the external layer of material. The second slider mechanism may be configured to move in the first direction and the second direction opposite the first direction while still maintaining the external layer of material in a closed state. In use, a user would move the second slider mechanism positioned on the external garment layer in the first direction to cause the first slider mechanism to also move in the first direction thereby opening the internal layer of material. To close the internal layer of material, the user would move the second slider mechanism in the second direction to cause the first slider mechanism to move in the second direction. The result of using the coupled slider system is that the user can maintain the external garment layer in a closed state while still being able to open and close the internal layer of material. 
     Aspects herein may more particularly provide for garment system(s) comprising a layered construction at least at a portion of the garment system(s). The portion(s) of the garment system(s) that has the layered construction comprise(s), in exemplary aspects, a compression layer that is internal to an external garment layer. The compression layer in accordance with aspects herein is configured to reversibly apply pressure or tension to a body portion of a wearer when the garment is worn. The compression layer is configured to be activated and/or to apply tension via a slider mechanism secured to the external layer that is coupled to a slider mechanism secured to the compression layer. The slider mechanism positioned on the external layer comprises a bi-directional slider body mounted onto a set of slider elements, where the bi-directional slider mechanism is configured to keep the set of slider elements in a closed/engaged state, despite any directional movement of the bi-directional slider body along the set of slider elements. The slider mechanism attached to the compression layer also comprises a slider body mounted onto another set of slider elements. Unlike the slider mechanism attached to the external layer, the slider mechanism attached to the compression layer is configured to reversibly close/engage the set of slider elements thereby providing tension/compression to the body portion of the wearer and open/disengage the set of slider elements thereby releasing tension/compression of the body portion of the wearer. Because of the coupling of the slider mechanism of the external layer to the slider mechanism of the compression layer, a directional pull exerted on the slider mechanism of the external layer will be effective to either open/engage or close/disengage the set of slider elements of the slider mechanism of the compression layer. 
     In accordance with a first example, aspects herein disclose a garment system comprising an internal garment layer configured to reversibly apply pressure to a body part of a wearer when in a tensioned state. Further, the garment system comprises an external layer that is positioned adjacent and external to the internal garment layer. A first slider mechanism is affixed to the internal garment layer, where when the first slider mechanism is in a closed state, the internal garment layer is in the tensioned state, and when the first slider mechanism is in an open state, the internal garment layer is in a non-tensioned state. A second slider mechanism is affixed to the external layer and comprises at least a bi-directional slider body, where the bi-directional slider body is coupled to the first slider mechanism such that movement of the bi-directional slider body in a first direction causes the first slider mechanism to transition from the open state to the closed state, and movement of the bi-directional slider body in a second direction opposite the first direction causes the first slider mechanism to transition from the closed state to the open state. 
     In accordance with a different example, aspects herein disclose an article system comprising a first material layer having a first slider mechanism useable to transition at least a portion of the first material layer from a closed state to an open state, and from the open state to the closed state. Further, the article system comprises a second material layer positioned adjacent and external to the first material layer, where the second material layer has a second slider mechanism comprising at least a bi-directional slider body coupled to the first slider mechanism. Movement of the bi-directional slider body in a first direction causes the first slider mechanism to transition the portion of the first garment layer from the closed state to the open state, and movement of the bi-directional slider body in a second direction opposite the first direction, causes the first slider mechanism to transition the portion of the first material layer from the open state to the closed state. 
     In accordance with a further example, aspects herein are directed to a slider system comprising a first slider body comprising at least a first slider component facing a first direction and a second slider component facing a second direction opposite the first direction. The slider system further comprising a second slider body coupled to the first slider body, the second slider body comprising a third slider component, where when the slider system is incorporated into an article, a directional force applied to the first slider body is transferred to the second slider body causing both the first slider body and the second slider body to concurrently move in the direction of the directional force. 
     As briefly described above, aspects herein are directed at least to garment system(s) having at least one internal compression layer. The internal compression layer may extend through any area of the garment deemed necessary. For example, in a lower body garment, the compression layer may be provided at the leg portions of the lower body garment. Depending on the length of the lower body garment and where the compression is needed, the compression layer may be configured to reversibly apply pressure to a thigh area of the wearer, whether the lower body garment is a pair of shorts, a pair of Capri pants, a pair of long pants, and the like. Alternatively, the compression layer may be configured to reversibly apply pressure to a calf area of the wearer, whether the lower body garment is a pair of Capri pants or a pair of long pants. As well, when the lower body garment generally covers both a thigh and a calf area of the wearer, the internal compression layer may be configured to extend the whole leg length of the lower body garment. Alternatively, the lower body garment may comprise a first compression layer configured to cover a thigh area of a wearer and a second compression layer separate from the first compression layer, where the second compression layer is configured to cover a calf area of a leg of a wearer when the garment is worn. Similarly, in an upper body garment, the compression layer may be configured to exert tension to the whole or a portion of the arms of a wearer, an abdominal area of a wearer, a chest area of a wearer, and the like. Further, the garment systems in accordance with aspects herein could also be implemented in body suits configured to cover a portion (e.g. snow bibs) or the whole body of a wearer (e.g. safety suits, snow suits, hazmat suits, and the like) when the garment is worn. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within aspects herein. 
     In exemplary aspects, the internal compression layer may be generally formed from an elastically resilient material having two-way stretch and/or four-way stretch that exhibits a first modulus of elasticity such as, for example, a power mesh material, elastane, and the like. However, it is also contemplated herein that when the coupled slider system is used in a layered article such as a bag, the inner layer may comprise a less elastically resilient and/or non-elastically resilient material, which may also be used for an outer layer, having a second modulus of elasticity that is greater than the first modulus of elasticity described above for an elastically resilient material. As described above, the slider mechanism of the compression layer may generally comprise a slider body and a set of slider elements. The slider body of the compression layer may comprise a front portion and a back portion (also known as a first portion and a second portion) where one of the front portion or the back portion may be configured to close or engage the set of slider elements when a directional force is applied in a first direction, and the other of the front portion or the back portion of the slider body may be configured to open or disengage the set of slider elements when a directional force is applied in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction. The slider mechanism in accordance with aspects herein may include, for example, zippers with zipper teeth, zippers with no zipper teeth (i.e. a zip and lock by the application of pressure type), hook and loop, and any other mechanism that may be quickly closed and opened with a unitary motion. 
     The external layer may be generally formed from an elastically resilient material, a non-elastically resilient material, a material that comprises a mixture of elastic and non-elastic materials, a knit material, a woven material, a braided material, a non-woven material, and the like. The materials may comprise natural fibers such as wool, cotton, hemp, silk, and the like, or, the materials may comprise synthetic fibers such as polyester, rayon, nylon, and the like, or a mixture of natural and synthetic fibers. The materials may also comprise thermoplastic materials, felt type materials, leather, paper, and the like. The materials may comprise different types of coatings such as DWR (durable water repellent), rubber, thermoplastic, metallic, and the like. In other words, depending on the type of garment or article being formed, the materials used for the external layer are only limited by the types of materials available in the market place. In some aspects, the material used for the external layer may be chosen from materials having a greater modulus of elasticity than the internal layer. Furthermore, the external layer may be formed of two or more material layers. As well, the external layer may comprise thermal properties by comprising thermally insulating materials quilted or otherwise provided to the external layer, such as, for example, down, thermally insulating synthetic fibers, thermally insulating synthetic fiber sheets, or any combination of these. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within aspects herein. 
     As briefly described above, the slider mechanism of the external layer may also generally comprise a slider body and a set of slider elements. The slider body of the external layer may comprise a front portion and a back portion (also known as a first portion and a second portion) where both of the front portion and the back portion may be configured to close or engage the set of slider elements when a directional force is applied in a first direction and an opposite second direction. In other words, regardless of a direction of the directional force (e.g. directional pull), the set of slider elements of the external layer remain in a closed configuration. 
     Further, as described, aspects herein are directed to article systems having a layered construction with an internal layer and an external layer. In exemplary aspects, the internal layer has a first slider mechanism having a first slider body and a first set of slider elements, where the first slider mechanism may be configured to reversibly transition from an open state to a closed state. The first slider mechanism may be mechanically coupled to a second slider mechanism located on the external layer, where the second slider mechanism may be configured to transmit a directional force applied to a second slider body of the second slider mechanism, to the first slider body of the first slider mechanism while remaining in a closed configuration. That is, the second slider mechanism may cause the first slider mechanism to transition from an open state to a closed state and vice versa without exposing at least a portion of an interior of the article system, regardless of the direction in which the directional force is applied. 
     As an example, the article system may be a sleeping bag having one or more internal layers, each internal layer having the first slider mechanism described above coupled to a respective second slider mechanism on the external layer. The sleeping bag may be configured to snuggly fit an adult or a child, for example, by opening or closing the first slider mechanism via the second slider mechanism on the external layer. In another exemplary aspect, the article system may be a carrying bag with an internal compartment that may be reversibly decreased or increased in size via the first slider mechanism on an internal layer of the bag and the second slider mechanism on an external layer of the bag. In yet another example, the article may comprise a shoe system with an internal liner (e.g., an elastically resilient internal liner) and an external shell layer, where the internal liner may be reversibly opened or closed via a coupled slider system as described above. This may be useful in providing additional support during certain activities. Further, the article may comprise a bra type garment having an external layer and an internal layer, where the internal layer may be configured to reversibly apply an increased tension to provide additional support during certain activities. Furthermore, the article may comprise a hood or any other type of head gear having a layered construction in accordance with aspects herein, where the internal layer may be configured to reversibly tighten the hood or head gear to provide a more snug fit when desired. These are only exemplary and it is envisioned that aspects herein may be employed to many other non-apparel type articles of manufacture without departing from the scope of this disclosure. 
     Moving on to the figures,  FIG. 1A  depicts an exemplary lower body garment system  10  comprising a compression layer  130  being in an open/non-tensioned state  100  in accordance with aspects herein. In the exemplary lower body garment system  10  depicted in  FIG. 1A , the compression layer  130  is configured to reversibly apply pressure to a calf area of a wearer when the exemplary lower body garment system  10  is worn. However, it is contemplated that the compression layer  130  may extend higher up and be configured to exert pressure up to and including a thigh area of a wearer, or the compression layer  130  may be located only in a thigh area of the exemplary lower body garment system  10 , or the exemplary lower body garment system  10  may comprise two or more compression layers  130  to separately and reversibly exert pressure at different sections of the exemplary lower body garment system  10 . Further, although the exemplary lower body garment system  10  is depicted as being a long pair of pants, the pant length may be varied according to style and need. 
     The exemplary lower body garment system  10  may comprise a waistband  120  and an external garment layer  110  that is configured to cover/hide the compression layer  130  so that the compression layer  130  is generally not visible when the exemplary lower body garment system  10  is worn by a wearer. In other words, the external garment layer  110  is positioned adjacent and external to the compression layer  130 . However, it is contemplated herein that there may be garment systems that at least partially expose portions of the compression layer  130 . There may be several different ways in which the compression layer  130  may be coupled to the external garment layer  110 . For example, the compression layer  130  may be coupled to the external garment layer  110  through an extra piece of material/gusset at one or both ends of the compression layer  130 , as shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B  or, the compression layer  130  may be coupled to the external garment layer  110  at particular stitch points or, the compression layer  130  may be coupled to the external garment layer  110  through elastic or inelastic extensions, as shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B . 
       FIG. 9A  shows a cutaway view of a garment system  900 , and  FIG. 9B  shows a cross-sectional view along the line  9 B- 9 B in  FIG. 9A , in accordance with aspects herein.  FIGS. 9A and 9B  depict how an external garment layer  910  may be coupled to a compression layer  930  in a garment system  900  in accordance with aspects herein. The external garment layer  910  may be coupled to a first piece of material/gusset  920  at a first seam  950  at a first end  925 , and the first piece of material/gusset  920  may be coupled to the compression layer  930  at a second seam  970  at the first end  925 . Optionally, the external garment layer  910  may be further coupled to a second piece of material/gusset  940  at a third seam  960  at a second end  945 , and the second piece of material/gusset  940  may be coupled to the compression layer  930  at a fourth seam  960  at the second end  945 . Use of the material/gussets  920  and  940  may allow for some amount of “de-coupling” of the compression layer  930  from the external garment layer  910  so that the compression layer  930  does not exert an undue amount of tension or strain on the external garment layer  910  as may occur, for instance if the edges of the compression layer  930  were directly affixed to the external garment layer  910 . 
       FIG. 10A  shows a cutaway view of a garment system  1000 , and  FIG. 10B  shows a cross-sectional view along the line  10 B- 10 B in  FIG. 10A , in accordance with aspects herein.  FIGS. 10A and 10B  depict an additional way how an external garment layer  1010  may be coupled to a compression layer  1030  in a garment system  1000  in accordance with aspects herein. The external garment layer  1010  may be coupled to the compression layer  1030  through at least a first extension  1020  at a first end  1050 . Optionally, the external garment layer  1010  may be further coupled to the compression layer  1030  through at least a second extension  1040  at a second end  1060  (best seen in  FIG. 10B ). Similar to the material gussets  920  and  940  of  FIGS. 9A and 9B , use of the extensions  1020  and  1040  helps to de-couple the compression layer  1030  from the external garment layer  1010  and helps to minimize the amount of tension or strain imposed on the external garment layer  1010 . The slider mechanism  1070  may be used to reversibly activate the compression layer  1030  in accordance with aspects herein. 
     Returning to  FIG. 1A , as seen on the view of the first leg  12  of the exemplary lower body garment system  10 , which depicts the compression layer  130  in dashed lines to indicate it is hidden from view, the external garment layer  110  comprises a slider mechanism comprising a slider body  160  and a set of slider elements  170 . The slider mechanism on the external garment layer  110  is configured to remain in a closed configuration regardless of the position of the slider body  160  on the set of slider elements  170 . As such, the compression layer  130  remains hidden by the external garment layer  110 . Further, as seen on the view of the second leg  14  of the exemplary lower body garment system  10 , which depicts a portion of the external garment layer  110  cut away, the compression layer  130  also comprises a slider mechanism with a slider body  140  and a set of slider elements  150 . As explained more fully below, the slider body  160  of the external garment layer  110  is coupled to the slider body  140  of the compression layer  130  so that a wearer may operate the exemplary lower body garment system  10  by interacting with just the slider body  160 . To put it another way, the wearer need not move the external garment layer  110  out of the way to access the slider body  140  of the compression layer  130 . To put it yet another way, any force or pull on the slider body  160  is transferred to the slider body  140  so that, for example, when a wearer pulls in a first direction (e.g. downward) on the slider body  160 , the slider body  140  is also moved in the first direction, and when the wearer pulls in a second direction (e.g. upward) on the slider body  160 , the slider body  140  is also moved in the second direction. However, unlike the slider body  160  of the external garment layer  110 , the slider body  140  is configured to open and close the set of slider elements  150  on the compression layer  130 . Therefore, when the set of slider elements  150  are open (as shown in  FIG. 1A ), the compression layer  130  is in its non-tensioned state, and when the set of slider elements  150  are closed (as shown in  FIG. 1B ), the compression layer  130  is in its tensioned state. 
     In order to improve the feel of the compression layer  130 , in particular, where the slider mechanism with the slider body  140  and slider elements  150  is located, a gusset as shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , may be included so that the slider mechanism with the slider body  140  and the set of slider elements  150  is not in direct contact with the wearer when the garment is worn. The gusset may extend between the edges of the opening defined by the slider elements  150  and, if included, may be comprised of the same material as the compression layer  130 , or may be comprised of any other suitable soft material that may have, for instance, moisture management properties and a soft feel.  FIGS. 8A and 8B  depict cross-sectional view of a garment system in accordance with aspects herein. As shown in  FIG. 8A , the gusset  800  may be extended when the compression layer  830  is in its non-tensioned state (i.e., an open state) while the external layer  810  remains in its original configuration, and as shown in  FIG. 8B , the gusset  800  may be folded when the compression layer  830  is its tensioned state (i.e., closed state) while the external layer  810  still remains in its original configuration. 
     Returning again to  FIG. 1 , although only one slider mechanism is depicted for compression layer  130 , it is contemplated that the compression layer  130  may have one or more slider mechanisms in order to impart a variable level of compression. In other words, the tensioning ability of the compression layer  130  may be increased or decreased by selectively opening and/or closing the one or more slider mechanisms of compression layer  130 , with the least amount of pressure or tension resulting when all slider mechanisms are in an open state, and the greatest amount of pressure or tension resulting when all slider mechanisms are in a closed state. As well, if a gusset is provided, a size (width) covered by the gusset may also play a role in the tensioning level, depending on how far apart the corresponding slider elements are allowed to separate when they are in an open/non-tensioned state. 
       FIG. 1B  depicts the exemplary lower body garment system  10  in a closed/tensioned state  102 . As it can be observed, the slider mechanism on the external garment layer  110  remains in a closed configuration even when a position of the slider body  160  on the set of slider elements  170  has been changed. (i.e., as shown in the view of the first leg  12 ). However, as described above and due to the coupling between the slider bodies  140  and  160 , the movement of the slider body  160  on the external garment layer  110  has caused movement of the slider body  140  of the compression layer  130 , which has caused the set of slider elements  150  to become closed, thereby activating the compression layer  130  so that it can exert pressure on, in this example, a calf of the wearer, when the exemplary lower body garment system  10  is worn. 
       FIG. 2A  depicts an exemplary upper body garment system  20  comprising a compression layer  230  in an open/non-tensioned state  200  in accordance with aspects herein. The exemplary upper body garment system  20 , although depicted as comprising a compression layer only in a forearm region of the exemplary upper body garment system  20 , may also comprise additional compression layers for reversibly providing compression to different upper body parts of a wearer such as a whole arm, upper arm separate from a forearm, a chest area, an abdominal area, and depending on the length of the exemplary upper body garment system  20 , a lower abdominal area of a wearer, and the like. 
     The exemplary upper body garment system  20  may comprise a collar  220 , an external garment layer  210 , and a compression layer  230 . Similar to what was described above with respect to exemplary lower body garment system  10 , the exemplary upper body garment system  20  comprises a slider mechanism on the external garment layer  210  with a slider body  260  and a set of slider elements  270  which, as seen in the view of the first sleeve  22  in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , remains in a closed state regardless of a position of the slider body  260  on the set of slider elements  270 . On the other hand, as seen in the cut away view of the second sleeve  24 , when the slider body  240  of the slider mechanism of the compression layer  230  is in a first position on the set of slider elements  250 , the slider elements  250  are in an open state, and as seen in the cut away view of second sleeve  24  in  FIG. 2B , the slider elements  250  transition to a closed/tensioned state when the slider body  240  is moved to a second position on the set of slider elements  250 . 
       FIG. 3  shows a close up view of the slider mechanism with slider body  160  and the set of slider elements  170 , attached to the external garment layer  110  of the exemplary lower body garment system  10  shown in  FIG. 1A , as marked by the numeral  3  in  FIG. 1A .  FIG. 4  depicts an exemplary configuration for a slider mechanism on the external garment layer  110  as coupled to a slider mechanism on the compression layer  130 . In particular,  FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view  400  along the line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 3 . As more clearly seen in  FIG. 4 , the slider mechanism of the external garment layer  110  and the slider mechanism of the compression layer  130  are in an overlapping relation to one another, with the set of slider elements  150  being substantially parallel to (and offset from) the set of slider elements  170 . As shown, in exemplary aspects, the slider body  160  may be comprised of two slider components  410  and  420  facing in opposite directions so that a receiving opening  416  of the slider component  410  is facing in a first direction, and a receiving opening  426  of the slider component  420  is facing in an opposite second direction. Both the receiving opening  416  and the receiving opening  426  are configured to receive the set of slider elements  170 . 
     Each slider component  410  and  420 , respectively, comprises a respective front portion  414 / 422 , and a back portion  412 / 424 . The front portions  414  and  422  of slider components  410  and  420  respectively, may be configured to separate the set of slider elements  170 , while the back portions  412  and  424  of slider components  410  and  420  respectively, may be configured to engage or unite the set of slider elements  170 . Thus, as the slider body  160  is pulled in a first direction, for example, upward, the slider component may  410  may be configured to open/disengage the set of slider elements  170 , while simultaneously, the slider component  420  may be configured to close/engage the set of slider elements  170 , and vice versa when the slider body  160  is pulled in a second direction, for example, downward. Therefore, slider body  160  is a bi-directional slider body such that the set of slider elements  170  is maintained in a constant closed/engaged configuration regardless of a direction in which the slider body  160  is pulled. Although the slider body  160  is depicted as comprising two separate slider components  410  and  420 , it is envisioned that the slider components  410  and  420  may have a unitary construction, or in other words, be formed as a single or monolithic piece. 
     As further depicted in  FIG. 4 , the compression layer  130  comprises a slider body  140  that functions as a slider component  432 . The slider components  410  and  420  and the slider component  432  may be directly coupled to each other, as shown. As in slider components  410  and  420 , slider component  432  comprises a front portion  142 , a back portion  144 , and a receiving opening  146  for receiving the set of slider elements  150  of the compression layer  130 . Since slider component  432  is directly coupled to slider components  410  and  420  it is contemplated that the slider body  160  and the slider body  140  may comprise a bi-partite construction or it may comprise a unitary/monolithic construction. Thus, when a directional force is applied to the slider body  160 , all slider components  410 ,  420 , and  432  may be caused to move concurrently, and since slider component  432  is unidirectional, it will cause the set of slider elements  150  to open or close, depending on the directional force exerted on the slider body  160 . As such, the slider body  140 , although hidden by external garment layer  110 , may be configured to tension or release tension on the compression layer  130  by applying a directional force to the slider body  160 . 
       FIG. 5  depicts a cross-sectional view  500  of an alternative configuration of the slider mechanisms in accordance with aspects herein. The slider body  160  in  FIG. 5  comprises two slider components  510  and  540 , connected to each other at, for example, a coupling region  530 , which may be configured to receive a slider pull (not shown) for an easy access for operation of the slider mechanism in accordance with aspects herein. The slider body  140  for the slider mechanism of the compression layer  130 , in this example, is shown as being part of (i.e. one piece with) the slider component  540  of slider body  160 . In other words, the slider component  540  comprises both the slider body  140  and one portion of the slider body  160 . The slider component  540  may be formed of a unitary or monolithic construction with slider body  140 , and then later coupled to the slider component  510  via the coupling region  530 . Similar to  FIG. 4 , the slider body  160  is a bi-directional slider body where slider components  510  and  540  each comprise a front portion  514  and  542 , respectively, that are facing each other. Further, as in  FIG. 4 , the slider pull  510  comprises a back portion  512  with a receiving opening  516  for receiving the set of slider elements  170  of the external garment layer  110 . Slider component  540 , on the other hand, comprises a back portion  544 A with receiving opening  546 A for receiving the set of slider elements  150  of the compression layer  130 , and a back portion  544 B with receiving opening  546 B for receiving the set of slider elements  170 . 
       FIG. 6  depicts a cross-sectional view of another exemplary configuration for the slider mechanism in accordance with aspects herein. The slider body  160  in  FIG. 6  comprises two slider components  620  and  630 , connected to each other at, for example, a coupling region  660 , which may be configured to be receive a slider pull (not shown). The slider body  140  for the slider mechanism of the compression layer  130 , in this example, is shown as being spaced apart from the slider component  630  by a spacer  610 . The spacer  610  may be of any suitable material and shaped and sized as necessary for an optimal operation of the slider mechanism in accordance with aspects herein. For example, the spacer  610  may be comprised of a foam, fabric, textile, metal, felt, or similar material. Use of the spacer  610  may further help to “de-couple” the compression layer  130  from the external garment layer  110 . For instance, use of the spacer  610  helps to space apart the compression layer  130  from the external garment layer  110  so that the compression layer  130  does not unduly exert tensioning forces on the external garment layer  110  via the slider mechanism. 
     Similar to  FIG. 5 , the slider body  160  is a bi-directional slider body where slider components  620  and  630 , each comprise a front portion  624  and  634 , respectively, that are facing each other, and back portions  622  and  632  that are facing away from each other with receiving openings  626  and  636 , respectively, for receiving the set of slider elements  170 . Further, as in  FIG. 5 , the slider components  640  doubles as the slider body  140  and comprises a front portion  644  and a back portion  642  with a receiving opening  646  for receiving the set of slider elements  150  of the compression layer  130 . 
       FIG. 7  depicts a cross-sectional view for yet another exemplary configuration for the slider mechanisms in accordance with aspects herein. The slider body  160  in  FIG. 7  comprises two slider components  720  and  740 , connected to each other at, for example, a coupling region  730 , which may be configured to receive a slider pull (not shown) and, which may further serve as a connection point for a cord like element  710  that acts as a connector between slider body  140  and slider body  160  at coupling region  730  of slider body  160 . In other words, the slider body  140  for the slider mechanism of the compression layer  130 , in this example, is spaced apart from the slider body  160  by the cord like element  710 , which provides a more flexible or less rigid spacer than the one depicted in  FIG. 6 , for example. The cord like element  710  may be of any suitable material and shaped and sized as necessary for an optimal operation of the slider mechanism in accordance with aspects herein. Similar to  FIG. 6 , the slider body  160  is a bi-directional slider body where slider components  720  and  740 , each comprise a front portion  724  and  744 , respectively, that are facing each other, and back portions  722  and  742  that are facing away from each other with receiving openings  726  and  746 , respectively, for receiving the set of slider elements  170 . Further, as in  FIG. 6 , the slider body  140  doubles as the slider component  750  which, comprises a front portion  754  and a back portion  752  with a receiving opening  756  for receiving the set of slider elements  150  of the compression layer  130 . 
       FIGS. 11-14  depict different types of garment systems in accordance with aspects herein. The internal layers are shown in dashed lines to show their hidden configuration when viewed from an exterior of the garment systems. For example,  FIG. 11  depicts a lower body garment system  1100  depicting different locations and configurations for a reversibly activatable internal layer in accordance with aspects herein. For example, the lower body garment system  1100  may comprise a reversibly activatable internal layer  1110  configured to provide tensioning to a thigh area of a wearer when the lower body garment system  1100  is worn and when the internal layer  1110  is activated (closed/tensioned state). Alternatively, the lower body garment system  1100  may comprise a reversibly activatable internal layer  1120  configured to provide tensioning to a calf area of a wearer when the lower body garment system  1100  is worn and when the internal layer  1120  is activated. In yet a different example, the lower body garment system  1100  may comprise a reversibly activatable internal layer  1130  configured to provide tensioning to an entire leg of a wearer when the lower body garment system  1100  is worn and when the internal layer  1130  is activated. Further, it is contemplated that the internal layers  1110 ,  1120 , or  1130  may be removable and interchangeable where instead of being permanently coupled to the external layer of the lower body garment system  1100  by seams, they may be coupled by, for example, a hook and loop mechanism, buttons, zippers, and the like. Thus, a user may be able to customize the lower body garment system  1100  according to his/her needs. In other words, each leg of the lower body garment system  1100  may be customized independently from the other leg to meet the needs of the user. 
       FIG. 12  depicts a head gear system  1200  in accordance with aspects herein. The head gear system  1200  may comprise an external layer  1210  and an internal layer  1220  (shown in dashed lines to indicate it is hidden from view). The fit of the head gear system  1200  may be adjusted or customized by opening or closing the slider mechanisms  1220 A and/or  1220 B to increase or decrease the tension or support provided by the internal layer  1220 . Although the head gear system  1200  is shown as comprising two slider mechanisms  1220 A and  1220 B, it is contemplated that the head gear system  1200  may comprise only one slider mechanism, or may comprise more than two slider mechanisms, depending on the level of adjustability desired for the head gear system  1200 . 
       FIG. 13  depicts a support garment system  1300  in accordance with aspects herein, and configured to provide varying levels of support when the support garment system  1300  is in an as worn configuration. The support garment system  1300  may comprise an external layer  1310  and an internal layer  1320  shown by dashed lines to indicate that it is hidden from view. As in the other garment types described, the support garment system  1300  may comprise a slider mechanism  1330  coupling the external layer  1310  and the internal layer  1320  to transition the internal layer  1320  from a tensioned state to a non-tensioned state and vice versa. 
     Similarly,  FIG. 14  depicts an upper body garment system  1400  configured to reversibly provide tension, via the slider mechanism  1430 , to a torso area of a wearer when the upper body garment system  1400  is worn via an internal layer  1420  located underneath external layer  1410 , as indicated by the dashed lines. In accordance with aspects herein, although the slider mechanisms in the garment systems shown in  FIGS. 1A-2B , and  FIGS. 11-14  are shown to be at a particular location on the respective garment systems, it is contemplated that the respective slider mechanisms may be located at any suitable location on the respective garment systems, that is deemed most accessible and aesthetically appealing. 
       FIG. 15  depicts an exemplary structure for a slider system  1500  in accordance with aspects herein. The slider system  1500  comprises a first slider body  1520 A facing a first direction and a second slider body  1520 B facing a second direction opposite the first direction. The first slider body  1520 A comprises a first slider component  1522 A having a first slider opening  1540 A configured to receive a first pair of slider elements (not shown) and a second slider component  1510  having a second slider opening  1516  configured to receive a second pair of slider elements (also not shown). The slider component  1510  and the slider component  1522 A may comprise a monolithic construction (as shown) or a bi-partite construction by direct or indirect coupling (not shown). The slider components  1510  and  1522 A may face the same direction (as shown), or may face opposite directions (not shown). The first slider body  1520 A and the second slider body  1520 B may be coupled to each other at the coupling region  1560 . Further, the coupling region  1560  may be also configured to be further coupled to a slider pull  1560  on the slider system  1500 . 
     The slider component  1510  is generally unidirectional and configured to open and close the second pair of slider elements (not shown), while the slider components  1522 A and  1522 B form a bi-directional slider component. The slider component  1510  and the bi-directional slider component formed by slider components  1522 A and  1522 B are mechanically coupled such that they act in unison in such a way that when the slider system  1500  is incorporated into an article, a directional force applied to the first slider body  1520 A is transferred to the second slider body  1520 B causing both the first slider body  1520 A and the second slider body  1520 B to concurrently move in the direction of the directional force. 
     The slider body  1520 A may comprise an upper plate  1570 A, a middle plate  1532 A, and a bottom plate  1514 ; the slider body  1520 B may comprise an upper plate  1570 B and a bottom plate  1532 B. The upper plate  1570 A may cooperate with middle plate  1532 A to form a passage  1540 A, which is configured to accommodate the passage of a first set of slider elements between the upper plate  1570 A and the middle plate  1532 A. Similarly, the middle plate  1532 A and the bottom plate  1514  may cooperate to form a passage  1516 , which is configured to accommodate the passage of a second set of slider elements between the middle plate  1532 A and the bottom plate  1514 . 
     Continuing, the slider body  1520 B may comprise an upper plate  1570 B and a bottom plate  1532 B. Similar to slider body  1520 A, the upper plate  1570 B and the bottom plate  1532 B of the slider body  1520 B form a passage  1540 B, which is configured to accommodate the passage of the first set of slider elements between the upper plate  1570 B and the bottom plate  1532 B. It is to be noted that many different configurations for the slider system  1500  are available, as described with respect to  FIGS. 4-7 , and the one shown, is merely exemplary in nature. 
       FIG. 16A  depicts an adapter  1600  configured to convert conventional slider bodies, such as slider bodies  1610 ,  1620 , and  1630  into a slider system in accordance with aspects herein. As further depicted in  FIG. 16B , the slider bodies  1610 ,  1620 , and  1630  may be mounted onto the adapter  1600 , via openings  1601 ,  1602 ,  1603 , and  1604  of the adapter  1600 , as shown. The depth of the bend  1605  of adapter  1600  may define a separation or gap between the bi-directional slider system portion formed by slider bodies  1610  and  1620  and the unidirectional slider system portion formed by slider body  1630 . Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 16C , the adapter  1600  may further comprise a spacer  1606  that creates a gap between the bi-directional slider system portion formed by slider bodies  1610  and  1620 , and the unidirectional slider system portion formed by slider body  1630 . 
       FIG. 17  depicts yet another exemplary layered slider system  1700  in accordance with aspects herein where a slider system  1750  on an internal layer  1720  may be made accessible from an external layer  1710  via a slider pull  1740  for opening and closing the slider system  1750 . The slider pull  1740 , which activates the slider system  1750  on the internal layer  1720 , is configured to outwardly protrude from a track  1730  located on the external layer  1710 . The track  1730  may be comprised of a rigid or semi-rigid plastic or other suitable material that is configured to keep a guide opening  1760  from getting deformed or otherwise obstructed when the slider pull  1740  is used to open or close the slider system  1750  of the internal layer  1720 . 
     The aspects described throughout this specification are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Upon reading the present disclosure, alternative aspects will become apparent to ordinary skilled artisans that practice in areas relevant to the described aspects without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In addition, aspects of this technology are adapted to achieve certain features and possible advantages set forth throughout this disclosure, together with other advantages which are inherent. It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. 
     Since many different applications are available for the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.