Case 2:12-cv-O5680—AB Document 1-2 Filed 10/04/12 Page 9 of 15
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 24, 2012
`
`Sheet 6 off}
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`US RE43,531 E
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`‘I34
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`130
`/
`1 O0
`500
`502
`1 32
`51538 B
`505
`512
`)
`514 «jijg 102
`
`‘
`
`‘H
`
`104
`
`FIG. 5
`
`DMC Exhibit 2081_O35
`
`Target v. DMC
`
`IPRZO13-00530, 531, 532, 533
`
`

`
`Case 2:12-cv-05680-AB Document 1-2 Filed 10/04/12 Page 10 of 15
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 24, 2012
`
`Sheet 70f8
`
`US RE43,531 E
`
`604
`
`602
`
`
`
`».........4.-.-................u......
`
`134
`
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`
`__ My
`
`I ,,
`
`124
`
`102
`
`100
`
`FIG. 6
`
`DMC Exhibit 2081_O36
`
`Target v. DMC
`
`IPRZO13-00530, 531, 532, 533
`
`

`
`Case 2:12-cv-05680-AB Document 1-2 Filed 10/04/12 Page 11 of 15
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 24, 2012
`
`Sheet 8 of8
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`US RE43,531 E
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`102
`
`/
`
`604
`
`7'00
`
`
`
`100
`
`104
`
`FIG. 7
`
`DMC Exhibit 2081_O37
`
`Target v. DMC
`
`IPRZO13-00530, 531, 532, 533
`
`

`
`Case 2:1.2—cv-05680-AB Document 1-'2 Filed 10/04/12 Page 12 of 15
`
`US RE43,53l E
`
`1
`BELLY COVERING GARMENT
`
`Matter enclosed in heavy brackets [ ] appears in the
`original patent but forms no part ofthis reissue specifica-
`tion; matter printed in italics indicates the additions
`made by reissue.
`FIELD OF THE INV'Ef\lTION
`
`The present invention relates to a garment worn during
`different stages of pregnancy and different stages ofpostpar-
`tum body changes.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Garments intended to cover a wearer's body below the
`abdomen or belly during various stages of pregnancy have
`been manufactured as knits or woven fabrics. Some of the
`knits or woven fabric garments are constnicted with an elastic
`belt or waist band which caused discomfort when tightened
`about the body. Some of the garments have stretchable fabric
`panels sewn into place with sewn seams. Suchgarments cause
`discomfort due to the presence of the sewn seams, urged by
`elastic stretching of the panels pressing against the torso.
`Moreover. women 11:-rve complained that such garments are
`difficult to keep in place. as they gradually slip downward
`while they are being worn.
`Denim jeans or trousers have been recycled by removing
`the waistband at the front of thejeans and replacing the same
`with an elastic band that cradles a growing abdomen. Alter-
`natively, denim jeans or trousers are rr.ar.ui'actured without a
`waistband at the front so that a separate band can be attached
`at the front.
`Accordingly, a need and sts fora garment that covers and fits
`a growing abdomen during different stages of pregnancy.
`Such a garment is required to stay up, and desirably would fit
`comfortably while being worn. Moreover, such a garment
`would stay up when WOI11 over different body types.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE IN\"EN'l‘ION
`
`A purpose of the invention is to provide a garment that
`adapts to cover and lit a growing abdomen during pregnancy,
`wherein the garment stays up when worn.
`A garment comprises a garrnent upper portion and a gar-
`ment lower portion. The garment upper portion has a belly
`panel that is expansible to cover and fit overa growing abdo-
`men during different stages of pregnancy. The garment lower
`portion has a first torso encircling circumference that recedes
`downward to make way for expansion ofthc belly panel. The
`garment upper portion has a second torso encircling circum-
`ference to hold the garment up and in place over the torso.
`An ernbodirnent of the garment is adjustable to encircle
`different body types. Another embodiment of tlie invention
`provides a garment that fits comfortably while being worn.
`An embodiment of the garment comprises an adjustable
`torso encircling circumference that is adjustable in girth to
`encircle different body types.
`An embodiment of the upper portion of the garment coni-
`prises a seamless tubular elastic fabric to stretch elastically
`and {it different body types.
`An embodiment of the abdomen covering area comprises
`an elastic fabric.
`An embodiment of the abdomen covering area comprises
`an elastic fabric that is coutractible elastically to cover an
`abdomen during different
`stages of post partum body
`changes.
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`30
`
`4U
`
`45
`
`SO
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
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`2
`According to an embodiment of the invention, an expert-
`sible tubular upper portion of the garment is seamless to fit
`comfortably While being worn.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a front view ofa garment according to the present
`invention.
`FIG. IA is a View similar to FIG. 1, and discloses a body
`panel covering a growing abdomen.
`FIG. 2 is a View of a backside portion of the garment
`disclosed by FIG. 1.
`FIG. 3 is View of a front portion of another embodiment of
`a garment.
`FIG. 4 is view ofa backside portion ofanother embodiment
`of a garment.
`FIG. 5 is a view of a backside portion of yet another
`embodiment of a garment.
`FIG. 6 is front view ofa portion ofanother embodiment of
`a garment.
`FIG. 7 is front view of a portion ofyet another embodiment
`of a garment.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`FIG. 1 discloses a garment 100 for encircling a lower torso
`portion of a wearer of the garment 100. The garment 100
`comprises a garment upper portion 102 and a garment lower
`portion 104. A lower end perimeter 106 ofthe garment upper
`portion 102 is attached to a corresponding upper end perim-
`eter108 of the garment lower portion 104. The garment lower
`portion 104 comprises, for example, a pair of trousers, such
`as, denim j eans. Alternatively, the garment lower portion 1 04
`comprises a skirt depicted in FIG. 1 in phantom outline.
`With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, each leg of the pair of
`trousers is constructed with sewn scams. Outer side seams
`110, 112 extend continuously from top to bottom of the
`trousers, or garment lower portion 104. Further, each leg is
`constructed with inner side seams 114, 116 joining a from
`center seam 118 ofthe trousers and a back side, curved center
`seam 200, FIG. 2, ofthe trousers. For example, the from
`center seam 106 defines a sewn “zipper less" fly from. The
`back side of the trousers, FIG. 2. is sewn with a back side
`perimeter seam 202 extending horizontally across the back
`side ofthe trousers from the outer side seams 110, 112 to the
`back side center seam 200. If pockets are desired, the legs of
`the trousers are constructed, for example. with a front pockets
`120, 122 and back pockets 204, 206.
`FIG. 2 discloses anembodirnent ofthe trousers, or garment
`lower portion 104, having a partial waistband 2t38join.ing and
`extending from the side seams 110, 112 of the trousers and
`extending across a back side of the trousers or garment lower
`portion 104. The waistband 208 is sewn onto the perimeter
`scam 202 on the back side. The waistband 208 tapers toward
`the side seams 110, 112 and widens across the back side, and
`has a center seam 210 to shape the waistband 208 with a
`curvature above a wearcr’s pelvis, and for torso coverage
`especially when sitting or bending.
`In FIG. 1, the garment upper portion 102 has a belly panel
`124 to provide an abdomen covering area. The belly panel
`124 is expansible, for example, when made of a stretchable
`fabric, to cover and fit over a growing abdomen during dif-
`ferent stages of pregnancy, FIG. 1A. The belly panel 124 has
`a bottom portion 1 28 that projects downward with a parabolic
`shape, especially when covering a growing abdomen, FIG.
`IA. The perimeter 108 of the garment lower portion 104
`provides a first
`torso encircling circumference 126 that
`
`DMC Exhibit 2081_O38
`
`Target v. DMC
`
`|PR2013-00530, 531, 532, 533
`
`

`
`Case 2:1.2—cv-05680-AB Document 1-'2 Filed 10/04/12 Page 13 of 15
`
`US RE43,53l E
`
`3
`recedes downward with a parabolic shape adjacent to and
`below the bottom portion 128 ofthe belly panel 124 to make
`way for expansion of the belly panel 124 when covering a
`growing abdomen during various stages of pregnancy. The
`parabolic shape includes a shallow curvature, or, alternatively
`includes a more pronounced curvature. The belly panel 124
`extends at least partially under the abdomen of the garment
`wearer to meet and join the bottom portion 128 of the belly
`panel 124 with the parabolic receding circumference 126 of
`the garment lower portion 104.
`According to an embodiment of the invention, at least the
`belly panel 124 comprises a stretchable fabric that is woven or
`knitted with elastic, stretchable strands. The stretchable fab-
`ric is expansible by stretching elastically to cover and fit over
`the growing abdomen, FIG. IA. Further, the stretchable fab-
`ric is contractiblc elastically to cover a shrinking abdomen
`during different stages of post partum body changes. The
`belly panel 124 also has foreseeable alternative fiinctions, for
`example. to cover an abdomen during different stages oftorso
`weight gains and losses, or to fit over respective torsos of
`different body types.
`In FIGS. 1 and 2, the garment upper portion has a top
`tubular pcrimctcr hcrn 130 made by folding over a top edge
`margin ofthe stretchable fabric. and either tubular knitting or
`sewing the folded fabric to the inside surface ofthe fabric, and
`to create atop perimeter knitted hem stitch 132 as disclosed in
`FIG. 1. The perimeter of the garment upper portion 102 has a
`torso encircling circumference 134 to hold the garment 100
`up and in place over the torso. Advantageously, the entire
`garment 100 is held up and in place. An embodiment of the
`garment upper portion 102 comprises stretchable fabric to
`adjust the girth of the second torso encircling circumference
`134 in conformance with different body types. According to
`an embodiment of the invention, the torso encircling circum-
`ference 134 extends along the upper end of the belly panel
`124. In FIG. 1A, the belly panel 124 extends at least some-
`what above the maximum girth of the abdomen, even during
`a later stage of pregnancy, such that
`the belly panel 124
`positions the torso encircling circumference 134 at
`least
`somewhat above the location of maximum girth to resist
`slipping down over the abdomen.
`An ernbodirnent of the garment upper portion 102 com-
`prises a tubular structure to encircle a torso of a wearer of the
`garment 100. The tubular structure comprises a stretchable
`fabric woven or knitted with elastic, stretchable strands. The
`belly panel 124 comprises a portion of the stretchable fabric.
`The tubular structure is adaptable to cover and fit different
`body types by being elastically expansible and contractible.
`Different body types have ditferent muscle mass distributions
`and spinal columns of different curvatures. which make the
`tubular structure conform to the different body types by
`expanding and contracting in different locations and amounts
`when worn by the different body types. The tubular structure
`is elastically expansible to widen the tubular girth at selected
`locations and amounts where needed to fit a body type. and is
`elastically contractible to narrow the tubular girth at selected
`locations and amounts where needed to fit the body type.
`In FIGS. 1 and 2. the tubular structure is shaped and formed
`as a one—sheet hyperboloid cylinder to fit a body type having
`:1 tapered torso that tapers approximately from shoulder to
`waist. The perimeter profile of the one-sheet hyperbole-id
`cylinder has hyperbolic shaped side:-;. Alternatively_. the t'ubu-
`lar structure is shaped and formed as a straight~sided cylinder.
`for example, as disclosed in FIG. 6. The perimeter profile of
`the straight sided cylinder has substantially straight sides.
`Preferably, the stretchable fabric is woven or knitted to
`form a continuous. seamless tubular structure, such that the
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`S0
`
`55
`
`60
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`65
`
`4
`garment 100 is comfortable to wear due to the absence of
`seams that would tend to press against the torso.
`FIG. 3 discloses an alternative embodiment in which the
`garment upper portion 102 is provided with belly cradling
`support in the form of a series of sewn stitches or knitted
`tension at 300, 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, and 314 in the
`belly panel 124. The knitted tension or stitches extend along
`multiple stitch paths grouped in an elliptical pattern that
`curves so as to cradle a curved growing abdomen, FIG. 1A.
`during various stages of pregnancy.
`FIG. 4 discloses an alternative embodiment in which the
`backside of the garment upper portion 102 is provided with
`spinal column and back support for a wearer of the garment,
`in the form of a series of sewn supporting stitches or knitted
`tension at 400, 402. 404, 406, 403, 410, 412, 414. 416, 418 in
`the fabric, wherein the supporting knitted tension or stitches
`stiffen the fabric at the backside ofthe garment upper portion
`102 to provide spinal and back support of the wearer of the
`garment 100. For example, the series of supporting stitches
`are arranged along multiple stitch paths grouped in a hyper-
`bolic pattern or other curved pattern along an axis extending
`substantially vertically along a spinal supporting section of
`the fabric. FIG. 5 discloses an alternative pattern of support-
`ing stitches 500. 502, 504, 506, 508, 510, 512, 514 in the
`fabric, wherein the supporting stitches are arranged along
`multiple stitch paths. For example, the stitch paths are shown
`as being grouped in a truncated, v-shaped pattern.
`FIG. 6 discloses the garrnentupper portion 1 02 comprising
`a fabric woven or knitted to form a tubular structure, wherein
`the fabric of the tubular structure is doubled back on itself
`downward from the top circumference 134 thereof to form a
`double-layer tubular structure 600 that extends downward at
`least for a portion of the garment upper portion 102. The
`layers of the double—layer tubular structure 600 are sewn
`together with a tubular perimeter drop stitch 602. The layers
`are further sewn with a top, tubular perimeter hem stitch 132
`as described in FIG. 1. In an alternative embodiment dis-
`closed by FIG. 6, the fabric is doubled back over an inner
`tubular layer of stretchable fabric 604, shown in phantom
`outline by and between the stitches 132, 602. that is daily
`layered and sewn in between the two tubular layers of the
`double layer fabric. The three tubular layers are sewn together
`with the top, tubular perimeter drop stitch 602 and the top,
`tubular perimeter hcm stitch 132 as described in FIG. 1. The
`inner layer 604 of stretchable fabric provides the belly panel
`124 with the capability for resilient expansion. In another
`embodiment, the double layer fabric comprises 2 stretch fab-
`ric woven or knitted with elastically stretchable and contract-
`ible yarns, providing the belly panel with the capability for
`resilient expansion.
`FIG. '7 discloses that the garment 100 of FIG. 6 is convert-
`iblc to comprise a bottom garment without a top, the garment
`upper portion 102 is foldable toward the garment lower por-
`tion 104 to provide a folded band 700 on the garment‘ lower
`portion 104, which is to be worn solely as a garment bottom
`104 having the folded band 700. and having no top. Each of
`the other embodiments of the garment 100 is similarly con-
`vertible by adding the stretchable fabric 604 to the upper
`garment portion 102 of the other embodiment of the garment
`100, and folding the garment upper portion 102 toward the
`garment lower portion 104 to provide a folded band 700 on
`the garment lower portion 104 ofthe other embodiment ofthe
`garment 100.
`is
`the exemplary embodiments
`This description of
`intended to be read in connection with the accompanying
`drawings, which are to be considered part ofthe entire written
`description. In the description, relative terms such as “lower,”
`
`DMC Exhibit 2081_O39
`
`Target v. DMC
`
`|PR2013-00530, 531, 532, 533
`
`

`
`Case 2:1.2—cv-05680-AB Document 1-'2 Filed 10/04/12 Page 14 -of 15
`
`5
`
`US RE43,53l E
`6
`as
`on
`s
`10. The garment of claim I, wherein the garment upper
`up,"
`“upper-,“ “liorizontal." “vex-tical,“, “above, ’ “below,
`portion is foldable toward the garment lower portion to com-
`“down," “top" and “bottom" as well as derivatives thereof
`prise a folded band on the garment lower portion.
`(eg., “horizontally," “downwardly.” “upward.iy," etc.) should
`be construed to refer to the orientation as the11 described or as
`11. The garment of claim 1, wherein the garment lower
`shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms
`portion has a partial waistband extending from side seams of
`the garment
`lower portion wherein the partial waistband
`are for convenience of description and do not require that the
`tapers toward the side scams and widens above a wearer's
`apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orienta-
`pelvis across a back side of the garment lower portion.
`tion. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like.
`such as “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relation-
`12. The garment of claim 1, comprising:
`ship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another
`knitted tension in the backside of the garment upper por-
`tion providing spinal column and back support for a
`either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as
`wearer of the garment.
`well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships,
`unless expressly described otherwise.
`13. The garment of claim 1, comprising:
`Although the invention has been described in terms of
`a series of sewn supporting stitches in the backside of the
`gamient upper portion providing spinal column and
`exernplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the
`back support for a wearer of the garment.
`appended claims should be construed broadly, to include
`14. The garment of claim 1, comprising:
`other variants and embodiments of the invention, which may
`a series of sewn supporting stitches in the backside of the
`he made by those skilled in the art wifliout departing from the
`garment upper portion providing spinal column and
`scope and range of equivalents of the invention.
`.
`What is claimed is:
`back support for a wearer of the garnient, wherein the
`stitches are arranged along multiple stitch paths grouped
`1. A garment, comprising:
`in a hyperbolic pattern, a curved pattern or a truncated,
`a garment upper portion having a belly panel that is expan-
`sible to cover and fit over a growing abdomen during
`v-shaped pattern along an axis extending substantially
`vertically along a spinal supporting section ofthe fabric.
`different stages of pregnancy;
`15. The garment ofclaim 1, wherein an edge rnargirr ofthe
`a garment lower portion having a first torso encircling 25
`garment upper portion is folded over and knitted to an inside
`circumference that recedes downward to make way for
`of the fabric to provide a perimeter hem stitch.
`expansion of the belly panel; and
`16. The garment ofclairn I, wherein an edge margin of the
`the garment upper portion having a second torso encircling
`garment upper portion is folded overand sewn or knitted to an
`circumference defining an upper edge of the belly panel
`Ilia: cncirclcs a wearer‘s torso just beneath the wearers 30 inside of the fabric to provide a perimeter hem stitch.
`breast area configured to hold the garment up and in
`17. The garment of claim 1, wherein the second torso
`place about the torso in a position o:"a location of maxi-
`encircling circumference comprises stretchable fabric to
`mum girth of the abdomen thereby substantially cover—
`adjust the girth in conformance with different body types.
`ing the wearer‘s entire pregnant abdomen during all
`18. The garment of claim 1, wherein the garment upper
`stages of pregnancy.
`35 portion is a tubular structure, wherein the tubular structure is
`2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the second torso encir-
`shaped and formed as a liyperboloid cylinderto fit a body type
`cling circumference is adjustable in girth in conformance
`having a tapered torso.
`with different body types.
`19. The garment of claim 1, wherein the garment upper
`3. The garment of claim 1, wherein the gamient upper
`portionisatubular structure, wherein the tubular structure is
`portion comprises a seamless tubular structure that fits com- 40 shaped and formed as a straight sided cylinder to fit a body
`fortably while being worn, and the belly panel comprises an
`type having a corresponding shaped torso.
`expansible portion of the tubular structure.
`20. The garment of claim 1, wherein the garment upper
`4. The garment of claim 1, wherein the garment upper
`portion comprises a double layer tubular structure. and an
`portion comprises a seamless tubular elastic fabric to stretch
`inner layer of stretchable fabric between two layers of the
`elastically.
`45 double-layer tubular structure.
`5. The gamient of claim 1, wherein the garment upper
`21. The gannent of claim 1. wherein the garment upper
`portion comprises an elastic fabric that is contractible elasti-
`portion comprises a fabric, and the fabric is doubled back on
`cally to cover an abdomen during different stages ofpostpar-
`itselfdownward to form a double-layer tubular structure that
`turn body changes.
`extends downward for at least a portion of the garment upper
`6. The garment of claim 1, wherein the garment lower 50 portion, and the layers of the double-layer tubular structure
`portion has a partial waistband extending from side seams of
`are sewn together with a tubular perimeter drop stitch.
`the garment lower porti on and extending across a back side of
`22. The garment of claim 1. wherein the garment upper
`the garment lowerportion where the partial waistbandwidcns
`portion comprises a fabric doubled back on itself downward
`above a wcarcr‘s pelvis.
`to form a double-layer tubular structure that extends down-
`7. The gamient of claim 1, fiirther comprising a series of 55 ward for at least a portion of the garment upper portion, the
`belly cradling stitches or knitted tension in the belly panel,
`layer of the double-layer tubular structure are sewn together
`wherein the knitted tension or stitches extend along multiple
`with a tubularperirneterdrop stitch. and an edge margin ofthe
`paths arranged in an elliptical pattern that curves, so as to
`garment upper portion is knitted to an inside of the fabric to
`cradle a curved growing abdomen during various stages of
`provide a perimeter hem stitch.
`pregnancy.
`23. The garment ofclaim 3, wherein the seamless tubular
`S. The garment of claim 1, further comprising a series of
`structure comprises a fabric doubled back onitselfdownward
`stitches or knitted tension in the backside of the gamzent
`to form a double-layer tubular structure that extends down-
`upper portion to provide spinal and back support against the
`ward for at least a portion of the garment upper portion, the
`wearer of the garment.
`layers ofthe double-layer tubular structure are sewn together
`9. The garment ofclaim 8. wherein the series ofstitches or 55 witha tubularperimeterdrop stitch, and an edge margin ofthe
`garment upper portion is folded over and sewn or knitted to an
`knitted tension in the backside of the garment upper ponion
`extends along a pattern of multiple stitch paths.
`inside of the fabric to provide a perimeter hem stitch.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`50
`
`DMC Exhibit 2081_O4O
`
`Target v. DMC
`
`|PR2013-00530, 531, 532, 533
`
`

`
`Case 2:12-cv-05680-AB Document 1-2 Filed 10/04/12 Page 15 of 15
`
`US RE43,531 E
`
`7
`24. The garment of ciaim 1. wherein the garment upper
`portion is foldable toward the garment lower portion to pro-
`vldc a folded band on the garment lower portion to be worn as
`a garment bottom having no top.
`25. The garment of claim 1, wherein the garment lower
`portion comprises one of a pair of trousers and a skirt.
`.76. The gzlrmem‘ of claim I, wherein the garment lower
`portion corizp-rises den1'n.'jeam‘.
`27. The garment of cfaim I , wlzerein Ike garment iower
`portion comprises a zfpperlessflv,
`
`8
`.78. The garment ofclaim 1, w/zerein Ihefirsz torso-encir-
`cling circmnfererzce recedes downward with 61 parabolic
`shape, said parabolic shape including a shallow curvature.
`29. The garment of claim 28, wfverein the beliy pane.’
`extends at Zeastpartfally under the abdomen oftlve wearer to
`meet Ike parabolic receding circumference of the gurmem
`1'0 wer portion.
`
`DMC Exhibit 2081_O41
`
`Target v. DMC
`
`IPRZO13-00530, 531, 532, 533
`
`

`
`Case 2:12-cv-O5680—AB Document 1-3 Filed 10/04/12 Page 1 of 13
`
` EXHIBIT C
`
`DMC Exhibit 2081_O42
`
`Target v. DMC
`
`IPRZO13-00530, 531, 532, 533
`
`

`
`Case 2:12-cv-05680-AB Document 1-3 Filed 10/04/12 Page 2 of 13
`
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`US007900276I-32
`
`(12) United States Patent
`Hendrickson et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7,900,276 B2
`*Mar. 8, 2011
`
`(54) BELLY COVERING GARMENT
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`(75)
`
`lnventors: Lisa A. Hendrickson, Mount Laurel, NJ
`(US); James H. Gardner, III, Ambler,
`PA (US); Richard Adelman,
`Greensboro, NC (US)
`
`(73)
`
`Assignee:
`
`Destination Maternity Corporation,
`Wilmington, DE (US)
`
`(*1
`
`Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer. the tern". of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. l54(b) by 87 days,
`
`This patent is subject to a terminal dis-
`claimer.
`
`(21)
`
`Appl. No.: 12/117,004
`
`(32)
`
`Filed:
`
`May 8, 2008
`
`(65)
`
`(63)
`
`(51)
`
`(52)
`(58)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2008/0295217 A1
`
`Dec. 4, 2008
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`Continuation olapplication No. 11/756,242, filed on
`May 31, 2007, now Pat. No. 7,814,575.
`
`(2005.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`Int. Cl.
`A4IF 9/00
`/HID 1/06
`2/237'. 2/236; 2/227
`U.S.Cl.
`2/69, 22?,
`Field 01’ Classification Search
`2/228, 236—238. 243.]: 450/155, 9&100
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`U }’A'1'BNTl)OCUMl_?.N’l‘S
`3,045,678 A "‘
`7f1962 Geimer
`4,280,229 A "‘
`'7/1981 Stein
`
`4,506,390 A "‘
`351985 Stern ......... ..
`5,946,730 A
`9/1999 Blair
`6,311,333 131* 11/200] Balm .............................. .. 2/237
`2004/0210987 Al
`10f2004 Carney
`2006./0010571 A1
`1/2006 Oakley
`
`450.1130
`2/221
`2/221
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`l in the Oven's 1nviaiBellyT-" Jeans, Trade Literature, Feb. 26, 2008.
`hrtp ://www. 1intheoven.con'u’index .php?m—product&id=8 8&par-
`ent=26&is___pri nt_version=t.rue.
`International Search Report and Written Opinion dated Aug. 18. 2008
`in PCT/US2008/061739.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Primary Examiner —— Gloria Hale
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — DLA Piper LLP (US)
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`The present invention relates to a garment worn during dif-
`ferent stages of pregnancy and different stages ofpostparturn
`body changes. A garment upper portion has a belly panel that
`is cxpansiblc to cover and fit over a growing abdomen during
`different stages of pregnancy. and a garment lower portion
`having a first torso encircling circumference that recedes
`downward to make way for expansion of the belly panel. The
`garment upper portion has a second torso encircling circum-
`ference to hold the garment up and in place over the torso.
`
`16 Claims, 8 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`DMC Exhibit 2081_O43
`
`Target v. DMC
`
`|PR2013-00530, 531, 532, 533
`
`

`
`Case 2:12-cv-05680-AB Document 1-3 Filed 10/04/12 Page 3 of 13
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 8,2011
`
`Sheet 1 ms
`
`US 7,900,276 B2
`
`122
`
`112
`
`FIG. 1
`
`DMC Exhibit 2081_O44
`
`Target v. DMC
`
`IPRZO13-00530, 531, 532, 533
`
`

`
`Case 2:12-cv-O5680—AB Document 1-3 Filed 10/04/12 Page 4 of 13
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 3, 2011
`
`Sheet 2 of8
`
`US 7,900,276 B2
`
`126
`
`106
`
`104
`
`FIG. 1A
`
`DMC Exhibit 2081_O45
`
`Target v. DMC
`
`|PR2013-00530, 531, 532, 533
`
`

`
`Case 2:12-cv-O5680—AB Document 1-3 Filed 10/04/12 Page 5 of 13
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 8,2011
`
`Sheet 3 of8
`
`Us 7,900,276 B2
`
`134
`
`208
`
`1
`
`i.=_"---A
`i'””—1 i
`
`1 02
`
`108
`
`106
`
`204
`
`104
`
`110
`
`112
`
`114
`
`116
`
`FIG. 2
`
`DMC Exhibit 2081_O46
`
`Target v. DMC
`
`|PR2013-00530, 531, 532, 533
`
`

`
`Case 2:12-cv-O5680—AB Document 1-3 Filed 10/04/12 Page 6 of 13
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 8, 2011
`
`Sheet 4 M8
`
`US 7,900,276 B2
`
`FIG. 3
`
`DMC Exhibit 2081_O47
`
`Target v. DMC
`
`IPRZO13-00530, 531, 532, 533
`
`

`
`Case 2:12-cv-O5680—AB Document 1-3 Filed 10/04/12 Page 7 of 13
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 8, 2011
`
`Sheet 5 of8
`
`US 7,900,276 B2
`
`100
`
`410
`
`412
`
`414
`
`416
`
`418
`
`FIG. 4
`
`DMC Exhibit 2081_O48
`
`Target v. DMC
`
`IPRZO13-00530, 531, 532, 533
`
`

`
`Case 2:12-cv-O5680—AB Document 1-3 Filed 10/04/12 Page 8 of 13
`
`US. Patent
`
`Mar. 8, 2011
`
`Sheet 6 of8
`
`US 7,900,276 B2
`
`134
`
`130
`/
`100
`
`__/,_,_,u r-~—' -/‘/V“
`
`’
`
`502
`04
`
`1
`
`508
`
`
`
`F!G. 5
`
`DMC Exhibit 2081_O49
`
`Target v. DMC
`
`IPRZO13-00530, 531, 532, 533
`
`

`
`Case 2:12-cv-O5680—AB Document 1-3 Filed 10/04/12 Page 9 of 13
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 3, 2011
`
`Sheet 7 of8
`
`Us 7,900,276 B2
`
`100
`
`FIG. 6
`
`DMC Exhibit 2081_O5O
`
`Target v. DMC
`
`IPRZO13-00530, 531, 532, 533
`
`

`
`Case 2:12-cv-05680-AB Document 1-3 Filed 10/04/12 Page 10 of 13
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 3, 2011
`
`Sheet 3 M8
`
`Us 7,900,276 B2
`
`604
`
`700
`
`1 O2
`
`
`
`1 O0
`
`% 1 04
`
`FIG. 7
`
`DMC Exhibit 2081_O51
`
`Target v. DMC
`
`|PR2013-00530, 531, 532, 533
`
`

`
`Case 2:1.2—cv-05680-AB Document 1-3 Filed 10/04/12 Page 11 of 13
`
`US 7,900,276 B2
`
`1
`BEL-LY COVERING GARMENT
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATION
`
`The present application is a continuation of US. patent
`application Ser. No. l 1/7S6,242,filed May 31, 2007 now US.
`Pat. No. 7.814.575.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates to a garment worn during
`different stages of pregnancy and different stages of postpar-
`tum body changes.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Garments intended to cover a wearer’s body below the
`abdomen or belly during various stages of pregnancy have
`been manufactured as knits or woven fabrics. Some of the
`knits or woven fabric garments are constructed with an elastic
`belt or waist band which caused discomfort when tightened
`about the body. Some of the garments have stretchable fabric
`panels sewn into place with sewn seams. Such garments cause
`discomfort due to the presence of the sewn seams. urged by
`elastic stretching of the panels pressing against the torso.
`Moreover. women have complained that such garments are
`ditficult [0 keep in place, as they gradually slip downward
`while they are being worn.
`Denim jeans or trousers have been recycled by removing
`the waistband at the front ofthejeans and replacing the same
`with an elastic band that cradles a growing abdomen. Alter-
`natively. denimjeans or trousers are manufactured without a
`waistband at the front so that a separate band can be attached
`at the front.
`Accordingly. a need exists fora garment that covers and fits
`a growing abdomen during difierent stages of pregnancy.
`Such a garment is required to stay up, and desirably would fit
`comfortably while being worn. Moreover. such a garment
`would stay up when worn over different body types.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`A purpose of the invention is to provide a garment that
`adapts to cover and fit a growing abdomen during pregnancy.
`wherein the garmertt stays up when worn.
`A garment comprises a gamtent upper portion and a gar-
`ment lower portion. The garment upper portion has a belly
`panel that is expansible to cover and fit over a growing abdo-
`men during di ffcrcnt stages of pregnancy. The garment lower
`portion has a first torso encircling circumference that recedes
`downward to make way for expansion ofthe belly panel. The
`garment upper portion has a second torso encircling circum-
`ference to hold thc garment up and in place over the torso.
`An embodiment of the garment is adjustable to encircle
`different body types. Another embodiment of the invention
`provides a garment that fits comfortably while being wom.
`An embodiment of the garment comprises an adjustable
`torso encircling circumference that is adjustable in girth to
`encircle different body types.
`An embodiment of the upper portion of the garment com-
`prises a seamless tubular elastic fabric to stretch elastically
`and fit different body types.
`An embodiment of the abdomen covering area comprises
`an elastic fabric.
`
`10
`
`I5
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`60
`
`65
`
`2
`An embodiment of the abdomen covering area comprises
`an elastic fabric that is contractible eiastically to cover an
`abdomen during different stages ofpostpartum body changes.
`According to an embodiment of the invention, an expan-
`sible tubular upper portion of the garment is seamless to fit
`comfortably while being worn.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a front view ofa garment according to the present
`invention.
`FIG. IA is a view similar to FIG. 1. and discloses a body
`panel covering a growing abdomen.
`FIG. 2 is a view of a backside portion of the garment
`disclosed by FIG. 1.
`FIG. 3 is View of a front portion ofanother embodiment of
`a garment.
`FIG. 4 is view ofa backside portion ofanother embodiment
`of a garment.
`FIG. 5 is a view of a backside portion of yet another
`embodiment ofa garment.
`FIG. 6 is front view of a portion of another embodiment of
`a garment.
`.
`FIG. 7 is front view ofa portion ofyet another embodiment
`of a garment.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`FIG. 1 discloses a garment 100 for encircling a lower torso
`portion of a wearer of the garment 100. The garment 100
`comprises a garment upper portion 102 and a garment lower
`portion 104. A lower end perimeter 106 ofthe garment upper
`portion 102 is attached to a corresponding upper end perim-
`eter 1 08 of the garment lower portion 104. The garment lower
`portion 104 comprises. for example, a pair of trousers, such
`as. denim jeans. Alternatively, the garment lower portion 1 04