Patent Description:
Typical slider assemblies include slider tapes having linear longitudinal edges, which may make it difficult for the slider assembly to flex in a direction orthogonal to the linear edges. Further, typical slider assemblies generally lack features that facilitate breathability and/or permeability when the slider assembly is incorporated into an article of apparel.

Document <CIT>, which discloses the preamble of claim <NUM>, describes a fastener for closing the edges of a garment, for example curtains, bags, tents or the like.

The claimed invention is defined by the features set forth in the appended independent claims. Particular embodiments of the claimed invention are defined by the dependent claims.

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, wherein the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims. 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.

Traditional slider assemblies used to releasably couple, for example, textile edges together generally lack the ability to flex in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal edges of the slider assembly and/or extend in a lengthwise direction of the slider assembly. Thus, an article of apparel incorporating a traditional slider assembly may lack freedom-of-movement when the article of apparel is subject to tensioning forces in particular directions. Additionally, traditional slider assemblies often lack breathability and permeability features thus trapping heated air and/or moisture vapor inside the article of apparel when the article of apparel is worn which may cause discomfort to a wearer. Aspects herein provide for an article of apparel incorporating a slider assembly that is configured to articulate or flex in a widthwise direction of the slider assembly (i.e., in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal edges of the slider assembly) and, in some aspects, to extend in a longitudinal direction of the slider assembly allowing for greater freedom-of-movement in an article of apparel incorporating the slider assembly. As well, the slider assembly is incorporated into the article of apparel in such a way that small spaces are formed at intervals along the length of the slider assembly which enhances breathability and permeability features of the article of apparel.

At a high level, aspects herein are directed to an article of apparel incorporating a slider assembly having a first slider tape and a second slider tape. The first slider tape has a first longitudinal edge that includes a first series of alternating peaks and troughs and a second longitudinal edge that may be linear and to which a first set of coupling elements are attached. The second slider tape has a third longitudinal edge that includes a second series of alternating peaks and troughs and a fourth longitudinal edge that may be linear and to which a second set of coupling elements are attached. In use, the first and second sets of coupling elements may be adapted to be releasably engaged with each other. Configuring the slider assembly to include edges formed of alternating peaks and troughs enables the slider assembly to flex or articulate in a widthwise direction. For instance, in response to a force transmitted generally across the width of the slider assembly, adjacent peaks on one of the slider tapes may bias toward each other and adjacent peaks on the opposite slider tape may bias away from each other enabling the slider assembly to flex in the widthwise direction. In example aspects, when the slider tapes are formed of a material that exhibits stretch and recovery properties, the slider assembly may also extend in a longitudinal direction when subject to a longitudinal tensioning force. For instance, in response to a force transmitted along the length of the slider assembly, the distance between adjacent peaks on each of the slider tapes may increase resulting in a reversible increase in the linear length of the slider assembly.

According to the claimed article of apparel, the first longitudinal edge of the first slider tape and the third longitudinal edge of the second slider tape are affixed to textile edges of the article of apparel such that the textile edges are affixed to the peaks but are unaffixed from the troughs of the slider tapes. This results in a through-passage being formed between the textile edges and the respective troughs. The spaces act as a communication path for heated air and/or moisture vapor to leave the article of apparel which may improve wearer comfort especially when the article of apparel is worn by the wearer in exercise conditions.

As used herein, the term "article of apparel" encompasses any number of products meant to be worn by a wearer including upper-body garments (e.g., shirts, jackets, hoodies, pullovers), lower-body garments (e.g., pants, shorts, leggings), articles of footwear such as shoes or socks, articles of headwear (e.g., hats and hoods), gloves, stand-alone sleeves (e.g., arm sleeves, calf sleeves), and the like. The term article of apparel may also refer to articles used by a wearer such as a backpack, a purse, a duffel bag, a tote bag, and the like.

Positional terms used when describing the slider assembly and/or an article of apparel incorporating the slider assembly such as "external-facing," "internal-facing," and the like are with respect to the slider assembly and/or article of apparel being used as intended by a wearer standing upright. As such, the internal-facing surface of the slider assembly and/or article of apparel is configured to face inwardly toward the wearer and/or toward an interior volume when the article is, for instance, a duffel bag, and the external-facing surface of the slider assembly and/or article of apparel is configured to face outwardly and away from the wearer and/or away from an interior volume when the article is in the form of, for example, a duffel bag. The term "edge" as used herein means a terminal end or edge of a respective structure. The term "about" as used herein means within ± <NUM>% of an indicated value.

The term "slider assembly" as used herein encompasses any slider technology that is used to releasably couple, for example, textile edges of an article of apparel together. Thus, the slider assembly may include a zipper assembly, a groove and hook assembly, a rail and track assembly, and the like. The term "coupling element" may include different components depending on the type of slider assembly such as, for example, zipper teeth, a groove, hooks, rails, tracks, and the like.

As used herein, the term "peak" may be defined as a shape having an apex region that is located a first distance away from an axis extending along a length of the slider tape, and a "trough" may be defined as a shape having an apex region that is located a second distance away from the axis extending along the length of the slider tape, where the second distance is less than the first distance. The term "apex region" may be defined as the region of the peak shape or the trough shape that is furthest away from or closest to the longitudinal axis respectively. The apex region may be a defined point or a more general region in example aspects. The term "linear" as used herein means an edge that extends along a straight, or nearly straight, line.

Unless indicated otherwise all measurements provided herein are measured when the slider assembly and/or the article incorporating the slider assembly are at standard ambient temperature and pressure (<NUM> degrees Celsius or <NUM> and <NUM> bar) and are in a resting or un-tensioned state.

<FIG> and <FIG> respectively depict an external-facing surface of a slider assembly <NUM> and an internal-facing surface of the slider assembly <NUM> in an un-tensioned or resting state. The slider assembly <NUM> includes a first slider tape <NUM> and a second slider tape <NUM> that extend along a longitudinal length of the slider assembly <NUM>. The first slider tape <NUM> has a first longitudinal edge <NUM> that includes a first series of peaks <NUM> and a first series of troughs <NUM> where the peaks <NUM> alternate with the troughs <NUM>. Adjacent peaks <NUM> are separated by a distance <NUM>. As further shown in the magnified view of a portion of the first slider tape <NUM>, an apex region <NUM> of the peaks <NUM> is located a first distance <NUM> away from a hypothetical axis <NUM> that extends the length of the first slider tape <NUM> and is positioned inwardly from the troughs <NUM>, and an apex region <NUM> of the troughs <NUM> is located a second distance <NUM> away from the hypothetical axis <NUM>; the first distance <NUM> is greater than the second distance <NUM>. The first slider tape <NUM> further includes a second longitudinal edge <NUM> opposite the first longitudinal edge <NUM> to which a first set of coupling elements <NUM> are attached (shown in <FIG>). In example aspects, the second longitudinal edge <NUM> is linear.

The second slider tape <NUM> has a third longitudinal edge <NUM> that includes a second series of peaks <NUM> and a second series of troughs <NUM> where the peaks <NUM> alternate with the troughs <NUM>. Adjacent peaks <NUM> are separated by the distance <NUM>. As further shown in the magnified view of a portion of the second slider tape <NUM>, an apex region <NUM> of the peaks <NUM> is located a first distance <NUM> away from a hypothetical axis <NUM> that extends the length of the second slider tape <NUM> and is positioned inwardly from the troughs <NUM>, and an apex region <NUM> of the troughs <NUM> is located a second distance <NUM> away from the hypothetical axis <NUM>; the first distance <NUM> is greater than the second distance <NUM>. The second slider tape <NUM> further includes a fourth longitudinal edge <NUM> opposite the third longitudinal edge <NUM> to which a second set of coupling elements <NUM> are attached (shown in <FIG>). In example aspects, the fourth longitudinal edge <NUM> is linear. The slider assembly <NUM> has a width <NUM> as measured from the apex region <NUM> of a peak <NUM> to the apex region <NUM> of a peak <NUM> when the slider assembly <NUM> is in the resting or un-tensioned state. The slider assembly <NUM> also has a length <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) measured from a first end <NUM> to a second end <NUM> of the slider assembly <NUM> when the slider assembly <NUM> is in the resting or un-tensioned state.

In example aspects, the slider assembly <NUM> further includes a slider pull <NUM> useable to engage or disengage the first set of coupling elements <NUM> and the second set of coupling elements <NUM> when an upward or a downward tensioning force is exerted on the slider pull <NUM>. Thus, in example aspects, the slider pull <NUM> may be used to fully engage the first and second sets of coupling elements <NUM> and <NUM>, partially engage the first and second sets of coupling elements <NUM> and <NUM>, or disengage the first and second sets of coupling elements <NUM> and <NUM>. In one example aspects, and as shown in <FIG>, when the first set of coupling elements <NUM> are engaged with the second set of coupling elements <NUM>, the peaks <NUM> are aligned with the peaks <NUM> across the width <NUM> of the slider assembly <NUM>. Similarly, when the first set of coupling elements <NUM> are engaged with the second set of coupling elements <NUM>, the troughs <NUM> are aligned with the troughs <NUM> across the width <NUM> of the slider assembly <NUM>. Stated differently, a first line that is orthogonal to the second longitudinal edge <NUM> and to the fourth longitudinal edge <NUM> would pass through the apex region <NUM> of a peak <NUM> and the apex region <NUM> of a peak <NUM>. A second line that is orthogonal to the second longitudinal edge <NUM> and to the fourth longitudinal edge <NUM> would pass through the apex region <NUM> of a trough <NUM> and the apex region <NUM> of a trough <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> respectively illustrate an external-facing surface and an internal-facing surface of a portion of an article <NUM> incorporating the slider assembly <NUM> in accordance with the claimed invention. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the article <NUM> includes a first textile <NUM> having a first textile edge <NUM> and a second textile <NUM> having a second textile edge <NUM>. The slider assembly <NUM> is positioned adjacent the internal-facing surface of the first textile <NUM> and the second textile <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The first longitudinal edge <NUM> of the first slider tape <NUM> is positioned such that the apex regions <NUM> of the first series of peaks <NUM> overlap (or are positioned adjacent to) and are affixed to the first textile edge <NUM>, and the first textile edge <NUM> is spaced apart from the apex regions <NUM> of the first series of troughs <NUM>. This results in a first series of spaces <NUM> between the first textile edge <NUM> and the apex regions <NUM> of the first series of troughs <NUM>. In a similar manner, the third longitudinal edge <NUM> of the second slider tape <NUM> is positioned such that the apex regions <NUM> of the second series of peaks <NUM> overlap (or are positioned adjacent to) and are affixed to the second textile edge <NUM>, and the second textile edge <NUM> is spaced apart from the apex regions <NUM> of the second series of troughs <NUM>. This results in a second series of spaces <NUM> between the second textile edge <NUM> and the apex regions <NUM> of the second series of troughs <NUM>. The first and second series of spaces <NUM> and <NUM> are through-passages and provide a fluid communication path between the external-facing surface of the article <NUM> and the internal-facing surface of the article <NUM>.

In example aspects, the first textile edge <NUM> may be secured to the apex regions <NUM> of the first series of peaks <NUM> by stitching, adhesives, spot welding, bonding, and the like. In one example aspect, and as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first textile edge <NUM> may be secured to the apex regions <NUM> of the first series of peaks <NUM> using zig-zag stitching <NUM> (i.e., stitching in a zig-zag configuration). Similarly, the second textile edge <NUM> may be secured to the apex regions <NUM> of the second series of peaks <NUM> by stitching, adhesives, spot welding, bonding, and the like. In one example aspect, and as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the second textile edge <NUM> may be secured to the apex regions <NUM> of the second series of peaks <NUM> by zig-zag stitching <NUM>. Other affixation technologies such as bonding may be used with the zig-zag stitching <NUM> and <NUM> to strengthen the attachment of the first and second slider tapes <NUM> and <NUM> to the first and second textile edges <NUM> and <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a magnified view of a portion of the article <NUM> of <FIG>. As explained above, because the first textile edge <NUM> and the second textile edge <NUM> are affixed just to the apex regions <NUM> and <NUM> of the peaks <NUM> and <NUM> respectively, the first and second series of spaces <NUM> and <NUM> are formed between the first and second textile edges <NUM> and <NUM> and the apex regions <NUM> and <NUM> of the troughs <NUM> and <NUM>. In example aspects, a distance or width <NUM> between the first and second textile edges <NUM> and <NUM> and the apex regions <NUM> and <NUM> of the troughs <NUM> and <NUM> may be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or about <NUM>. In example aspects, the first and second series of spaces <NUM> and <NUM> may provide a fluid communication path through which heated air and/or moisture vapor may escape the article <NUM> thereby improving wearer comfort. The first and second series of spaces <NUM> and <NUM> may also provide a fluid communication path for air from the external environment to enter the article <NUM> to further cool the wearer.

Configuring the slider assembly <NUM> as described herein facilitates the articulation of the slider assembly <NUM> in a widthwise direction. <FIG> depicts the article <NUM> and a force <NUM> being transmitted across the width <NUM> of the slider assembly <NUM> in the direction indicated by the arrow. In response to the force <NUM>, the first series of peaks <NUM> bias toward each other. Stated differently, in response to the force <NUM>, a distance <NUM> between adjacent peaks <NUM> decreases in the area of the slider assembly <NUM> subject to the force <NUM> where the distance <NUM> is less than the distance <NUM>. As well, in response to the force <NUM>, the second series of peaks <NUM> bias away from each other. Stated differently, in response to the force <NUM>, a distance <NUM> between adjacent peaks <NUM> increases in the area of the slider assembly <NUM> subject to the force <NUM> where the distance <NUM> is greater than the distance <NUM>. The combination of these two actions enables the slider assembly <NUM> to bend or flex in the direction of the force <NUM> thereby improving freedom-of-movement of the article <NUM>. Although the force <NUM> is shown as orthogonal to the longitudinal edges of the slider assembly <NUM>, aspects herein contemplate that the slider assembly <NUM> also bends or flexes in response to forces in directions other than parallel to the longitudinal edges of the slider assembly <NUM>.

In example aspects, the first slider tape <NUM> and the second slider tape <NUM> may be formed, or at least partially formed from materials having elastic properties (i.e., stretch and recovery properties) such as, for example, elastic yarns including spandex (known by the trade name Lycra®), elastane, and the like. In further example aspects, the first textile <NUM> and the second textile <NUM> of the article <NUM> may also be formed, or at least partially formed from materials having elastic properties. In these examples, the shape configuration of the first and second slider tapes <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., the first and second series of peaks <NUM> and <NUM>, and the first and second series of troughs <NUM> and <NUM>) and the use of zig-zag stitching may enable the slider assembly <NUM> to reversibly stretch in a lengthwise direction as shown in <FIG>. That is, when a longitudinal force <NUM> is applied to the slider assembly <NUM>, the apexes of the peaks <NUM> and <NUM> are drawn toward a midline of the slider assembly <NUM> thereby decreasing the width of the slider assembly from the width <NUM> to a new width <NUM> where the width <NUM> is less than the width <NUM>. Continuing, the longitudinal force <NUM> further causes the distance between adjacent peaks of the first series of peaks <NUM> and the second series of peaks <NUM> to increase to a new distance <NUM> where the distance <NUM> is greater than the distance <NUM>. The spacing between adjacent peaks of the zig-zag stitching may also increase causing the slider assembly <NUM> to reversibly increase to a new length <NUM> where the length <NUM> is greater than the length <NUM>. Once the longitudinal force <NUM> is removed, the slider assembly <NUM> may revert to its original length <NUM> due to the elastic properties of the slider assembly <NUM>. The reversible increase in length of the slider assembly <NUM> may help increase the freedom-of-movement features of the article <NUM>. Although the force <NUM> is shown as being in a downward direction, it is contemplated herein that the force <NUM> may be in an upward direction.

The slider assembly <NUM> may be incorporated into a number of different articles of apparel. For instance, the slider assembly <NUM> may be incorporated into an upper-body garment as shown in <FIG> depicts an upper-body garment <NUM> in the form of a jacket. The slider assembly <NUM> is incorporated into the upper-body garment <NUM> as a center front closure <NUM> although it is contemplated herein that the slider assembly <NUM> may be used in other locations such as, for example, a pocket closure, a hood attachment, a sleeve attachment, and the like. The use of the slider assembly <NUM> in the upper-body garment <NUM> may increase the ability of the garment <NUM> to stretch in a lengthwise direction along the center front closure <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and/or to flex or bend in a widthwise direction of the center front closure <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Additionally, the first and second series of spaces <NUM> and <NUM> increase the ability of the upper-body garment <NUM> to discharge heated air and/or moisture vapor from an interior of the garment <NUM> to the external environment. Although the garment <NUM> is shown as a jacket, it is contemplated herein that the garment <NUM> may be in other forms such as a vest, a shirt, a pullover, a hoodie, and the like.

<FIG> illustrates a lower-body garment <NUM> incorporating the slider assembly <NUM> as a center front closure <NUM> although it is contemplated herein that the slider assembly <NUM> may be used in other locations such as, for example, a pocket closure, a leg portion attachment, and the like. Similar to the upper-body garment <NUM>, the use of the slider assembly <NUM> in the lower-body garment <NUM> enhances freedom-of-movement features of the garment <NUM> and also increases the permeability and/or breathability features of the garment <NUM>. Although the garment <NUM> is shown as a pant, it is contemplated herein that the garment <NUM> may be in other forms such as a short, a three-quarter pant, a unitard, and the like.

<FIG> depict an external-facing surface of a portion of some alternative example slider assemblies that may be incorporated into an article of apparel according to the claimed invention. <FIG> depicts a portion of a slider assembly <NUM> that includes a first slider tape <NUM> having a first series of peaks <NUM> that alternate with a first series of troughs <NUM>. The slider assembly <NUM> also includes a second slider tape <NUM> that includes a second series of peaks <NUM> that alternate with a second series of troughs <NUM>. Unlike the slider assembly <NUM>, a peak <NUM> on the first slider tape <NUM> is aligned across a width of the slider assembly <NUM> with a trough <NUM> on the second slider tape <NUM>. Stated differently, a first line <NUM> that is orthogonal to the longitudinal edges of the slider assembly <NUM> passes through a peak <NUM> on the first slider tape <NUM> and a trough <NUM> on the second slider tape <NUM>. Additionally, a second line <NUM> that is orthogonal to the longitudinal edges of the slider assembly <NUM> passes through a trough <NUM> on the first slider tape <NUM> and a peak <NUM> on the second slider tape <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts a portion of an example slider assembly <NUM> that includes a first slider tape <NUM> that has a first series of peaks <NUM> and a second series of peaks <NUM> where each of the first series of peaks <NUM> and the second series of peaks <NUM> alternate with a first series of trough <NUM>. The slider assembly <NUM> further includes a second slider tape <NUM> that has a third series of peaks <NUM> and a fourth series of peaks <NUM> where each of the third series of peaks <NUM> and the fourth series of peaks <NUM> alternate with a second series of troughs <NUM>. Unlike the slider assemblies <NUM> and <NUM> where each of the peaks on the first and second slider tapes are positioned a same distance away from a longitudinal midline of the slider assembly, the first series of peaks <NUM> and the third series of peaks <NUM> are positioned a first distance <NUM> from a midline <NUM> of the slider assembly <NUM>, and the second series of peaks <NUM> and the fourth series of peaks <NUM> are positioned a second distance <NUM> from the midline <NUM>, where the first distance <NUM> is greater than the second distance <NUM>. Although each of the first and second series of troughs <NUM> and <NUM> are shown as positioned a same distance away from the midline <NUM>, it is contemplated herein that one or more of the first and/or second series of troughs <NUM> and <NUM> may be positioned different distances away from the midline <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts an external-facing surface of a portion of an article <NUM> having a first panel <NUM> with a first panel edge <NUM> and a second panel <NUM> with a second panel edge <NUM>. A slider assembly <NUM> is incorporated into the article <NUM>. The slider assembly <NUM> includes a first slider tape <NUM> having a longitudinal edge that has a first series of peaks <NUM> that alternate with a first series of troughs <NUM>. The slider assembly <NUM> additionally includes a second slider tape <NUM> that has a second series of peaks <NUM> that alternate with a second series of troughs <NUM>. Unlike the other slider assemblies depicted herein, such as the slider assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, a distance between adjacent peaks varies. For instance, with respect to the first series of peaks <NUM>, a peak <NUM> is spaced apart from an adjacent peak <NUM> by a distance <NUM>, and the peak <NUM> is spaced apart from an adjacent peak <NUM> by a distance <NUM> where the distance <NUM> is greater than the distance <NUM>. The configuration described causes a length of the spaces formed between the first and second panel edges <NUM> and <NUM> and the first and second series of troughs <NUM> and <NUM> to vary. For instance, a space <NUM> may have a length that is less than a length of a space <NUM> based on the distance <NUM> between adjacent peaks <NUM> and <NUM> being less than the distance <NUM> between adjacent peaks <NUM> and <NUM>. The result of this configuration is that breathability features of the slider assembly <NUM> may vary along a length of the slider assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts an external-facing surface of a portion of another article <NUM> having a first panel <NUM> with a first panel edge <NUM> and a second panel <NUM> with a second panel edge <NUM>. The article <NUM> incorporates a slider assembly <NUM>. The slider assembly <NUM> includes a first slider tape <NUM> having a first series of peaks <NUM> alternating with a first series of troughs <NUM> and a second slider tape <NUM> having a second series of peaks <NUM> alternating with a second series of troughs <NUM>. Instead of the apex regions of the peaks and troughs being rounded as shown with the other slider assemblies described herein, the peaks <NUM> and <NUM> and the troughs <NUM> and <NUM> are squared off (i.e., each includes two right angles separated by a linear segment). This configuration may result in a longer length of spaces formed between the first and second panel edges <NUM> and <NUM> and the troughs <NUM> and <NUM>. For instance, space <NUM> has a length <NUM> that may be greater than, for instance, a length of the spaces <NUM> and <NUM> in <FIG>. Using a configuration for a slider assembly as shown in <FIG> may increase the overall breathability/permeability features of an article.

The configurations of the slider assemblies shown in <FIG> are illustrative only and it is contemplated herein that slider assemblies may include other configurations including combinations of the configurations described herein.

<FIG> depicts a flow diagram of an example method <NUM> of manufacturing an article of apparel incorporating a slider assembly, the flow diagram not including through-passages according to the claimed invention. At a step <NUM>, a first textile edge, such as the first textile edge <NUM> of the article <NUM> is affixed to a first longitudinal edge of a first slider tape of a slider assembly, such as the first longitudinal edge <NUM> of the first slider tape <NUM> of the slider assembly <NUM>. The first longitudinal edge includes a first series of alternating peaks and troughs such as the first series of peaks <NUM> and the first series of troughs <NUM>. In example aspects, the first textile edge is affixed to the first series of peaks and is unaffixed from the first series of troughs so that a first series of spaces, such as the first series of spaces <NUM> is formed between the first textile edge and respective troughs of the first series of troughs. The first slider tape further includes a second longitudinal edge, such as the second longitudinal edge <NUM>, to which a first set of coupling elements is attached, such as the first set of coupling elements <NUM>. The second longitudinal edge may be linear in example aspects.

At a step <NUM>, a second textile edge, such as the second textile edge <NUM> of the article <NUM> is affixed to a third longitudinal edge of a second slider tape of the slider assembly, such as the third longitudinal edge <NUM> of the second slider tape <NUM> of the slider assembly <NUM>. The third longitudinal edge includes a second series of alternating peaks and troughs such as the second series of peaks <NUM> and the second series of troughs <NUM>. In example aspects, the second textile edge is affixed to the second series of peaks and is unaffixed from the second series of troughs so that a second series of spaces, such as the second series of spaces <NUM> is formed between the second textile edge and respective troughs of the second series of troughs. The second slider tape further includes a fourth longitudinal edge, such as the fourth longitudinal edge <NUM>, to which a second set of coupling elements is attached, such as the second set of coupling elements <NUM>. The fourth longitudinal edge may be linear in example aspects.

Aspects of the present disclosure have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the scope of the invention being defined by the appended claims.

Claim 1:
An article of apparel (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) incorporating a slider assembly (<NUM>), the article of apparel (<NUM>) comprising: a first textile (<NUM>) having a first textile edge (<NUM>) and a second textile (<NUM>) having a second textile edge (<NUM>); a first slider tape (<NUM>) of the slider assembly (<NUM>), the first slider tape (<NUM>) having a first longitudinal edge (<NUM>) that includes a first series of alternating peaks (<NUM>) and troughs (<NUM>) and a second longitudinal edge (<NUM>) opposite the first longitudinal edge (<NUM>) to which a first set of coupling elements (<NUM>) are attached, wherein the first textile edge (<NUM>) is affixed to the first series of peaks (<NUM>) and is unaffixed from the first series of troughs (<NUM>) such that a space (<NUM>) is formed between the first textile edge (<NUM>) and respective troughs (<NUM>) of the first series of troughs (<NUM>); and a second slider tape (<NUM>) of the slider assembly (<NUM>), the second slider tape (<NUM>) having a third longitudinal edge (<NUM>) that includes a second series of alternating peaks (<NUM>) and troughs (<NUM>) and a fourth longitudinal edge (<NUM>) opposite the third longitudinal edge (<NUM>) to which a second set of coupling elements (<NUM>) are attached, wherein the second textile edge (<NUM>) is affixed to the second series of peaks (<NUM>) and is unaffixed from the second series of troughs (<NUM>) such that a space (<NUM>) is formed between the second textile edge (<NUM>) and respective troughs (<NUM>) of the second series of troughs (<NUM>), characterized in that the space (<NUM>) formed between the first textile edge (<NUM>) and the respective troughs (<NUM>) of the first series of troughs (<NUM>) of the first slider tape (<NUM>) and the space (<NUM>) formed between the second textile edge (<NUM>) and the respective troughs (<NUM>) of the second series of troughs (<NUM>) of the second slider tape (<NUM>) are through-passages.