EP2895020B2 - Leg covering item - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an item of legwear.

The term legwear includes, in particular, stockings, socks and any other type of hosiery, including tights, as well as trousers, for example shorts and trousers in three-quarter length, leggings and leg warmers (both short and long).

The US 2008/295216 A1 , the US 6 673 421 B1 and the WO 2013/053370 A1 disclose legwear according to the preamble of claim 1.

The present invention is based on the object of creating such a leg clothing item which is suitable for reducing the risk of injury to the wearer of the leg clothing item, in particular during sporting activities, and to compensate for possible functional imbalances in the wearer's musculoskeletal system and to optimize performance in to achieve sensory activity.

This object is achieved according to the invention by an item of legwear according to claim 1.

The present invention is based on the concept of exerting a proprioreceptive stimulating effect on the wearer of the legwear by means of the stimulus-inducing structure, the proprioceptive stimulating effect of the stimulus-inducing structure being enhanced by the simultaneous compression effect of the legwear on the leg of the wearer.

From physiology it is known that a neurophysiological initiation of the proprioceptors of the wearer (i.e. the receptors that enable the perception and control of the current position of the wearer's body in space, such as the muscle spindle, the Golgi tendon organ and the joint receptors) stimulation can be achieved through the skin.

By stimulating the body's own proprioceptors (neurophysiological initiation), an improved synchronization and optimization of the recruited muscles of the wearer is achieved, which in turn is noticeable in an improvement in body stability, body balance and body statics.

Thus, by stimulating the proprioceptors, not only can the risk of injury be reduced, especially during sporting activities, but functional imbalances in the musculoskeletal system can also be compensated for.

An improvement in body stability and / or a reduction in imbalances in the musculoskeletal system result in a balanced, symmetrical posture on the part of the wearer, which leads to less stress, a delayed fatigue tendency and a prolonged feeling of wellbeing on the part of the wearer.

The proprioreceptive stimulation of the muscles of the wearer of the legwear reduces the risk of injury from incorrect movements and overstretching and optimizes and synchronizes the wearer's body coordination.

The legwear according to the invention makes it possible to use the positive effect of proprioreceptive stimulation in particular in the popular sports area, for prophylactic applications, for example in the business area, and / or in the wellness area or cosmetic area.

The leg clothing item according to the invention is clothing worn close to the body which enables effective proprioreceptive stimulation of the wearer's muscles in a simple and easy-to-use manner.

The leg clothing according to the invention can in particular be designed as a knee-length stocking, as a sock or as leggings.

The proprioreceptive stimulation desired according to the invention is achieved in particular by a targeted attachment of at least one stimulus-inducing structure with functional elements that exert a sensory stimulus effect on the wearer's muscles on the inside of the legwear facing the wearer's body.

The stimulus-inducing structure is preferably arranged at a position of the legwear item which, when the legwear item is worn, is assigned to a region of the leg of the wearer which has the highest possible proprioceptor density.

Preferred areas of the arrangement of the stimulus-inducing structure are the courses of the myofascial chains, which, starting from the foot, spiral upwards over the leg area to the head.

In a preferred embodiment of the legwear item according to the invention, it is provided that the sole area of the legwear item remains free of stimulus-inducing structures in order to reliably avoid potential incorrect stimulations at this point.

By exerting punctual pressure on the wearer's skin along a muscle chain of the wearer, a stimulation of the wearer's muscle activity can be achieved.

Since the compression effect of the compression area intensifies the proprioceptive stimulating effect of the stimulus-inducing structure, it is favorable if the stimulus-inducing structure is arranged at least partially, preferably essentially completely, in the at least one compression area of the legwear item.

Furthermore, it is advantageous for the effectiveness of the proprioreceptive stimulating effect of the stimulus-inducing structure if the stimulus-inducing structure is in direct contact with the skin of the wearer of the legwear when the legwear is worn.

As an alternative to this, it can also be provided that at least one stimulus-inducing structure is separated from the wearer's skin by a cover when the legwear is worn.

In particular, it can be provided that at least one stimulus-inducing structure is covered by a textile construction.

It is thus possible, in particular as a function of the design of functional elements of the stimulus-inducing structure with regard to their hardness, height and tip, to have these functional elements act indirectly on the skin of the wearer of the legwear.

The compression area of the legwear item preferably comprises an elastically yielding material.

In particular, it can be provided that the compression area of the legwear item comprises a knitted or knitted fabric.

The compression area of the legwear item preferably comprises at least one elastic yarn, for example elastane.

In principle, the compression area can have an essentially constant course of the compression strength.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, it is provided that the compression area has a gradual progression of the compression strength.

In particular when the compression area is arranged in the shaft area of the legwear item, it is advantageous if the compression strength in the compression area decreases upwards, in particular in the direction of a waistband area of the legwear item.

In principle, however, it could also be provided that the compression strength increases upwards, in particular in the direction of a waistband area of the legwear item.

If the leg clothing item comprises a knee area which, when the leg clothing item is worn, covers the knee of the wearer, the compression area preferably does not include the knee area of the leg clothing item.

If the leg clothing comprises an area, in particular a thigh area, which is arranged above the knee of the wearer of the leg clothing when it is worn, it is advantageous if the compression strength in this area of the leg clothing is upwards, i.e. in the direction of the torso of the wearer of the leg clothing Legwear, decreases.

The maximum compression strength in the compression area is preferably at least approximately 7 mm Hg, in particular at least approximately 10 mm Hg.

Furthermore, it is favorable if the maximum compression strength in the compression area is at most approximately 32 mm Hg, in particular at most approximately 25 mm Hg.

In preferred embodiments of the legwear item according to the invention, at least one compression area comprises at least part of a metatarsal area, at least part of an ankle area and / or at least part of a shaft area of the legwear item.

The proprioreceptive stimulating effect of the stimulus-inducing structure is achieved in that the stimulus-inducing structure comprises at least one stimulus-inducing functional element.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the stimulus-inducing structure comprises a large number of such functional elements.

The various functional elements of the stimulus-inducing structure can be isolated from one another or, in particular at end regions of the functional elements, adjoin one another.

At least one functional element of a stimulus-inducing structure is preferably designed as an elevation.

The functional elements can be formed by attaching or incorporating materials or constructions into a basic body, in particular a basic knitted fabric, of the legwear item, which lead to a selective increase in the textile structure, which becomes noticeable as a local pressure point when the legwear item is worn.

The functional elements are directly connected to a textile material of the leg clothing. In this way, the stimulus-inducing structure can be optimally positioned on the legwear.

At least one functional element comprises a knitted area of the legwear item, which differs in terms of its type of weave from a knitted area of the legwear item adjoining the functional element and is designed as a tethered fabric.

To increase the mechanical strength and hardness of the functional element, it can be provided that the knitted area of the functional element contains a hot-melt adhesive thread.

Such a hot-melt adhesive thread can for example comprise polyester and / or copolyamide, preferably be formed essentially entirely from polyester and / or copolyamide.

The hot-melt adhesive material from which such a hot-melt adhesive thread is formed can, for example, have a softening temperature of 50 ° C. or higher, in particular of 80 ° C. or higher.

After a knitting process by which the respective functional element is produced, the area of the legwear item in which the functional element has been produced can be subjected to a heat treatment by which the hotmelt adhesive material is heated to a temperature above its softening temperature.

The treatment temperature can be 70 ° C. or higher, in particular 100 ° C. or higher.

The higher the treatment temperature selected, the more intimately the hotmelt adhesive material is bonded to the other materials of the functional element, and the harder the functional element produced in this way becomes.

The heat treatment can take place, for example, by tumbling, shaping or applying hot air.

At least one functional element, preferably a plurality of functional elements, has a teardrop-shaped or knob-shaped shape.

It is particularly favorable for the proprioreceptive stimulating effect if the functional elements exert a point pressure load on the wearer's skin.

It is therefore advantageous if at least one functional element of a stimulus-inducing structure is locally limited, in particular essentially point-shaped.

Preferably, all functional elements of at least one stimulus-inducing structure, in particular all functional elements of all stimulus-inducing structures of the legwear, are locally limited, in particular essentially point-shaped.

It is particularly favorable if at least one functional element has a greatest dimension (along the base body of the legwear) of at most approximately 0.7 cm, in particular of at most approximately 0.6 cm, particularly preferably of at most approximately 0.3 cm. It is particularly favorable if all the functional elements of a stimulus-inducing structure have such a large extent.

Furthermore, it has proven to be advantageous if at least one functional element has a largest dimension (along the base body of the legwear item) of at least approximately 0.2 cm. It is particularly favorable if all the functional elements of a stimulus-inducing structure have such a large extent.

A functional element of a stimulus-inducing structure can, for example, have an essentially circular outer contour.

Each functional element, in particular each locally limited functional element, can in principle also have any other external contour, for example a polygonal external contour, a triangular external contour, a square external contour, a rectangular external contour or an angular external contour.

Locally limited functional elements differ from linear elements, which have a large extension in one dimension, and large-area elements, which have a large extension in two dimensions.

If functional elements of a stimulus-inducing structure, which are in particular web-shaped, adjoin one another at their end regions and thus form a coherent stimulus-inducing structure, such a stimulus-inducing structure can be designed in particular honeycomb.

For local, punctual proprioreceptive stimulation of the wearer's muscles, it is essential that between the functional elements of a stimulus-inducing structure, which are in particular point or line-shaped, the functional elements remain free of the functional elements on the legwear, which do not have any pressure when the stocking is worn exert on the wearer's skin.

The height of at least one functional element, i.e. its extent perpendicular to the base body of the legwear, by which the functional element projects towards the wearer's skin, is preferably at least about 0.1 cm, in particular at least about 0.2 cm.

It is also advantageous if the height of at least one functional element is at most approximately 0.4 cm, in particular at most approximately 0.3 cm.

It has also proven to be beneficial if the Shore A hardness of the material of at least one functional element is at least approximately 20, preferably at least approximately 30.

At least one functional element is preferably formed from a material with a Shore A hardness of at most approximately 90.

The Shore A hardness can be determined in accordance with DIN 53505 or DIN EN ISO 868.

As an alternative or in addition to this, it can also be provided that at least one functional element is formed from a material with a Shore D hardness of at least approximately 20.

The Shore D hardness is preferably at most approximately 90.

The Shore D hardness can be determined in accordance with DIN 53505 or DIN ISO 7619-1.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, it is provided that at least one functional element is fixed to a base body of the legwear item. All functional elements are preferably fixed to the base body of the legwear item.

At least one functional element is firmly connected directly to a textile material of the item of clothing. In this way, the stimulus-inducing structure formed by the functional elements can be optimally positioned on the legwear.

It can be provided that at least one stimulus-inducing structure comprises at least one carrier element on which several functional elements are formed.

In particular, it can be provided that the several functional elements are integrally formed with the carrier element.

In this case, at least one carrier element can be fixed in a non-detachable manner on a base body of the item of legwear.

As an alternative or in addition to this, it can be provided that at least one carrier element is detachably connected to a base body of the legwear item.

Several stimulus-inducing functional elements can be connected in a separate process to form a coherent unit, and this unit can be fixed to the base body of the legwear, for example by gluing, welding or sewing.

The carrier element can be a prefabricated part that has several functional elements.

A stimulus-inducing structure can be formed by such a carrier element or by a plurality of such carrier elements.

The outer contour of such a carrier element can correspond to the outer contour of an entire stimulus-inducing structure.

The carrier element can for example be designed as a textile construction.

A carrier element, which preferably comprises the stimulus-inducing functional elements of an entire stimulus-inducing structure and is preferably based on a textile construction, can be flexibly and / or detachably connected to the base body of the legwear using known assembly techniques.

The legwear item can be provided with color-coded markings that contrast with a base material of the legwear item and serve as an orientation aid for the wearer of the legwear item when putting on the legwear item, in order to achieve optimal positioning of the stimulus-inducing structures on the wearer's body.

The attachment of stimulus-inducing structures along the tibialis anterior muscle / tendon ligaments and / or the peroneal muscles and tendons has proven to be particularly beneficial for effective proprioreceptive stimulation.

It is therefore advantageous if at least one stimulus-inducing structure in the worn state of the legwear item at least partially with the muscle / tendon ligament Tibialis anterior and / or with the peronei muscles and tendons, for example with the muscle / tendon ligament peroneus longus, of the wearer of the legwear overlaps.

As an alternative or in addition to this, it has proven to be advantageous if at least one stimulus-inducing structure, when the legwear is worn, at least partially overlaps the gastrocnemius muscle on the inside of the lower leg. In particular, it can be provided that an outer contour of the relevant stimulus-inducing structure essentially corresponds to an outer contour of the muscle gastrocnemius muscle.

Furthermore, it can be provided that at least one stimulus-inducing structure, when the legwear is worn, at least partially overlaps with the vastus medialis muscle and / or with the vastus lateralis muscle. In particular, it can be provided that an outer contour of at least one stimulus-inducing structure essentially corresponds to an outer contour of the muscle vastus medialis and / or an outer contour of the muscle vastus lateralis.

For example, it can be provided that two stimulus-inducing structures are arranged in the knee area of the legwear item, which when the legwear item is worn are located on opposite sides of the kneecap of the wearer of the legwear item. In particular, it can be provided that a stimulus-inducing structure is arranged on the inside of the knee area and an opposite stimulus-inducing structure is arranged on the outside of the knee area.

At least one of these stimulus-inducing structures is preferably arcuate. In particular, it can be provided that both of these stimulus-inducing structures are arcuate.

The stabilization of the knee joint of the wearer of the legwear is stimulated by the stimulation by means of these stimulus-inducing structures.

As an alternative or in addition to this, it can be provided that at least one stimulus-inducing structure, when the legwear is worn, at least partially overlaps with the gluteus medius muscle, with the gluteus minimus muscle and / or with the iliotibial tract. It is preferably provided that an outer contour of a stimulus-inducing structure of the legwear item essentially corresponds to an outer contour of the gluteus medius muscle, the gluteus minimus muscle and / or the iliotibial tract.

Such a stimulus-inducing structure is preferably arranged in the worn state of the leg clothing on the outside of the thigh from the hip to just above the muscle Musculus vastus lateralis in the knee area.

As an alternative or in addition to this, it can also be provided that at least one stimulus-inducing structure at least partially overlaps the rectus femoris muscle when the legwear is worn. In particular, it can be provided that an outer contour of the stimulus-inducing structure essentially corresponds to an outer contour of the muscle rectus femoris muscle.

Such a stimulus-inducing structure is in the worn state of the legwear on the Arranged on the front of the thigh.

As an alternative or in addition to this, it can also be provided that at least one stimulus-inducing structure at least partially overlaps the rear flexor muscles on the back of the thigh when the legwear is worn. In particular, it can be provided that an outer contour of such a stimulus-inducing structure essentially corresponds to an outer contour of the posterior flexor muscles of the thigh.

As an alternative or in addition to this, it can also be provided that stimulus-inducing structures are arranged to the left and right of the Achilles tendon when the legwear is worn.

All of the stimulus-inducing structures explained above with regard to their positioning cause proprioreceptive stimulation of the muscles or fiber structures that are completely or partially covered.

The proprioreceptive stimulation improves the synchronization of the muscles recruited for walking or running.

To achieve selective proprioreceptive stimulation and to avoid potential false stimulations, it is advantageous if the legwear item has at least two stimulus-inducing structures which are separated from one another by an area without a stimulus-inducing structure.

In a preferred embodiment of the legwear according to the invention, it is provided that the stimulus induction zones in which the stimulus-inducing structures are arranged are at most half, preferably at most a third, in particular at most a quarter, of the inner surface of the legwear facing the body of the wearer when the legwear is worn cover.

It is also advantageous if at least one stimulus-inducing structure is arranged outside the waistband area of the legwear item.

In order to make the position of the stimulus-inducing structures visible from the outside of the legwear, it can be provided that at least one stimulus-inducing structure is arranged in a stimulus-induction zone, which is bordered at least in sections by a delimitation strip.

Such a delimitation strip can stand out from the base body in particular by a color that contrasts with the color of the base body of the legwear item.

In order to avoid inaccuracy of the positioning of the stimulus-inducing structure when putting on the legwear, the legwear is preferably provided with a marking which, when the legwear is worn, runs essentially along a longitudinal center plane of the legwear, which is an inner side of the legwear from an outer side of the Legwear separates.

The “inner side” of the legwear item is the side of the legwear item facing the respective other leg of the wearer when the legwear item is worn.

The “outer side” of the leg clothing is accordingly the side of the leg clothing which faces away from the respective other leg of the wearer when the leg clothing is worn.

At least one stimulus-inducing structure of the legwear item according to the invention is preferably designed essentially in the form of a strip.

Furthermore, it can be provided that such a strip-shaped stimulus-inducing structure has a width (that is to say an extent perpendicular to its longitudinal extension) of at most approximately 4 cm, in particular of at most approximately 2 cm.

The stimulus-inducing structure is preferably firmly connected to a basic body, in particular a basic knitted fabric or a basic knitted fabric, of the legwear item.

The surface density of the functional elements within a stimulus-inducing structure of the legwear is at least approximately 1 per cm ² , in particular at least approximately 4 per cm ² , particularly preferably at least approximately 8 per cm ² .

Furthermore, the surface density of the functional elements within a stimulus-inducing structure is preferably at most approximately 25 per cm ² , in particular at most approximately 16 per cm ² , particularly preferably at most approximately 12 per cm ² .

The above-mentioned preferred designs of the functional elements and the stimulus-inducing structure take into account both the efficiency of the stimulus and the wearing comfort for the wearer.

Further features and advantages of the invention are the subject matter of the following description and the graphic representation of an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Vorderansicht eines rechten Strumpfes mit Kompressionsbereichen und Reizinduktionszonen;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Vorderansicht eines linken Strumpfes mit Kompressionsbereichen und Reizinduktionszonen;

Fig.3

eine schematische Seitenansicht des linken Strumpfes aus Fig. 2, mit Blickrichtung auf die linke Außenseite des Strumpfes;

Fig. 4

eine schematische Darstellung eines punkt- oder kreisförmigen Funktionselements einer reizinduzierenden Struktur;

Fig. 5

eine schematische Draufsicht auf ein dreieckiges Funktionselement einer reizinduzierenden Struktur;

Fig. 6

eine schematische Draufsicht auf ein quadratisches Funktionselement einer reizinduzierenden Struktur;

Fig. 7

eine schematische Draufsicht auf ein rechteckiges Funktionselement einer reizinduzierenden Struktur;

Fig. 8

eine schematische Draufsicht auf ein winkelförmiges Funktionselement einer reizinduzierenden Struktur;

Fig. 9

eine schematische Draufsicht auf einen Ausschnitt aus einer wabenförmigen reizinduzierenden Struktur;

Fig. 10

ein schematisches Maschenbild einer Gestrickfläche mit einem eingestrickten Funktionselement in Form von Plüsch;

Fig. 11

eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung von Sandwichplüschplatinen einer Strickmaschine;

Fig. 12

ein schematisches Maschenbild einer Gestrickfläche mit zwei Funktionselementen, die als Fanggestrick ausgebildet sind;

Fig. 13

eine vergrößerte Darstellung des Bereichs I aus Fig. 12;

Fig. 14

eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung einer Socke mit einem gepolsterten Sohlenbereich und reizinduzierenden Strukturen auf der linken Seite und auf der rechten Seite einer Achillessehne des Trägers des Beinbekleidungsstücks;

Fig. 15

eine schematische Seitenansicht der Socke aus Fig. 14;

Fig. 16

eine schematische Vorderansicht von Leggings mit reizinduzierenden Strukturen im Unterschenkelbereich, im Kniebereich und im Oberschenkelbereich;

Fig. 17

eine schematische Seitenansicht der Leggings aus Fig. 16 von links;

Fig. 18

eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine Vorderseite eines Trägerelements einer reizinduzierenden Struktur, welches mit einer Vielzahl von reizinduzierenden Funktionselementen versehen ist;

Fig. 19

eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung des Trägerelements aus Fig. 18, mit der Blickrichtung schräg von oben;

Fig. 20

eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine den reizinduzierenden Funktionselementen abgewandte Rückseite eines Trägerelements, das mit Haftelementen zur lösbaren Verbindung mit einem Grundkörper eines Beinbekleidungsstücks versehen ist;

Fig. 21

eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine den reizinduzierenden Funktionselementen abgewandte Rückseite eines Trägerelements, das mit Druckknöpfen zum lösbaren Verbinden mit einem Grundkörper des Beinbekleidungsstücks versehen ist;

Fig. 22

eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine Tasche, welche mehrere Trägerelemente enthält, die jeweils mehrere reizinduzierende Funktionselemente aufweisen, wobei ein Teil einer im getragenen Zustand des Beinbekleidungsstücks der Haut des Trägers zugewandten Vorderseite der Tasche weggebrochen ist, um die Trägerelemente mit den reizinduzierenden Funktionselementen zu zeigen; und

Fig. 23

eine schematische perspektivische, teilweise geschnittene, Darstellung der Tasche mit den Trägerelementen aus Fig. 22.

In the drawings show:

Fig. 1

a schematic front view of a right stocking with compression areas and stimulus induction zones;

Fig. 2

a schematic front view of a left stocking with compression areas and stimulus induction zones;

Fig. 3

a schematic side view of the left stocking Fig. 2 , looking towards the left outside of the stocking;

Fig. 4

a schematic representation of a point or circular functional element of a stimulus-inducing structure;

Fig. 5

a schematic top view of a triangular functional element of a stimulus-inducing structure;

Fig. 6

a schematic plan view of a square functional element of a stimulus-inducing structure;

Fig. 7

a schematic top view of a rectangular functional element of a stimulus-inducing structure;

Fig. 8

a schematic plan view of an angular functional element of a stimulus-inducing structure;

Fig. 9

a schematic top view of a section of a honeycomb stimulus-inducing structure;

Fig. 10

a schematic mesh pattern of a knitted surface with a knitted functional element in the form of plush;

Fig. 11

a schematic perspective illustration of sandwich plush sinkers of a knitting machine;

Fig. 12

a schematic mesh pattern of a knitted surface with two functional elements, which are designed as a catch knit;

Fig. 13

an enlarged view of the area I. Fig. 12 ;

Fig. 14

a schematic perspective illustration of a sock with a padded sole area and stimulus-inducing structures on the left side and on the right side of an Achilles tendon of the wearer of the legwear item;

Fig. 15

a schematic side view of the sock Fig. 14 ;

Fig. 16

a schematic front view of leggings with stimulus-inducing structures in the lower leg area, in the knee area and in the thigh area;

Fig. 17

a schematic side view of the leggings Fig. 16 from the left;

Fig. 18

a schematic plan view of a front side of a carrier element of a stimulus-inducing structure, which is provided with a plurality of stimulus-inducing functional elements;

Fig. 19

a schematic perspective illustration of the carrier element Fig. 18 , looking diagonally from above;

Fig. 20

a schematic plan view of a rear side, facing away from the stimulus-inducing functional elements, of a carrier element which is provided with adhesive elements for releasable connection to a base body of an item of legwear;

Fig. 21

a schematic top view of a rear side of a carrier element facing away from the stimulus-inducing functional elements, which is provided with press studs for detachable connection to a base body of the legwear item;

Fig. 22

a schematic plan view of a bag which contains a plurality of carrier elements, each having a plurality of stimulus-inducing functional elements, part of a front side of the pocket facing the skin of the wearer in the worn state of the legwear item being broken away to show the carrier elements with the stimulus-inducing functional elements; and

Fig. 23

a schematic perspective, partially cut, illustration of the bag with the carrier elements Fig. 22 .

Identical or functionally equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference symbols in all figures.

An in Fig. 1 in a version to be worn on the right leg and in the Fig. 2 and 3 In a version to be worn on the left leg and designated as a whole by 100, the stocking comprises a waistband area 102 at the upper end of the stocking, a shaft area 104 adjoining the waistband area at the bottom and a foot area adjoining the socket area 104 downwards and forwards 106, which, when worn, encloses the wearer's foot.

The lower half of the foot region 106 of the stocking 100 forms a sole region 108 which comprises a lower half 110 of a heel region 112, a lower half 114 of a toe region 116 and an intermediate region 118 lying between the heel region 112 and the toe region 116.

The in Fig. 1 shown right stocking and the one in the Fig. 2 and 3 The left stocking shown are mirror images of one another with respect to a longitudinal center plane 120 of the respective stocking and form a pair of stockings that belong together.

In order to be able to distinguish the two stockings 100 of a pair of stockings from one another, the Both stockings should be provided with a marking, preferably knitted in, from which it can be seen whether the stocking in question is the left or the right stocking of the pair.

The side facing away from the respective other leg of the wearer when the stocking 100 is worn is referred to in this description as the “outer side” of the relevant stocking 100. The outside of the left stocking is in Fig. 3 shown.

The side of the stocking 100 facing the respective other leg of the wearer when the stocking 100 is worn is referred to in this description as the “inner side” of the stocking 100.

The outer side and the inner side of a stocking 100 are separated from one another by the longitudinal center plane 120 of the relevant stocking 100.

The side of the stocking 100 ("left side of the goods") facing the leg of the wearer when the stocking 100 is worn is referred to in this description as the "inside" of the relevant stocking 100. The side of the stocking 100 facing away from the wearer's leg when the stocking 100 is worn (“right side of the goods”) is referred to in this description as the “outside” of the relevant stocking 100.

The shaft region 104 and the foot region 106 of the stocking 100 are formed, preferably continuously, from a basic knitted fabric 122 which comprises one or more basic threads. The base thread or threads can be formed from any material, for example from a natural fiber or a chemical fiber.

To protect the leg of the wearer against pressure or shock loads and / or to protect against heat loss, the stocking 100 can be provided with one or more padding.

In particular, the foot region 106 of the stocking 100 can be provided with foot padding 124, which extends from the toe region 116 over the intermediate region 118 of the sole region 108 to the heel region 112 and over an over-toe region 126.

How best from the Fig. 1 and 2 As can be seen, this foot padding 124 is preferably designed asymmetrically with respect to the longitudinal center plane 120 of the foot region 106 of the stocking 100.

In particular, on the inner side of the stocking 100, an area of the foot area 106 can be excluded from the foot padding 124, which area is arranged in the area of the inner arch of the foot of the wearer of the stocking 100 when the stocking 100 is worn. Since the wearer of the stocking 100 does not step in this area of the inner arch of the foot when walking, the outer contour of the foot padding 124 on the underside of the foot area 106 essentially corresponds to the outer contour of the foot tread surface of the wearer of the stocking 100.

On the upper side of the foot region 106, an area 128 protruding in the shape of a wedge towards the tip of the foot region 106 can be excluded from the foot padding 124.

This wedge-shaped recessed area 128 is preferably formed asymmetrically with respect to the longitudinal center plane 120 of the foot area 106; in particular, the forward-pointing tip 130 of this wedge-shaped recessed area 128 lies on the inner side of the stocking 100.

The toe area 116 provided with the foot padding 124 can also be configured asymmetrically with respect to the longitudinal center plane 120 of the foot area 106 in order to enable better adaptation of the stocking 100 to the course of the toes of the wearer of the stocking 100.

In particular, it can be provided that an inner edge section 132 of the toe area 116, which is arranged on the side of the wearer's big toe, is inclined at a smaller angle to the longitudinal center plane 120 of the foot area 106 than an outer edge section 134 of the, which is arranged on the side of the wearer's little toe Toe box 116.

One method of making such an asymmetrical toe box 116 is disclosed in US Pat EP 1 049 828 B1 described.

Furthermore, a plurality of channels 136 extending essentially parallel to the longitudinal center plane 120 of the foot area 106 can be provided within the outer contour of the foot padding 124, in the area of which the stocking 100 has a lower degree of reinforcement than in the areas of the foot padding 124 surrounding the channels 136.

In particular, it can be provided that the stocking 100 in the region of the channels 136 comprises only the basic knitted fabric 122, but no additional reinforcing threads.

The foot padding 124 can include one or more reinforcing threads, which can be formed from any material.

It is preferably provided that the reinforcing thread (s) of the foot padding 124 form plush loops, which are preferably arranged on the "left side of the fabric", i.e. on the inside of the stocking 100.

The stocking 100 may further include an Achilles tendon padding 138 that adjoins the foot padding 124 of the heel region 112 along an upper edge and extends upward from there.

The Achilles tendon upholstery 138 can also comprise one or more reinforcing threads, which can be formed from any desired material.

The degree of reinforcement of the Achilles tendon padding 138 preferably corresponds to the degree of reinforcement of the foot padding 124.

The stocking 100 also has one or more compression regions 142, in which the stocking 100, when worn, exerts a compression effect on the leg of the wearer.

This compression effect can in particular can be achieved by incorporating one or more elastic threads into the basic knitted fabric 122 of the stocking 100.

The elastic thread or threads can in particular comprise elastane.

In particular, the stocking 100 can have a first compression region 142a, which extends from the upper edge 144 of the shaft region 104 downward to a lower edge 146 of the first compression region 142a.

The lower edge 146 of the first compression region 142a preferably lies above an ankle region 148 of the stocking 100 which, when the stocking 100 is worn, rests on the ankle of the wearer.

In particular, it can be provided that the lower edge 146 of the first compression region 142a runs at least approximately 1 cm, preferably at least approximately 2 cm, above the ankle region 148.

Furthermore, the stocking 100 can have a second compression region 142b, which extends from a front edge 150 in the metatarsal region to a rear edge 152 in the region of the ankle of the wearer (in the worn state).

This second compression area 142b serves to stabilize and support both the arch of the foot and the ankle of the wearer.

For reasons of comfort, the toe region 116 is preferably not given any compression effect.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the lower edge 146 of the first compression region 142a and the rear edge 152 of the second compression region 142b are spaced apart from one another.

However, it can also be provided that the compression areas 142a, 142b directly adjoin one another and form a contiguous compression area of the stocking 100.

The compression strength in the first compression area 142a and / or in the second compression area 142b is preferably at least approximately 10 mm Hg and / or at most approximately 32 mm Hg, in particular at most approximately 25 mm Hg.

The compression strength in the first compression area 142a and / or in the second compression area 142b can be constant over the respective compression area 142a, 142b or also have a gradient.

In particular, the first compression region 142a can thus have a compression profile in which the compression strength decreases from bottom to top.

In particular, it can be provided that the compression strength at the upper edge 144 of the first compression region 142a is from approximately 60% to approximately 80% of the compression strength at the lower edge 146 of the first compression region 142a.

In addition, the stocking 100 comprises one or more stimulus induction zones 154, each of which is provided with a stimulus-inducing structure 156.

Each stimulus-inducing structure 156 comprises functional elements 158 which, when the stocking 100 is worn, bring about a sensory stimulus effect and proprioreceptive stimulation of the muscles of the wearer.

This stimulation leads to increased muscle activity and improves the synchronization of the wearer.

The functional elements 158 are preferably designed as elevations which are arranged on the inside of the stocking 100 and act directly on the wearer's skin.

The functional elements 158 can be formed, in particular in the form of elevations, by textile materials and / or textile constructions, which lead to the formation of an elevation that protrudes toward the wearer's skin.

In order to achieve an effective proprioreceptive stimulation of the muscles of the wearer, it is favorable if the stimulation is locally limited, in particular essentially punctiform.

It is therefore favorable if the functional elements 158 have a largest dimension of at most approximately 0.7 cm.

On the other hand, it has proven to be advantageous if the greatest extent of the functional elements 158 is in each case at least approximately 0.2 cm.

The height of the functional elements 158, that is, their extent perpendicular to the basic knitted fabric 122, by which the functional elements 158 protrude towards the wearer's skin, is preferably at least approximately 0.1 cm, in particular at least approximately 0.2 cm.

Furthermore, it has proven to be advantageous if the height of the functional elements 158 is at most approximately 0.4 cm, in particular at most approximately 0.3 cm.

The functional elements 158 are preferably formed from a material with a Shore A hardness of at least approximately 30.

Furthermore, it has proven to be advantageous if the Shore A hardness of the material of the functional elements 158 is at most approximately 90.

The Shore A hardness can be determined in accordance with DIN 53505 or DIN EN ISO 868.

As an alternative to this, the functional elements 158 can be formed from a material with a Shore D hardness of at least approximately 20 and / or at most approximately 90.

The Shore D hardness can be determined in accordance with DIN 53505 or DIN ISO 7619-1.

Since the stimulation effect of the stimulus induction zones 154 is based on proprioreceptive stimulation of the muscle and tendon ligaments, the stimulus-inducing structures 156 are preferably arranged in stimulus induction zones 154 arranged along the muscle courses.

For example, the stocking 100 can have a front stimulus induction zone 154a which extends along the muscle / tendon ligament tibialis anterior and / or a rear stimulus induction zone 154b which extends along the muscle / tendon ligament peroneus longus.

The stimulus-inducing structure 156 of the front stimulus induction zone 154a for stimulating the muscle / tendon ligament Tibialis anterior is arranged on the outer side of the stocking 100, begins just below the knee of the wearer (when worn) and runs above the outer ankle of the wearer up to the instep . The width of the front stimulus induction zone 154a decreases from top to bottom.

Preferably, the front stimulus induction zone 154a terminates at a tip 160 on the instep of the wearer.

The stimulus-inducing structure 156 of the rear stimulus induction zone 154b for stimulating the muscle / tendon ligament peroneus longus is also arranged on the outer side of the stocking 100 and is arranged behind the front stimulus induction zone 154a and at a distance from the same. The rear stimulus induction zone 154b preferably begins just below the wearer's knee (when worn) and extends to the rear of the ankle where it ends at a point 162.

The width of the stimulus induction zones 154, that is to say their extension in the circumferential direction of the stocking 100, is preferably dimensioned such that the individual anatomical differences of the various wearers are taken into account.

The width of the front stimulus induction zone 154a and / or the rear stimulus induction zone 154b is preferably at least approximately 2 cm and / or preferably at most approximately 4 cm at the upper end thereof.

Since the functional elements 158 of the stimulus induction zones 154 are located on the inside of the stocking 100, they do not have to be visible from the outside of the stocking 100 (as shown in FIGS Figs. 1 to 3 is shown).

In order to make the position of the stimulus induction zones 154 visible from the outside of the stocking 100 in any case, provision can be made for the stimulus induction zones 154 to be bordered at least in sections by a delimiting strip 164.

This delimitation strip 164 stands out from the basic knitted fabric 122 preferably by a color that contrasts with the color of the basic knitted fabric 122.

In particular, it can be provided that the delimitation strip 164 is formed by knitting one or more threads of contrasting color into the basic knitted fabric 122.

So that the stimulus-inducing structures 156 of the stimulus induction zones 154 can exert the strongest possible stimulation effect on the respectively assigned muscle and tendon ligaments, the stimulus induction zones 154 should be positioned as precisely as possible on the respectively assigned muscle and tendon ligaments when worn.

In order to reduce the inaccuracy of the positioning of the stimulus induction zones 154 as a result of twisting the shaft area 104 when putting on the stocking 100, the stocking 100 preferably has a marking strip or a marking line 166 which is essentially straight in the middle from the toe area 116 to the waistband area 102 of the The stocking 100, runs along the longitudinal center plane 120 of the stocking 100 and can serve as a positioning aid for the wearer when the stocking 100 is put on.

The marking line 166 is preferably set off from the color of the basic knitted fabric 122 by a contrasting color.

The marking line 166 is preferably formed by knitting one or more threads of contrasting color into the basic knitted fabric 122.

As from the Figs. 1 to 3 As can be seen, the stimulus-inducing structures 156 of the stimulus-induction zones 154a, 154b are for the most part, preferably more than 90%, arranged in one of the compression regions 142 of the stocking 100. What is achieved hereby is that the local compressive stress on the skin of the wearer by the functional elements 158 of the stimulus-inducing structures 156 is intensified by the large-area compression effect of the compression regions 142. The combination of the compression effect of the compression regions 142 on the one hand and the local functional elements 158 of the stimulus-inducing structures 156 on the other hand thus brings about a particularly effective proprioreceptive stimulation of the muscles of the wearer.

The surface density of the functional elements 158 in the stimulus induction zones 154 is at least approximately 1 per cm ² , in particular at least approximately 4 per cm ² , particularly preferably at least approximately 8 per cm ² .

Furthermore, it has proven to be advantageous if the surface density of the functional elements 158 in the stimulus induction zones 154 is at most about 25 per cm ² , in particular at most about 16 per cm ² , particularly preferably at most about 12 per cm ² .

In the Figs. 1 to 3 the functional elements 158 of the stimulus-inducing structures 156 are shown schematically in an essentially circular manner.

A single functional element 158 with a circular edge is shown in FIG Fig. 4 shown.

In principle, however, the functional elements 158 can also have any other external contours, for example a triangular external contour (see FIG Fig. 5 ), a square outer contour (see Fig. 6 ), a rectangular outer contour (see Fig. 7 ) or an angular outer contour (see Fig. 8 ).

It can also be provided that the functional elements 158 of a stimulus-inducing structure 156 are not completely isolated from one another, but rather adjoin one another at end points and thus form a coherent stimulus-inducing structure 156, for example a honeycomb-shaped stimulus-inducing structure 156, as shown in FIG Fig. 9 is shown in detail.

For local, punctiform proprioreceptive stimulation of the wearer's muscles, however, it is essential that the functional elements 158 do not cover the entire area of the respective stimulus induction zone 154, but that surface sections 168 free from the functional elements 158 remain between the functional elements 158 and which when the stocking is worn 100 do not put pressure on the wearer's skin.

The functional elements 158 of the stimulus-inducing structures 156 can be formed in an item of legwear that includes a textile base body 170 in the form of a basic knitted fabric 172, in that the functional element 158 in question includes a knitted area 174, which differs from an adjacent knitted area in terms of its type of weave 176 of the basic knit 172 differs.

The in Fig. 10 Functional element 158, shown schematically in the stitch pattern, of a piece of legwear not according to the invention is the knitted area 176 of the basic knit 172 adjoining the functional element 158 in a right / left plain weave made of a basic thread 178 (in Fig. 10 shown without hatching), which is covered with a plating thread 180 (in Fig. 10 shown with hatching) is clad, knitted.

In the (in Fig. 10 centrally shown) knitted area 174 of the functional element 158, which in the illustrated embodiment comprises seven wales and six courses, is an additional plush thread 182 (in Fig. 10 provided with dots) knitted into the basic knit 172 in a plush weave.

The knitted area 174 of the functional element 158 is thus selectively designed as a plush (sandwich or normal plush).

This plush forms a structure that is raised above the basic knitted fabric 172.

The plush can be knitted using ergonomic technology (put on in shapes) or selected.

The shape of the knitted area 174 is basically arbitrary; in particular, each of the in the Figures 4 to 9 shown outer contours are used.

Each functional element 158, which comprises a knitted area 174 with a raised surface, is separated from the other functional elements 158 by the plush thread 182, which is additionally introduced from a basic system of the knitting machine or from one or more embroidery systems of the knitting machine, which forms stitches together with the basic knitted fabric 172 , knitted.

While the basic thread 178 and the plating thread 180 result in smooth stitches, basic stitches are produced from the additional plush thread 182 with plush loops 184 facing inward (that is to say, when the legwear is worn, towards the wearer's skin).

The additional plush thread 182 is introduced into an area that can be freely determined by a pattern image and is cut, for example, by a saw and an upper knife of the knitting machine, so that individual functional elements 158 that are arranged separately from one another are produced.

To produce such a selective plush or partial plush, a knitting machine can be used which has needles 186 and plush sinkers 188, as shown in FIG Fig. 11 are shown schematically.

In the Fig. 11 The plush sinkers 188 shown are sandwich plush sinkers. As an alternative to this, however, other sinkers, in particular normal plush sinkers, can also be used.

Each of the plush sinkers 188 has a foot 190, a shaft 192, a projection 194 arranged between the shaft 192 and the foot 190, a sinker nose 196 arranged above the stem 192, a groove 198 arranged above the sinker nose 196 and a groove 198 arranged above the groove 198 Plush nose 199 on.

The course of the plating thread 180 and the plush thread 182 over the plush sinkers 188 and the needles 186 is also off Fig. 11 to see. The ground thread 178 runs immediately below the plating thread 180 and is shown in FIG Fig. 11 covered by the plating thread 180.

By using sandwich plush sinkers, the plush thread 182 is brought to the outside of the knitted fabric.

Any desired materials and material combinations can be used as the basic thread 178 and as the plating thread 180 of the basic knitted fabric 172.

To form the plush in the knitted area 174 of the functional element 158, a chemical fiber material, for example made of polypropylene, in combination with a hot-melt adhesive material, for example made of polyester, is preferably used.

In a specific embodiment, a polypropylene filament yarn (for example a thread with dtex 84 / F25 / 2, made of two threads of 25 filaments each) with a comparatively low melting point in the range from 165 ° C to approximately 175 ° C and a softening temperature in the range from 150 ° C to 155 ° C combined with the hot melt adhesive material PES Grilon KE 60 with a softening temperature in the range from 55 ° C to 65 ° C and an application temperature of 80 ° C to 110 ° C.

The combination of these materials forming the plush thread 182 can be used, for example, by swirling or wrapping.

A twisting process is less preferred in order to achieve a largely neutral twist tendency.

The thread construction forming the plush thread 182 can be processed very well in the loop formation process in the knitting process because of its still softness.

Only through a subsequent heat treatment after the knitting process at a temperature in the range from approximately 105 ° C. to approximately 180 ° C. does a fusion of the materials in the knitted area 174 of the functional element 158 take place, which leads to the formation of stiffened, comparatively hard structures that achieve the effect cause irritation when wearing the legwear.

The hardness of the functional elements 158 produced in this way can be influenced, for example, by the choice of the treatment temperature during the heat treatment.

A higher treatment temperature basically leads to a higher degree of hardness of the functional elements 158, since a larger proportion of the hot-melt adhesive material is melted and connects to the other materials in the knitted area 174 of the functional element 158, whereby the functional element 158 becomes stiffer.

The heat treatment after the knitting of the knitted area 174 of the functional element 158 can take place, for example, by tumbling, shaping or applying hot air.

One possibility for generating functional elements 158 of a legwear item according to the invention by generating a knitted area 174, which differs in terms of its type of weave from an adjacent knitted area 176 of a basic knit 172 of the legwear item, is shown schematically in the stitch patterns in FIG Fig. 12 and 13th shown, where Fig. 13 an enlarged section of the in Fig. 12 Area I of the knitted fabric shown at the top left.

In this embodiment, too, the basic knitted fabric 172 is made from a basic thread 178 (in the Fig. 12 and 13th shown without hatching) and a plating thread 180 (in the Fig. 12 and 13th shown with hatching).

A functional element 158 in the form of a raised area compared to the basic knitted fabric 172 is obtained in this embodiment in that a tuck knit is produced which has several tuck loops 200 over several rows of stitches, eight in the illustrated embodiment, and with a repeat of several, six in the illustrated embodiment , Wales in a right / left knit.

In the knitted area 174 of the functional element 158, a hot melt adhesive thread 204 (in the Fig. 12 and 13th shown with dots) can be incorporated by plating.

Such a hot melt adhesive thread 204 can comprise polyester or copolyamide, for example.

For example, the hot melt adhesive material PES Grilon KE 60 made of polyester (with a softening temperature of 55 ° C to 65 ° C) or the hot melt adhesive material Grilon KE 85 copolyamide made of copolyamide with a softening temperature of 80 ° C to 90 ° C can be used as the hot melt adhesive thread 204.

Any desired materials and material combinations can be used as the basic thread 178 and as the plating thread 180 for the basic knitted fabric 172.

In a specific embodiment, the elastic wrapping material CT 6416, consisting of an elastane thread with the fineness dtex 17, wound with a polyamide thread with dtex 16F10, and a polyamide thread with dtex 78/68/2 as the plating thread 180 is used as the base thread 178 .

When knitting the knitted area 174 of the functional element 158, the base thread 178, the plating thread 180 and the hot-melt adhesive thread 204 to form the tuck loops 200 during the production of several, for example eight, rows of stitches are deposited and then knitted.

This type of production of the functional elements 158 is particularly suitable for use in leggings, shorts or trousers in three-quarter length and leggings.

In Fig. 12 two functional elements 158 produced in this way are shown, which are offset from one another in a diagonal direction of the knitted fabric.

A second embodiment of a legwear with compression areas and stimulus induction zones is shown in FIGS Fig. 14 and 15th shown.

This piece of legwear is a sock 206 with a waistband area 102 at the upper end of the sock 206, a shaft area 104 adjoining the waistband area 102 downwards and a foot area 106 adjoining the socket area 104 downwards and forwards, which in the worn state encloses the foot of the wearer.

The lower half of the foot region 106 of the sock 206 forms a sole region 108 which comprises a lower half of a heel region 112, a lower half of a toe region 116 and an intermediate region 118 lying between the heel region 112 and the toe region 116.

The upper region 104 and the foot region 106 of the sock 206 are formed, preferably continuously, from a basic knitted fabric 122 which comprises one or more basic threads and optionally one or more plating threads.

The base thread or threads and the plating thread or threads can be formed from any material, for example from a natural fiber or a chemical fiber.

To protect the leg of the wearer against pressure or shock loads and / or to protect against heat loss, the sock 206 can be provided with one or more padding.

In particular, the foot region 106 of the sock 206 can be provided with a sole padding 208 which is arranged between the toe region 116 and the heel region 112.

The sock 206 also has one or more compression regions 142 in which the sock 206 exerts a compression effect on the leg of the wearer when it is worn.

This compression effect can be achieved in particular by incorporating one or more elastic threads into the basic knitted fabric 122 of the sock 206.

The elastic thread or threads can in particular comprise elastane.

In particular, the sock 206 can have a first compression region 142a, which extends from the upper edge 144 of the shaft region 104 downward to a lower edge 146 of the first compression region 142a.

In this case, the lower edge 146 of the first compression region 142a is preferably below an ankle region 148 of the sock 206 which, when the sock 206 is worn, rests on the ankle of the wearer.

In addition to the compression area 142a, the sock 206 can have further compression areas, for example in the metatarsal area.

For reasons of comfort, the toe region 116 is preferably not given any compression effect.

The compression strength in the compression region 142a is preferably at least approximately 7 mm Hg and / or at most approximately 25 mm Hg.

The compression strength in the compression region 142a can be essentially constant or also have a gradient.

Thus, the compression area 142a can in particular have a compression profile in which the compression strength decreases from bottom to top.

In particular, it can be provided that the compression strength at the upper edge 144 of the compression region 142a is from approximately 60% to approximately 80% of the compression strength at the lower edge 146 of the compression region 142a.

In addition, the stocking 206 comprises one or more stimulus induction zones 154, each of which is provided with a stimulus-inducing structure 156.

Each stimulus inducing structure 156, as with that in FIGS Figs. 1 to 3 The illustrated first embodiment of an item of legwear, functional elements 158 which, when the sock 206 is worn, cause a sensory irritation and a proprioreceptive stimulation of the wearer's muscles.

These functional elements 158 can be designed and produced in the same way as in the first embodiment, to the above description of which reference is made in this respect.

The sock 206 comprises in particular two stimulus induction zones 154c and 154d, the stimulus-inducing structures 156 of which, when the sock 206 is worn, are arranged to the left and right of the wearer's Achilles tendon.

The stimulus induction zones 154c and 154d are thus arranged on opposite sides of an Achilles tendon region 210 of the sock.

Furthermore, the stimulus induction zones 154c and 154d and their stimulus-inducing structures 156 preferably run behind the respectively assigned ankle area 148 and do not cover the respectively assigned ankle area 148.

As in the first embodiment of a piece of legwear, the functional elements 158 of the stimulus-inducing structures 156 are arranged on the inside of the sock 206 so that they can act directly on the wearer's skin.

The functional elements 158 of the stimulus induction zones 154 therefore do not have to be visible from the outside of the sock 206 (as is the case for reasons of a simplified illustration in FIGS Fig. 14 and 15th the case is).

One in the Fig. 16 and 17th The illustrated third embodiment of a legwear item differs from that in the Figs. 1 to 3 illustrated first embodiment in that the legwear is designed as leggings 212.

The leggings are in Fig. 16 from the front and in Fig. 17 shown from the left.

The leggings 212 comprise a waistband area 102 at the upper end, a torso area 214 adjoining the waistband area 102 at the bottom, and two leg areas 216 extending downwards from the torso area 214, each of which extends to a lower waistband area 218.

Each leg region 216 includes a thigh region 220, a knee region 222, and a lower leg region 224.

The leggings 212 also have one or more compression regions 142, in which the leggings 212 exert a compression effect on the body of the wearer when they are worn.

This compression effect can be achieved in particular by incorporating one or more elastic threads into the basic knitted fabric of the leggings 212.

The elastic thread or threads can in particular comprise elastane.

In particular, the leggings 212 can have a first compression area 142a on each leg area 216, which extends downward from an upper edge 144 to an upper edge 228 of the respective lower waistband 226.

The upper edge 144 of the first compression region 142a is preferably below the Knee area 222, which rests on the wearer's knee when the leggings 212 are worn.

Furthermore, the leggings 212 can have a second compression area 142b on each leg area 216, which extends from an upper edge 228 of the respective leg area 216 down to a lower edge 230 of the second compression area 142b, which preferably above the respective knee area 222 of the leg area 216 runs.

Im in the Fig. 16 and 17th In the illustrated embodiments, the lower edge 230 of the second compression region 142b and the upper edge 144 of the first compression region 142a are spaced from one another.

However, it could also be provided that the compression areas 142a, 142b directly adjoin one another and form a contiguous compression area of the leggings 212.

The compression strength in the first compression area 142a and / or in the second compression area 142b is preferably at least approximately 7 mm Hg and / or at most approximately 32 mm Hg.

The compression strength in the first compression area 142a and / or in the second compression area 142b can be constant over the respective compression area 142a, 142b or also have a gradient. For example, the first compression area 142a and / or the second compression area 142b can have a compression profile in which the compression strength decreases from bottom to top.

In particular, it can be provided that the compression strength at the upper edge 144 of the first compression region 142a or at the upper edge 228 of the second compression region 142b is from approximately 60% to approximately 80% of the compression strength at the lower edge 226 of the first compression region 142a or at the lower edge 230 of the second compression area 142b.

In addition, the leggings 212 comprise one or more stimulus induction zones 154, each of which is provided with a stimulus-inducing structure 156.

Each stimulus-inducing structure 156 comprises functional elements 158 which, when the leggings 212 are worn, cause a sensory stimulus and proprioreceptive stimulation of the wearer's muscles.

These functional elements 158 can be designed and manufactured in exactly the same way as in the first embodiment of a legwear item described above.

In particular, the functional elements 158 are preferably arranged as elevations on the inside of the leggings 212 so that they can act directly on the wearer's skin.

For example, the leggings 212 on the lower leg regions 224 of the leg regions 216 can have stimulus induction zones 154a, which extend on the outside of the lower leg along the muscle / tendon ligament tibialis anterior and / or along the muscle / tendon ligament peroneus longus.

As an alternative or in addition to this, the leggings 212 in the lower leg regions 224 of the leg regions 226 can have stimulus induction zones 154e which, when the legwear item is worn, at least partially overlap with the gastrocnemius muscle on the inside of the lower leg.

It is preferably provided here that an outer contour 232 of the stimulus induction zone 154e essentially coincides with an outer contour of the muscle gastrocnemius muscle.

As an alternative or in addition to this, the leggings 212 in the knee area 222 of the leg areas 226 can have stimulus induction zones 154f and 154g which, when the legwear item is worn, are on the inner side (facing the respective other leg of the wearer) or on the side facing away from the respective other leg of the wearer ) are arranged on the outer side of the patella of the wearer and are preferably essentially arcuate.

In Fig. 16 the arrangement of stimulus induction zones 154f on the inner side of the respective knee area 222 is shown. In Fig. 17 the arrangement of a stimulus induction zone 154g on the outer side of a knee area 222 is shown.

It is preferably provided that the stimulus induction zones 154f and / or 154g overlap at least partially with the vastus medialis muscle and / or with the vastus lateralis muscle when the legwear is worn.

In particular, it is provided that an outer contour 232 of the stimulus induction zones 154f and / or 154g essentially corresponds to an outer contour of the muscle vastus medialis and / or an outer contour of the muscle vastus lateralis.

As an alternative or in addition to this, the leggings 212 on the front sides of the thigh areas 220 of the leg areas 216 can be provided with stimulus induction zones 154h which at least partially overlap with the rectus femoris muscle when the legwear is worn.

In particular, it can be provided that an outer contour 232 of the stimulus induction zones 154h essentially corresponds to an outer contour of the muscle rectus femoris muscle.

How best to look Fig. 17 As can be seen, the leggings 212 can also have stimulus induction zones 154i, which extend from a lower edge 234 of the waistband 102 downwards over one side of the torso area 214 and in the thigh area 220 of the respective leg area 216 on the outside of the thigh from the hip to short above the stimulus induction zones 154g on the outside of the knee area 222 extend.

The stimulus induction zones 154i are preferably positioned in such a way that the stimulus induction zones 154i overlap, in particular substantially completely, with the gluteus medius muscle, with the gluteus minimus muscle and / or with the iliotibial tract.

As an alternative or in addition to this, the leggings 212 on the back of the thigh areas 220 of the leg areas 216 can include further stimulus induction zones (not shown) which, when worn, cover the posterior flexor muscles, preferably essentially completely.

The stimulus induction zones 154 explained above bring about proprioreceptive stimulation of the muscles and fibers mentioned in each case.

The proprioreceptive stimulation improves the synchronization of the muscles recruited for walking or running.

Incidentally, it is correct in the Fig. 16 and 17th illustrated third embodiment of an item of legwear in terms of structure, function and method of manufacture with the in the Figs. 1 to 3 first embodiment shown, reference is made to the above description in this respect.

Various possibilities have been explained above as to how the functional elements 158 of the stimulus-inducing structures 156 in the stimulus-induction zones 154 of an item of legwear can be produced directly on a base body 170 of the legwear item.

As an alternative to this, at least one stimulus-inducing structure 156 at least one carrier element 236 (see FIG Fig. 18 ), on which a plurality of functional elements 158 are formed.

The carrier element 236 with the functional elements 158 can be produced separately from the base body 170 of the legwear item and then, detachably or non-detachably, connected to the base body 170 of the legwear item.

In a special embodiment of such a carrier element 236, it is provided that all functional elements 158 of a stimulus induction zone 154 are arranged on the relevant carrier element 236, so that only a single carrier element 158 is required to produce the stimulus-inducing structure 156 of the relevant stimulus induction zone 154.

In such a case, an outer contour 238 of the carrier element 236 preferably essentially corresponds to the outer contour 232 of the associated stimulus induction zone 154.

The ones in the Figures 18 to 21 The outer contour 238 shown is purely exemplary and can in particular be replaced by any other outer contour which corresponds to the outer contour 232 of any stimulus induction zone 154.

The carrier element 236 comprises a textile material, namely a knitted fabric.

The carrier element 236 is arranged on the base body 170 of the legwear item in such a way that the stimulus-inducing functional elements 158 lie on a front side 240 of the carrier element 236 facing away from the base body 170 of the legwear item and, when the legwear item is worn, face the body of the wearer.

In the Fig. 20 The rear side 242 of the carrier element 236 shown, facing the base body 170 of the legwear in the assembled state of the carrier element 236, can be provided with fastening devices 244. The fastening devices 244 can be designed as adhesive elements 246, for example, which interact with adhesive elements (not shown) on the base body 170 of the legwear in order to detachably fix the carrier element 236 on the base 170 of the legwear.

In particular, the adhesive elements 246 can form part of an adhesive fastener or Velcro fastener.

With an in Fig. 21 As shown in the alternative embodiment of a carrier element 236 that can be releasably secured to the base body 170 of the legwear, the fastening devices 244 are designed as latching elements 248 which can be latched with latching elements (not shown) on the base body in order to releasably secure the carrier element 236 on the base body 170 of the legwear.

In particular, it can be provided that at least one latching element 248 on the carrier element side and a latching element on the main body side interacting therewith together form a push button.

At one in the Fig. 22 and 23 The alternative embodiment of the stimulus-inducing structure 156 of a stimulus induction zone 154 shown here provides that the functional elements 158 do not come into direct contact with the skin of the wearer of the legwear when the legwear is worn, but that, when the legwear is worn, a cover 250 is provided between the functional elements 158 and is located on the body of the wearer.

The cover 250 can be formed, for example, from a textile material or from a film, in particular from a plastic material.

An outer contour 252 of the cover 250 preferably corresponds essentially to the outer contour 232 of the respective stimulus induction zone 154.

How best to look Fig. 23 can be seen, the cover 250, for example by means of a seam 254, can be connected to a rear wall 256 produced separately from the base body 170, for example made of a textile material or a film, in particular made of a plastic material, and thus, together with the rear wall 256, a Form pocket 258 in which the functional elements 158 of the stimulus-inducing structure 156 are included.

The pocket 258 is assembled separately from the base body 170 from the cover 250 and the rear wall 256 before the pocket 258 as a whole, permanently or detachably, is attached to the base body 170 of the legwear.

The pocket 258 can be closed along its outer contour or have an opening through which the functional elements 158 and in particular the functional elements 158 carrying carrier elements 236 can be introduced into the pocket 258.

It can be provided that all functional elements 158 of the stimulus-inducing structure 156 are arranged on a single carrier element 236.

In the case of the Fig. 22 and 23 As an alternative to this, it is provided that the stimulus-inducing structure 156 has a plurality of carrier elements 236, which in turn each carry a plurality of stimulus-inducing functional elements 158.

The carrier elements 236 can be produced separately from the cover 250 and separately from the rear wall 256 and then connected to the rear wall 256 and / or to the cover 250, for example by gluing, welding and / or sewing.

Furthermore, it could also be provided that the rear side of the pocket 258 opposite the cover 250 is not formed by a rear wall 256 formed separately from the base body 170, but rather by a section 260 of the base body 170.

Furthermore, provision can be made for a prestressing element (not shown) to be arranged in the pocket 258, which prestresses the functional elements 158 towards the wearer's body when the legwear is worn, so as to reduce the contact pressure of the functional elements 158 on the wearer's skin Reinforce cover 250 therethrough.

Such a pretensioning element can for example comprise a foam insert.

The use of such a pretensioning element can be useful in particular if the body of the wearer of the legwear is concave in the area in which the relevant stimulus induction zone 154 is arranged.

The use of a cover 250 between the functional elements 158 and the body of the wearer of the legwear is particularly advantageous if the functional elements 158 are designed to be comparatively hard, comparatively high and / or comparatively pointed.

Claims (12)

1. Leg garment, in particular a stocking (100), trousers, a leg warmer or leggings, comprising at least one compression area (142) in which the leg garment, when it is being worn, exerts a compression effect on the leg of the wearer of the leg garment, and comprising
   at least one stimulus-inducing structure (156) which, when the garment is being worn, is arranged on an inner face of the leg garment directed towards the leg of the wearer of the leg garment, wherein the stimulus-inducing structure (156) comprises at least one stimulus-inducing functional element (158),
   characterized in that
   at least one functional element (158) has a greatest extent of not more than approximately 1.0 cm and comprises a knitted area (174) of the leg garment which, in terms of its stitching, differs from a knitted area (176) of the leg garment adjoining the functional element (158) and is configured as a tuck-stitch knitted fabric,
   wherein the areal density of the functional elements (158) within a stimulus-inducing structure (156) of the leg garment amounts to at least approximately 1 per cm² and
   wherein when the leg garment is being worn, an outer contour (232) of at least one stimulus-inducing structure (156) corresponds substantially to an outer contour of the musculus gastrocnemius muscle, the musculus vastus medialis muscle, the musculus vastus lateralis muscle, the musculus gluteus medius muscle, the musculus gluteus minimus muscle, the tractus iliotibialis fascia structure, the musculus rectus femoris muscle and/or the posterior flexor muscles of the thigh.
2. Leg garment according to Claim 1, characterized in that the stimulus-inducing structure (156) is arranged at least partially in the at least one compression area (142) of the leg garment.
3. Leg garment according to either of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the compression area (142) has a gradual progression of the compression strength.
4. Leg garment according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one compression area (142) comprises at least one part of a metatarsal area, at least one part of an ankle area and/or at least one part of a shank area (104) of the leg garment.
5. Leg garment according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one functional element (158) has a locally delimited configuration.
6. Leg garment according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the height of at least one functional element (158) is at least approximately 0.1 cm.
7. Leg garment according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one functional element (158) is secured on a base body (170) of the leg garment.
8. Leg garment according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one stimulus-inducing structure (156) comprises at least one support element (236), on which a plurality of functional elements (158) are provided.
9. Leg garment according to Claim 8, characterized in that at least one support element (236) is secured on a base body (170) of the leg garment.
10. Leg garment according to either of Claims 8 or 9, characterized in that at least one support element (236) is releasably connected to a base body (170) of the leg garment.
11. Leg garment according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, when the leg garment is being worn, stimulus-inducing structures (156) are arranged to the left and right of the Achilles tendon.
12. Leg garment according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, when the leg garment is being worn, at least one stimulus-inducing structure (156) at least partially overlaps the musculus gastrocnemius muscle, the musculus vastus medialis muscle, the musculus vastus lateralis muscle, the musculus gluteus medius muscle, the musculus gluteus minimus muscle, the tractus iliotibialis fascia structure, the musculus rectus femoris muscle and/or the posterior flexor muscles of the thigh.

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