US007089597B2
`
`(12) United States Patent
`Horii et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7,089,597 B2
`Aug. 15, 2006
`
`(54) CLOTHES FOR THE UPPER HALF OF BODY
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Katsuko Horii, Kyoto (JP); Makoto
`Oyama, Kyoto (JP); Toshiko
`Murakami, Kyoto (JP)
`
`(73) Assignee: VVacoal Corporation, Kyoto (JP)
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 119 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`10/432,060
`
`(22) PCT Filed:
`
`Aug. 9, 2002
`
`(86) PCT No.:
`
`PCT/JP02/08188
`
`§ 371 (OX1),
`(2), (4) Date: May 14, 2003
`
`(87) PCT Pub. No.: WO2004/014166
`
`PCT Pub. Date: Feb. 19, 2004
`
`2/69
`4,698,847 A * 10/1987 Yoshihara
`2/69
`4,731,882 A *
`3/1988 Ekman
`2/70
`5,109,546 A *
`5/1992 Dicker
`2/69
`5,606,745 A *
`3/1997 Gray .... ..
`5,708,976 A *
`1/1998 Dicker
`.......................... .. 2/69
`
`
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`
`61-124611 A1
`61-239002 A1
`62-117802 Al
`3019336 A1
`09-250008 A1
`3046785 A1
`10-292209 A1
`
`6/1986
`10/1986
`5/1987
`10/1995
`9/1997
`12/1997
`11/1998
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Primary F.'xami1zer—Gloria M. Hale
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm Darby & Darby
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2004/0133959 A1
`
`Jul. 15, 2004
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`A41B 1/20
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`............................................... .. 2/69; 2/106
`(58) Field of Classification Search .................... .. 2/69,
`2/44, 79, 115, 108, 105, 106, 2.11, 459, 461,
`2/467, 16, 92, 125,133, 134, 95, 85; 602/19,
`602/6(L63, 75; 482/124
`See application file for complete search history,
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`3,186,412 A
`
`6/1965 Kurland
`
`An upper body garment which selectively supports the
`muscles used during inhalation Without hindering the move-
`ment of the spinal colunm. The upper body garment is
`constructed by stitching, to a shirt that adheres closely to the
`body, a plurality of band-form fabrics having a stretchability
`lower than that of the shirt. The stitching of the band—form
`fabrics occurs along several defined anatomical lines such
`as: the first lines that extend from the left and right acromia
`to a portion that corresponds to the center of the sternum,
`second lines which extend from this portion corresponding
`to the center of the sternum, pass beneath the breast area, and
`extend to the left and right armpit areas, and third lines
`which coimect the left a11d right armpit areas of the second
`lines to each other on the back surface.
`
`14 Claims, 7 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`DMC Exhibit 2032_0O1
`
`Target v. DMC
`
`IPRZO13-00530, 531, 532, 533
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 15,2006
`
`Sheet 1 of 7
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`US 7,089,597 B2
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`12A
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`12B
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`12C
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`12
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`
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`DMC Exhibit 2032_OO2
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`Target v. DMC
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`IPRZO13-00530, 531, 532, 533
`
`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 15,2006
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`Sheet 2 of 7
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`US 7,089,597 B2
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`DMC Exhibit 2032_0O3
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`Target v. DMC
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`IPRZO13-00530, 531, 532, 533
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 15,2006
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`Sheet 3 of 7
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`US 7,089,597 B2
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`32
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`14k14:
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`30
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`10Y
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`Fig.3B
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`Fig.3A
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`DMC Exhibit 2032_0O4
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`Target v. DMC
`
`IPRZO13-00530, 531, 532, 533
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 15,2006
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`Sheet 4 of 7
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`US 7,089,597 B2
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`1OZ
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`Fig. 4A
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`14i
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`»\K...»
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`‘\
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`Fig.4B
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`14k
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`14'
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`DMC Exhibit 2032_0O5
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`Target v. DMC
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`IPRZO13-00530, 531, 532, 533
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 15,2006
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`Sheet 5 of 7
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`US 7,089,597 B2
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`/
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`TENTH
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`DMC Exhibit 2032_0O6
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`Target v. DMC
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`IPRZO13-00530, 531, 532, 533
`
`Fig.6
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`SEVENTH AND EIGHTH
`
`THORACIC VERTEBRAE
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 15,2006
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`Sheet 6 of 7
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`US 7,089,597 B2
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`90
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`90
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`K3
`
`Fig. 7A
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`Fig. 7B
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`DMC Exhibit 2032_0O7
`
`Target v. DMC
`
`IPRZO13-00530, 531, 532, 533
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 15,2006
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`Sheet 7 of 7
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`US 7,089,597 B2
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`2
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`
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`Fig8C
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`Fig.33
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`Fig.8A
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`DMC Exhibit 2032_0O8
`
`Target v. DMC
`
`IPRZO13-00530, 531, 532, 533
`
`

`
`1
`CLOTHES FOR THE UPPER HALF OF BODY
`
`2
`DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
`
`US 7,089,597 B2
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATION
`
`This is a U.S. national phase application under 35 U.S.C.
`§37l of International Patent Application No. PCT/IP02/
`08188, filed Aug. 9, 2002, and has not published as of the
`date of filing of the instant application.
`
`5
`
`As a result of long years of research conducted by the
`applicant of the present application, it was discovered that
`the curvature of the posterior arch 90 of the thoracic verte-
`brae decreases when a human being takes a deep breath, as
`may clearly be seen by comparing the ordinary state shown
`in FIG. 7A and the state during deep inhalation shown in
`FIG. 7B. Furthermore, FIG. 6 shows the movement of the
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`10 sternum 80 during deep breathing by the position 80A prior
`to the taking of a deep breath and the position 80B following
`the taking of a deep breath. As is shown in this FIG. 6 as
`.
`.
`well
`it was discovered that the muscles act so that sternum
`The present lllvelltloll relates to an upper body gal-mem
`80 is lifted in the forward and u ward direction indicated b '
`Wlllcll has a mam body part that adheres Closely to at least
`the arrows K1 and K2 (in thep direction indicated by thye
`the Chest poltlon of the upper body’ Such an upper body 15
`arrow K3 in FIG. 7B). It has heeh ascertained that the
`garment
`is not
`limited to i11eii’s garments or womei1’s
`principal muscles that act during such respiration are the
`galmenls’ but
`lllclulles’ for ellample’ Sllllts (lollg Sleeye
`external intercostal muscles and that the latissimus dorsi
`Shuts’ half Sleeve Sllllts’ atllletlc Slums)’ body Sults’ swlm
`muscles and greater pectoral muscles are used to assist these
`Wear’ leotalds and the llke'
`Furthermore, in the present specification, the term “low 20 intercostal muSC1eS_
`stretchability” means that the garment tends not to stretch in
`Ih Concrete terms the external ihtercostal musC1eS are
`response to external forces’ and Shows a Strong rebound
`muscles that are positioned in the gaps between the ribs and
`force (contractile force) when stretched. Furthermore, the
`that Connect the ribs to each other During ihhalahoh as
`term “hlgh Stretcllablllty” means that the garment readlly
`shown in FIG 8A these external intercostal muscles aot to
`Stretches ln response to external forces’ and shows a Weak 25
`lift the ribs 92 as a whole ‘in the direction indicated by the
`rebound force (contractile force) when stretched.
`arrow L (1 e
`to cause the sternum to move forward and
`BACKGROUND ART
`upward).
`Furthermore, the latissimus dorsi muscles 94 shown in
`FIG. 8B pull the chest wall toward the back center in the
`.
`.
`In recent Years: tno pnyslclno of tno -tapanoso poputatlon 30 direction indicated by the arrow M during inhalation, and
`has hhptovods aho tho tworago hooy height has also
`thus act to spread the chest wall to the outside and expand
`increased. On the other hand, it has been reported that there
`the Chest. Moreover, the greater pectoral muscles 96 Shown
`is an increase in the number of persons with rounded backs
`in FIG 8C pull the Chest Wah toward the armpit areas in the
`and poor postnro It nas been reported that such a dotorto'
`direction indicated by the arrow N during inhalation, and
`ration in postnro nas ooonrrod as a rosntt of a drop in tho 35 thus act to widen the chest wall to the outside and expand the
`muscular power of the back muscles and the like in the case
`Chest.
`of elderly persons, and as a result ofa lack ofknowledge of
`Oh the hasis of these actions
`in Order to achieve the
`llgw to usellle muscles (especlallyjln the. lhaclt) lfl the Casi,
`abovementioned object,
`the upper body garment of the
`0 pelsolls lll younger age gloupsi “Spec” y lll tle case 0
`present invention is an upper body gamient which has a
`Persons lll younger age gro“Ps=. lt may be Sald. that tllese 40 main body part that adheres closely to at least the chest
`persons do not sufficiently exhibit their own physical ability.
`portion of the upper h0(hi, this garment hhing Characterized
`Many gannonts Witn stnlotnros tlat focus on posture and
`in that band-form fabrics which have lower stretchability
`straighten the spinal column by pulling the shoulders to the
`than the main hody part are Stitched to the main hody pan
`roar naVo noon proposed as means of sotVing the problem of
`along first lincs which cxtcnd from thc lcft and right acromia
`soon a deterioration in postn1‘o~
`45 to a part corresponding to the center of the sternum, second
`However, such garments suffer from the following prob-
`lines which extend from this part corresponding to the
`lem: specifically, even though these garments straighten the
`sternum, pass beneath the breast area and extend to the areas
`spinal column, the gamients fix the movement of the spinal
`of the left and right armpits, and a third line which coimects
`column so that the degree of freedom of the operation of the 50 the areas of the left and right armpits in the second lines on
`muscles (especially in the back) is lowered, thus leading to
`the back surface.
`tno danger of a drop in nnlsontar powon
`In the present invention, the band-form fabrics with lower
`Meanwhile, when a human being breathes deeply, the
`stretchability that are stitched along the first lines extending
`back muscles are stretched and the chest is expanded so that
`from the left and right acromia to the part corresponding to
`a good posture is formed. IIowever, although conventional 55 the center of the sternum and the second lines extending
`techniques relating to the support of the upper body or chest
`from the part corresponding to the center of the stemum,
`include techniques for supporting the muscles and skeleton
`passing beneath the breast area and extending to the areas of
`of the back (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
`the left and right armpits are positioned in directions that are
`HEI 9-250008) and brassieres that have abreast shaping
`oriented along the muscle fibers of the external intercostal
`function (U.S. Pat. No. 309,602), the point of supporting the 60 muscles that act to lift the chest wall forward and upward
`muscles used to breathe has not been proposed in any of
`when the garment is worn.
`tnoso toonni‘lnos~
`Furthermore, the band-form fabric with low stretchability
`The present invention was devised in order to solve the
`which is stitched along the third line that connects the areas
`above mentioned problems; it is an object of the present
`of the left and right armpits in the second lines on the back
`invention to provide an upper body garment which can 65 surface is positioned ina direction that is oriented along the
`muscle fibers of the latissimus dorsi muscles that face
`provide focused support of the muscles used during inhala-
`tion without hindering the movement of the spinal colunm.
`
`toward the center of the back from the armpit areas (in
`
`DMC Exhibit 2032_0O9
`
`Target v. DMC
`
`|PR2013-00530, 531, 532, 533
`
`

`
`US 7,089,597 B2
`
`3
`concrete terms, the muscles that face the vicinity of the
`seventh and eighth thoracic vertebrae) when the garment is
`wom.
`
`Since the stretchability of the band-form fabrics is lower
`than those of the main body part, an appropriate degree of
`pressure is applied along the first through third lines, i.e.,
`along the respective muscle fibers of the external intercostal
`muscles and latissimus dorsi muscles, when the upper body
`garment of the present invention is worn, so that the mus-
`cular contractile movement of the external
`intercostal
`muscles and latissimus dorsi muscles as muscles that are
`used during inhalation can be supported. In this case, since
`the muscles are naturally supported along the muscle fibers,
`there is no hindrance of muscular r11over11er1t and the like by
`the application of an excessive force to the body as there is
`in the case of conventional corrective garments or the like
`that forcibly pull the shoulders to the rear.
`'Ihus, if the upper body garment of the present invention
`is worn, a force that expands the chest acts naturally, so that
`the muscles used duri11g inhalation can be supported selec-
`tively without hindering the movement of the spinal colunm.
`Furthermore, the third line connects the areas of the left
`and right armpits in thc sccond lincs on the back surface; in
`this case,
`the third line may have a construction that is
`connected with the second lines, or may have a construction
`that is not directly connected, but is rather connected slightly
`above or slightly below the left and right armpit areas of the
`second line.
`
`Furthermore, the fabric oriented along the third line and
`the fabrics oriented along the second lines may l1ave the
`same width, or may have difi°erent widths. For example, a
`construction may be used in which the fabric oriented along
`the third line and the fabrics oriented along the second lines
`are connected at a width of approximately 1 cm, while
`portions of other widtl1s are not connected. Furthermore, in
`cases where portions of different widths are used as
`described above, an eifect in which a force that pulls the
`chest wall toward the center of the back can easily be applied
`can be obtained if the garment is constructed so that the
`width of the fabric that is oriented along the third line
`positioned on the side of the back is wider than the width of
`the fabrics oriented along the second lines.
`The upper body garmcnt of the present invcntion may also
`be described as “an upper body garment comprising a main
`body part, and band-form fabrics with stretchability lower
`than those of the main body part, which are stitched to the
`111ain body part along first lines that extend fror11 the left and
`right upper end portions of the front side of the main body
`part to the central portion of the front side, second lines that
`extend from the central portion of the front side to the left
`and right armpit areas on the front side, and a third line that
`connects the left and right armpit areas of the second lines
`on the back side of the main body part”.
`I11 the upper body garment of the present invention, the
`garment may be constructed so that the third li11e connects
`the left and right armpit portions of the second lines to each
`other or1 the side of the back surface of the r11air1 body part.
`In this case, a construction in which the fabric oriented along
`the third line and the fabrics oriented along the second lines
`are directly connected or a construction in which these
`fabrics are continuous is used; accordingly, a pressure can be
`more easily applied along the respective muscle fibers of the
`external
`intercostal muscles and the latissimus dorsi
`
`muscles, so that the advantage of more eifective support of
`the muscular contractile movements of the external inter-
`costal muscles and latissimus dorsi muscles is obtained.
`
`5
`
`10
`
`I5
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`4
`Furthermore, in the upper body garment of the prese11
`invention, if a construction is used in which the direction 0
`stretch of the fabrics is oriented along the longitudina
`direction of these fabrics, then the direction of contraction o
`the muscles that are contacted and the direction of stretch o I
`the fabrics will more or less coincide, so that the fabrics wil
`expand and contract in accordance with the movement of the
`muscles of the wearer while maintaining low stretchability.
`Accordingly, the movement of the muscles can be supportec
`so that a natural feeling of wearing can be realized withou
`imparting any feeling of constriction or feeling of restrain
`to the wearer.
`
`Furthermore, in the upper body garment of the prese11
`invention,
`it is desirable to construct the fabrics that are
`stitched along the first li11es and the fabrics that are stitchec
`along the second lines from the san1e strip of fabric. In this
`case, a construction is used in which the fabric that extends
`from the top of the left shoulder to the right armpit area
`through the portion that corresponds to the center of the
`sternum and the fabric that extends from the top of the rigl1t
`shoulder to the left armpit area through the portion that
`corresponds to the center of the sterr1ur11 intersect ir1 the
`portion that corresponds to the center of the sternum;
`however, since the overall lines that extend from the acromia
`to thc armpit areas are supported by the same strip of fabric,
`the required stretchability can easily be applied, so that the
`external intercostal muscles can be more eifectively sup-
`ported along the muscle fibers.
`Furthermore, in the upper body garment of the present
`invention,
`it
`is desirable to use a construction in which
`band-form fabrics are stitched to the mai11 body part along
`fourth lines which extend from the portion corresponding to
`the center of the sternum, pass above the breast area, and
`extend to the armpit areas. In this case, the band-form fabrics
`with low stretchability that are stitched along these fourth
`lines are positioned in directions oriented along the muscle
`fibers of the greater pectoral muscles that face the armpit
`areas from the portion corresponding to the center of the
`sternum when the garment is worn; accordingly, an appro-
`priate pressure is applied along these fourth lines, i.e., along
`the muscle fibers of the greater pectoral muscles, so that the
`greater pectoral muscles can be further supported as muscles
`used during inhalation. As a result, the eifect of supporting
`muscles used during inhalation is increased.
`Furthermore, in the upper body garment of the present
`invention,
`it
`is desirable to use a construction in which
`band-form fabrics are stitched to the main body part along
`fifth lines extending from specified positions on tl1e first
`lines located on the upper portion of the breast to tl1e armpit
`areas. In this case, such band—forrn fabrics with low stretch-
`ability that are stitched along the fifth lines are positioned in
`directions that are oriented along the muscle fibers of the
`greater pectoral muscles facing toward the armpit areas from
`the portion corresponding to thc ccntcr of thc stcrnum.
`Accordingly, an appropriate degree of pressure is applied
`along these fifth lines, i.e., along the muscle fibers of the
`greater pectoral muscles, so that the greater pectoral muscles
`can be further supported as muscles used during inhalation.
`As a result, the eflect of supporting muscles used during
`inhalation is increased.
`Furthermore, it is desirable to use a construction in which
`band-form fabrics are stitched to the mai11 body part along
`a sixth line which connects the left and right armpit areas of
`the fifth lines on the back surface. In this case, in the same
`manner as that described above, the band-form fabric with
`low stretchability that is stitched along the sixth line is
`positioned in a direction that is oriented along the muscle
`
`DMC Exhibit 2032_01O
`
`Target v. DMC
`
`|PR2013-00530, 531, 532, 533
`
`

`
`US 7,089,597 B2
`
`6
`stretchability that are stitched along the eighth lines perform
`an action which maintains a force that pulls the shoulders to
`the rear and lifts the shoulders along the first lines on the side
`of the back. Accordingly, the effect that support the external
`intercostal muscles along the muscle fibers and expands the
`chest can be reinforced.
`
`10
`
`I5
`
`20
`
`5
`fibers of the latissimus dorsi muscles facing toward he
`center of the back from the armpit areas (specifically, in he
`vicinity of or slightly above the seventh and eighth thoracic
`vertebrae) when the garment is worn. Accordingly, an appro-
`priate pressure is applied along this sixth line, i.e., along he
`muscle fibers of the latissimus dorsi muscles, so that he
`In the upper body garment of the present invention, it is
`effect of supporting the latissimus dorsi muscles as muscles
`desirable to use a construction in which a padding material
`used during inhalation is increased.
`with stretchability that are lower than those of the fabrics is
`Furthermore, the sixth line connects the left and right
`applied to the left and right armpit areas so that the longi-
`armpit areas of the fifth lines on the back surface; in t1iS
`case, a construction in which the sixth line is connected with
`tudinal direction of this padding material is oriented iii the
`vertical direction of the amipit areas. In this case, as a result
`the fifth lines may be used, or a construction in which these
`of this padding material being applied to the left and rigl1t
`lines are not directly connected, but are rather connec ed
`armpit areas in the vertical direction, the abovementioned
`slightly above or slightly below the left and right armpit
`padding material acts as a supporting point in cases where a
`areas of the fifth lines, may be used.
`force acts on the left and right armpit areas along the second
`Furthermore, the fabric that is oriented along the sixth l'ne
`lines, third lines and the like; accordingly, support of the
`and the fabrics that are oriented along the fifth lines may
`external
`intercostal muscles along the second lines and
`have the same width, or may have different widths. For
`support of the latissimus dorsi muscles along the third lines
`example, a construction may be used in which the fabric
`can be more effectively achieved.
`oriented along the sixth line and the fabrics oriented along
`Furthermore, it is desirable that a construction be used in
`the fifth lines are connected at a width of approximately 1
`which the r11air1 body part
`is constructed by stitching
`cm, while portions of other widths are not connected.
`together a front body part and a rear body part in the left and
`Furthermore, in cases where portions of different widths are
`right armpit areas, and in which the stretchability of the left
`used as described above, an effect in which a force that pulls
`the chest wall toward thc ccntcr of the back can casily bc 25 and right armpit areas is sct to bc lowcr than that of thc
`applied can be obtained if the garment is constructed so that
`fabrics. In this case, there is almost no stretch of the material
`the width of the fabric that is oriented along the sixth line
`in the locations where the front body part and rear body part
`positioned on the side of the back is wider than the width of
`are stitched together in the left and right annpit areas.
`the fabrics oriented along the fifth li11es.
`Accordingly, in the same manner as described above, the
`Of course, a construction may also be used in which the 30 stitching locations act as supporting points in cases where a
`sixth line connects the left and right armpit areas of the fifth
`force is applied to the armpit areas along the second lines,
`lines to each other on the back surface. In this case, a
`third lines and the like. Consequently, tl1e support of the
`construction is used in which the fabric that is oriented along
`external intercostal muscles along the second lines and the
`the sixth line and the fabrics that are oriented along the fifth
`support of the latissimus dorsi muscles along the third lines
`lines are directly connected, or a construction in which these 35 can be more effectively achieved.
`fabrics are continuous, is used. Accordingly, pressure can
`The abovementioned object and other special features and
`easily be applied along the respective muscle fibers of the
`advantages of the present invention will be evident to a
`greater pectoral muscles and latissimus dorsi muscles, so
`person skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed
`that the advantage of more effective support of the muscular
`description with reference to the attached figures.
`contractile movements of tlie greater pectoral muscles and 40
`latissimus dorsi muscles is obtained.
`In the upper body garment of the present invention, it is
`FIG. 1A is 21 perspeCtiVe VieW showing 21 P1‘OjeCtiOI1 Ofthe
`desirable to use a construction in which band—form fabrics
`front surface of a11 upper body gannent constituting a11
`are stitched to the main body part along seventh lines which
`are continuous with the first
`lines at
`the left and right 45 embOdimeI1t Of the Present iI1VeI1tiO11;
`acromia, and which connect the tops of these shoulders with
`FIG. IR is 21 baek VieW Of this llppel‘ body garment
`either specified positions on the third lines or specified
`constituting 811 embOdimeI1t Of the PfeseI1tiI1Ve11ti0I1.Z
`positions on the sixth line, or both. In this case, the seventh
`FIG. 2A is 21 peispeCtiVe VieW showing 21 prOjeCtiOI1 Ofthe
`lines are continuous with the first lines at the left and right
`front surface of an upper body garment constituting another
`acromia, and either connect both specified positions on the 50 embOdimeI1t Of the Present iI1VeI1ti0113
`third lines and specified positions on the sixth lines with the
`FIG 213 is a back VieW Of this upper body garment
`acrornia, or connect either specified positions on the third
`constituting another embodiment of the present invention;
`lines or specified positions on the sixth lines with the
`FIG. 3A is a perspective View showing a projection of the
`acromia,
`front surface of an upper body garment constituting another
`Such band-forrn fabrics with low stretchability that are 55 embodiment Of the Present iI1VeI1tiOI1;
`stitched along the seventh lines perform an action which
`FIG. 3B is a back VieW Of this upper body garment
`maintains a force that pulls the shoulders to the rear and lifts
`constituting 21I1Othe1‘ eII1bOdimeI1t Of the Present i11Ve11tiOI1;
`tl1e shoulders along tl1e first lines or1 tl1e side of tlie back.
`FIG- 4A is 31 PCfsPCCtiVC VieW showing 31 P1‘OjCCtiOI1 Ofthe
`Accordingly, the eifect that supports the external intercostal
`front surface of an upper body garment constituting another
`muscles along the muscle fibers and expands the chest can 60 embOdimeI1t Of the present iI1VeI1tiOI1;
`be reinforced,
`FIG. 4B is a back View of this upper body garment
`Furthermore, it is desirable to use a construction in which
`constituting another embodiment of tlie present invention;
`band—form fabrics are stitched to the main body part along
`FIG. 5 is a structural diagram in which a fabric used to
`eighth lines which are continuous with a first lines at the left
`prevent collapse during wear is further disposed on the
`and right acromia, and which connect the acromia with 65 upper body garment shown in FIG. 1A;
`specified positions on the third lines. In this case, in the same
`FIG. 6 is a diagram which shows the movement of the
`manner as described above, the band-fomi fabrics with low
`sternum during deep breathing;
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`DMC Exhibit 2032_011
`
`Target v. DMC
`
`|PR2013-00530, 531, 532, 533
`
`

`
`US 7,089,597 B2
`
`7
`71G. 7A is a diagram which shows the ordinary state of
`the posterior arch of the thoracic vertebrae;
`7IG. 7B is a diagram which shows the state of the
`posterior arch of the thoracic vertebrae during inhalation;
`*'lG. 8A is a diagram which is used to illustrate the action
`of the external intercostal muscles during inhalation;
`7IG. 8B is a diagram which is used to illustrate the action
`of the latissimus dorsi muscles during inhalation; and
`7IG. 8C is a diagram which is used to illustrate the action
`of the greater pectoral muscles during inhalation.
`
`BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE
`INVENTION
`
`Embodiments of the upper body garment of the present
`invention will be described below with reference to the
`attached figures. Furthermore,
`the same symbols are
`assigned to the same elements, and a redundant description
`is omitted.
`
`FIG. 1Ais a perspective view showing one example of the
`construction of an upper body garment constituting the
`present embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a back view of the
`same. As is shown in these FIGS. 1A and 1B, the upper body
`garment 10 is constructed so that this garment comprises a
`long-sleeve round-neck shirt 12 which adheres closely to the
`body, ar1d a plurality of bar1d-fom1 fabrics 14a, 14b .
`.
`. that
`are stitched to this shirt 12 in the specified positions
`described below. Furthermore, The plurality of band-form
`fabrics 14a, 14b .
`.
`. are collectively referred to as “fabrics
`14".
`
`The shirt 12 is constructed by stitching together a front
`body part 12A, a rear body part 12B, a11d sleeve parts 12C.
`In the armpit areas 18 and 20 (which are the locations where
`the front body part 12A and rear body part 12B are stitched
`together) and shoulder tops 16, there is almost no stretch of
`the material; accordingly, these parts function effectively as
`supporting points in the action of the forces described below.
`The respective fabrics 14 consist of tricot, power net or
`the like, and are constnrcted so that the stretchability of these
`fabrics is lower than the stretchability of the shirt 12.
`Furthennore, a construction is used in which the direction of
`stretch of the respective fabrics 14 is the longitudinal
`direction of these fabrics.
`The fabrics 14 are constructed from fabrics 14c and 14d
`which are stitched along first lines that extend from the left
`and right shoulder tops 16 to a portion P corresponding to the
`center of the sternum, fabrics 14a and 14b which are stitched
`along second lines that extends from the portion P corre-
`sponding to the center of the sternum, pass beneath the
`breast portion, and extend to the left and right armpit areas
`18, a fabric 14e which is stitched along a third lir1e that
`connects the armpit areas 18 of the second lines to each other
`on the back surface, fabrics 14h and 141' which are stitched
`along fifth lines that extend from specified positions Q above
`the breast portion on the first lines 1 to the armpit areas 20,
`a fabric 14j which is stitched along a sixth line that connects
`the left and right armpit areas 20 of the fifth lines to each
`other on the back surface, and fabrics 14k and 141 which are
`stitched along seventh lines that are continuous with the first
`lines at the shoulder tops 16, and that connect these shoulder
`tops 16 with specified positions R on the sixth line.
`Among these fabrics, the fabrics 14a, 14c, 14b and 14d
`that are stitched along the first lines and second lines are
`positioned in directions along the muscle fibers of the
`external interco stal muscles that have the action of lifting the
`chest wall in the forward and upward direction. Accordingly,
`an appropriate pressure is applied along the first and second
`
`10
`
`I5
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`8
`lines, i.e., along the muscle fibers of the external intercosta
`muscles, so that the external
`intercostal muscles can be
`supported as muscles that are used during inhalation. Fur-
`thermore, the fabric 14a and fabric 14c are not stitched at the
`point P, but are rather construction from the same strip o ‘
`fabric. Similarly, the fabric 14b and fabric 14d are also
`constructed from the san1e strip of fabric. Accordingly, this
`construction is advantageous in that the external intercosta
`muscles can be more effectively supported along the muscle
`fibers.
`
`Furthermore, the fabric 14e that is stitched along the thirc
`line is positioned in a direction that is oriented along the
`muscle fibers of the latissimus dorsi muscles that have the
`action of expanding the chest by pulling the armpit areas
`toward the back center so that the chest wall
`is spreac
`outward during inhalation. Accordingly, an appropriate
`degree of pressure is applied along the third line, i.e., along
`the muscle fibers of the latissimus dorsi muscles, so that the
`latissimus dorsi muscles can be supported as muscles tha
`are used during inhalation.
`Furthermore, the fabrics 14h and 141' that are stitchec
`along the fifth lines are positioned in directions orientec
`along the muscle fibers of the greater pectoral muscles tha
`have the action of expanding the chest by pulling the ches
`wall toward the armpit areas so that the chest wall is sprcac
`outward during inhalation. Accordingly, an appropriate
`degree of pressure is applied along the fifth lines, i.e., along
`the muscle fibers of the greater pectoral muscles, so that the
`greater pectoral muscles can be supported as muscles that
`are used during inhalation.
`Furthermore, the fabric 14]’ that is stitched along the sixth
`line is positioned in a direction that is oriented along the
`muscle fibers of the latissimus dorsi muscles that face
`
`toward the rear center from the armpit areas (in concrete
`terms, in the vicinity of or slightly above the seventh and
`eighth thoracic vertebrae). Accordingly, an appropriate
`degree of pressure is applied along the sixth line, i.e., along
`the muscle fibers of the latissimus dorsi muscles, so that the
`latissimus dorsi muscles can be supported as muscles that
`are used during inhalation.
`Furthermore, the fabrics 14k and 14/ that are stitched
`along the seventh lines have the action of maintaining the
`force that pulls the shoulders to the rear and lifts the chest
`wall along the first lines on the side of the back. Accordingly,
`the external intercostal muscles can be supported along the
`muscle fibers, so that the effect that expands the chest can be
`reinforced.
`
`Thus, the muscles that are used in inhalation (external
`intercostal muscles,
`latissimus dorsi muscles and greater
`pectoral muscles) can be supported along the respective
`lines. In this case, since the muscles are naturally supported
`along the muscle fibers, the gannent of the present invention
`