(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2004/0049834 A1
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Mar. 18, 2004
`Stangle et al.
`
`US 20040049834A1
`
`(54) SLEEVE FOR CLOTHING COVERAGE AND
`SUPPORT
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Sep. 18, 2002
`
`(76) Inventors: Gregory L. Stangle, Chicago, IL (US);
`Elizabeth S. Rodriguez, Oak Park, IL
`(Us)
`Correspondence Address:
`LAW OFFICES OF MARK E WIEMELT, PC
`10 SOUTH LASALLE STREET, STE. 3300
`CHICAGO, IL 60603 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`10/246,189
`
`Publication Classi?cation
`
`(51) Int. Cl.7 ........................... .. A41F 15/00; A41F 9/00;
`A41F 3/02
`(52) U.S. Cl. ................................................................ .. 2/338
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`The present invention is a Wearable device about an indi
`vidual’s Waistline and over unfastened clothing, so that the
`device offers coverage over unfastened clothing and offers
`support to the clothing and to the individual’s Waistline.
`
`Target Corporation
`EX. 1003 - Page 1
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`

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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 18, 2004 Sheet 1 0f 2
`
`US 2004/0049834 A1
`
`Fla. 2
`
`3
`
`FIG- 3
`<-iL
`
`22
`Hp
`
`24
`
`FiG' 4
`:2
`
`22
`
`Ma
`
`2"
`
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`
`H
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`Target Corporation
`EX. 1003 - Page 2
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`

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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 18, 2004 Sheet 2 0f 2
`
`US 2004/0049834 A1
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`Target Corporation
`EX. 1003 - Page 3
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`

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`US 2004/0049834 A1
`
`Mar. 18, 2004
`
`SLEEVE FOR CLOTHING COVERAGE AND
`SUPPORT
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0001] The present invention relates to a garment that is
`Worn about the Waist of the Wearer to (1) enable the Wearing
`of clothing that is otherWise too small to be Zipped, buttoned,
`snapped or otherWise fastened, such as during pregnancy or
`With respect to an overWeight Wearer or a Wearer Whose
`body proportions have changed, and (2) provide support for
`the abdomen of the pregnant or overWeight Wearer or other
`Wearer Whose body proportions have changed.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`[0002] Women undergo signi?cant physical changes dur
`ing pregnancy. As a Woman’s pregnancy progresses and her
`physical siZe increases, her regular Wardrobe no longer ?ts
`properly. Typically, the Woman’s initial reaction to this
`dilemma is to try to ?gure out a Way to prolong the use of
`her regular Wardrobe and, thus, avoid having to purchase
`and Wear unattractive maternity clothing.
`
`[0003] In the early stages of pregnancy, as the Woman’s
`belly begins to expand, her regular pants, skirts and shorts
`(collectively, “Bottoms”) become too tight in the Waist to
`Wear comfortably. In an effort to prolong the ability to Wear
`the Bottoms, the Woman begins to Wear her Bottoms Without
`fastening the top button, snap, hook or other fastener (“Fas
`tener”), often using a rubber band or other device as a means
`of securing the Bottoms on the Woman’s body. Before long,
`as her pregnancy progresses and her belly further expands,
`the Woman Will be unable even to fasten the Zipper on her
`Bottoms. The Woman Will then Wear her Bottoms unZipped
`and secured With the rubber band or other temporary means
`With long tops that cover the unZipped Zipper and unfastened
`Fastener so as not to expose her undergarments or uncovered
`body to the public.
`
`[0004] At this stage of pregnancy, in order to accommo
`date and conform to her expanded ?gure, the Woman Will
`need neW and larger clothing to Wear throughout the rest of
`her pregnancy and for an extended period of time after
`giving birth until she regains her pre-pregnancy ?gure.
`Adding to the burden of acquiring neW clothing is the fact
`that the Woman Will Want her neW clothing to be both
`comfortable and attractive. The Woman may attempt to deal
`With these problems in a number of Ways. One option is for
`the Woman to purchase regular clothing in larger siZes to
`accommodate her expanded ?gure. HoWever, the problem
`encountered by the Woman that purchases oversiZed regular
`clothing is that, While the neW clothing might accommodate
`the Woman’s expanding Waistline, the remainder of the
`Woman’s body has not expanded proportionately. The result
`is clothing that may ?t around the Waistline, but is still too
`large for the rest of the Woman’s body, resulting in a poor,
`uncomfortable ?t and unattractive appearance.
`
`[0005] Another option for the pregnant Woman is to pur
`chase a neW Wardrobe consisting of various types of mater
`nity clothing. HoWever, because maternity clothing is
`expensive, the purchase of a neW maternity Wardrobe is not
`a viable option for many pregnant Women. In addition to the
`cost issue, existing maternity clothing offerings are limited,
`consisting of oversiZed pants With unsightly elastic Waist
`bands and oversiZed tops and dresses that are intended to be
`
`Worn out and over such pants. These maternity clothing
`options are unacceptable for most Women that do not have
`unlimited resources to spend on clothing but Want to main
`tain an attractive appearance and their oWn personal style
`throughout pregnancy. These maternity clothing options are
`also unacceptable for Working Women that must maintain a
`professional appearance in the Work environment.
`
`[0006] Pregnant Women are not the only people that
`experience difficulty in Wearing their regular clothing.
`Throughout the course of a lifetime, a person’s body shape
`often changes due to any of a number of factors including
`diet, aging, illness, lack of exercise, and the like. The person
`may become overWeight, or the proportions of the person’s
`body may simply change over time. Unfortunately, the
`person’s Wardrobe does not conform to such bodily changes,
`and eventually the Wardrobe no longer properly ?ts the
`person. Thus, the person is forced to cease Wearing other
`Wise Wearable clothing and purchase replacement clothing
`that properly ?ts the person’s body.
`
`OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0007] One object of the present invention is to provide a
`garment that enables the Wearing of clothing that is other
`Wise too small to be Zipped, buttoned snapped or otherWise
`fastened, such as during pregnancy or With respect to an
`overWeight Wearer or other Wearer Whose body proportions
`have changed.
`[0008] Another object is to provide such a garment that
`provides support for the abdomen of the pregnant or over
`Weight Wearer or other Wearer Whose body proportions have
`changed.
`[0009] Another object is to provide such a garment that
`provides coverage of the body When used With the Wearer’s
`existing unfastened clothing.
`
`[0010] Another object is to provide such a garment that is
`comfortable and easy to Wear during use over long periods
`of time Without burdening the person Wearing the apparatus
`or any particular portions of the body.
`
`[0011] Another object is to provide such a garment that is
`adaptable to the enlargement and change in con?guration of
`the abdomen of the pregnant Woman during the entire period
`of gestation, instead of requiring the purchase of a larger
`garment each time the pregnant Woman’s siZe increases.
`
`[0012] Another object is to provide such a garment that
`enables the pregnant or overWeight Wearer or other Wearer
`Whose body proportions have changed to continue Wearing
`her existing Wardrobe and avoid having to purchase expen
`sive and unattractive maternity clothing or other oversiZed
`clothing.
`[0013] Another object is to provide such a garment that
`can be Worn Without pilling, snagging or otherWise damag
`ing the fabric of the Wearer’s clothing.
`
`[0014] Another object is to provide such a garment that is
`inexpensive to manufacture and sell While having a long
`operational life.
`
`[0015] Another object is to provide such a garment that
`can be manufactured as part of original garments, alloWing
`pregnant Women and others With rounded abdomens to
`purchase form-?tting clothing.
`
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`

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`US 2004/0049834 A1
`
`Mar. 18, 2004
`
`[0016] Further objects and advantages are to provide
`improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus
`for the purpose described Which is dependable, economical,
`durable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended
`purposes.
`[0017] These together With other objects of the invention,
`along With the various features of novelty Which character
`iZe the invention, are pointed out With particularity in the
`detailed description annexed to and forming a part of this
`disclosure. The foregoing and other objects and advantages
`are achieved in the present invention. For a better under
`standing of the invention, its operating advantages and the
`speci?c objects attained by its uses, reference should be had
`to the accompanying descriptive matter in Which there is
`illustrated a preferred embodiment of the invention.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a vieW of the sleeve 10 of the
`preferred embodiment of the present invention.
`
`[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates the sleeve 10 having an inside
`surface 16 and outside surface 18.
`
`[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates the ?rst end 12 and second end 14
`of the sleeve 10 featuring an area of elastic material that
`folds over attaching to the inside surface 16.
`
`[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates the ?rst end 12 folded over to
`create the Waist fold 22, and the second end 14 folded over
`to create the hip fold 24.
`
`[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates unfastened clothing 30.
`[0023] FIG. 6 illustrates hoW the sleeve 10 of the inven
`tion can be Worn over such unfastened clothing 30, thus
`keeping such unfastened clothing 30 on the body of the
`Wearer and hiding both the unfastened clothing 30 and the
`Wearer’s exposed body.
`[0024] FIG. 7 illustrates a movable sleeve 40 visible
`through a cut-Way of the clothing 32.
`
`[0025] FIG. 8 illustrates hoW, initially, the sleeve 40 could
`be built into clothing 32 Without impacting normal use.
`
`[0026] FIG. 9 illustrates the outside surface 36 of the
`clothing 32, Where the movable sleeve 40 is folded over and
`around the clothing 32 to provide extra covering of the
`clothing 32 or support of the person’s body.
`
`[0027] FIG. 10 illustrates the movable sleeve 40, folded
`around the clothing 32.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0028] The present invention is a Wearable device about an
`individual’s Waistline and over unfastened clothing, so that
`the device offers coverage over unfastened clothing and
`offers support to the clothing and to the individual’s Waist
`line. The preferred embodiment is shoWn in FIGS. 1-6.
`
`[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a vieW of the sleeve 10. As shoWn
`in FIG. 1, the sleeve 10 has a ?rst end 12, second end 14,
`and as shoWn in FIG. 2, Which is a cut-aWay along line 2-2
`in FIG. 1, the sleeve 10 has an inside surface 16 and outside
`surface 18. Sleeve 10 is of a holloW, tubular, very roughly
`rectangular shape that is open at its ?rst end 12 to de?ne a
`Waist opening, and is also open at its second end 14 to de?ne
`a hip opening. The sleeve 10 is composed of elastic material
`
`and has an elasticity and a Width that adheres to a Wearer’s
`natural body shape Without constraint.
`
`[0030] As shoWn in FIG. 3, Which is a cut-aWay along line
`3-3 in FIG. 1, the ?rst end 12 and second end 14 of the
`sleeve 10 feature an area of elastic material that folds over
`attaching to the inside surface 16. As depicted in FIG. 4, a
`cut-aWay along line 4-4 in FIG. 3, the ?rst end 12 folds over
`to create the Waist fold 22, and the second end 14 folds over
`to create the hip fold 24. The Waist fold 22 and hip fold 24
`create a tWo-ply elastic fold that provides additional strength
`to hold clothing in place on the Wearer’s body and direct
`additional support toWard the midsection of the Wearer.
`
`[0031] The fabric of the sleeve 10 can be completely
`manufactured by machine (such as a Santoni knitting
`machine) Without any manual stitching or seWing of mul
`tiple fabric pieces, resulting in the seamless tubular shape
`and overall attractive appearance of the preferred embodi
`ment of the invention. HoWever, any other suitable material
`that provides suf?cient comfort, expandability, resiliency,
`uniform support and shape retention When stretched or
`expanded can be employed as the fabric of the invention,
`and such material may be manufactured via means other
`than by seamless knitting machine, resulting in an embodi
`ment of the invention that is not seamless. The fabric
`composition must have the desired elastic characteristics so
`that the invention is effective for holding in place upon the
`body of the Wearer clothing that is otherWise unable to be
`fastened or closed, and for shaping and ?rming the Waistline
`and mid-section of the Wearer. Furthermore, the Waist fold
`22 and hip fold 24 can be attached to the inside sleeve of the
`sleeve 10 by either stitching or by being integrally Woven
`along With the remainder of the sleeve 10.
`
`[0032] The foregoing characteristics permit the invention
`to be expanded about and cover the speci?c area of clothing
`that is otherWise unable to be fastened or closed and the
`corresponding speci?c body portion intended by the Wearer,
`such as the belly area, providing uniform, gentle support and
`shape thereto. The invention can be constructed in any
`suitable siZe and con?guration, hoWever, the preferred
`embodiment has, in an unstretched condition and laying ?at,
`a length of nine inches (9“) to ?fteen inches (15 “) and, in an
`unstretched condition and laying ?at, a Width of four inches
`(4“) to ten inches (10“). OWing to the superior cost, ease of
`manufacture, Wearing comfort, expandability, resiliency,
`support and attractiveness of the fabric composition of the
`preferred embodiment of the invention, the preferred
`embodiment is constructed in a “one siZe” manner. HoW
`ever, the invention can be manufactured in various shapes
`and siZes to accommodate different materials, different body
`portions and different siZe requirements and conditions of
`the persons intending to Wear the invention. Alternatively,
`the siZing method can simply involve the use of predeter
`mined small, medium, large, extra large siZes and/or other
`siZes, based upon predetermined criteria, and the shape of
`the invention can be varied from the tubular, very roughly
`rectangular shape of the preferred embodiment of the inven
`tion.
`
`[0033] The sleeve 10 is made of fabric, preferably a soft,
`Woven, elastic, and resilient fabric. The speci?c fabric that
`is employed can be selected based on a variety of factors,
`including, Without limitation, cost, ease of manufacture,
`Wearing comfort, expandability, resiliency, support and
`
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`

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`US 2004/0049834 A1
`
`Mar. 18, 2004
`
`attractiveness. The sleeve 10 preferably is a fabric com
`prised of 95% material commonly known as “micro?ber
`nylon” and 5% material commonly knoWn as “spandex”,
`and is a seamless material that is Woven into a seamless
`embodiment of the invention, With the ability to eXpand to
`?t the Wearer’s body as it changes during the course of
`pregnancy or the overweight Wearer or other Wearer Whose
`body proportions have changed.
`[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates hoW the sleeve 10 is to be Worn.
`Initially, as shoWn in FIG. 5, a person as he or she gains
`Weight or her body eXpands, such as during pregnancy, the
`clothing may be too tight for her to Wear unless she leaves
`the clothing unfastened, perhaps With the Zipper loWered or
`unbuttoned. FIG. 5 depicts such unfastened clothing 30.
`
`[0035] To rectify this situation, as shoWn in FIG. 6, the
`Wearer easily applies the sleeve 10 to her body by either
`stepping into the sleeve 10, by sliding the sleeve 10 up to the
`desired location on her body, or by sliding the sleeve 10 on
`from overhead doWn to the desired location on her body. As
`shoWn in FIG. 6, the sleeve 10 is Worn around the circum
`ference of her body from the hip area through the Waist and
`midsection areas, over the Wearer’s unfastened clothing 30,
`or other relevant article of clothing that is unable to be
`fastened or closed or Wherever it is necessary to secure the
`Wearer’s clothing on to the body. The invention can also be
`Worn Wherever the Wearer desires additional support or
`coverage.
`
`[0036] FIG. 6 shoWs hoW the sleeve 10 of the invention
`can be Worn over such unfastened clothing 30, thus keeping
`such unfastened clothing 30 on the body of the Wearer and
`hiding both the unfastened clothing 30 and the Wearer’s
`eXposed body. The Waist fold 22 and hip fold 24 coupled
`With the elastic mid-portion of the sleeve 10 eXert a gentle
`compression force against the unfastened clothing 30. The
`same gentle compression force provides support for the
`belly of a pregnant Wearer and is effective in shaping the
`midsection of the Wearer, providing a more attractive
`appearance.
`
`[0037] Another embodiment is a movable sleeve 40
`attached to a piece of clothing 32. FIG. 7 illustrates a
`movable sleeve 40 visible through a cut-a-Way of the
`clothing 32.
`[0038] The movable sleeve 40 could be incorporated in
`and made part of clothing 32, including, Without limitation,
`skirts, pants, shorts, and dresses, as they are manufactured.
`
`[0039] In addition, the movable sleeve 40 could be
`attached to such clothing 32 after manufacture, either by the
`manufacturer or Wearer. Additionally, the movable sleeve 40
`may be manufactured like the sleeve 10, as described above.
`
`[0040] FIG. 8 shoWs hoW, initially, the sleeve 40 could be
`built into clothing 32 Without impacting normal use. The
`sleeve 40 Would be folded over inside the clothing 32 When
`not deployed by the Wearer, as shoWn in FIG. 8. Later, as the
`Wearer ?nds necessary for fastening undersiZe clothing or
`providing additional coverage or support, the Wearer Would
`instantly deploy the movable sleeve 40 by simply folding it
`out and over the outside surface 36 of the clothing 32 to
`achieve its function, as shoWn in FIG. 9. This implemen
`tation Would offer the Wearer the additional convenience of
`not having to carry and Wear a separate garment. In addition,
`building the invention into regular clothes Would provide for
`
`matched coloring betWeen the invention and the clothing,
`providing for a more attractive appearance.
`
`[0041] FIG. 8 shoWs an inside out vieW of clothing 32,
`eXposing the inside surface 34 of the clothing 32, Where the
`movable sleeve 40 is attached to inside surface 34. The
`movable sleeve 40, as shoWn in FIG. 8, has an af?Xed end
`42 and a movable end 44. The affixed end 42 of the sleeve
`40 can be attached to the inside surface 34 of the clothing 32
`by stitching, by hook and loop fasteners, or by being Woven
`integrally With the article of clothing itself.
`
`[0042] FIG. 9 illustrates the outside surface 36 of the
`clothing 32, Where the movable sleeve 40 is folded over and
`around the clothing 32 to provide eXtra covering of the
`clothing 32 or support of the person’s body. FIG. 10, a
`cut-aWay along line 10-10 in FIG. 9, illustrates the movable
`sleeve 40, folded around the clothing 32. Further, the af?Xed
`end 42 is shoWn to be attached to the inside surface 34 of the
`clothing 32, and the movable end 44 of the sleeve 40 is
`folded around the clothing 32 and overlays the outside
`surface 36 of the clothing 32.
`
`[0043] Hence, While the invention has been described in
`connection With a preferred embodiment and an alternate
`embodiment, it Will be understood that it is not intended that
`the invention be limited to that embodiment and method. On
`the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modi?
`cations and equivalents as may be included Within the spirit
`and scope of the invention as disclosed.
`
`[0044] As to the manner of usage and operation of the
`instant invention, same should be apparent from the above
`disclosure, and accordingly no further discussion relevant to
`the manner of usage and operation of the instant invention
`shall be provided.
`
`[0045] With respect to the above description then, it is to
`be realiZed that the optimum proportions for the elements of
`the invention, and variations in siZe, materials, shape, form,
`function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are
`deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the
`art, and all equivalent relationships described in the speci
`?cation are intended to be encompassed by the present
`invention.
`[0046] Therefore, the foregoing is considered illustrative
`of only the principles of the invention. Further, since numer
`ous modi?cations and changes Will readily occur to those
`skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the
`eXact method, construction and operation shoWn and
`described, and accordingly, all suitable modi?cations and
`equivalents may be resorted to, falling Within the scope of
`the invention.
`
`What is claimed is:
`1. AWearable device about an individual’s Waistline and
`over unfastened clothing, so that the device offers coverage
`over the unfastened clothing and offers support to the
`clothing and to the individual’s Waistline, the device com
`prising:
`
`(a) a sleeve; and
`
`(b) a means for covering an unfastened article of clothing;
`
`Whereby the sleeve can be Worn over unfastened clothing
`so that the sleeve offers coverage over the unfastened
`
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`US 2004/0049834 A1
`
`Mar. 18, 2004
`
`clothing and further the sleeve offers frictional support
`to the clothing and the Waistline of an individual.
`2. AWearable device about an individual’s Waistline and
`over unfastened clothing, so that the device offers coverage
`over the unfastened clothing and offers support to the
`clothing and to the individual’s Waistline, the device corn
`prising:
`(a) a sleeve having an inside surface and an outside
`surface; the sleeve further having a ?rst end and a
`second end;
`(b) the inside surface of the ?rst end folding onto itself
`forming a Waist fold; and
`
`(c) the inside surface of the second end folding onto itself
`forming a hip fold;
`Whereby the ?rst end de?ning a Waist opening and the
`second end forming a hip opening such that the sleeve
`can be Worn over unfastened clothing so that the sleeve
`offers coverage over the unfastened clothing and fur
`ther the sleeve offers frictional support to the clothing
`and the Waistline of an individual.
`3. The device of claim 2 further comprising elastic fabric.
`4. A Wearable device about an individual’s Waistline
`attached to clothing such that the device can be unfolded
`around the clothing so that the device offers coverage over
`unfastened clothing and offers support to the clothing and to
`the individual’s Waistline, the device comprising:
`
`(a) a sleeve; the sleeve further having an affixed end and
`a movable end;
`
`(b) an article of clothing; and
`(c) the af?Xed end of the sleeve attaching to the clothing;
`
`Whereby the movable end of the sleeve can be folded
`around the clothing such that the clothing is covered by
`the movable end of the sleeve so to alloW the clothing
`to be unfastened and Whereby the sleeve offers cover
`
`age over the unfastened clothing and further offers
`frictional support to the clothing and the Waistline of an
`individual.
`5. The device of claim 4 further comprising elastic fabric.
`6. The device of claim 4 Where the af?Xed end attaches to
`the clothing by stitching.
`7. The device of claim 4 Where the af?Xed end attaches to
`the clothing by hook and loop fasteners.
`8. A Wearable device about an individual’s Waistline
`attached to clothing such that the device can be unfolded
`around the clothing so that the device offers coverage over
`unfastened clothing and offers support to the clothing and to
`the individual’s Waistline, the device comprising:
`
`(a) a sleeve having an inside surface and an outside
`surface; the sleeve further having an af?Xed end and a
`movable end;
`(b) an article of clothing having an inside surface and an
`outside surface; and
`(c) the inside surface of the af?Xed end of the sleeve being
`attached to the inside surface of the clothing;
`
`Whereby the movable end of the sleeve can be folded
`around the clothing such that the outside surface of the
`clothing is covered by the movable end of the sleeve so
`to alloW the clothing to be unfastened and the sleeve
`offers coverage over the unfastened clothing and fur
`ther the sleeve offers frictional support to the clothing
`and the Waistline of an individual.
`9. The device of claim 8 further comprising elastic fabric.
`10. The device of claim 8 Where the inside surface of the
`af?Xed end attached to the inside surface of the clothing by
`stitching.
`11. The device of claim 8 Where the inside surface of the
`af?Xed end attached to the inside surface of the clothing by
`hook and loop fasteners.
`
`*
`
`*
`
`*
`
`*
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`*
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`Target Corporation
`EX. 1003 - Page 7