Upper body article of apparel

Abstract

In order to provide an upper body article of apparel, in particular a shirt, a bodysuit, an undershirt or an oversleeve which is suitable for reducing the risk of injury to the wearer of the upper body article of apparel, particularly during sports activities and to achieve compensation of possible functional imbalances in the musculoskeletal system of the wearer, it is proposed that the upper body article of apparel comprises at least one compression region in which, in the worn state, the upper body article of apparel exerts a compression effect on the body of the wearer of the upper body article of apparel, and comprises at least one stimulus-inducing structure which, in the worn state, is arranged on an inside of the upper body article of apparel facing toward the body of the wearer of the upper body article of apparel.

Claims

1. Upper body article of apparel, in particular a shirt, a bodysuit, an undershirt or an oversleeve, which comprises at least one compression region in which, in a worn state, the upper body article of apparel is to exert a compression effect on a body of a wearer of the upper body article of apparel, and comprises at least one stimulus-inducing structure which is arranged on an inside of the upper body article of apparel to be facing, in the worn state, toward the body of the wearer of the upper body article of apparel, wherein the stimulus-inducing structure comprises a plurality of stimulus-inducing functional elements arranged within a stimulus induction zone delimited by an outer contour of the respective stimulus-inducing structure, wherein the plurality of functional elements of the at least one stimulus-inducing structure are isolated from one another and an area density of the plurality of functional elements within the at least one stimulus-inducing structure is at least 1 per cm.sup.2, wherein the upper body article of apparel comprises a basic knit material, wherein the plurality of functional elements each comprise a knitted region of the basic knit material of the upper body article of apparel, wherein the knitted region of each of the plurality of functional elements differs, with regard to a knitted construction of the knitted region of the respective functional element, from a knitted region of the basic knit material of the upper body article of apparel adjoining and surrounding the respective functional element, wherein the knitted region of the respective functional element is configured as a tuck stitch fabric and contains a thread comprising an elastic polymer, wherein the knitted region of the respective functional element comprises a plurality of tuck stitch loops that extend over a plurality of stitch rows, wherein the plurality of functional elements each have a largest extent along a surface direction of the basic knit material of the upper body article of apparel of more than 0.2 cm and of not more than 1.0 cm, and wherein the plurality of functional elements, in the worn state of the upper body article of apparel, is to be in direct contact with skin of the wearer of the upper body article of apparel.

2. Upper body article of apparel according to claim 1, wherein the stimulus-inducing structure is arranged at least partially in the at least one compression region of the upper body article of apparel.

3. Upper body article of apparel according to claim 1, wherein the compression region of the upper body article of apparel comprises a knitted fabric.

4. Upper body article of apparel according to claim 1, wherein the compression region of the upper body article of apparel comprises at least one elastic yarn.

5. Upper body article of apparel according to claim 1, wherein the compression region has a gradual progression of a compression strength.

6. Upper body article of apparel according to claim 1, wherein a maximum compression strength in the compression region is at least approximately 7 mm Hg.

7. Upper body article of apparel according to claim 1, wherein at least one compression region comprises one or more of at least a part of a trunk region, at least a part of an upper arm region and at least a part of a forearm region of the upper body article of apparel.

8. Upper body article of apparel according to claim 1, wherein at least one functional element is configured as a raised portion.

9. Upper body article of apparel according to claim 1, wherein at least one functional element comprises one or more of a thermoplastic polymer and a thermosetting polymer.

10. Upper body article of apparel according to claim 1, wherein the knitted region of the functional element contains a hot-melt adhesive thread.

11. Upper body article of apparel according to claim 1, wherein at least one functional element is configured locally delimited.

12. Upper body article of apparel according to claim 1, wherein a height of at least one functional element is at least approximately 0.1 cm.

13. Upper body article of apparel according to claim 1, wherein at least one functional element has a Shore A hardness of at least approximately 20.

14. Upper body article of apparel according to claim 1, wherein at least one functional element is fastened to a base element of the upper body article of apparel.

15. Upper body article of apparel according to claim 1, wherein at least one stimulus-inducing structure comprises at least one support element on which a plurality of functional elements are provided.

16. Upper body article of apparel according to claim 15, wherein at least one support element is fixed to a base element of the upper body article of apparel.

17. Upper body article of apparel according to claim 15, wherein at least one support element is releasably connected to a base element of the upper body article of apparel.

18. Upper body article of apparel according to claim 1, wherein, in the worn state of the upper body article of apparel, at least one stimulus-inducing structure is to at least partially overlap a thoracolumbar fascia of the wearer of the upper body article of apparel.

19. Upper body article of apparel according to claim 1, wherein, in the worn state of the upper body article of apparel, at least one stimulus-inducing structure is to at least partially overlap an erector spinae muscle group.

20. Upper body article of apparel according to claim 19, wherein at least one stimulus-inducing structure is to at least partially overlap the erector spinae muscle group extends, in the worn state of the upper body article of apparel, to approximately a height of thoracic vertebra T 10.

21. Upper body article of apparel according to claim 1, wherein, in the worn state of the upper body article of apparel, at least one stimulus-inducing structure is to at least partially overlap triceps brachii muscles.

22. Upper body article of apparel according to claim 1, wherein, in the worn state of the upper body article of apparel, at least one stimulus-inducing structure is to at least partially overlap extensors of a forearm of the wearer.

23. Upper body article of apparel according to claim 1, wherein, in the worn state of the upper body article of apparel, no spinous processes of a vertebral column of the wearer of the upper body article of apparel are to be in contact with any stimulus-inducing structure of the upper body article of apparel.

24. Upper body article of apparel according to claim 1, wherein the upper body article of apparel has at least two stimulus-inducing structures which are separated from one another by a region without any stimulus-inducing structure.

25. Upper body article of apparel according to claim 1, wherein the upper body article of apparel is provided with at least one marking which serves as a positioning aid for positioning at least one stimulus-inducing structure of the upper body article of apparel relative to the body of the wearer during putting on of the upper body article of apparel.

26. Upper body article of apparel according to claim 1, wherein the stimulus-inducing structure comprises a plurality of stimulus-inducing functional elements and wherein all of the plurality of functional elements have a largest extent along the surface direction of the basic knit material of the upper body article of apparel of not more than 1.0 cm.

27. Upper body article of apparel according to claim 1, wherein, in the worn state of the upper body article of apparel, the outer contour of the at least one stimulus-inducing structure is to substantially correspond to an outer contour of extensors of a forearm of the wearer of the upper body article of apparel.

28. Upper body article of apparel according to claim 1, wherein two stimulus induction zones in the form of strips which, in the worn state of the upper body article of apparel, at least partially overlap an erector spinae muscle group, are arranged left and right of a spinal column line, parallel to the spinal column line, and are spaced from one another perpendicular to the spinal column line, wherein each of the strips extends upwardly at least to a height of a vertebra T 10.

29. Upper body article of apparel according to claim 1, wherein, in the worn state of the upper body article of apparel, the outer contour of the at least one stimulus-inducing structure is to substantially correspond to an outer contour of an erector spinae muscle group.

30. Upper body article of apparel, in particular a shirt, a bodysuit or an undershirt, which comprises at least one compression region in which, in a worn state, the upper body article of apparel is to exert a compression effect on a body of a wearer of the upper body article of apparel, and comprises at least one stimulus-inducing structure which is arranged on an inside of the upper body article of apparel to be facing, in the worn state, toward the body of the wearer of the upper body article of apparel, wherein the stimulus-inducing structure comprises a plurality of stimulus-inducing functional elements arranged within a stimulus induction zone delimited by an outer contour of the respective stimulus-inducing structure, wherein the plurality of functional elements of the at least one stimulus-inducing structure are isolated from one another, wherein the upper body article of apparel comprises a basic knit material, wherein each of the plurality of functional elements comprises a knitted region of the upper body article of apparel which, with regard to the knitted construction of the knitted region of the respective functional element, differs from a knitted region of the basic knit material of the upper body article of apparel adjoining and surrounding the respective functional element, wherein the knitted region of the respective functional element is configured as a tuck stitch fabric and contains a thread comprising an elastic polymer, wherein the knitted region of the respective functional element comprises a plurality of tuck stitch loops that extend over a plurality of stitch rows, wherein all of the plurality of functional elements have a largest extent along a surface direction of a basic knit material of the upper body article of apparel of more than 0.2 cm and of not more than 1.0 cm, wherein a surface density of the plurality of functional elements within the at least one stimulus-inducing structure is at least 1 per cm.sup.2, wherein, in the worn state of the upper body article of apparel, the outer contour of the at least one stimulus-inducing structure is to substantially correspond to an outer contour of an erector spinae muscle group, and wherein no spinous processes of a vertebral column of the wearer of the upper body article of apparel are to be in contact with any stimulus-inducing structure of the upper body of article.

31. Upper body article of apparel according to claim 1, wherein the at least one stimulus-inducing structure includes first, second and third stimulus induction zones, wherein the first and second stimulus induction zones include first and second strips, respectively, which, in the worn state of the upper body article of apparel, are positioned left and right of a spinal column line, parallel to the spinal column line, and are spaced apart from one another and the spinal column line, and wherein the first and second strips adjoin the third stimulus induction zone that extends across the spinal column line.

32. Upper body article of apparel according to claim 31, wherein the first, second and third stimulus induction zones define a generally u-shaped stimulus inducing structure.

33. Upper body article of apparel according to claim 1, wherein, in the worn state of the upper body article of apparel, the outer contour of the at least one stimulus-inducing structure is to substantially correspond to an outer contour of the triceps brachii muscles of the wearer of the upper body article of apparel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 shows a schematic front view of an upper body article of apparel with compression regions and stimulus induction zones;

(2) FIG. 2 shows a schematic rear view of the upper body article of apparel of FIG. 1;

(3) FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of a circular functional element of a stimulus-inducing structure;

(4) FIG. 4 shows a schematic plan view of a triangular functional element of a stimulus-inducing structure;

(5) FIG. 5 shows a schematic plan view of a square functional element of a stimulus-inducing structure;

(6) FIG. 6 shows a schematic plan view of a rectangular functional element of a stimulus-inducing structure;

(7) FIG. 7 shows a schematic plan view of an angular functional element of a stimulus-inducing structure;

(8) FIG. 8 shows a schematic plan view of a portion of a stimulus-inducing structure in the form of a honeycomb;

(9) FIG. 9 shows a schematic stitch structure of a knitted surface with a knitted-in functional element in the form of plush;

(10) FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of sandwich plush sinkers of a knitting machine;

(11) FIG. 11 shows a schematic stitch structure of a knitted surface with two functional elements configured as tuck stitch fabric;

(12) FIG. 12 shows an enlarged representation of the region I of FIG. 11;

(13) FIG. 13 shows a schematic plan view of a front side of a support element of a stimulus-inducing structure, the support element being provided with a plurality of stimulus-inducing functional elements;

(14) FIG. 14 shows a schematic perspective view of the support element of FIG. 18, viewed obliquely from above;

(15) FIG. 15 shows a schematic plan view of a rear side of a support element facing away from the stimulus-inducing functional elements, the support element being provided with adhesive elements for releasable connection to a base element of an upper body article of apparel;

(16) FIG. 16 shows a schematic plan view of a rear side of a support element facing away from the stimulus-inducing functional elements, the support element being provided with press fasteners for releasable connection to a base element of the upper body article of apparel;

(17) FIG. 17 shows a schematic plan view of a pocket which contains a plurality of support elements, each of which comprises a plurality of stimulus-inducing functional elements, wherein part of a front side of the pocket facing the skin of the wearer in the worn state of the upper body article of apparel is broken away to show the support elements with the stimulus-inducing functional elements; and

(18) FIG. 18 shows a schematic perspective, partially sectional view of the pocket with the support elements of FIG. 17.

(19) The same or functionally equivalent elements are provided in all the drawings with the same reference signs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(20) An upper body article of apparel shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 configured, by way of example, as a shirt 100 is shown in FIG. 1 from the front and in FIG. 2 from the rear and comprises a trunk region 214, the front side 212 of which extends from two shoulder regions 216 and a collar 218 arranged therebetween downwardly via a chest region 220 and an abdominal region 222 to a lower border 224 (see FIG. 1).

(21) A rear side 226 of the trunk region 214 (see FIG. 2) extends from the shoulder regions 216 and the collar 218 downwardly over a back region 228 to the lower border 224 of the shirt 100.

(22) An arm region 230 of the shirt 100 is fixed to each of the shoulder regions 216 of the trunk region 214.

(23) Each arm region 230 comprises an upper arm region 232, an elbow region 234 in the region of the elbow joint and a forearm region 235.

(24) The shirt 100 also has one or more compression regions 142 in which, in the worn state, the shirt 100 exerts a compression effect on the body of the wearer.

(25) This compression effect can be achieved, in particular, through the working in of one or more elastic threads into the basic knit material of the shirt 100.

(26) The elastic thread(s) can, in particular, comprise elastane.

(27) In particular the shirt 100 can have, at the front side 212 of the trunk region 214, a first compression region 142a which extends from the lower border 224 upwardly into the shoulder regions 216 and to the collar 218 of the shirt 100.

(28) Furthermore, the shirt 100 can have, at the rear side 226 of the trunk region 214, a second compression region 142b which extends from the lower border 224 via the back region 228 into the shoulder regions 216 and the collar 218 of the shirt 100.

(29) Furthermore, the shirt 100 can have a third compression region 142c on each arm region 230, extending from a lower border 270 of each arm region 230 upwardly as far as an upper edge 272 of the third compression region 142c which preferably extends below the elbow region 234 of each arm region 230.

(30) Finally, the shirt 100 can have a fourth compression region 142d on each arm region 230, extending from a lower edge 274 of the fourth compression region 142d upwardly as far as an upper edge 276 of each arm region 230, at which the arm region 230 borders on the trunk region 214 of the shirt 100.

(31) The lower edge 274 of the fourth compression region 142d preferably runs above each elbow region 234.

(32) In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower edge 274 of the fourth compression region 142d and the upper edge 272 of the third compression region 142c are separated from one another.

(33) It could, however, also be provided that the compression regions 142c and 142d directly adjoin one another and form a coherent compression region of the respective arm region 230 of the shirt 100.

(34) In principle, the progression of the compression strength in the compression regions 142a to 142d can be substantially constant.

(35) In a preferred embodiment, however, a gradual progression of the compression strength in the compression regions 142a to 142d is provided.

(36) The gradient of the compression strength is herein directed such that the compression strength both in the trunk region 214 and in the arm regions 230 always decreases in the direction toward the chest region 220.

(37) In the first compression region 142a on the front side 212 of the trunk region 214 of the shirt 100, the relative compression strength in the chest region 220 is from zero to approximately 30% of the maximum compression strength in the first compression region 142a and in the shoulder regions 216 is from zero to approximately 60% of the maximum compression strength in the first compression region 142a.

(38) The maximum compression strength in the first compression region 142a is preferably not more than approximately 12 mm Hg.

(39) In the second compression region 142b on the rear side 226 of the trunk region 214, the relative compression strength in the part of the back region 228 lying opposite the chest region 220 is preferably from zero to approximately 30% of the maximum compression strength in the second compression region 142b and in the shoulder regions 216 is preferably from zero to approximately 60% of the maximum compression strength in the second compression region 142b.

(40) The maximum compression strength in the second compression region 142b is preferably not more than approximately 12 mm Hg.

(41) In the third compression regions 142c, the compression strength preferably decreases from the lower border 270 to the upper edge 272.

(42) Furthermore, in the fourth compression regions 142d, the compression strength preferably decreases from the lower edge 274 to the upper edge 276.

(43) In the elbow regions 234, the arm regions 230 preferably have no compression effect.

(44) At the upper edge 276 of the arm regions 230, the compression strength is preferably substantially the same as in the shoulder regions 216 of the trunk region 214.

(45) The arm regions 230 of the shirt 100 are preferably fixedly attached to the trunk region 214.

(46) The arm regions 230 can have any desired length up to a full arm length.

(47) Preferably, the trunk region 214 and the arm regions 230 are made of an elastically yielding material.

(48) In particular, a base element 170 of the shirt 100 can be made of an elastic base material, preferably a knitted fabric.

(49) The yarns and threads used for manufacturing the shirt 100 can be of natural as well as of synthetic origin. The use of a combination of natural and synthetic fibrous materials is also possible.

(50) In particular, all single jersey basic structures are possible as knitted constructions for the basic knit material 122 of the base element 170 of the shirt 100, for example single jerseyunplated; single jerseyplated (RL-p); single jerseytuck (RL-F); single jerseyknop (RL-N); single jerseyterry (RL-P); and single jerseyfloated (RL-h).

(51) Each stimulus-inducing structure 156 comprises functional elements 158 which, in the worn state of the shirt 100, bring about a sensory stimulus effect and a proprioceptive stimulation of the musculature of the wearer.

(52) This stimulation leads to increased muscle activity and improves the synchronisation of the wearer.

(53) The functional elements 158 are preferably configured as raised portions which are arranged on the inside of the shirt 100 and act directly on the skin of the wearer.

(54) Particularly thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers, which can optionally contain additives, are suitable as a material for the raised portions.

(55) Silicones and PVC-based plastisols have proved to be particularly suitable.

(56) Functional elements 158 made of such materials can be applied, for example, by a printing method, in particular by a stencil printing method or a silk screen printing method, onto the inside of the basic knit material 122 of the shirt 100.

(57) Alternatively or additionally, the functional elements 158 can be made particularly in the form of raised portions, but also with textile materials and/or textile constructions, which lead to the formation of a raised portion, for example by means of a plush configuration, projecting toward the skin of the wearer.

(58) In order to achieve an effective proprioceptive stimulation of the musculature of the wearer, it is favourable if the stimulation takes place locally limited, in particular substantially in point form.

(59) It is therefore favourable if the functional elements 158 have a largest extent of not more than approximately 1.0 cm, preferably not more than approximately 0.6 cm, in particular not more than approximately 0.3 cm.

(60) On the other hand, it has proved to be favourable if the largest extent of the functional elements 158 is at least approximately 0.2 cm.

(61) The height of the functional elements 158, that is, their extent perpendicularly to the basic knit material 122 by which the functional elements 158 project toward the skin of the wearer, is at least approximately 0.1 cm, in particular at least approximately 0.2 cm.

(62) It has also proved to be favourable if the height of the functional elements 158 is not more than approximately 0.6 cm, in particular not more than approximately 0.4 cm.

(63) Preferably, the functional elements 158 are made of a material with a Shore A hardness of at least approximately 20.

(64) It has also proved to be favourable if the Shore A hardness of the material of the functional elements 158 is not more than approximately 90.

(65) The Shore A hardness can be determined according to DIN 53505 or DIN EN ISO 868.

(66) Alternatively, the functional elements 158 can be made of a material with a Shore D hardness of at least approximately 20 and/or not more than approximately 90.

(67) The Shore D hardness can be determined according to DIN 53505 or DIN ISO 7619-1.

(68) Since the stimulation effect of the stimulus induction zones 154 involves a proprioceptives stimulation of the muscle and tendon structures, the stimulus-inducing structures 156 are preferably arranged in stimulus induction zones 154 along the courses of the muscles and/or the tendons.

(69) Each stimulus-inducing structure 156 comprises functional elements 158 which, in the worn state of the shirt 100, bring about a sensory stimulus effect and a proprioceptive stimulation of the musculature of the wearer.

(70) In particular, the functional elements 158 are preferably configured as raised portions arranged on the inside of the shirt 100, so that they can act directly on the skin of the wearer.

(71) For example, at the back side 226 of the trunk region 214, in the lower back region 228 of the second compression region 142b, the shirt 100 can have a stimulus induction zone 154a, which substantially completely covers the thoracolumbar fascia of the wearer in the worn state of the upper body article of apparel.

(72) The stimulus induction zone 154a is preferably configured as a rectangle with a width (extent parallel to the lower border 224) of approximately 10 cm to approximately 15 cm and a height (extent along the spinal column line 278 which, in the worn state of the shirt 100, follows the course of the spinal column of the wearer) of approximately 8 cm to approximately 15 cm.

(73) The outer contour 280 of the stimulus induction zone 154a is preferably substantially configured and oriented with mirror symmetry to the spinal column line 278, which in the worn state of the shirt 100 corresponds to the position of the spinal column of the wearer.

(74) In order to enable the most exact possible positioning of the stimulus induction zones 154 of the shirt 100 relative to the body of the wearer when the shirt 100 is put on, it can be provided that the spinal column line 278 is configured as a marking strip or a marking line on the shirt 100, which extends from the lower border 224 to the collar 218 and, when the shirt 100 is put on, can serve as a positioning aid for the wearer.

(75) Two further stimulus induction zones 154b and 154c can be arranged to the left and right of the spinal column line 278, parallel thereto, and preferably such that the stimulus induction zones 154b and 154c in the form of strips directly adjoin the stimulus induction zone 154a at their lower edge, each with a narrow side, and extend upwardly to approximately the height of the vertebra T 10, in order thus to overlap the erector spinae muscle group as completely as possible.

(76) The spacing of the stimulus induction zones 154b and 154c from one another perpendicular to the spinal column line 278 is preferably at least 1 cm and preferably not more than 4 cm. It is thereby achieved that, in the worn state of the shirt 100, overlapping of the stimulus induction zones 154b and 154c with the processes of the spinal column is largely avoided to preclude nerve irritation.

(77) The width of the stimulus induction zones 154b and 154c themselves, that is their extent parallel to the lower border 224, is preferably from approximately 4 cm to approximately 6 cm.

(78) The extent of the stimulus induction zones 154b and 154c along the spinal column line 278 is preferably from approximately 7 cm to approximately 17 cm.

(79) The stimulus induction zones 154a, 154b and 154c which directly adjoin one another, together form a combined stimulus induction zone 154d, the overall extent of which parallel to the spinal column line 278 is preferably from approximately 20 cm to approximately 25 cm.

(80) Furthermore, the shirt 100 can have a stimulus induction zone 154e in each of the arm regions 230, extending from the lower border 270 of each arm region 230 via the forearm region 235, the elbow region 234 and the upper arm region 232 as far as the upper edge 276 of the each arm region 230.

(81) These stimulus induction zones 145e preferably extend along the triceps brachii muscles and along the extensors of the forearm when the shirt 100 is worn.

(82) Preferably, the outer contours 280 of the stimulus induction zones 154e substantially correspond to the outer contours of the triceps brachii muscles and/or the extensors of the forearm.

(83) The width of the stimulus induction zones 154, that is, their extent in the peripheral direction of the shirt 100 is preferably dimensioned so that the individual anatomical differences of the different wearers are taken into account.

(84) Since the functional elements 158 of the stimulus induction zones 154 are arranged on the inside of the shirt 100, they do not have to be visible from the outside of the shirt 100 (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2).

(85) In order that the stimulus-inducing structures 156 of the stimulus induction zones 154 can have the strongest possible stimulating effect on the respective associated muscle and tendon structures, the stimulus induction zones 154 should be positioned, in the worn state, as precisely as possible on the respectively associated muscle and tendon structures.

(86) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the stimulus-inducing structures 156 of the stimulus induction zones 154 are mostly arranged, preferably by more than 90%, in one of the compression regions 142 of the shirt 100. By this means, it is achieved that the local pressure loading of the skin of the wearer is amplified by the functional elements 158 of the stimulus-inducing structures 156 by the large area compression effect of the compression regions 142. Thus, by means of the combination of the compression effect, firstly, of the compression regions 142 and, secondly, of the local functional elements 158 of the stimulus-inducing structures 156, a particularly effective proprioceptive stimulation of the musculature of the wearer is brought about.

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

(88) It has further proved to be favourable if the surface density of the functional elements 158 in the stimulus induction zones 154 is not more than approximately 25 per cm.sup.2, in particular not more than approximately 16 per cm.sup.2, particularly preferably not more than approximately 12 per cm.sup.2.

(89) In FIGS. 1 and 2, the functional elements 158 of the stimulus-inducing structures 156 are shown schematically as substantially circular.

(90) A single functional element 158 with a circular edge is shown in FIG. 3.

(91) The functional elements 158 can, in principle, also have any desired other outer contours, for example, a triangular outer contour (see FIG. 4), a square outer contour (see FIG. 5), a rectangular outer contour (see FIG. 6) or an angled outer contour (see FIG. 7).

(92) Furthermore, it can be provided that the functional elements 158 of a stimulus-inducing structure 156 are not entirely isolated from one another, but rather adjoin one another at end points and thus form a coherent stimulus-inducing structure 156, for example a stimulus-inducing structure 156 in the form of a honeycomb, as shown as a section in FIG. 8.

(93) For a local, isolated proprioceptive stimulation of the musculature of the wearer, however, it is important that the functional elements 158 do not cover the whole 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, in the worn state of the shirt 100, do not exert any pressure on the skin of the wearer.

(94) In an upper body article of apparel which comprises a textile base element 170 in the form of a basic knit material 172, the functional elements 158 of the stimulus-inducing structures 156 can be formed, in particular, in that the relevant functional element 158 comprises a knitted region 174 which differs in its construction from an adjoining knitted region 176 of the basic knit material 172.

(95) Thus, in the functional element 158 shown schematically in its stitch structure in FIG. 9, the knitted region 176 of the basic knit material 172 adjoining the functional element 158 is knitted in a single jersey basic structure made of a ground thread 178 (shown in FIG. 9 without shading), which is plaited with a plaiting thread 180 (shown in FIG. 9 with shading).

(96) In the knitted region 174 of the functional element 158 (shown centrally in FIG. 9) which in the exemplary embodiment shown comprises seven stitch wales and six stitch rows, an additional plush thread 182 (shown dotted in FIG. 9) is knitted into the basic knit material 172 with a plush structure.

(97) The knitted region 174 of the functional element 158 is therefore selectively configured as a plush (sandwich or normal plush).

(98) This plush forms a structure raised above the basic knit material 172.

(99) The plush can be knitted with an ergonomic method (plated in shapes) or selectively knitted.

(100) The shape of the knitted region 174 is, in principle, arbitrary; in particular, any of the outer contours shown in FIGS. 3 to 8 can be used for this.

(101) Each functional element 158 which comprises a knitted region 174 with a raised area is knitted separately from the other functional elements 158 by means of the plush thread 182 introduced additionally from a basic system of the knitting machine or from one or more knitting systems of the knitting machine, which forms stitches together with the basic knit material 172.

(102) Whilst the ground thread 178 and the plaiting thread 180 produce smooth stitches, ground stitches are created from the additional plush threads 182 with inwardly facing (that is, in the worn state of the upper body article of apparel, toward the skin of the wearer) plush loops 184.

(103) The additional plush thread 182 is introduced into an area which can be freely determined using a pattern and cut, for example, by means of a saw and a top blade of the knitting machine, so that individual functional elements 158 arranged separately from one another are produced.

(104) For manufacturing a selective plush or partial plush of this type, a knitting machine which has needles 186 and plush sinkers 188 can be used, as illustrated schematically in FIG. 10.

(105) The plush sinkers 188 shown in FIG. 10 are sandwich plush sinkers. Alternatively thereto, however, other knocking-over sinkers, in particular, normal plush sinkers can be used.

(106) Each of the plush sinkers 188 has a foot 190, a shaft 192, a forward guide part 194 arranged between the shaft 192 and the foot 190, a sinker beak 196 arranged above the shaft, a throat 198 arranged above the sinker beak 196 and a plush nib 199 arranged above the throat.

(107) The course of the plaiting thread 180 and of the plush thread 182 over the plush sinkers 188 and the needles 186 is also shown in FIG. 10. The ground thread 178 runs directly under the plaiting thread 180 and in the representation in FIG. 10 is covered by the plaiting thread 180.

(108) Through the use of sandwich plush sinkers, the plush thread 182 is brought to the outside of the fabric.

(109) Any desired materials and material combinations can be used as the ground thread 178 and the plaiting thread 180 of the basic knit material 172.

(110) Preferably, for the formation of the plush in the knitted region 174 of the functional element 158, there is used a synthetic fibre material made, for example, of polypropylene in combination with a hot-melt adhesive material made, for example, of polyester.

(111) In an actual exemplary embodiment, a polyproylene filament yarn (for example, a twisted dtex 84/F25/2 yarn, made of 2 threads of 25 filaments each) with a relatively low melting point in the region of 165 C. to approximately 175 C. and a softening point in the region of 150 C. to 155 C. is combined with the hot-melt adhesive material PES Grilon KE 60 with a softening point in the range of 55 C. to 65 C. and a usage temperature of 80 C. to 110 C.

(112) The combination of these materials forming the plush thread 182 can be made, for example, by intermingling or entwining.

(113) A twisting process is less favoured in order to obtain extensive neutrality in the twisting tendency.

(114) The thread construction forming the plush thread 182 can be very readily used in the stitch forming process of the knitting process due to its retained softness.

(115) Only by means of a subsequent heat treatment following the knitting process at a temperature in the range of approximately 105 C. to approximately 180 C. does melting of the materials take place in the knitted region 174 of the functional element 158, leading to the formation of stiffened, relatively hard structures which cause the stimulating effect when the upper body article of apparel is worn.

(116) The hardness of the functional elements 158 made in this way can be influenced, for example, by the selection of the treatment temperature during the heat treatment.

(117) A higher treatment temperature leads, in principle, to a higher level of hardness of the functional elements 158, since a larger proportion of the hot-melt adhesive material is melted and binds to the other materials in the knitted region 174 of the functional element 158, so that the functional element 158 becomes stiffer.

(118) The heat treatment can be performed after knitting the knitted region 174 of the functional element 158, for example, by tumbling, form fixing, or by applying hot air.

(119) Another possibility for creating functional elements 158 by generating a knitted region 174 which, with respect to its weave, differs from an adjoining knitted region 176 of a basic knit material 172 of the upper body article of apparel is shown schematically in the stitch structures of FIGS. 11 and 12, wherein FIG. 12 is an enlarged section of the region I of the fabric, shown at top left in FIG. 11.

(120) In this embodiment also, the basic knit material 172 is formed from a ground thread 178 (shown without shading in FIGS. 11 and 12) and a plaiting thread 180 (shown with shading in FIGS. 11 and 12).

(121) A functional element 158 in the form of a region which is raised relative to the basic knit material 172 is obtained in this embodiment in that a tuck stitch fabric is created which comprises a plurality of tuck stitch loops 200 over a plurality of, in the exemplary embodiment shown eight, stitch rows and with a repeat of a plurality of, in the exemplary embodiment shown, six, stitch wales in a single jersey knitted fabric.

(122) In the knitted region 174 of the functional element 158, a hot-melt adhesive thread 204 (shown dotted in FIGS. 11 and 12) can be worked in by plaiting as an additional plaiting thread 202.

(123) A hot-melt adhesive thread 204 of this type can comprise, for example, polyester or copolyamide.

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

(125) Any desired materials and material combinations can be used as the ground thread 178 and the plaiting thread 180 for the basic knit material 172.

(126) In an actual exemplary embodiment, the elastic covering material CT 6416 consisting of an elastane thread with a fineness of dtex 17 covered with a polyamide thread having a dtex of 16F10 is used as the ground thread 178 and a polyamide yarn with a dtex of 78/68/2 is used as the plaiting thread 180.

(127) When the knitted region 174 of the functional element 158 is knitted, the ground thread 178, the plaiting thread 180 and the hot-melt adhesive thread 204 are floated to form the tuck stitch loops 200 during the formation of a plurality of, for example eight, stitch rows and are then cast off.

(128) In FIG. 11, two functional elements 158 made in this way are shown, offset to one another in a diagonal direction of the fabric.

(129) A variety of possibilities as to how the functional elements 158 of the stimulus-inducing structures 156 in the stimulus induction zones 154 of an upper body article of apparel can be produced directly on a base element 170 of the upper body article of apparel have been described above.

(130) Alternatively thereto, at least one stimulus-inducing structure 156 can comprise at least one support element 236 (see FIG. 13) on which a plurality of functional elements 158 are provided.

(131) The support element 236 having the functional elements 158 can be manufactured separately from the base element 170 of the upper body article of apparel and then releasably or non-releasably connected to the base element 170 of the upper body article of apparel.

(132) In a particular embodiment of such a support element 236, it is provided that all the functional elements 158 of a stimulus induction zone 154 are arranged on the relevant support element 236, so that for manufacturing the stimulus-inducing structure 156 of the respective stimulus induction zone 154, only a single support element 158 is needed.

(133) In such a case, an outer contour 238 of the support element 236 preferably substantially matches the outer contour 280 of the associated stimulus induction zone 154.

(134) In particular, in the embodiment of a support element 236 according to FIGS. 13 and 14, the outer contour 238 thereof matches the outer contour 280 of the combined stimulus induction zone 154d on the rear side of the shirt 100 (see FIG. 2).

(135) A support element of this type can be manufactured, for example, as an injection moulded part or as a film of a suitable plastics material.

(136) Alternatively thereto, the support element 236 can comprise a textile material, for example a knitted fabric.

(137) The support element 236 is arranged on the base element 170 of the upper body article of apparel such that the stimulus-inducing functional elements 158 lie on a front side 240 of the support element 236 facing away from the base element 170 of the upper body article of apparel and, in the worn state of the upper body article of apparel, face toward the body of the wearer.

(138) The rear side 242 of the support element 236 shown in FIG. 15 which, in the mounted state of the support element 236, faces toward the base element 170 of the upper body article of apparel can be provided with fastening devices 244. The fastening devices 244 can be configured, for example, as adhesion elements 246 which cooperate with adhesion elements (not shown) on the base element 170 of the upper body article of apparel in order to fasten the support element 236 releasably on the base element 170 of the upper body article of apparel.

(139) In particular, the adhesion elements 246 can form a constituent part of a touch-and-close fastener or a hook-and-loop fastener.

(140) In an alternative embodiment of a support element 236, illustrated in FIG. 16, which is releasably fastenable to the base element 170 of the upper body article of apparel, the fastening devices 244 are configured as locking elements 248 which are lockable to base element-side locking elements (not shown), in order to fasten the support element 236 releasably on the base element 170 of the upper body article of apparel.

(141) In particular, it can be provided that at least one support element-side locking element 248 and a base element-side locking element cooperating therewith together form a press fastener.

(142) In an alternative embodiment of the stimulus-inducing structure 126 of a stimulus induction zone 154 shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, it is provided that, in the worn state of the upper body article of apparel, the functional elements 158 do not make direct contact with the skin of the wearer of the upper body article of apparel, but rather that, in the worn state of the upper body article of apparel, a covering 250 is arranged between the functional elements 158 and the body of the wearer.

(143) The covering 250 can be formed, for example, from a textile material or a film, in particular a plastics film.

(144) An outer contour 252 of the covering 250 preferably substantially matches the outer contour 280 of the relevant stimulus induction zone 154.

(145) As can be best seen from FIG. 18, the covering 250 can be connected, for example, by means of a seam 254, to a rear wall 256 manufactured separately from the base element 170, for example from a textile material or a film, in particular a plastics material and, together with the rear wall 256, can thus form a pocket 258 in which the functional elements 158 of the stimulus-inducing structure 156 are accommodated.

(146) The pocket 258 is assembled from the covering 250 and the rear wall 256 separately from the base element 170 before the pocket 258 as a whole is non-releasably or releasably fastened to the base element 170 of the upper body article of apparel.

(147) The pocket 258 can be closed along its outer contour or can have an opening through which the functional elements 158 and, in particular, the support elements 236 supporting the functional elements 158 can be introduced into the pocket 258.

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

(149) In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, it is alternatively provided that the stimulus-inducing structure 156 has a plurality of support elements 236, each of which carries a plurality of stimulus-inducing functional elements 158.

(150) The support elements 236 can be manufactured separately from the covering 250 and separately from the rear wall 256 and subsequently connected to the rear wall 256 and/or to the covering 250, for example, by adhesion, welding and/or sewing.

(151) Furthermore, it could also be provided that the rear side of the pocket 258 opposing the covering 250 is not formed by means of a rear wall 256 configured separately from the base element 170, but rather by means of a section 260 of the base element 170.

(152) In this case, the support elements 236 are connected to the section 260 of the base element 170, for example, by means of adhesion, welding and/or sewing.

(153) Furthermore, it can be provided that arranged in the pocket 258 is a biasing element (not shown) which, in the worn state of the upper body article of apparel, biases the functional elements 158 toward the body of the wearer, in order thus to amplify the application pressure of the functional elements 158 onto the skin of the wearer through the covering 250.

(154) A biasing element of this type can comprise, for example, a foam material inlay.

(155) The use of such a biasing element can be useful, in particular, if the body of the wearer of the upper body article of apparel is concavely shaped in the region in which the relevant stimulus induction zone 154 is arranged.

(156) The use of a covering 250 between the functional elements 158 and the body of the wearer of the upper body article of apparel is particularly advantageous if the functional elements 158 are configured relatively hard, relatively high and/or relatively pointed.