HK1260750B - Upper body covering item - Google Patents

Description

Upper body clothing

This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application entitled “Upper Body Clothing”, filed on September 12, 2013, with national application number 201380047524.X (PCT application number PCT/EP2013/068916).

Technical Field

The invention relates to an upper body garment.

Background Art

The term upper body clothing encompasses any item of clothing which is worn close to the skin in the area of the wearer's upper torso (including the arms), in particular shirts, tights, undergarments and oversleeves.

Summary of the Invention

The object of the present invention is to provide an upper body garment which is suitable for reducing the risk of injury to the wearer of the upper body garment, in particular during sports activities, and for balancing possible functional imbalances of the wearer's locomotor system and achieving an optimization of efficiency in sensory-central activities.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by an upper body article of clothing, in particular a shirt, tights, underwear or sleeves, which comprises at least one contraction area in which the upper body article of clothing exerts a contraction effect on the body of the wearer of the upper body article of clothing when worn, and at least one structure that causes stimulation when worn, which is arranged on the inner side of the upper body article of clothing that faces the body of the wearer of the upper body article of clothing.

The invention is based on the idea of exerting a proprioceptive stimulation effect on the wearer of an upper body garment by means of a stimulation-inducing structure, wherein the proprioceptive stimulation effect of the stimulation-inducing structure is intensified by a constriction effect of the upper body garment exerted simultaneously on the upper body of the wearer.

It is known from physiology that neurophysiological activation of the wearer's proprioceptors (i.e., receptors that enable the wearer to perceive and control the current position of the body in space, such as, in particular, muscle spindles, the Golgi tendon system and joint receptors) can be achieved by stimulation through the skin.

Through the stimulation of proprioceptors in the body (neurophysiological activation), an improved synchronization and optimization of the muscles used by the wearer is achieved, which in turn significantly improves body stability, body balance and body statics.

Therefore, by stimulating the proprioceptors, not only can the risk of injury be reduced (especially during sports activities), but functional imbalances of the locomotor system can also be balanced.

The reduction of imbalances in the locomotor system and/or the improvement of body stability results in a balanced, symmetrical body posture of the wearer, which results in a lower load on the wearer, a delayed tendency to fatigue and a prolonged feeling of well-being.

The proprioceptive stimulation of the musculature of the wearer of the upper body garment results in a reduction of the risk of injuries caused by incorrect movements and overstretching and in an optimization and synchronization of the wearer's body coordination.

The upper body article of clothing according to the invention enables the advantageous effects of proprioceptive stimulation to be utilized in a wide range of sports and athletic activities, in particular for preventive purposes, for example in the business sector and/or in the fitness or cosmetic fields.

The upper body article of clothing according to the present invention is a garment worn close to the skin, which enables effective proprioceptive stimulation of the wearer's musculature in a simple and easy-to-use manner.

The upper body article of clothing according to the invention can be designed in particular as a shirt with or without arm regions.

According to the invention, the desired proprioceptive stimulation is achieved in particular by targeted addition of at least one stimulation-inducing structure having functional elements to the inner side of the upper body garment facing the wearer's body, which exert a stimulating effect of the sensory centers on the wearer's muscle tissue.

The stimulus-inducing structure is preferably arranged at a location of the upper body article of clothing which, when the upper body article of clothing is worn, corresponds to a region of the wearer's body having the highest possible proprioceptor density.

A preferred arrangement area for the stimulating structures is the area of the myofascial chain that spirals upward from the foot through the leg area to the head.

In a preferred design of the upper body garment according to the present invention, it is provided that those areas of the upper body garment which, when the upper body garment is worn, come into contact with the wearer's thoracic region, the spinous processes of the spine and/or the cervical region do not have structures that cause irritation, so as to reliably avoid possible erroneous stimulation at these locations, as well as the risk of possible excitement and nerve stimulation, and to improve wearing comfort.

By applying pressure to the wearer's skin at points along the muscle chain, stimulation of the wearer's muscle activity can be achieved.

Since the contraction effect of the contraction region intensifies the proprioceptive stimulation effect of the stimulus-inducing structure, it is advantageous if the stimulus-inducing structure is arranged at least partially, preferably substantially completely, in at least one contraction region of the upper body article of clothing.

Furthermore, it is advantageous for the effectiveness of the proprioceptive stimulation effect of the stimulation-inducing structure if the stimulation-inducing structure is in direct contact with the skin of the wearer of the upper body article of clothing when the upper body article of clothing is worn.

As an alternative thereto, it can also be provided that the at least one stimulus-inducing structure is separated from the skin of the wearer by a covering when the upper body article of clothing is worn.

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

Therefore, depending in particular on the design of the functional elements of the stimulus-inducing structure with regard to their hardness, height and sharpness, these functional elements can act indirectly on the skin of the wearer of the upper body article of clothing.

The contraction area of the upper body garment preferably comprises a resilient, soft material.

In particular, it can be provided that the contraction region of the upper body article of clothing comprises a woven or knitted fabric.

Preferably, the contraction region of the upper body garment comprises at least one elastic thread, for example elastane.

In principle, the constriction region can have a substantially constant constriction strength distribution.

However, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the contraction region has a gradual distribution of contraction strength.

In particular, if the compression region is arranged in the torso region or the arm region of the upper body article of clothing, it is advantageous if the compression strength in the compression region decreases in the direction of the chest region of the upper body article of clothing.

When the upper body article of clothing comprises an elbow region which covers the elbows of the wearer in the worn state of the upper body article of clothing, the contraction region preferably does not comprise the elbow region of the upper body article of clothing.

The maximum contraction strength in the contraction region is preferably at least about 7 mmHg, in particular at least about 10 mmHg.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the maximum contraction strength in the contraction region is at most approximately 32 mmHg, in particular at most approximately 25 mmHg.

In a preferred embodiment of the upper body article of clothing according to the present invention, the at least one compression region comprises at least a portion of the torso region, at least a portion of the upper arm region and/or at least a portion of the forearm region of the upper body article of clothing.

In the torso region of the upper body garment, the relative contraction strength in the chest region is preferably zero to approximately 30% of the maximum contraction strength in the torso region, and the relative contraction strength in the shoulder region is preferably zero to approximately 60% of the maximum contraction strength in the torso region.

The maximum contraction strength in the torso region of the upper body article of clothing is preferably at most approximately 12 mmHg.

In the case of a long arm region of an upper body garment which is fixedly connected to the torso region of the upper body garment and which covers the entire arm up to the wrist, the maximum contraction strength in the arm region is preferably a maximum of approximately 32 mmHg, particularly preferably a maximum of approximately 25 mmHg.

In the long arm region, the contraction strength preferably decreases gradually from the wrist region to the shoulder joint region.

In the area of the elbow joints, the upper body garment preferably has no constriction.

If the upper body article of clothing has a torso region and an arm region, the compression strength in the shoulder region of the arm region is preferably substantially as great as the compression strength in the shoulder region of the torso region.

In the case of a short arm region fixedly connected to the torso region of the upper body garment (which begins only above the elbow joint), the maximum contraction strength in the arm region is preferably a maximum of approximately 18 mmHg, particularly preferably a maximum of approximately 15 mmHg.

In the case of arm regions not connected to the torso region, so-called cuffs (the cuffs preferably cover the wearer's arms essentially from the wrist to the upper arm), the maximum contraction strength is preferably up to approximately 32 mmHg, particularly preferably up to approximately 25 mmHg.

In this case, the contraction strength of the sleeve preferably reduces gradually from wrist to shoulder joint.In addition, it can also be stipulated that the sleeve does not have contraction in the elbow joint region.

The contraction strength is preferably at least about 10 mmHg.

The proprioceptive stimulation effect of the stimulation-inducing structure is preferably achieved in that the stimulation-inducing structure comprises at least one stimulation-inducing functional element.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the stimulus-inducing structure comprises a plurality of such functional elements.

In this case, the different functional elements of the stimulus-inducing structure can be separated from one another or can adjoin one another, in particular at the end regions of the functional elements.

Preferably, at least one functional element of the stimulus-inducing structure is designed as a projection.

The functional elements can be formed by arranging or adding materials or structures to the base body of the upper body garment, in particular the base knitted fabric, which result in point-shaped protrusions of the textile structure which act as local pressure points when the upper body garment is worn.

Preferably, the functional element is directly fixedly connected to the textile material of the upper body article of clothing.Thus, the structure causing the stimulus can be optimally positioned on the upper body article of clothing.

In principle, all materials and structures which form local pressure points on the skin of the wearer when the upper body article of clothing is put on are suitable for forming the functional element.

In principle, the material can be a hard, dense material, for example, made of any kind of wood, plastic or metal, or a soft, flexible plastic material, for example a plastic based on silicone, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polyurethane (PUR).

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that at least one functional element contains an elastic polymer, a thermoplastic polymer (in particular a thermoplastic elastomer) and/or a thermosetting polymer.

In particular, it may be provided that at least one functional element contains silicone, polyurethane, a plastisol (in particular a plastisol based on PVC), a polyurethane-based polymer, a polytetrafluoroethylene-based polymer and/or a thermoplastic elastomer.

As an alternative or in addition thereto, it can also be provided that at least one functional element is formed by a textile structure, for example by a plush, by a spacer knitted fabric, by a spacer knitted fabric or by a dotted double knitted or knitted fabric.

As an alternative or in addition thereto, it can also be provided that at least one functional element comprises a knitted region of the upper body article of clothing which differs in its knitting method from a knitted region of the upper body article of clothing adjoining the functional element.

In this case, it can be provided, for example, that the woven region of the functional element is designed as plush.

As an alternative thereto, it can be provided that the knitted region of the functional element is designed as a tuck-knit.

In order to increase the mechanical strength and stiffness of the functional element, it can be provided that the braided region of the functional element contains glue threads.

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

The molten adhesive material forming such a molten adhesive line may have a softening temperature of, for example, 50° C. or higher, in particular 80° C. or higher.

After the knitting process, by which the corresponding functional elements have been produced, the region of the upper body article of clothing in which the functional elements have been produced can be subjected to a heat treatment, by which the melt adhesive material is heated to a temperature above its softening temperature.

In this case, the treatment temperature may be 70° C. or higher, in particular 100° C. or higher.

The higher the treatment temperature is selected, the more tightly the melt adhesive material bonds to the other materials of the functional element, and the harder the functional element produced in this way.

The heat treatment can be carried out, for example, by tumbling, shaping or impingement with hot air.

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

It is particularly advantageous for the proprioceptive stimulation effect if the functional element exerts a point-specific pressure load on the skin of the wearer.

It is therefore advantageous if at least one functional element of the stimulus-inducing structure is designed to be locally delimited, in particular to be essentially punctiform.

Preferably, all functional elements of at least one stimulus-inducing structure of an upper body article of clothing, in particular all functional elements of all stimulus-inducing structures, are designed to be locally delimited, in particular to be essentially punctiform.

It is particularly advantageous if at least one functional element has a maximum extension (along the base body of the upper body garment) of not more than approximately 1.0 cm, preferably not more than approximately 0.7 cm, in particular not more than approximately 0.6 cm, particularly preferably not more than approximately 0.3 cm. It is particularly advantageous if all functional elements of the stimulus-inducing structure have such a maximum extension.

Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if at least one functional element has a maximum extension (along the base body of the upper body garment) of at least approximately 0.2 cm. It is particularly advantageous if all functional elements of the stimulus-inducing structure have such a maximum extension.

The functional element of the stimulus-inducing structure can have, for example, a substantially circular outer contour.

However, in principle, each functional element, in particular each partially delimited functional element, can also have any other outer contour, for example a polygonal outer contour, a triangular outer contour, a square outer contour, a rectangular outer contour or an angular outer contour.

Locally delimited functional elements differ from linear elements having a large extension in one dimension and also from large-area elements having a large extension in two dimensions.

The stimulus-inducing structure can be designed in particular in a honeycomb-like manner if the functional elements of the stimulus-inducing structure, which are designed in particular in a web-like manner, adjoin one another at their end regions and thus form an associated stimulus-inducing structure.

For the local, point-by-point proprioceptive stimulation of the wearer's muscle tissue, it is important that surface sections without functional elements are retained on the upper body garment between the functional elements of the stimulation-inducing structure, which are constructed in a particularly point-shaped or line-shaped manner, and which do not exert pressure on the wearer's skin when the upper body garment is worn.

The height of the at least one functional element, ie its extension perpendicular to the upper body garment body, with which it projects towards the wearer's skin, is preferably at least approximately 0.1 cm, in particular at least approximately 0.2 cm.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the height of the at least one functional element is at most approximately 0.6 cm, preferably at most approximately 0.4 cm, in particular at most approximately 0.3 cm.

Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the material of the at least one functional element has a Shore A hardness of at least approximately 20, preferably at least approximately 30.

Preferably, at least one functional element is formed from a material having a Shore A hardness of approximately 90 at most.

The Shore A hardness can be determined according to DIN 53503 or DIN EN ISO 868.

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

The Shore D hardness is preferably up to about 90.

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

In a special embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that at least one functional element is fixed to the upper body garment base. Preferably, all functional elements are fixed to the upper body garment base.

In particular, it can be provided that at least one functional element is fixedly connected directly to the textile material of the garment. Thus, the stimulus-inducing structure formed by the functional element can be optimally positioned on the upper body garment.

The addition of functional elements not based on textile structures to the upper body garment base body can be achieved, for example, by a pressing method, such as a template pressing method or a screen printing method, and subsequent thermal fixing of the functional elements to the upper body garment base body.

As an alternative or in addition thereto, it can be provided that at least one stimulus-inducing structure comprises at least one carrier element on which a plurality of functional elements are formed.

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

In this case, the at least one carrier element can be fixed in an inseparable manner to the upper body garment base.

As an alternative or in addition thereto, it can be provided that at least one carrier element is detachably connected to the upper body garment base body.

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

The carrier element can be a prefabricated component having a plurality of functional elements.

The carrier element can be designed, for example, as an injection-molded part.

The stimulus-inducing structure can be formed by one such 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 the entire stimulus-inducing structure.

The carrier element can be designed, for example, as a film or as a textile structure.

The stimulus-inducing functional element, which preferably comprises the entire stimulus-inducing structure and which is preferably based on a textile structure, can be connected flexibly and/or detachably to the upper body garment base body by means of known forming techniques.

The upper body article can be provided with markings of a color that contrasts sharply with the base material of the upper body article, which serve as positioning aids for the wearer of the upper body article when putting on the upper body article in order to achieve optimal positioning of the stimulus-inducing structure on the wearer's body.

Since the stimulating effect of the functional elements is based on the proprioceptive stimulation of muscle and tendon bands, the functional elements are preferably arranged in the following areas of the upper body clothing, which, when the upper body clothing is worn, rest on areas of the wearer's body with the highest possible receptor density.

Particularly preferred in this case are muscle and tendon distribution areas that are related to body posture and movement coordination according to physiological and medical criteria.

It has proven particularly advantageous for proprioceptive stimulation if, in the case of upper body clothing with a trunk area, in particular shirt-type clothing, the stimulation-inducing structure in the lower back area is arranged in the area of the thoracolumbar fascia and extends parallel to the spine along the erector spinae of the dorsi extensor muscles, preferably starting from the coccyx approximately to the height of the thoracic vertebra designated Th10.

In this case, the stimulus-inducing structures are preferably provided with such an extension that, when the upper body article of clothing is worn, there is the greatest possible and optimal overlap with the thoracolumbar fascia. In other words, when the upper body article of clothing is worn, at least one stimulus-inducing structure at least partially overlaps with the thoracolumbar fascia of the wearer of the upper body article of clothing.

In one possible embodiment of such a stimulation-inducing region, the stimulation-inducing region (also referred to below as stimulation-inducing zone) is designed as a rectangular quadrilateral, preferably with a side length of at least approximately 8 cm.

As an alternative thereto, the stimulation induction zone can also have another outer contour, for example a circular outer contour or an outer contour that is a polygon with n vertices (in particular n=3 or 5 to 8).

Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if, when the upper body garment is in place, at least one stimulation-inducing structure at least partially overlaps the erector spinae muscle group. It can be provided that, when the upper body garment is in place, the at least one stimulation-inducing structure that at least partially overlaps the erector spinae muscle group extends approximately to the height of vertebra Th10. Preferably, two strip-shaped stimulation-inducing areas or stimulation-sensing zones are arranged parallel to the left and right sides of the spine, so that these areas overlap as closely as possible with the erector spinae muscle group, in particular approximately to the height of vertebra Th10.

It is particularly advantageous if the strip-shaped stimulation induction zones each directly adjoin with a narrow side a stimulation induction zone which at least partially overlaps the thoracolumbar fascia.

In this case, the spacing between the stimulation induction zones running parallel to the spinal column is selected such that when the upper body garment is worn, an overlap with the spinous processes of the spinal column is avoided in order to prevent nerve stimulation.

The strip-shaped stimulation induction zone preferably has a width of not more than approximately 6 cm, in particular a width of not more than approximately 5 cm.

The spacing between the strip-shaped stimulation induction areas extending parallel to the spine and substantially parallel to each other is preferably at least approximately 1 cm and at most approximately 4 cm.

Therefore, in a preferred embodiment of the upper body article of clothing according to the invention, it is provided that at least one stimulus-inducing structure at least partially overlaps the thoracolumbar fascia of the wearer of the upper body article of clothing when the upper body article of clothing is worn.

It is particularly advantageous if the stimulus-inducing structure covers the thoracolumbar fascia essentially completely when the upper body garment is worn.

Alternatively or in addition thereto, it may be provided that, in the state of the upper body garment being worn, at least one stimulation-inducing structure at least partially overlaps the erector spinae muscle group. In particular, it may be provided that the outer contour of at least one stimulation-inducing structure substantially corresponds to the outer contour of the erector spinae muscle group.

It is particularly advantageous if at least one stimulation-inducing structure, which at least partially overlaps the erector spinae muscle group, extends approximately to the height of the vertebra Th10 in the state in which the upper body clothing is worn.

If the upper body article of clothing includes at least one arm region, it is advantageous if the at least one stimulation-inducing structure at least partially overlaps the triceps brachii muscle when the upper body article of clothing is worn. In particular, it can be provided that the outer contour of the at least one stimulation-inducing structure substantially corresponds to the outer contour of the triceps brachii muscle.

Alternatively or in addition, it is provided that the at least one stimulus-inducing structure at least partially overlaps the extensor muscles of the wearer's forearm when the upper body garment is worn. In particular, it can be provided that the outer contour of the at least one stimulus-inducing structure substantially corresponds to the outer contour of the extensor muscles of the wearer's forearm.

In order to improve wearing comfort and avoid the risk of possible excitement and nervous stimulation, it is preferably provided that when the upper body garment is put on, the thoracic area, spinous processes of the spine and/or cervical area of the wearer of the upper body garment do not come into contact with the irritation-causing structures of the upper body garment.

All stimulation-inducing structures whose positions are explained above lead to proprioceptive stimulation of the muscles or fiber structures respectively covered completely or partially.

Proprioceptive stimulation results in an improved synchronization of the muscles used for the movement.

In order to achieve selective proprioceptive stimulation and to avoid possible false stimulation, it is advantageous if the upper body article of clothing has at least two stimulation-inducing structures which are separated from one another by regions without stimulation-inducing structures.

In a preferred embodiment of the upper body garment according to the invention, it is provided that the stimulation-inducing area in which the stimulation-inducing structure is arranged covers a maximum of half, preferably a maximum of one third, in particular a maximum of one quarter of the inner surface of the upper body garment that faces the wearer's body when the upper body garment is worn.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the at least one stimulus-inducing structure is arranged outside the cuff region of the upper body article of clothing.

In order to make the position of the stimulus-inducing structures visible from the outside of the upper body article of clothing, it can be provided that at least one stimulus-inducing structure is arranged in a stimulus-inducing region which is bordered at least in sections by a delimiting strip.

Such a dividing strip can be highlighted from the base body, in particular by a color that contrasts with the color of the base body of the upper body garment.

Furthermore, the upper body article of clothing is preferably 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 clothing relative to the wearer's body when the upper body article of clothing is put on. This allows for the most precise possible positioning of the stimulus-inducing structure relative to the wearer's body when the upper body article of clothing is put on.

Such a marking can in particular contrast in color with the base material of the upper body garment.

The at least one stimulus-inducing structure of the upper body article of clothing 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 (ie, an extent perpendicular to its longitudinal extension) of not more than approximately 4 centimeters, in particular not more than approximately 2 centimeters.

The stimulus-inducing structure is preferably firmly connected to the base body of the upper body article of clothing, in particular to a basic knitted or woven fabric.

The surface density of the functional elements within the stimulus-inducing structure of the upper body article of clothing is preferably at least approximately 1 per square centimeter, in particular at least approximately 4 per square centimeter, particularly preferably at least approximately 8 per square centimeter.

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

By means of the above-mentioned preferred configurations of the functional elements and the stimulation-inducing structures, both the effectiveness of the stimulation and the wearing comfort of the wearer are taken into account.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the invention are the subject matter of the following description of exemplary embodiments and of the accompanying drawings.

In the attached figure:

FIG1 shows a schematic front view of an upper body garment having a contraction area and a stimulation induction area;

FIG2 shows a schematic rear view of the upper body garment in FIG1 ;

FIG3 shows a schematic diagram of a circular functional element of a stimulus-inducing structure;

FIG4 shows a schematic top view of a triangular functional element of a stimulus-inducing structure;

FIG5 shows a schematic top view of a square functional element of a stimulus-inducing structure;

FIG6 shows a schematic top view of a rectangular functional element of a stimulus-inducing structure;

FIG7 shows a schematic top view of an angular functional element of a stimulus-inducing structure;

FIG8 shows a schematic top view of a fragment consisting of a honeycomb-shaped stimulus-inducing structure;

FIG9 shows a schematic woven mesh diagram of a woven fabric surface having a functional element woven into the form of plush;

FIG10 shows a schematic perspective view of a sandwich-type high-pile sinker of a knitting machine;

FIG11 shows a schematic knitting mesh diagram of a knitted fabric surface having two functional elements configured as tuck-knit fabrics;

FIG12 shows an enlarged view of region I in FIG11 ;

FIG13 shows a schematic top view of the front side of a carrier element of a stimulus-inducing structure, which carrier element is provided with a plurality of stimulus-inducing functional elements;

FIG14 shows a schematic perspective view of the carrier element in FIG18 in an obliquely upward viewing direction;

15 shows a schematic top view of the rear side of a carrier element facing away from the stimulus-inducing functional element, the carrier element being provided with an adhesive element for detachable connection to a base body of an upper body garment;

16 shows a schematic top view of the rear side of a carrier element facing away from the stimulus-inducing functional element, the carrier element being provided with a button for detachable connection to the base body of an upper body article of clothing;

FIG17 shows a schematic top view of a bag comprising a plurality of carrier elements, each of which has a plurality of stimulus-inducing functional elements, wherein a portion of the front side of the bag, which faces the wearer's skin when the upper body garment is worn, has been removed in order to reveal the carrier elements having the stimulus-inducing functional elements; and

FIG. 18 shows a partially cutaway schematic perspective view of the bag with the carrier element from FIG. 17 .

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The upper body garment shown in Figures 1 and 2, which is exemplarily configured as a shirt 100, is shown from the front in Figure 1 and from the back in Figure 2 and comprises a torso region 214, the front side 212 of which extends from two shoulder regions 216 and a collar 218 arranged therebetween, downwardly through a chest region 220 and an abdominal region 222 to a lower cuff 224 (see Figure 1).

A back side 226 (see FIG. 2 ) of the torso region 214 extends from the shoulder regions 216 and the collar 218 downwardly through the back region 228 to the lower cuff 224 of the shirt 100 .

An arm region 230 of the shirt 100 is fastened to each shoulder region 216 of the torso region 214 .

Each arm region 230 includes an upper arm region 232 , an elbow region 234 in the region of the elbow joint, and a forearm region 235 .

The shirt 100 also has one or more contraction regions 142 in which the shirt 100 exerts a contraction effect on the body of the wearer when worn.

This shrinking effect can be achieved, in particular, by incorporating one or more elastic threads into the basic knitted fabric of the shirt 100 .

The one or more elastic threads may comprise, in particular, elastane.

In particular, the shirt 100 can have a first tapered region 142 a on the front side 212 of the torso region 214 , which extends from the lower opening 224 upward to the shoulder region 216 and the collar 218 of the shirt 100 .

Additionally, the shirt 100 may have a second constricted area 142 b on the back side 226 of the torso region 214 that extends from the lower cuff 224 through the back region 228 to the shoulder regions 216 and collar 218 of the shirt 100 .

In addition, the shirt 100 can have a third contraction area 142c on each arm region 230, which extends upward from the lower edge 270 of the corresponding arm region 230 to an upper edge 272 of the third contraction area 142c, which is preferably distributed below the corresponding elbow region 234 of the arm region 230.

Finally, shirt 100 may have a fourth contraction region 142d on each arm region 230 that extends upward from a lower edge 274 of fourth contraction region 142d to an upper edge 276 of the respective arm region 230 where the arm region 230 adjoins the torso region 214 of shirt 100 .

The lower edge 274 of the fourth constriction region 142 d preferably extends above the corresponding elbow region 234 .

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the lower edge 274 of the fourth contraction region 142d and the upper edge 272 of the third contraction region 142c are spaced apart from each other.

However, it can also be provided that the contraction regions 142 c and 142 d directly adjoin one another and form associated contraction regions of the respective arm region 230 of the shirt 100 .

In principle, the distribution of the contraction strength in the contraction regions 142a to 142d may be substantially constant.

However, in a preferred embodiment, a gradual progression of the contraction strength in the contraction regions 142 a to 142 d is provided.

In this case, the gradient of the contraction strength is set such that the contraction strength decreases in the direction of the chest region 220 both in the trunk region 214 and in the arm region 230 .

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

The maximum contraction strength in the first contraction region 142a is preferably up to about 12 mmHg.

In the second contraction area 142b on the back side 226 of the torso area 214, the relative contraction strength in the portion of the back area 228 opposite the chest area 220 is preferably from zero to approximately 30% of the maximum contraction strength in the second contraction area 142b, and in the shoulder area 216 is preferably from zero to approximately 60% of the maximum contraction strength in the second contraction area 142b.

The maximum contraction strength in the second contraction region 142b is preferably up to about 12 mmHg.

In the third constriction region 142 c , the constriction strength preferably decreases starting from the lower neckline 270 toward the upper edge 272 .

Furthermore, in the fourth contraction region 142 d , the contraction strength preferably decreases from the lower edge 274 toward the upper edge 276 .

In the elbow region 234, the arm region 230 preferably has no constricting effect.

At the upper edge 276 of the arm region 230 , the contraction strength is preferably substantially as great as the contraction strength in the shoulder region 216 of the torso region 214 .

The arm regions 230 of the shirt 100 are preferably fixedly connected to the torso region 214 .

The arm region 230 can have any length up to the full arm length.

Preferably, the torso region 214 and the arm regions 230 are made of a resilient, soft material.

In particular, the main body 170 of the shirt 100 is formed from an elastic base material, preferably a woven or knitted fabric.

The yarns and fibers used to make shirt 100 can be either natural or synthetic. Combinations of natural and synthetic fiber materials are also possible.

All right/left basic knits can be used in particular as the knitting structure of the basic knitted fabric 122 for the base body 170 of the shirt 100, for example

-right/left – no line added;

-Right/Left – Plus Line (RL-p);

-Right/Left – Tuck (RL-F);

-right/left–granulomatous (RL-N);

-Right/Left – Plush (RL-P); and

-Right/Left – Floating (RL-h).

Each stimulation-inducing structure 156 includes a functional element 158 that, when the shirt 100 is worn, causes a stimulating effect on the sensory centers of the wearer's muscle tissue and proprioceptive stimulation.

This stimulation results in increased muscle activity and improved synchronization of the wearer.

The functional elements 158 are preferably designed as projections, which are arranged on the inside of the shirt 100 and act directly on the skin of the wearer.

Thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers are particularly suitable as material for the projections, which polymers may optionally contain additives.

Silicone and PVC-based plastisols have proven to be particularly suitable.

Functional elements 158 made of such a material can be applied to the inside of the basic knitted fabric 122 of the shirt 100 , for example, by a stamping method, in particular by a template stamping method or a screen printing method.

However, as an alternative or in addition thereto, in particular the functional element 158 in the form of a projection can also be formed by a textile material and/or a textile structure, for example by plush, which results in the formation of a projection that projects towards the skin of the wearer.

To achieve effective proprioceptive stimulation of the wearer's muscle tissue, it is advantageous if the stimulation is locally limited, in particular substantially punctiform.

It is therefore advantageous if the functional element 158 has a maximum extension of not more than approximately 1.0 cm, preferably of not more than approximately 0.6 cm, in particular of not more than approximately 0.3 cm.

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

The height of the functional element 158 , ie its extension perpendicular to the base knit 122 , with which the functional element 158 projects 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 advantageous if the height of the functional element 158 is at most approximately 0.6 cm, in particular at most approximately 0.4 cm.

Preferably, the functional element 158 is formed from a material having a Shore A hardness of at least about 20.

Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the material of the functional element 158 has a Shore A hardness of at most approximately 90.

The Shore A hardness can be determined according to DIN 53503 or DIN EN ISO 868.

As an alternative thereto, the functional element 158 may be formed from a material having a Shore D hardness of at least approximately 20 and/or at most approximately 90.

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

Since the stimulating effect of the stimulation induction zone 154 is based on the proprioceptive stimulation of muscle and tendon bands, the stimulation-inducing structure 156 is preferably arranged in the stimulation induction zone 154 along the course of the muscle and/or tendon.

Each stimulation-inducing structure 156 includes functional elements 158 that, when the shirt 100 is worn, result in a stimulating effect on the sensory centers of the wearer's muscle tissue and proprioceptive stimulation.

In particular, the functional elements 158 are preferably arranged as projections on the inside of the shirt 100 so that they can act directly on the skin of the wearer.

For example, the shirt 100 may have a stimulation induction zone 154a on the back side 226 of the torso region 214 in the lower back region 228 of the second contraction region 142b, which stimulation induction zone substantially completely covers the wearer's thoracolumbar fascia when the upper body garment is worn.

In this case, the stimulation-sensing zone 154a is preferably rectangular having a width of approximately 10 cm to approximately 15 cm (in extension parallel to the lower cuff 224) and a height of approximately 8 cm to approximately 15 cm (in extension along the spinal line 278, which follows the direction of the wearer's spine when the shirt 100 is worn).

The outer contour 280 of the stimulation induction zone 154a is preferably constructed and arranged to be essentially mirror-symmetrical with respect to the spinal line 278, which corresponds to the spinal position of the wearer when the shirt 100 is worn.

In order to be able to achieve the most precise possible positioning of the stimulation-sensing area 154 of the shirt 100 relative to the wearer's body when the shirt 100 is put on, it can be provided that a spine line 278 is constructed on the shirt 100 as a marking strip or marking line, which extends from the lower closing 224 to the collar 218 and can serve as a positioning aid for the wearer when the shirt 100 is put on.

Two further stimulation induction zones 154b and 154c can be arranged parallel to the left or right side of the spinal column line 278. Specifically, they are preferably arranged so that the strip-shaped stimulation induction zones 154b and 154c are directly adjacent to the stimulation induction zone 154a at their lower edges with a narrow side each and extend upward approximately to the height of the vertebra Th10 so as to overlap as completely as possible with the erector spinae muscle group.

The distance between the stimulation induction zones 154b and 154c perpendicular to the spinal column line 278 is preferably at least 1 cm and preferably at most 4 cm. This ensures that when the shirt 100 is worn, the stimulation induction zones 154b and 154c largely avoid overlapping with the spinous processes of the spine, thereby preventing nerve stimulation.

The width of the stimulation induction areas 154b and 154c themselves, that is, their extension parallel to the lower edge 224, is preferably about 4 cm to about 6 cm.

The stimulation induction zones 154b and 154c preferably extend along the spinal line 278 from about 7 centimeters to about 17 centimeters.

The stimulation induction zones 154a, 154b and 154c that are directly adjacent to one another together form a combined stimulation induction zone 154d, the total extension of which parallel to the spinal column line 278 is preferably approximately 20 cm to approximately 25 cm.

Furthermore, the shirt 100 can have a stimulation induction zone 154 e on each arm region 230 , which extends from the lower cuff 270 of the respective arm region 230 through the forearm region 235 , the elbow region 234 and the upper arm region 232 to the upper edge 276 of the respective arm region 230 .

When the shirt 100 is worn, the stimulation induction zones 145e preferably extend along the triceps brachii muscle and along the forearm extensors.

Preferably, the outer contour 280 of the stimulation induction zone 154e substantially corresponds to the outer contour of the triceps brachii and/or forearm extensor muscles.

The width of the stimulation induction zone 154 , ie its extension in the circumferential direction of the shirt 100 , is preferably determined in such a way that individual body shape differences of different wearers are taken into account.

Because the functional elements 158 of the stimulus induction zone 154 are located on the inside of the shirt 100 , these functional elements are not visible from the outside of the shirt 100 (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 ).

In order that the stimulation-inducing structures 156 of the stimulation induction zones 154 can exert the strongest possible stimulation effect on the respectively corresponding muscle and tendon bands, the stimulation induction zones 154 should be positioned as precisely as possible on the respectively associated muscle and tendon bands when worn.

As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the stimulation-inducing structures 156 of the stimulation-inducing zone 154 are arranged for the most part, preferably more than 90%, in one of the constriction regions 142 of the shirt 100. This ensures that the local pressure loading of the wearer's skin caused by the functional elements 158 of the stimulation-inducing structures 156 is intensified by the large-area constriction effect of the constriction region 142. Thus, the combination of the constriction effect of the constriction region 142, on the one hand, and the localized functional elements 158 of the stimulation-inducing structures 156, on the other hand, results in particularly effective proprioceptive stimulation of the wearer's musculature.

The surface density of the functional elements 158 in the stimulus induction area 154 is preferably at least approximately 1 per square centimeter, in particular at least approximately 4 per square centimeter, and particularly preferably at least approximately 8 per square centimeter.

Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the surface density of the functional elements 158 in the stimulation induction area 154 is at most approximately 25 per square centimeter, in particular at most approximately 16 per square centimeter, particularly preferably at most approximately 12 per square centimeter.

In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the functional element 158 of the stimulus-inducing structure 156 is schematically shown as being substantially circular.

A single functional element 158 having rounded edges is shown in FIG. 3 .

In principle, however, the functional element 158 can also have any other outer contour, 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 angular outer contour (see FIG. 7 ).

Furthermore, it can be provided that the functional elements 158 of the stimulus-inducing structure 156 are not completely separated from one another, but adjoin one another at end points and thus form a connected stimulus-inducing structure 156, for example a honeycomb-shaped stimulus-inducing structure 156, as is shown in fragmentary form in FIG. 8 .

However, for the local, point-by-point proprioceptive stimulation of the wearer's muscle tissue, it is important that the functional elements 158 do not cover the entire surface of the corresponding stimulation-sensing area 154, but rather that surface sections 168 without functional elements 158 remain between the functional elements 158, which do not exert pressure on the wearer's skin when the shirt 100 is worn.

In the case of an upper body garment comprising a textile matrix 170 in the form of a basic knitted fabric 172, the functional elements 158 of the stimulation-inducing structure 156 can in particular be formed by the relevant functional element 158 comprising a knitted area 174 which differs from the adjacent knitted area 176 of the basic knitted fabric 172 in terms of its knitting type.

Therefore, in the case of the functional element 158 schematically shown in a woven mesh diagram in Figure 9, the woven area 176 of the basic woven fabric 172 adjacent to the functional element 158 is woven in the manner of a right/left basic woven fabric from a base thread 178 (not shaded in Figure 9) which is reinforced with an additional thread 180 (shown as shaded in Figure 9).

In the woven area 174 (shown in the middle of FIG. 9 ) of the functional element 158 , which in the embodiment shown comprises seven mesh columns and six mesh rows, additional plush threads 182 (indicated by dots in FIG. 9 ) are woven into the basic fabric 172 in a plush weave.

Thus, the knitted area 174 of the functional element 158 is selectively configured as plush (sandwich plush or regular plush).

The pile forms a structure protruding from the base knitted fabric 172 .

The plush can be ergonomically woven (in terms of shape) or selectively woven.

The shape of the woven region 174 is in principle arbitrary; for this purpose, in particular, the outer contours shown in any of FIG. 3 to FIG. 8 can be used.

Each functional element 158 including a knitting region 174 with raised surfaces is knitted separately from the other functional elements 158 by a plush yarn 182 additionally added by the basic knitting machine system or by one or more knitting systems of the knitting machine, which forms a mesh together with the basic knitted fabric 172 .

The bottom thread 178 and the added thread 180 create a smooth mesh, while the additional plush thread 182 creates a base mesh with plush curls 184 that turn inward (ie, toward the wearer's skin when the upper body garment is worn).

Additional plush threads 182 are added to the surface freely determined by the template pattern and cut, for example, by a saw and an upper blade of a knitting machine, so that individual functional elements 158 arranged independently of one another are formed.

In order to produce such a selective high pile or partial high pile, a knitting machine having needles 186 and high pile sinkers 188 can be used, as schematically shown in FIG. 10 .

The plush sinker 188 shown in Figure 10 is a sandwich plush sinker. However, other backing sinkers, particularly conventional plush sinkers, may also be used as an alternative.

Each plush sinker 188 has a foot 190, a rod 192, a pre-guide 194 (Vorführung) arranged between the rod 192 and the foot 190, a sinker beak 196 arranged above the rod 192, a recess 198 arranged above the sinker beak 196, and a plush nose 199 arranged above the recess 198.

The course of the added thread 180 and the plush thread 182 on the plush sinker 188 and the needle 186 can also be seen from Figure 10. The bottom thread 178 is distributed directly below the added thread 180 and is covered by the added thread 180 in the illustration of Figure 10.

The plush yarn 182 is added to the outside of the knit by using a sandwich type plush sinker.

As the bottom thread 178 and the additional thread 180 of the basic braid 172 , any material and combination of materials may be used.

In order to form the plush in the woven region 174 of the functional element 158 , a chemical fiber material (for example made of polypropylene) is preferably used in combination with a melt adhesive material (for example made of polyester).

In a specific embodiment, a polypropylene thread having a relatively low melting point in the range of 165°C to about 175°C and a softening temperature in the range of 150°C to 155°C (for example, a twisted thread having dtex 84/F25/2 consisting of two threads each consisting of 25 filaments) is combined with a melt adhesive material PES Grilon KE60 having a softening temperature in the range of 55°C to 65°C and an application temperature of 80°C to 110°C.

These material combinations forming the plush yarn 182 can be produced, for example, by crimping or winding.

The twisting process is not preferred for obtaining a largely neutral nature of the twisting tendency.

The thread structure forming the plush thread 182 can be handled well during the mesh forming process due to its still remaining softness during the weaving process.

Only by a heat treatment at a temperature in the range of approximately 105°C to approximately 180°C, which is carried out immediately after the weaving process, can the material in the woven area 174 of the functional element 158 be melted, which leads to the formation of hardened, relatively hard structures, which trigger the stimulation effect when the upper body clothing is worn.

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

In principle, a higher processing temperature results in a higher hardness level of the functional element 158 because a larger portion of the melt material is melted and combines with other materials in the braided region 174 of the functional element 158 , thereby making the functional element 158 harder.

The heat treatment after the weaving of the weaving region 174 of the functional element 158 can be performed, for example, by tumbling, forming or impinging with hot air.

Another possibility for producing a functional element 158 by producing a woven area 174 is schematically shown in the woven mesh diagrams of Figures 11 and 12, which woven area differs from the adjacent woven area 176 of the base fabric 172 of the upper body garment in terms of its woven type, Figure 12 being an enlarged fragment of the woven fabric area I shown in the upper left corner of Figure 11.

In this embodiment, the basic braid 172 is also formed by a bottom thread 178 (not hatched in Figures 11 and 12) and an additional thread 180 (shown hatched in Figures 11 and 12).

In this embodiment, the functional element 158 in the form of a raised area relative to the base knit 172 is obtained by producing a tuck knit that includes a plurality of tuck stitches 200 over a plurality of (eight in the illustrated embodiment) mesh rows and has a pattern of a plurality of (six in the illustrated embodiment) mesh columns in the right/left knit.

As an additional joining thread 202 , a melt glue thread 204 (indicated by dots in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 ) can be introduced into the woven region 174 of the functional element 158 via the joining thread.

Such a melt glue line 204 may comprise polyester or copolyamide, for example.

For example, the adhesive material PES Grilon KE60 made of polyester (having a softening temperature of 55° C. to 65° C.) or the adhesive material Grilon KE85 made of copolyamide having a softening temperature of 80° C. to 90° C. can be used as the adhesive thread 204 .

As the bottom thread 178 and the additional thread 180 for the basic braid 172 , any material and material combination may be used.

In a specific embodiment, an elastic winding material CT 6416 composed of an elastic fiber thread with a fineness of dtex 17 and wound together with a polyamide thread with a dtex of 16F10 is used as the bottom thread 178, and a polyamide thread with a dtex of 78/68/2 is used as the added thread 180.

When knitting the knitting region 174 of the functional element 158 , the bottom thread 178 , the additional thread 180 , and the adhesive thread 204 are inserted and then knitted to form the tuck stitch 200 while producing a plurality of, for example, eight mesh rows.

FIG. 11 shows two functional elements 158 produced in this manner, which are offset relative to one another in the diagonal direction of the braid.

In the above, various possibilities have been explained of how the functional elements 158 of the stimulus-inducing structures 156 in the stimulus-inducing regions 154 of an upper body article of clothing can be produced directly on the base body 170 of the upper body article of clothing.

As an alternative thereto, the at least one stimulus-inducing structure 156 can also include at least one carrier element 236 (see FIG. 13 ), 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 main body 170 of the upper body article of clothing and can then be connected to the main body 170 of the upper body article of clothing in a detachable or inseparable manner.

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

In this case, the outer contour 238 of the carrier element 236 preferably substantially corresponds to the outer contour 280 of the associated stimulus induction region 154 .

In the embodiment of the carrier element 236 according to FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 , the outer contour 238 of the carrier element corresponds in particular to the outer contour 280 of the combined stimulus induction region 154 d on the rear side of the shirt 100 (see FIG. 2 ).

Such a carrier element can be produced, for example, as an injection-molded part or as a film made of a suitable plastic material.

As an alternative thereto, the carrier element 236 may include a textile material, for example a braided or knitted fabric.

The carrier element 236 is arranged on the upper body garment base 170 such that the stimulus-inducing functional element 158 is located on a front side 240 of the carrier element 236 facing away from the upper body garment base 170 and faces the body of the wearer when the upper body garment is put on.

15 , the rear side 242 of the carrier element 236, which faces the upper body garment base 170 in the mounted state of the carrier element 236, can be provided with a fastening device 244. The fastening device 244 can be designed, for example, as an adhesive element 246 that cooperates with an adhesive element (not shown) on the upper body garment base 170 in order to detachably fasten the carrier element 236 to the upper body garment base 170.

The adhesion element 246 can in particular form a component of an adhesive hook and loop fastener or a Velcro fastener.

In an alternative embodiment of a carrier element 236 that can be detachably fixed to an upper body garment base 170 shown in Figure 16, the fixing device 244 is constructed as a locking element 248, which can be locked with a locking element on the base side (not shown) so as to detachably fix the carrier element 236 to the upper body garment base 170.

In particular, it can be provided that at least one carrier-element-side locking element 248 and a locking element cooperating therewith on the base body side together form a push button.

In the alternative embodiment shown in Figures 17 and 18 of the stimulation-inducing structure 126 of the stimulation-sensing area 154, it is provided that the functional element 158 does not directly contact the skin of the wearer of the upper body clothing when the upper body clothing is worn, but a covering 250 is arranged between the functional element 158 and the wearer's body when the upper body clothing is worn.

The covering 250 can be formed, for example, by a textile material or, in particular, by a film composed of a plastic material.

The outer contour 252 of the cover 250 preferably substantially corresponds to the outer contour 280 of the corresponding stimulus induction area 154 .

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 18 , the cover 250 can be connected, for example, via a seam 254 to a rear wall 256 manufactured separately from the base body 170 (which is made, for example, of a textile material or of a film, in particular of a plastic material), and thus form together with the rear wall 256 a pocket 258 in which the functional element 158 of the stimulus-inducing structure 156 is accommodated.

The bag 258 is composed of the cover 250 and the rear wall 256 separately from the base body 170 , and the bag 258 is then fixed as a whole to the upper body garment base body 170 in a detachable or inseparable manner.

The pocket 258 can be closed along its outer contour or have an opening, through which the functional element 158 and in particular the carrier element 236 with the functional element 158 can be arranged in the pocket 258 .

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

As an alternative thereto, in the embodiments shown in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 , it is provided that the stimulus-inducing structure 156 has a plurality of carrier elements 236 , each of which in turn carries a plurality of stimulus-inducing functional elements 158 .

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

Furthermore, it can be provided that the rear side of the pocket 258 facing away from the cover 250 is not formed by a rear wall 256 designed separately from the main body 170 , but rather by a section 260 of the main body 170 .

In this case, the carrier element 236 can be connected to the section 260 of the base body 170 , for example, by gluing, welding, and/or sewing.

Furthermore, it can be provided that a pre-tensioning element (not shown) is arranged in the pocket 258, which pre-tensions the functional element 158 toward the wearer's body when the upper body garment is worn, so as to thereby increase the pressure of the functional element 158 through the cover 250 onto the wearer's skin.

Such a prestressing element can comprise, for example, a foam material lining.

The use of such a prestressing element is expedient in particular when the body of the wearer of the upper body article of clothing is concave in the region in which the relevant stimulus inducing zone 154 is arranged.

The use of a covering 250 between the functional element 158 and the body of the wearer of the upper body garment is advantageous in particular when the functional element 158 is designed to be relatively stiff, relatively high and/or relatively pointed.

Claims (24)

1. A garment comprising at least one contractile region (142) and at least one irritant structure (156), wherein the garment, in a worn state, applies a contractile effect to the wearer's body within the contractile region, and the at least one irritant structure, in a worn state, is disposed on the inner side of the garment facing the wearer's body and is in direct contact with the wearer's skin. in, The stimulation-inducing structure (156) includes a plurality of stimulation-inducing functional elements (158), each functional element having a rectangular outer contour. The areal density of the functional elements (158) inside the structure (156) that induces stimulation is at least one per square centimeter. At least one functional element (158) has a maximum extension dimension of at least 0.2 cm and a maximum of 1.0 cm and includes a woven area (174) of the bodice, the woven area comprising yarn containing an elastic polymer, the woven area being different in its weaving method from the woven area (176) of the bodice adjacent to the functional element (158) and constructed as a tucked knit, wherein the tucked knit includes a plurality of tucked structures (200) passing through a plurality of mesh rows, and In the state of wearing the upper garment, the outer contour of at least one stimulating structure (156) substantially corresponds to the outer contour of at least one of the following portions: Muscle group erector spinae, muscle triceps and The extensor muscles of the wearer's forearm. 2. The upper garment according to claim 1, characterized in that the stimulating structure (156) is at least partially arranged in the at least one contraction area (142) of the upper garment. 3. The upper garment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the shrinkage area (142) of the upper garment comprises a woven or knitted fabric. 4. The upper garment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the shrinkage area (142) of the upper garment includes at least one elastic thread. 5. The upper garment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the shrinkage area (142) has a gradual distribution of shrinkage intensity. 6. The upper garment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the maximum shrinkage intensity in the shrinkage area (142) is at least 7 mmHg. 7. The upper garment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one contractile region (142) comprises at least one of the following: at least a portion of the torso region (214) of the upper garment, at least a portion of the upper arm region (232) and at least a portion of the forearm region (235). 8. The upper garment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one functional element (158) is configured as a protrusion. 9. The upper garment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one functional element (158) comprises at least one of a thermoplastic polymer and a thermosetting polymer. 10. The upper garment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the woven area (174) of the functional element comprises melt-bonded thread (204). 11. The upper garment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one functional element (158) has a height of at least 0.1 cm. 12. The upper garment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one functional element (158) has a Shore A hardness of at least 20. 13. The upper garment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one functional element (158) is fixed on the base (170) of the upper garment. 14. The upper garment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one stimulating structure (156) comprises at least one carrier element (236) on which a plurality of functional elements (158) are constructed. 15. The upper garment according to claim 14, characterized in that at least one carrier element (236) is fixed on the base (170) of the upper garment. 16. The upper garment according to claim 14, characterized in that at least one carrier element (236) is detachably connected to the base (170) of the upper garment. 17. The upper garment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, when the upper garment is worn, at least one stimulating structure (156) at least partially overlaps with the thoracolumbar fascia of the wearer of the upper garment. 18. The upper garment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, when the upper garment is worn, at least one stimulating structure (156) at least partially overlaps with the erector spinae muscle group. 19. The upper garment according to claim 18, characterized in that, when the upper garment is worn, at least one stimulating structure (156) that at least partially overlaps with the erector spinae muscle extends to the height of Th10 of the vertebra. 20. The upper garment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, when the upper garment is worn, at least one of the wearer's thoracic region, spinous process of the spine, and neck region does not come into contact with the irritating structures of the upper garment (156). 21. The upper garment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the upper garment has at least two irritant structures (156), the at least two irritant structures being separated from each other by regions that do not have irritant structures. 22. The upper garment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the upper garment is provided with at least one mark, which, when worn, serves as a positioning aid for positioning at least one stimulating structure (156) of the upper garment relative to the wearer's body. 23. The upper garment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the upper garment is a shirt, a bodysuit, underwear, or sleeves. 24. The upper garment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the functional element has a square outer contour.