Garment Compartments

Garments are often provided with pockets or compartments which are openable and closable using zippers. Such pockets or compartments are often difficult to access, insufficient in size, add manufacturing complexity and cost, and/or create undesirable outer aesthetics.

Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and the size of some parts may be exaggerated to more clearly illustrate the example shown. Moreover, the drawings provide examples and/or implementations consistent with the description; however, the description is not limited to the examples and/or implementations provided in the drawings.

Disclosed are example garments having arrangements of compartments that are openable and closable using zippers. The example arrangements of pockets or compartments may be easier to access and may offer larger internal volumes without adding manufacturing complexity or detrimentally impacting the aesthetics of the garments. The example pocket/compartment arrangements may be utilized in a variety of different garments or articles of clothing including, but not limited to, parkas, jackets, coats, windbreakers and the like.

The example compartment arrangements comprise at least one panel that forms an interior having an opening facing in a sideways direction. The interior contains a plurality of sideways facing compartments that face and extend opposite to the opening. A single zipper extends along the opening and opposite to the mouths of both of the sideways facing compartments. Because the interior and each of the internal compartments contained within the interior all extend in a common sideways direction, access to the interior of such compartments may be easier. Moreover, a person wearing the garment may easily access the interior of both of the sideways compartments by unzipping the single zipper.

In some implementations, accessing either of the two internal sideways facing compartments is further facilitated by the omission of any partition or divider within the interior between the mouths of the internal sideways facing compartments. In other words, a passage exists within the interior from the mouth of a first compartment internal sideways facing apartment to the mouth of a second internal sideways facing compartment. As result, a person may insert his or her hand through the opening and freely move his or her hand up or down within the interior to gain access to either of the compartments. The person need not have to specifically insert his or her hand through a particular upper portion or a particular lower portion of the opening to gain access to a particular one of the compartments.

In some implementations, the path that is formed between the opening and the mouths of the internal sideways facing compartments is sufficiently wide to accommodate movement of the one or more sliders of the single zipper. In some implementations, the mouths of the internal sideways facing compartments are positioned in close proximity to and even adjacent to the zipper to increase the available internal storage volume of the compartments. In some implementations, the edges of the mouths of the internal sideways facing compartments abut or extend adjacent to the tape of the single zipper extending along the opening. In some implementations, the spacing or passage that extends across and between the mouths of the internal sideways facing compartments and that extends between the mouths and the opening has a width of at leastcm and no greater thancm.

In some implementations, the internal sideways facing compartments have dedicated mechanisms for closing their respective mouths. For example, in some implementations, the mouths of internal sideways facing compartments may be closed by independently closable by zippers, hook and loop fastener arrangements, hooks, buttons or the like. In some implementations, the mouths of the internal sideways facing compartments are lined with elastic bands that resiliently assist in maintaining the mouths in closed states. In some implementations, some or all of the mouths of the internal sideways facing compartments omit closing mechanisms.

In some implementations, the sideways facing compartments are vertically arranged or vertically stacked within the interior. In such implementations, at least the upper internal sideways facing compartment may have an internal floor having a first portion proximate to its mouth and a second portion vertically lower than the first portion. In some implementations, the second portion has a maximum depth that is within the range of 1 cm to 10 cm lower than the first portion. In some implementations, the second portion is stepped from the first portion. In some implementations, the internal floor slopes downwardly from the mouth to form the first portion and the second portion. In some implementations, the internal floor curves downwardly from the mouth to form the first portion and the second portion. Such curving may be concave or convex with respect to the interior of the sideways facing compartment.

In some implementations, the upper compartment may comprise a secondary pocket having an upward facing mouth along and adjacent to the interior floor. Said another way, the interior floor of the upper compartment may be stepped. In each of the implementations where the internal floor has a lower second portion distant the mouth, articles positioned within the upper compartment are less likely to accidentally move through the mouth and fall out of the upper compartment into the interior or fall through the opening when the zipper is unzipped. As result, the upper compartment more securely retains articles stored within its interior.

In some implementations, the opening formed by the at least one panel is selectively closable by the single zipper and comprises a slit through a face of a panel. In some implementations, the opening extends along and between opposing edges of opposing portions of a folded panel or opposing edges of multiple panels. In some implementations, the opening is provided on an interior surface of the garment. In some implementations, the garment has a front that is split to form left and right lateral sides that are releasably joined to one another by a closing mechanism such as another zipper, hooks, clasp, hook and loop fasteners, buttons or the like. In such an implementation, the opening and each of the internal sideways facing compartments are formed on an interior surface of one of the lateral sides and face the slit. In some implementations, the opening and each of the internal sideways facing compartments are formed on an exterior surface of one of the lateral sides and face away from the slit.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” shall mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members, or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. The term “operably coupled” shall mean that two members are directly or indirectly joined such that motion may be transmitted from one member to the other member directly or via intermediate members. The term “fluidly coupled” shall mean that two or more fluid transmitting volumes are connected directly to one another or are connected to one another by intermediate volumes or spaces such that fluid may flow from one volume into the other volume.

For purposes of this disclosure, the phrase “configured to” denotes an actual state of configuration that fundamentally ties the stated function/use to the physical characteristics of the feature proceeding the phrase “configured to”.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “releasably” or “removably” with respect to an attachment or coupling of two structures means that the two structures may be repeatedly connected and disconnected to and from one another without material damage to either of the two structures or their functioning.

illustrate portions of an example garment. Garmentmay be in the form of any one of a variety of different garments or articles of clothing including, not limited to, parkas, jackets, coats, windbreakers and the like. Garmentcomprises an arrangement of compartments that are openable and closable using a zipper. The example arrangement of pockets or compartments may be easier to access and may offer larger internal volumes without adding manufacturing complexity or detrimentally impacting the aesthetics of the garment. Garmentcomprises: at least one panel; interior compartments-,-(collectively referred to as compartments); and zipper.

The at least one panelforms an interiorhaving an openingthat faces in a sideways direction (as indicated by arrow) when the garmentis being worn in a traditional sense. For purposes of this disclosure, “a traditional sense” means that the garment is worn as is customary for the garment. For example, in implementations where garmentcomprise a hooded garment, the hood has an opening that encircles the face of the person wearing the garment. In implementations where garmenthas a split front that is releasably or selectively closable by zipper, buttons or other closure mechanisms, the split extends across the abdomen and chest of the person wearing the garment. In implementations garmentcomprises stitching or seams, such stitching or seams are located on internal surfaces of the garment. In other words, garmentis not traditionally worn inside out. Each of the figures of the present disclosure illustrates portions of a garment while the garment is being worn in the traditional sense.

In some implementations, the at least one panelmay comprise a single panel that is folded to form opposite faces of the interior. For example, in some implementations, the least one panelmay comprise a first panelhaving a fold, wherein a first portionof paneloverlaps a second portionof paneland is secured along edges,(such as with stitching, adhesives or welds) to form the interior. In such implementations, the portionmay lie to the inside of portiontowards the body of the person wearing garmentor may lie to the outside of portionwith portionsandwiched between portionand the body of the person wearing garment. In such implementations portionmay form an outermost panel of garment, an inner most panel of garmentor in intermediate panel of garment.

In some implementations, the at least one panelmay omit fold, wherein foldinstead comprises an edge along which a juncture or connection is formed between a pair of separate panelsand. The connection may be provided by stitching, a weld or adhesive along edgesandand along edge. In such implementations, the separate panelmay lie to the inside of paneltowards the body of the person wearing garmentor may lie to the outside of panelwith panelsandwiched between paneland the body of the person wearing garment. In such implementations, panelmay form an outermost panel of garment, an inner most panel of garmentor in intermediate panel of garment. In some implementations, the least one panel(whether folded to form portions,or whether formed by two separate panels,) may be secured to other panels of garmentsuch that openingis exposed on an outer surface of garmentor such that openingis located on an interior surface of garment.

As shown by, in some implementations, openingis formed by slitformed within portion or panel, the slitextending through a face of the portion or panel. In such implementations, opposing portions zipperis formed along opposing edges of slit. As shown by, In some implementations, the openingis formed along the opposing edges,of portions or panels,, respectively. In such implementations, the opposing portions of zipperare formed along the opposing edges,.

The openingof interioris selectively openable and closable by zipper. In the example illustrated, openinghas a length extending across and opposite to each of compartments. In some implementations, openingextends along an entire height of interior. In other implementations, openingextends along a portion of the overall height of interior.

Zipperextends along openingto selectively open and close opening. In some implementations, zippermay comprise a zipper having a pair of tapes supporting opposing teeth (sometimes referred to as a chain), a bottom stop (box and pin), top stop, and a sliderhaving a puller. In some implementations, zippermay comprise a zip lock zipper in which a slider selectively withdraws or inserts a thin raised or projecting bulbous strip into a corresponding groove to open and close the opening.illustrates the sliderin a position such that openingis opened.illustrates sliderposition such that openingis closed. In some implementations, zippermay be replaced with other closing mechanisms such as hook and loop fasteners, buttons, hooks, clasps, snap and the like.

Compartmentsare located within the interior. Compartments-and-comprise mouths-and-, respectively, which both face in the same sideways direction as opening(as indicated by arrow), in a sideways direction towards opening. Because the interior and each of the internal compartmentscontained within the interiorall extend in a common sideways direction, access to the interior of such compartmentsmay be easier. Moreover, a person wearing the garment may easily access the interior of both of the sideways compartmentsby unzipping the single zipper.

Mouths-and-(collectively referred to as mouths) extend directly opposite to, and so as to oppose, opening, with openingextending across the full height of each of mouths. Accessing either of the two internal sideways facing compartmentsis further facilitated by the omission of any partition or divider within the interior between the mouthsof the internal sideways facing compartments. In other words, a passageexists within the interior from the mouth-of a first compartment internal sideways facing compartment-to the mouth-of a second internal sideways facing compartment-. As result, a person may insert his or her hand through the openingand freely move his or her hand up or down within the interiorto gain access to either of the compartments. The person need not have to specifically insert his or her hand through a particular upper portion or a particular lower portion of the openingto gain access to a particular one of the compartments.

In some implementations, the path that is formed between the opening and the mouths of the internal sideways facing compartments is sufficiently wide to accommodate movement of the one or more slidersof the single zipper. In some implementations, the mouths of the internal sideways facing compartments are positioned in close proximity and even adjacent to the zipperto increase the available internal storage volume of the compartments. In some implementations, the edges of the mouthsof the internal sideways facing compartmentsabut or extend adjacent to the tape of the single zipperextending along the opening. In some implementations, the spacing or passagethat extends across and between the mouths of the internal sideways facing compartmentsand that extends between the mouthsand the openinghas a width of at least 1 cm and no greater than 3 cm. Although garmentis illustrated as comprising a pair of vertically arranged or stacked internal sideways facing compartments, in other implementations garmentmay comprise additional vertically arranged or stacked internal sideways facing compartments. In such implementations, openingmay span and fully extend across all of compartments and their respective mouths.

illustrates examples of how at least those internal sideways facing compartments that are vertically located above other internal sideways facing compartments may be provided with internal floors that assist in retaining one or more articles within such compartments, inhibiting such articles from accidentally falling out of such compartments into the interioror through opening. Each of such floors have first portions proximate to or extending from the mouths of the compartments and second portions distant the mouths and vertically lower than the first portions. With the assistance of gravity, articles are maintained along the second portions of the floors, distant the mouths. This may be especially beneficial in those implementations where passagemight otherwise permit articles to accidentally exit the compartments even while the openingis closed by zipperor other closing mechanism.

illustrates portions of an example garment. Garmentis similar to garmentdescribed above except that the at least one panelis specifically illustrated as comprising panelsandwhich are secured to one another along at least edges,andand that garmentcomprises internal sideways facing compartment-in place of compartment-. In addition, garmentcomprises a dual slider zipperin place of zipper. Those remaining components of garmentwhich correspond to components of garmentare numbered similarly.

Compartment-is itself similar to compartment-except that component-comprises an internal floorthat is downwardly sloped away from mouth-towards a rear wallof compartment-. Internal floorhas a first portionproximate to and extending from mouth-and a second portiondistant mouth-, between portionand rear wall, the second portion being vertically lower than the first portionwhen garmentis being worn in a traditional sense. In some implementations, flooris sloped at an angle of at least 0 and no greater than 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal when garmentis being worn in the traditional sense. Although flooris illustrated as extending to a lower end of mouth-, in some implementations, floormay terminate or extend to a location vertically below the lowermost portion of mouth-. Although flooris illustrated as a single continuous downwardly sloped floor, in other implementations, floormay comprise multiple segments or portions that sloped downwardly and rearwardly towards the wallat different angles.

Dual slider zipperis similar to zipperexcept that zippercomprises top and bottom stops and a pair of sliders-,-. The lower slider-shown inopens or separates openingin response to downward sliding or movement along the chain of teeth forming zipper. The upper sliders-opens or separates openingin response to upward sliding movement along the chain of teeth forming zipper. As will be described in more detail with respect to, the dual sliderfacilitates selective access to one or both of compartments.

illustrate variations of a garment where the floor of an upper internal sideways facing compartment is downwardly stepped away from the mouth of the compartment.illustrates portions of an example garment. Garmentis similar to garmentdescribed above except that garmentcomprises internal sideways facing compartment-in place of compartment-. Those remaining components of garmentwhich correspond to components of garmentsandare numbered similarly.

Compartment-is itself similar to compartment-except that compartment-comprises an internal floorthat is downwardly stepped away from mouth-towards a rear wallof compartment-. Internal floorhas a first portionproximate to and extending from mouth-and a second portiondistant mouth-, between portionand rear wall, the second portion being vertically lower than the first portionwhen garmentis being worn in a traditional sense. In some implementations, second portionforms a secondary upwardly facing pockethaving an upper mouthcontinues with or along the surface of the portionof floor(adjacent to end along what would otherwise be the floor of compartment-). In some implementations, the second portionis at least 1 cm lower than the surface of portion. Although portionof flooris illustrated as extending to a lower end of mouth-, in some implementations, portionmay terminate or extend to a location vertically below the lowermost portion of mouth-.

illustrates portions of garment. Garmentis similar to garmentdescribed above except that garmentcomprises internal sideways facing compartment-in place of compartment-. Those remaining components of garmentwhich correspond to components of garmentandare numbered similarly.

Compartment-is itself similar to compartment-except that compartment-comprises an internal floorthat comprises a first portionproximate to and extending from mouth-, a second portionadjacent rear wall, and a third portionbetween portionsand, the third portionbeing vertically lower than both of portionsandwhen garmentis being worn in a traditional sense. In some implementations, third portionforms a secondary upwardly facing pockethaving an upper mouthcontinuous with or along the surface of the portionandof floor. Because portionand the secondary pocketare more centrally located between rear walland mouth-, articles contained within compartment-are retained at a more central location within the interior of compartment-. As result, those smaller articles that may reside or be retained above portionmay be more easily located and retrieved from compartment-. In some implementations, the third portionis within the range of 1 cm to 10 cm lower than the surface of portion. Although portionof flooris illustrated as extending to a lower end of mouth-, in some implementations, portionmay terminate or extend to a location vertically below the lowermost portion of mouth-.

illustrates portions of garment. Garmentis similar to garmentdescribed above except that garmentcomprises internal sideways facing compartment-in place of compartment-. Those remaining components of garmentwhich correspond to components of garmentandare numbered similarly.

Compartment-is itself similar to compartment-except that compartment-comprises an internal floorhaving multiple steps or portions:,,and. In the example illustrated, each of portions forgets progressively deeper towards rear wall. In some implementations, portions,each are equally sized. In other implementations, portions,andmay have different lengths or extents between mouth-and rear wall. In some implementations, the size of portions,as well as their different depths may be customized for accommodating particular articles expected to be received within compartment-. Although portionof flooris illustrated as extending to a lower end of mouth-, in some implementations, portionmay terminate or extend to a location vertically below the lowermost portion of mouth-.

illustrates portions of an example garment. Garmentis similar to garmentdescribed above except that garmentcomprises internal sideways facing compartment-in place of compartment-. Those remaining components of garmentwhich correspond to components of garmentand garmentare numbered similarly.

Compartment-is itself similar to compartment-except that compartment-comprises an internal floorthat is downwardly curved away from mouth-towards a rear wallof compartment-so as to have a convex profile from the interior of compartment-. Internal floorhas a first portionproximate to and extending from mouth-and a second portiondistant mouth-, between portionand rear wall, the second portionbeing vertically lower than the first portionwhen garmentis being worn in a traditional sense. In some implementations, floorsloped such that the lowest point of flooris within the range of 1 cm to 10 cm lower than the lowest point of mouth-. Although flooris illustrated as extending to a lower end of mouth-, in some implementations, floormay terminate or extend to a location vertically below the lowermost portion of mouth-. Although flooris illustrated as a single continuous downwardly curved floor, in other implementations, floormay comprise multiple segments or portions that curve downwardly and rearwardly towards the wallwith different radii.

illustrates portions of an example garment. Garmentis similar to garmentdescribed above except that garmentcomprises internal sideways facing compartment-in place of compartment-. Those remaining components of garmentwhich correspond to components of garmentand garmentare numbered similarly.

Compartment-is itself similar to compartment-except that compartment-comprises an internal floorthat is downwardly curved away from mouth-towards a rear wallof compartment-so as to have a concave profile from the interior of compartment-. Internal floorhas a first portionproximate to and extending from mouth-and a second portiondistant mouth-, between portionand rear wall, the second portionbeing vertically lower than the first portionwhen garmentis being worn in a traditional sense. In some implementations, floorsloped such that the lowest point of flooris within the range of 1 cm to 10 cm lower than the lowest point of mouth-. Although flooris illustrated as extending to a lower end of mouth-, in some implementations, floormay terminate or extend to a location vertically below the lowermost portion of mouth-. Although flooris illustrated as a single continuous downwardly extending curve, in other implementations, floormay comprise multiple segments or portions that curve downwardly and rearwardly towards the wallwith different radii.

In some implementations, the mouthsomit closing mechanisms. In some implementations, the internal sideways facing compartments,,,,andhave dedicated mechanisms for closing their respective mouths. For example, in some implementations, the mouthsof internal sideways facing compartments,,,,andare independently closable by zippers, hook and loop fastener arrangements, hooks, buttons or the like. In some implementations, the mouthsof the internal sideways facing compartments are lined with elastic bands that resiliently assist in maintaining the mouths enclosed states.

illustrates portions of an example garment. Garmentis similar to garmentdescribed above except that garmentis specifically illustrated and described as having a front or front portionthat is split to form lateral sides,which are releasably joined to one another by a closing mechanismin the form of a zipper. In addition, garmentis described as having a double slider zipperopening and closing opening. Those remaining components of garmentwhich correspond to components of garmentor any of the other disclose garments are numbered similarly.

Zippercomprises a conventional zipper having tapes-,-secured to lateral sides,, respectively and supporting a series opposing and interlocking teeth(forming a chain). Zipperfurther comprises a retainer boxand a sliderhaving a pull.illustrates zipperin a closed state. The opening of zippermay be performed by drawing pulldownwardly to move sliderdownwardly and to separate lateral sidesand. In some implementations, such separation facilitates access to an inner facing surface of garmentand access to zipperfor accessing compartments-and-. In some implementations, portions of sidesand/ormay overlap zipperto cover and conceal zipper.

Zippercomprises a double slider zipper comprising tapes-,-secured to end along opposite edges of openingand supporting a series of opposing interlocking teeth(forming a chain). Zipperfurther comprises end stops-,-and opposing sliders-and-having their respective pullers-,-. Zipperfacilitates selected access to either of compartments-or-.

Either of slidersmay be moved along the chain formed by teethto different positions to provide different degrees of access to compartments-and-. For example, slider-may be moved to stop-to open those portions of openingopposite to compartment-while slider-is moved to an intermediate location, inhibiting access to compartment-. Conversely, slider-may be moved to stop-while slider-is at the intermediate locationto provide access to compartment-while inhibiting access to compartment the-. Both of slidersmay be moved to the intermediate locationto close openingand inhibit access to either of compartments-or-. Movement of sliders-and-to the respective stops-and-completely opens openingto provide concurrent access to both of compartments-and-. The use of the double slider zipperprovides such selective compartment access with a single zipper, reducing cost and complexity.

In some implementations, the mouth or openingand zippermay be exposed on an outermost surface of garmentwhen garmentis being worn. In some implementations, the mouth or openingand zippermay alternatively be exposed on an inner or integrally facing surface of garmentwhen garmentis being worn, wherein zipperis concealed and inaccessible until zipperis opened and lateral sidesis pulled away from the split and pulled away from lateral sidesto facilitate viewing and access to zipperfor accessing one or both of compartments-,-. In such implementations, the mouths-,-and openingeach face towards the split and towards zipper. Upon separation of the frontof garmentthrough actuation of zipper, a person wearing garmentmay then access zipperwith his or her right hand to open a selected portion of openingfor accessing a particular one or both of compartments-and-.

As shown by, in some implementations, accessing either of the two internal sideways facing compartments-,-is further facilitated by the omission of any partition or divider within the interior between the mouths-of the internal sideways facing compartments-,-. In other words, a passageexists within the interior from the mouth-of a first compartment internal sideways facing apartment-to the mouth-of a second internal sideways facing compartment-. As result, a person may insert his or her hand through the opening(when opened or unzipped) and freely move his or her hand up or down within the interiorto gain access to either of the compartments-,-. The person need not have to specifically insert his or her hand through a particular upper portion or a particular lower portion of the opening to gain access to a particular one of the compartments.

In some implementations, the passagethat is formed between the openingand the mouthsof the internal sideways facing compartments-,-is sufficiently wide to accommodate movement of the slidersof the single zipper. In some implementations, the mouthsof the internal sideways facing compartments-,-are positioned in close proximity and even adjacent to the tape-of zipperto increase the available internal storage volume of the compartments. In some implementations, the edges of the mouthsof the internal sideways facing compartments-,-abut or extend adjacent to the tape-of the single zipperextending along the opening. In some implementations, the spacing or passage that extends across and between the mouths of the internal sideways facing compartments-,-and that extends between the mouthsand the openinghas a width of at least 1 cm and no greater than 3 cm. The spacing or passageenables placement of zipper tapeswithin the garment,, and facilitates the free movement of the slidersalong the full length of the zipperwithout interfering with the floor of compartments-and-. The spacing or passageallows for consistent, repeatable and durable movement of the slidersalong the length of the zipperincluding the transition from the upper compartment-to the lower compartment-.

In some implementations, the internal sideways facing compartments-,-have dedicated mechanisms for closing their respective mouths. For example, in some implementations, the mouthsof internal sideways facing compartments-,-are independently closable by zippers, hook and loop fastener arrangements, hooks, buttons or the like. In some implementations, the mouths of the internal sideways facing compartments-,-are lined with elastic bands that resiliently assist in maintaining the mouths enclosed states. In some implementations, some or all of the mouthsof the internal sideways facing compartments-,-omit closing mechanisms. In other implementations, garmentmay comprise any of the other compartments-,-,-,-,-or-in place of compartment-. In other implementations, compartment-may have the same shape and the same floor as that of compartments-,--,-,-or-.

illustrate portions of an example garment. Garmentis a form of a hooded parka or coat having a frontthat is split to form right lateral sideand left lateral side. Lateral sidesandare selectively openable and closable by a closing mechanism in the form of zipper(shown and described with respect to).

Lateral sidesandmirror one another on opposite sides of zipper. As shown by, lateral sidesandcomprise pocket arrangements-and-(collectively referred to as arrangements), respectively. Each of such pocket arrangementsis generally similar to the pocket or compartment arrangement shown in. Each of lateral sides,comprises a front panelformed from one or more layers and having a slitextending through the front panel. The slitforms an openingwhich is selectively openable and closable by zipper(shown and described with respect to). Slitsand openingare similar to slitand opening, respectively, described above and form part of pocket arrangements-and-. Each of such openingsface in sideways directions and in opposite directions, away from zipper.

illustrate front lateral side assemblyand pocket arrangement-in more detail.illustrates panelwith its zipperin an open state with slider-positioned against stop-and slider-positioned against stop-(as seen in). As shown by, zipping of zipperopens openingto provide access to internal sideways facing compartments-and-. Compartments-and-each have an outer face formed by paneland an inner face formed by a panel(formed from one or more layers).

Compartments-and-utilize a common seamwhich forms the internal floor of compartment-and the internal ceiling of compartment-. Panelis joined to panelby the seamat a location, forming a bottom of mouth-and a top of mouth-. The locationat which panelis joined to panelis transversely spaced from slitand zipper, creating a gap or spacing between the internal floor of compartment-and zipperas well as between the internal ceiling of compartment-and zipper. This spacingcreates a passageacross the junction of compartment-and-.