Abstract: Aspects herein relate to a garment or article system having an internal layer and an external layer, the external layer has an inner surface facing the internal layer and an outer surface facing an external environment. Specifically, the garment or article system comprises a first slider mechanism affixed to the internal layer and a second slider mechanism affixed to the external layer. The first slider mechanism affixed to the internal layer is coupled to the second slider mechanism affixed to the external layer so that a pull or a directional force applied to the second slider mechanism is transferred to the first slider mechanism to reversibly transition the first slider mechanism from an open state in a first direction to a closed state in a second direction, and while maintaining the second slider mechanism in a closed state regardless of the direction of the directional force applied.

Abstract: A cord lock includes various components used to slidably adjust a cord length, such as one or more housing components that releasably clamp around the cord. In one aspect, the cord lock includes an arrangement of magnets that bias the cord-lock housing components away from one another, in order to secure the cord between the housing components. The housing components can be pressed towards one another to slidably adjust the cord. In a further aspect, the cord lock may also include a magnetized excess-cord retainer that attaches to a portion of the cord and that releasably attaches to the cord lock in order to help gather excess cord pulled through the cord lock.

Abstract: A cord lock includes various components used to slidably adjust a length of cord. The cord lock may include a first cord-clamp bar and a second cord-clamp bar that are movably coupled to each other, to allow control of frictional resistance on a cord threaded through various apertures and cord-receiving channels of the cord lock. The cord lock may be incorporated into an article such that it is at least partially concealed within an article layer.

Abstract: Aspects herein are directed to a cooling garment. The cooling garment can include a vest configured to be worn by a wearer. One or more pockets on the vest may be configured to receive one or more icepacks. The one or more pockets may include a stretch material on a front portion of the one or more pockets. The one or more pockets can further include a non-stretch material on a back portion of the one or more pockets.

Abstract: A cord lock includes various components used to slidably adjust a length of cord. The cord lock may include a first cord-clamp bar and a second cord-clamp bar that are movably coupled to each other, to allow control of frictional resistance on a cord threaded through various apertures and cord-receiving channels of the cord lock. The cord lock may be incorporated into an article such that it is at least partially concealed within an article layer.

Abstract: A band includes a tubular body configured to be worn on a user's body and a pocket supported by the tubular body, where the pocket defines a cavity and has an access opening providing access to the cavity, and where the pocket is configured to removably receive an electronic module in the cavity through the access opening. An input device is connected to the tubular body and has a port exposed to the cavity of the band, where the port is configured for removable connection to a connector of the electronic module when the electronic module is received in the cavity. The input device may include a button configured to receive user input and a wireless transmitter to transmit a signal to an external device based on the user input. The input device may also include a haptic feedback mechanism for communicating haptic signals to the user.

Abstract: A band includes a tubular body defining a central passage, where the tubular body is configured to be worn on a user's body such that a portion of the user's body is received in the central passage, and a housing formed of a polymer material and connected to the tubular body. The housing defines a cavity and an access opening providing access to the cavity, and the housing is configured to removably receive an electronic module in the cavity through the access opening. The housing further includes a slot in communication with the cavity, with the slot configured to permit passage of moisture away from the housing. The sides of the tubular body may also define a slope that is from 0-0.75.

Abstract: A clasp includes a hook component and a catch component, which may be used to releasably attach two ends of an article. Among other elements, the hook component may include a stem (for manually operating the clasp) and a cantilevered lip suspended above the stem to form a slot for receiving a part of the catch component. In addition, the catch component may include a slot-engaging portion that is coupled between the stem and the cantilevered lip.

Abstract: A cord lock includes various components used to slidably adjust a cord length, such as one or more housing components that releasably clamp around the cord. In one aspect, the cord lock includes an arrangement of magnets that bias the cord-lock housing components away from one another, in order to secure the cord between the housing components. The housing components can be pressed towards one another to slidably adjust the cord. In a further aspect, the cord lock may also include a magnetized excess-cord retainer that attaches to a portion of the cord and that releasably attaches to the cord lock in order to help gather excess cord pulled through the cord lock.

Abstract: A protective covering is provided having a central protective plate portion and a terminal edge portion encircling the central protective plate portion. A coupling region is interposed between the terminal edge portion and the central protective plate portion. The coupling region transitions from a pliable material of the terminal edge portion to a rigid material of the central protective plate portion, where the coupling region extends from a first edge to a second edge. The first edge has a higher concentration of the pliable material than the rigid material and the second edge has a higher concentration of the rigid material than the pliable material. A first surface of the coupling region has a higher concentration of the pliable material than the rigid material and a second surface of the coupling region has a higher concentration of the rigid material than the pliable material.

Abstract: A band includes a tubular body configured to be worn on a user's body and a pocket supported by the tubular body, where the pocket defines a cavity and has an access opening providing access to the cavity, and where the pocket is configured to removably receive an electronic module in the cavity through the access opening. An input device is connected to the tubular body and has a port exposed to the cavity of the band, where the port is configured for removable connection to a connector of the electronic module when the electronic module is received in the cavity. The input device may include a button configured to receive user input and a wireless transmitter to transmit a signal to an external device based on the user input. The input device may also include a haptic feedback mechanism for communicating haptic signals to the user.

Abstract: A cord lock includes various components used to slidably adjust a cord length, such as one or more housing components that releasably clamp around the cord. In one aspect, the cord lock includes an arrangement of magnets that bias the cord-lock housing components away from one another, in order to secure the cord between the housing components. The housing components can be pressed towards one another to slidably adjust the cord. In a further aspect, the cord lock may also include a magnetized excess-cord retainer that attaches to a portion of the cord and that releasably attaches to the cord lock in order to help gather excess cord pulled through the cord lock.

Abstract: Aspects herein provide for an apparel item (100) for upright sleeping. The apparel item (100) comprises features to reduce distractions such as a hood (124) with an integrated eye mask (310) and foam inserts (314) integrated into the hood (124) and configured to be positioned over the wearer's ears when the hood (124) is worn. The apparel item (100) further comprises a strap system (400) that is configured to hold the wearer's head in a static position during upright sleeping.

Abstract: A manufacturing method uses a main body piece formed of an elastic fabric material and having a first portion having a first end, a second portion having a second end opposite the first end, and two side ends extending between the first and second ends. A bonding material is placed in contact with the first and/or second portions, arranged in lines extending in a direction between the first and second ends. The lines are spaced from each other in a second direction extending between the side ends. The main body piece is folded so that the first portion confronts the second portion, defining a fold line, where the bonding material is positioned between the first and second portions. The folded main body piece is then heat pressed and bent so the side ends are connected together to form a band having a tubular body defining a central passage.

Abstract: Aspects herein relate to a garment or article system having an internal layer and an external layer, the external layer has an inner surface facing the internal layer and an outer surface facing an external environment. Specifically, the garment or article system comprises a first slider mechanism affixed to the internal layer and a second slider mechanism affixed to the external layer. The first slider mechanism affixed to the internal layer is coupled to the second slider mechanism affixed to the external layer so that a pull or a directional force applied to the second slider mechanism is transferred to the first slider mechanism to reversibly transition the first slider mechanism from an open state in a first direction to a closed state in a second direction, and while maintaining the second slider mechanism in a closed state regardless of the direction of the directional force applied.

Abstract: Aspects herein provide for a method of manufacturing a vented insulated garment using sections of non-woven polymer material and garments produced therefrom. The method generally comprises positioning a section of non-woven polymer material between two textile layers, and bonding the textile layers together at areas adjacent to the section of non-woven polymer material to form seams. The seams may be optionally perforated.

Abstract: A clasp includes a hook component and a catch component, which may be used to releasably attach two ends of an article. Among other elements, the hook component may include a stem (for manually operating the clasp) and a cantilevered lip suspended above the stem to form a slot for receiving a part of the catch component. In addition, the catch component may include a slot-engaging portion that is coupled between the stem and the cantilevered lip.

Abstract: A cord-securing mechanism includes a base portion, an aperture, and a cord-securing portion coupled to the base portion. The cord-securing portion includes at least a pair of cord-retaining surfaces that oppose one another and are spaced apart by a cord-receiving slot. When used in combination with a cord, the cord-securing mechanism may assist with setting a position of the cord and with impeding the cord from returning to a default position.

Abstract: A cord lock includes various components used to slidably adjust a length of cord. The cord lock may include a first cord-clamp bar and a second cord-clamp bar that are movably coupled to each other, to allow control of frictional resistance on a cord threaded through various apertures and cord-receiving channels of the cord lock. The cord lock may be incorporated into an article such that it is at least partially concealed within an article layer.

Abstract: The technology described herein relates to breathable, vented, and insulating garments. More particularly, the technology described herein relates to articles with a plurality of interconnected chambers that are configured to retain a thermally insulating fill material such as down or synthetic fibers. The plurality of interconnected chambers are formed between at least two layers of material and between a plurality of seams. The plurality of seams are configured to join the at least two layers of material together. In one aspect, each seam of the plurality of seams is angularly oriented with respect to an adjacent or neighboring seam of the plurality of seams. One or more openings or perforations may be formed on one or more seams of the plurality of seams forming the plurality of interconnected chambers. The one or more openings may achieve evaporation of moisture and/or air transfer from an interior environment of the garment to an exterior environment.