Abstract:
In order to provide an article of leg apparel, in particular a stocking, which is suitable for reducing the risk of injury to the wearer of the leg 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 leg apparel comprises at least one compression region in which, in the worn state, the leg apparel exerts a compression effect on the leg of the wearer of the leg apparel, and comprises at least one stimulus-inducing structure which, in the worn state, is arranged on an inside of the leg apparel facing toward the leg of the wearer of the leg apparel.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation application of PCT/EP2013/068914 filed on Sep. 12, 2013, the entire specification of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF DISCLOSURE 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to an item of leg apparel. 
         [0003]    The expression “leg apparel” covers, in particular, stockings, socks and every other type of hosiery including tights and trousers, for example, shorts and three-quarter length trousers, leggings and leg warmers (both short and long). 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an item of leg apparel of this type which is suitable for reducing the risk of injury to the wearer of the leg apparel, particularly during sports activities and to achieve balancing out of possible functional imbalances in the musculoskeletal system of the wearer and to achieve performance optimisation in the sensory activity. 
         [0005]    This object is achieved according to the invention with a leg apparel, in particular a stocking which comprises at least one compression region in which, in the worn state, the leg apparel exerts a compression effect on the leg of the wearer of the leg apparel, and at least one stimulus-inducing structure which, in the worn state, is arranged on an inside of the leg apparel facing toward the leg of the wearer of the leg apparel. 
         [0006]    The present invention is based on the concept of exerting a proprioceptive stimulating effect on the wearer of the leg apparel by means of the stimulus-inducing structure, wherein the proprioceptive stimulating effect of the stimulus-inducing structure is amplified by the simultaneous compression effect of the leg apparel on the leg of the wearer. 
         [0007]    From the field of physiology, it is known that a neurophysiological initiation of the proprioceptors of the wearer (that is, the receptors which enable the perception and control of the current position of the body of the wearer in space, in particular the muscle spindles, the Golgi tendon organ and the joint receptors) can be achieved through stimulation via the skin. 
         [0008]    Through stimulation of the proprioceptors of the body (neurophysiological initiation), improved synchronisation and optimisation of the recruited muscles of the wearer is achieved, which becomes noticeable in improved physical stability, body balance and body posture. 
         [0009]    Thus by stimulation of the proprioceptors, not only is the risk of injury reduced, particularly during sports activity, but balancing out of functional imbalances in the musculoskeletal system can also be achieved. 
         [0010]    An improvement in body stability and/or a reduction in imbalances in the musculoskeletal system bring about a balanced, symmetrical posture of the wearer, which results in lower loading, a delayed fatiguing tendency and a prolonged tendency in the wearer to feel a sense of wellbeing. 
         [0011]    The proprioceptive stimulation of the musculature of the wearer of the leg apparel brings about a reduced risk of injury through incorrect movements and overstretching, as well as optimisation and synchronisation of the bodily coordination of the wearer. 
         [0012]    The leg apparel according to the invention enables the positive effect of proprioceptive stimulation to be used, including particularly in the domain of mass sports, for preventative uses, for example in the business field, and/or in the wellness or cosmetic fields. 
         [0013]    The leg apparel according to the invention is a garment worn close to the body which enables effective proprioceptive stimulation of the musculature of the wearer in a simple and easily usable manner. 
         [0014]    The leg apparel according to the invention can be configured, in particular, as a knee length stocking, a sock or as leggings. 
         [0015]    The proprioceptive stimulation desired according to the invention is achieved, in particular, through a specific attachment of at least one stimulus-inducing structure having functional elements which exert a sensory stimulating effect on the musculature of the wearer, on the inside of the leg apparel facing toward the body of the wearer. 
         [0016]    The stimulus-inducing structure is preferably arranged at a position of the leg apparel which, in the worn state of the leg apparel, is associated with a region of the leg of the wearer which has the greatest possible proprioceptor density. 
         [0017]    Preferred regions of the arrangement of the stimulus-inducing structure are the courses of the myofascial chains which run helically upwardly, starting at the foot, via the leg region to the head. 
         [0018]    In a preferred embodiment of the leg apparel according to the invention, it is provided that the sole region of the leg apparel remains free from stimulus-inducing structures, in order reliably to prevent potential faulty stimulation at this site. 
         [0019]    By means of isolated application of pressure on the skin of the wearer along a muscle chain of the wearer, stimulation of the muscle activity of the wearer can be achieved. 
         [0020]    Since the compression effect of the compression region amplifies the proprioceptive stimulating effect of the stimulus-inducing structure, it is favourable if the stimulus-inducing structure is arranged at least partially, preferably substantially entirely, in the at least one compression region of the leg apparel. 
         [0021]    It is also advantageous for the effectiveness of the proprioceptive stimulating effect of the stimulus-inducing structure if the stimulus-inducing structure, in the worn state of the leg apparel, is in direct contact with the skin of the wearer of the leg apparel. 
         [0022]    Alternatively thereto, it can also be provided that, in the worn state of the leg apparel, at least one stimulus-inducing structure is separated from the skin of the wearer by a covering. 
         [0023]    In particular it can be provided that at least one stimulus-inducing structure is covered by a textile construction. 
         [0024]    Thus it is possible, particularly depending on the configuration of functional elements of the stimulus-inducing structure with regard to their hardness, height and pointedness, to allow these functional elements to act indirectly on the skin of the wearer of the leg apparel. 
         [0025]    The compression region of the leg apparel preferably comprises an elastically yielding material. 
         [0026]    In particular, it can be provided that the compression region of the leg apparel comprises a knitted fabric. 
         [0027]    Preferably, the compression region of the leg apparel comprises at least one elastic yarn, for example, elastane. 
         [0028]    The compression region can in principle have a compression strength which is substantially constant. 
         [0029]    In a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, it is provided that the compression region has a gradual progression of the compression strength. 
         [0030]    In particular, if the compression region is arranged in the leg region of the leg apparel, it is advantageous if the compression strength in the compression region decreases upwardly, in particular in the direction toward a border region of the leg apparel. 
         [0031]    In principle, however, it could also be provided that the compression strength increases upwardly, in particular in the direction toward a border region of the leg apparel. 
         [0032]    If the leg apparel comprises a knee region which, in the worn state of the leg apparel, covers the knee of the wearer, then the compression region preferably does not comprise the knee region of the leg apparel. 
         [0033]    If the leg apparel comprises a region which, in the worn state, is arranged above the knee of the wearer of the leg apparel, in particular a thigh region, then it is advantageous if the compression strength in this region of the leg apparel decreases upwardly, that is, in the direction toward the trunk of the wearer of the leg apparel. 
         [0034]    The maximum compression strength in the compression region is preferably at least approximately 7 mm Hg, particularly at least approximately 10 mm Hg. 
         [0035]    Furthermore, it is favourable if the maximum compression strength in the compression region is preferably not more than approximately 32 mm Hg, particularly not more than approximately 25 mm Hg. 
         [0036]    In preferred embodiments of the leg apparel according to the invention, at least one compression region comprises at least one part of a middle foot region, at least one part of an ankle region and/or at least one part of a leg region of the leg apparel. 
         [0037]    The proprioceptive stimulating effect of the stimulus-inducing structure is preferably achieved in that the stimulus-inducing structure comprises at least one stimulus-inducing functional element. 
         [0038]    In preferred embodiments of the invention, the stimulus-inducing structure has a multiplicity of such functional elements. 
         [0039]    The different functional elements of the stimulus-inducing structure can be isolated from one another or, particularly at end regions of the functional elements, adjoin one another. 
         [0040]    Preferably, at least one functional element of a stimulus-inducing structure is configured as a raised portion. 
         [0041]    The functional elements can be formed by attaching or working in materials or constructions to a base element, in particular a basic knit material of the leg apparel, which result in a localised raised portion of the textile structure which is noticeable during wearing of the leg apparel as a local pressure point. 
         [0042]    Preferably, the functional elements are fixedly attached directly to a textile material of the leg apparel. By this means the stimulus-inducing structure can be optimally positioned on the leg apparel. 
         [0043]    In principle, all materials and designs which result in a local pressure point on the skin of the wearer of the leg apparel are suitable for the formation of the functional elements. 
         [0044]    In principle, this can involve both hard, compact materials made, for example, of wood, plastics of any type or metal, as well as soft, flexible, plastic materials, such as plastics based on silicone, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polyurethane (PUR). 
         [0045]    In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that at least one functional element contains an elastic polymer, a thermoplastic polymer and/or a thermosetting polymer. 
         [0046]    In particular, it can be provided that at least one functional element contains a silicone, a PVC-based plastisol, a polyurethane-based polymer, and/or a polyetetrafluorethylene-based polymer. 
         [0047]    Alternatively or additionally thereto, it can also be provided that at least one functional element is formed by a textile construction, for example, plush, a spacer fabric, a spacer knitted fabric or by a punctiform two-layered or knitted fabric. 
         [0048]    Alternatively or additionally thereto, it can also be provided that at least one functional element comprises a knitted region of the leg apparel which, with regard to its knitted construction, differs from a knitted region of the leg apparel adjoining the functional element. 
         [0049]    It can be provided, for example, that the knitted region of the functional element is configured as a plush. 
         [0050]    Alternatively thereto, it can be provided that the knitted region of the functional element is configured as a tuck stitch fabric. 
         [0051]    In order to increase the mechanical strength and hardness of the functional element, it can be provided that the knitted region of the functional element contains a hot-melt adhesive thread. 
         [0052]    A hot-melt adhesive thread of this type can comprise, for example, polyester and/or copolyamide, and can preferably be made substantially entirely of polyester and/or copolyamide. 
         [0053]    The hot-melt adhesive material from which such a hot-melt adhesive thread is made can have, for example, a softening point of 50° C. or higher, in particular 80° C. or higher. 
         [0054]    Following a knitting procedure, by means of which the respective functional element is created, the region of the leg apparel in which the functional element has been created can be subjected to a heat treatment, by means of which the hot-melt adhesive material is heated to a temperature above its softening point. 
         [0055]    The treatment temperature can be 70° C. or higher, in particular 100° C. or higher. 
         [0056]    The higher the treatment temperature is selected to be, the more intimately the hot-melt adhesive material is connected to the other materials of the functional element and the harder the functional element thereby produced becomes. 
         [0057]    The heat treatment can be performed, for example, by tumbling, form fixing or the application of hot air. 
         [0058]    At least one functional element, preferably a plurality of functional elements, have a drop-shaped or napped form. 
         [0059]    It is particularly favourable for the proprioceptive stimulating effect if the functional elements exert a localised pressure loading onto the skin of the wearer. 
         [0060]    It is therefore favourable if at least one functional element of a stimulus-inducing structure is configured locally delimited, in particular substantially punctiform. 
         [0061]    Preferably, all the functional elements of at least one stimulus-inducing structure, in particular all the functional elements of all the stimulus-inducing structures of the leg apparel are configured locally delimited, in particular substantially punctiform. 
         [0062]    It is particularly favourable if at least one functional element has a largest extent (along the base element of the leg apparel) 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 favourable if all the functional elements of a stimulus-inducing structure have such a greatest extent. 
         [0063]    It has also proved to be favourable if at least one functional element has a largest extent (along the base element of the leg apparel) of at least approximately 0.2 cm. It is particularly favourable if all the functional elements of a stimulus-inducing structure have such a greatest extent. 
         [0064]    A functional element of a stimulus-inducing structure can have, for example, a substantially circular outer contour. 
         [0065]    Each functional element, in particular each locally delimited functional element, however, can in principle 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. 
         [0066]    Locally delimited functional elements differ from linear elements which have a large extent in one dimension and from large area elements which have a large extent in two dimensions. 
         [0067]    If functional elements of a stimulus-inducing structure which are particularly in the form of web elements, adjoin one another at their end regions and thus form a coherent stimulus-inducing structure, such a stimulus-inducing structure can be configured, in particular, honeycomb-shaped. 
         [0068]    For a local, isolated proprioceptive stimulation of the musculature of the wearer, it is of essential significance that between the functional elements of a stimulus-inducing structure which are configured, in particular, punctiform or linear, area sections that are free from the functional elements remain on the leg apparel which, in the worn state of the stocking, exert no pressure on the skin of the wearer. 
         [0069]    The height of at least one functional element, that is, its extent perpendicular to the base element of the leg apparel, by which the functional element projects toward the skin of the wearer, is at least approximately 0.1 cm, in particular at least approximately 0.2 cm. 
         [0070]    It is also advantageous if the height of at least one functional element is not more than approximately 0.4 cm, in particular not more than approximately 0.3 cm. 
         [0071]    It has also proved to be favourable if the Shore A hardness of the material of at least one functional element is at least approximately 20, preferably at least approximately 30. 
         [0072]    Preferably at least one functional element is made of a material with a Shore A hardness of not more than approximately 90. 
         [0073]    The Shore A hardness can be determined according to DIN 53505 or DIN EN ISO 868. 
         [0074]    Alternatively or additionally thereto, it can also be provided that at least one functional element is made of a material with a Shore D hardness of at least approximately 20. 
         [0075]    The Shore D hardness is preferably not more than approximately 90. 
         [0076]    The Shore D hardness can be determined according to DIN 53505 or DIN ISO 7619-1. 
         [0077]    In a particular embodiment of the invention, it is provided that at least one functional element is fixed to a base element of the leg apparel. Preferably, all the functional elements are fixed to the base element of the leg apparel. 
         [0078]    In particular, it can be provided that at least one functional element is fixedly connected directly to a textile material of the garment. By this means, the stimulus-inducing structure formed by the functional elements can be optimally positioned on the leg apparel. 
         [0079]    The application of functional elements which are not based on a textile construction onto the base element of the leg apparel can be carried out, for example, by a printing method, for example, a stencil printing method or a silk screen method with subsequent thermal fixing of the functional elements to the base element of the leg apparel. 
         [0080]    Alternatively or in addition thereto, it can be provided that at least one stimulus-inducing structure comprises at least one support element on which a plurality of functional elements are provided. 
         [0081]    In particular, it can be provided that the plurality of functional elements are formed integrally with the support element. 
         [0082]    At least one support element can be non-releasably fastened to a base element of the leg apparel. 
         [0083]    Alternatively or in addition thereto, it can be provided that at least one support element is releasably connected to a base element of the leg apparel. 
         [0084]    A plurality of stimulus-inducing functional elements can be connected in a separate process to a coherent unit and this unit can be fixed to the base element of the leg apparel, for example, by adhesion, welding or sewing. 
         [0085]    The support element can be a pre-fabricated part which has a plurality of functional elements. 
         [0086]    The support element can be formed, for example, as an injection moulded part. 
         [0087]    A stimulus-inducing structure can be formed by a support element of this type or by a plurality of such support elements. 
         [0088]    The outer contour of such a support element can correspond to the outer contour of an overall stimulus-inducing structure. 
         [0089]    The support element can be formed, for example, as a film or a textile construction. 
         [0090]    A support element which preferably comprises the stimulus-inducing functional elements of an overall stimulus-inducing structure and is preferably based on a textile construction can be connected flexibly and/or releasably to the base element of the leg apparel by means of known manufacturing techniques. 
         [0091]    The leg apparel can be provided with markings differentiated by colour relative to a base material of the leg apparel, which serve as an orientation aid for the wearer of the leg apparel when putting on the leg apparel, in order to achieve an optimum positioning of the stimulus-inducing structures on the body of the wearer. 
         [0092]    The attachment of stimulus-inducing structures along the tibialis anterior muscle and tendon structure and/or the peroneal muscles and tendons has been found to be particularly favourable for an effective proprioceptive stimulation. 
         [0093]    It is therefore advantageous if, in the worn state of the leg apparel, at least one stimulus-inducing structure at least partially overlaps the tibialis anterior muscle and tendon structure and/or the peroneal muscles and tendons, for example, the peroneus longus muscle and tendon structure, of the wearer of the leg apparel. 
         [0094]    Alternatively or additionally thereto, it has also been found to be advantageous if, in the worn state of the leg apparel, at least one stimulus-inducing structure at least partially overlaps the musculus gastrocnemius muscle at the inward side of the lower leg. In particular, it can be provided that an outer contour of the relevant stimulus-inducing structure substantially corresponds to an outer contour of the musculus gastrocnemius muscle. 
         [0095]    It can also be provided that, in the worn state of the leg apparel, at least one stimulus-inducing structure at least partially overlaps the musculus vastus medialis muscle and or the musculus vastus lateralis muscle. In particular, it can be provided that an outer contour of at least one stimulus-inducing structure substantially corresponds to an outer contour of the musculus vastus medialis muscle and/or an outer contour of the musculus vastus lateralis muscle. 
         [0096]    For example, it can be provided that, in the knee region of the leg apparel, two stimulus-inducing structures are provided which, in the worn state of the leg apparel, are arranged on mutually opposing sides of the kneecap of the wearer of the leg apparel. In particular, it can be provided that a stimulus-inducing structure is arranged on the inward side of the knee region and an opposing stimulus-inducing structure is arranged on the outward side of the knee region. 
         [0097]    At least one of these stimulus-inducing structures is preferably configured to be arcuate. In particular, it can be provided that both of these stimulus-inducing structures are configured to be arcuate. 
         [0098]    The stimulation by means of these stimulus-inducing structures initiates the stabilisation of the knee joint of the wearer of the leg apparel. 
         [0099]    Alternatively or additionally thereto, it can be provided that, in the worn state of the leg apparel, at least one stimulus-inducing structure at least partially overlaps the musculus gluteus medius muscle, the musculus gluteus minimus muscle and/or the tractus iliotibialis fascia structure. It is preferably provided that an outer contour of a stimulus-inducing structure of the leg apparel substantially corresponds to an outer contour of the musculus gluteus medius muscle, the musculus gluteus minimus muscle or the tractus iliotibialis facia structure. 
         [0100]    A stimulus-inducing structure of this type is preferably arranged, in the worn state of the leg apparel, on the outward side of the thigh from the hip to just above the musculus vastus lateralis muscle in the knee region. 
         [0101]    Alternatively or additionally thereto, it can also be provided that, in the worn state of the leg apparel, at least one stimulus-inducing structure at least partially overlaps the rectus femoris muscle. In particular, it can be provided that an outer contour of the stimulus-inducing structure substantially corresponds to an outer contour of the musculus rectus femoris muscle. 
         [0102]    A stimulus-inducing structure of this type is preferably arranged, in the worn state of the leg apparel, on the front side of the thigh. 
         [0103]    Alternatively or additionally thereto, it can also be provided that, in the worn state of the leg apparel, at least one stimulus-inducing structure at least partially overlaps the rear flexor muscles at the rear side of the thigh. In particular, it can be provided that an outer contour of the stimulus-inducing structure substantially corresponds to an outer contour of the rear flexor muscles of the thigh. 
         [0104]    Alternatively or additionally thereto, it can also be provided that, in the worn state of the leg apparel, stimulus-inducing structures are arranged to the left and right of the Achilles tendon. 
         [0105]    All the stimulus-inducing structures described above with regard to their positioning bring about a proprioceptive stimulation of the respective wholly or partially overlapped muscles or fibrous structures. 
         [0106]    By means of the proprioceptive stimulation, an improved synchronisation of the muscles recruited for the walking or running movement is achieved. 
         [0107]    In order to achieve a selective proprioceptive stimulation and to prevent potential faulty stimulation, it is favourable if the leg apparel has at least two stimulus-inducing structures which are separated from one another by a region without any stimulus-inducing structure. 
         [0108]    In a preferred embodiment of the leg apparel according to the invention, it is provided that the stimulus induction zones in which the stimulus-inducing structures are arranged cover not more than half, preferably not more than a third, in particular not more than a quarter of the inner surface of the leg apparel facing the body of the wearer in the worn state of the leg apparel. 
         [0109]    It is also favourable if at least one stimulus-inducing structure is arranged outside the border region of the leg apparel. 
         [0110]    In order to make the position of the stimulus-inducing structures visible from the outside of the leg apparel, it can be provided that at least one stimulus-inducing structure is arranged in a stimulus induction zone which is edged at least partially by a bordering strip. 
         [0111]    A bordering strip of this type can stand out from the base element, in particular, by means of a colour of the bordering strip contrasting with the colour of the base element of the leg apparel. 
         [0112]    In order to prevent inaccuracy in the positioning of the stimulus-inducing structure when putting on the leg apparel, the leg apparel is preferably provided with a marking which, in the worn state of the leg apparel, extends substantially along a longitudinal central plane of the leg apparel which separates an inward side of the leg apparel from an outward side of the leg apparel. 
         [0113]    Herein, the “inward side” of the leg apparel is the side of the leg apparel facing toward the respective other leg of the wearer when the leg apparel is worn. 
         [0114]    Accordingly, the “outward side” of the leg apparel is the side of the leg apparel facing away from the respective other leg of the wearer when the leg apparel is worn. 
         [0115]    At least one stimulus-inducing structure of the leg apparel according to the invention is preferably substantially in the form of a strip. 
         [0116]    It can also be provided that such a strip-shaped stimulus-inducing structure has a width (that is, an extent perpendicular to its longitudinal extent) of not more than approximately 4 cm, in particular not more than approximately 2 cm. 
         [0117]    The stimulus-inducing structure is preferably fixedly attached to a base element, in particular a ground fabric of the leg apparel. 
         [0118]    The surface density of the functional elements within a stimulus-inducing structure of the leg apparel is preferably at least approximately 1 per cm 2 , in particular at least approximately 4 per cm 2 , particularly preferably at least approximately 8 per cm 2 . 
         [0119]    Furthermore, the surface density of the functional elements within a stimulus-inducing structure is preferably not more than approximately 25 per cm 2 , in particular not more than approximately 16 per cm 2 , particularly preferably not more than approximately 12 per cm 2 . 
         [0120]    By means of the above-mentioned preferred embodiments of the functional elements and the stimulus-inducing structure, both the efficiency of the stimulating effect and the wearing comfort for the wearer are taken into account. 
         [0121]    Further features and advantages of the invention are the subject matter of the following description and of the illustration in the drawings of an exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0122]      FIG. 1  shows a schematic front view of a right stocking with compression regions and stimulus induction zones; 
           [0123]      FIG. 2  shows a schematic front view of a left stocking with compression regions and stimulus induction zones; 
           [0124]      FIG. 3  shows a schematic side view of the left stocking of  FIG. 2 , with the viewing direction towards the left outward side of the stocking; 
           [0125]      FIG. 4  shows a schematic representation of a punctiform or circular functional element of a stimulus-inducing structure; 
           [0126]      FIG. 5  shows a schematic plan view of a triangular functional element of a stimulus-inducing structure; 
           [0127]      FIG. 6  shows a schematic plan view of a square functional element of a stimulus-inducing structure; 
           [0128]      FIG. 7  shows a schematic plan view of a rectangular functional element of a stimulus-inducing structure; 
           [0129]      FIG. 8  shows a schematic plan view of an angular functional element of a stimulus-inducing structure; 
           [0130]      FIG. 9  shows a schematic plan view of a portion of a stimulus-inducing structure in the form of a honeycomb; 
           [0131]      FIG. 10  shows a schematic stitch structure of a knitted surface with a knitted-in functional element in the form of plush; 
           [0132]      FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of sandwich plush sinkers of a knitting machine; 
           [0133]      FIG. 12  shows a schematic stitch structure of a knitted surface with two functional elements configured as tuck stitch fabric; 
           [0134]      FIG. 13  shows an enlarged representation of the region I of  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0135]      FIG. 14  shows a schematic perspective view of a sock with a padded sole region and stimulus-inducing structures on the left side and on the right side of an Achilles tendon of the wearer of the leg apparel; 
           [0136]      FIG. 15  shows a schematic side view of the sock of  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0137]      FIG. 16  shows a schematic front view of leggings with stimulus-inducing structures in the lower leg region, in the knee region and in the thigh region; 
           [0138]      FIG. 17  shows a schematic side view of the leggings of  FIG. 16  from the left; 
           [0139]      FIG. 18  shows a schematic plan view of a front side of a support element of a stimulus-inducing structure which is provided with a plurality of stimulus-inducing functional elements; 
           [0140]      FIG. 19  shows a schematic perspective view of the support element of  FIG. 18 , with the viewing direction from obliquely above; 
           [0141]      FIG. 20  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 a leg apparel; 
           [0142]      FIG. 21  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 leg apparel; 
           [0143]      FIG. 22  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 leg apparel is broken away to show the support elements with the stimulus-inducing functional elements; and 
           [0144]      FIG. 23  shows a schematic perspective, partially sectional, view of the pocket with the support elements of  FIG. 22 . 
       
    
    
       [0145]    The same or functionally equivalent elements are provided in all the drawings with the same reference signs. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0146]    A stocking shown in  FIG. 1  in a version for wearing on the right leg and in  FIGS. 2 and 3  for wearing on the left leg, identified as a whole as  100  comprises a border region  102  at the upper end of the stocking, a leg region  104  adjoining the border region and a foot region  106  adjoining the leg region  104  downwardly and forwardly which, in the worn state, encloses the foot of the wearer. 
         [0147]    The lower half of the foot region  106  of the stocking  100  forms a sole region  108  which encloses a lower half  110  of a heel region  112 , a lower half  114  of a toe region  116  and an intermediate region  118  lying between the heel region  112  and the toe region  116 . 
         [0148]    The right stocking shown in  FIG. 1  and the left stocking shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  are configured as mirror images of one another relative to a longitudinal central plane  120  of each stocking and form a stocking pair belonging together. 
         [0149]    In order to be able to distinguish the stockings  100  of a stocking pair from one another, both stockings can be provided with a, preferably knitted-in, marking from which it can be seen whether the respective stocking is the left or the right stocking of the pair. 
         [0150]    The side facing away from the other leg of the wearer when the stocking  100  is worn, is designated the “outward side” of the relevant stocking  100  in this description. The outward side of the left stocking is shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0151]    The side facing toward the other leg of the wearer when the stocking  100  is worn, is designated the “inward side” of the stocking  100  in this description. 
         [0152]    The outward side and the inward side of a stocking  100  are separated from one another by the longitudinal central plane  120  of the relevant stocking  100 . 
         [0153]    The side of the stocking  100  (“reverse side”) facing toward the leg of the wearer when the stocking  100  is worn, is designated the “inside” of the relevant stocking  100  in this description. The side of the stocking  100  (“face side”) facing away from the leg of the wearer when the stocking  100  is worn, is designated the “outside” of the relevant stocking  100  in this description. 
         [0154]    The leg region  104  and the foot region  106  of the stocking  100  are made, preferably throughout, of a basic knit material  122  which comprises one or more ground threads. The ground thread or threads can be formed from any desired material, for example, a natural fibre or a synthetic fibre. 
         [0155]    For the protection of the leg of the wearer against pressure or impact loading and/or for protection against heat loss, the stocking  100  can be provided with one or more paddings. 
         [0156]    In particular, the foot region  106  of the stocking  100  can be provided with a foot padding  124  which extends from the toe region  116  via the intermediate region  118  of the sole region  108  to the heel region  112  and over an upper toe region  126 . 
         [0157]    As is best seen from  FIGS. 1 and 2 , this foot padding  124  is preferably configured asymmetrically in relation to the longitudinal central plane  120  of the foot region  106  of the stocking  100 . 
         [0158]    In particular, on the inward side of the stocking  100 , a region of the foot region  106  which, in the worn state of the stocking  100 , is arranged in the region of the inner foot arch of the wearer of the stocking  100  can be omitted from the foot padding  124 . Since the wearer of the stocking  100  does not walk upon this region of the inward foot arch during walking, the outer contour of the foot padding  124  at the underside of the foot region  106  therefore substantially corresponds to the outer contour of the footprint of the wearer of the stocking  100 . 
         [0159]    On the upper side of the foot region  106 , a wedge-shaped region  128  projecting toward the tip of the foot region  106  can be omitted from the foot padding  124 . 
         [0160]    This wedge-shaped omitted region  128  is preferably configured asymmetric relative to the longitudinal central plane  120  of the foot region  106 ; in particular, the forwardly-pointing tip  130  of this wedge-shaped omitted region  128  lies on the inward side of the stocking  100 . 
         [0161]    The toe region  116  provided with the foot padding  124  can also be configured asymmetric in relation to the longitudinal central plane  120  of the foot region  106  in order to enable better adaptation of the stocking  100  to the shape of the toes of the wearer of the stocking  100 . 
         [0162]    In particular, it can be provided that an inner edge section  132  of the toe region  116  arranged on the side of the big toe of the wearer is inclined at a smaller angle relative to the longitudinal central plane  120  of the foot region  106  than an outer edge section  134  of the toe region  116  arranged on the side of the little toe of the wearer. 
         [0163]    A method for manufacturing an asymmetrical toe region  116  of this type is described in EP 1 049 828 B1. 
         [0164]    Furthermore, a plurality of channels  136  extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal central plane  120  of the foot region  106  can be provided within the outer contour of the foot padding  124 , in the region of which channels, the stocking  100  has a smaller degree of reinforcement than in the regions of the foot padding  124  surrounding the channels  136 . 
         [0165]    In particular, it can be provided that, in the region of the channels  136 , the stocking  100  comprises only the basic knit material  122 , but no additional reinforcing threads. 
         [0166]    The foot padding  124  can comprise one or more reinforcing threads which can be formed from any desired material. 
         [0167]    Preferably, it is provided that the reinforcing thread or threads of the foot padding  124  form plush loops which are preferably arranged on the “reverse side”, that is on the inside of the stocking  100 . 
         [0168]    The stocking  100  can also comprise an Achilles tendon padding  138  which borders the foot padding  124  of the heel region  112  along an upper edge and from there extends upwardly. 
         [0169]    The Achilles tendon padding  138  can also comprise one or more reinforcing threads which can be formed from any desired material. 
         [0170]    Preferably, the reinforcement level of the Achilles tendon padding  138  corresponds to the reinforcement level of the foot padding  124 . 
         [0171]    The stocking  100  also has one or more compression regions  142  in which, in the worn state, the stocking  100  exerts a compression effect on the leg of the wearer. 
         [0172]    This compression effect can be achieved, in particular, through the working in of one or more elastic threads into the basic knit material  122  of the stocking  100 . 
         [0173]    The elastic thread(s) can, in particular, comprise elastane. 
         [0174]    In particular, the stocking  100  can comprise a first compression region  142   a  which extends from the upper edge  144  of the leg region  104  downwardly to a lower edge  146  of the first compression region  142   a.    
         [0175]    The lower edge  146  of the first compression region  142   a  preferably lies above an ankle area  148  of the stocking  100  which, in the worn state of the stocking  100 , lies against the ankle of the wearer. 
         [0176]    In particular, it can be provided that the lower edge  146  of the first compression region  142   a  extends at least approximately 1 cm, preferably at least approximately 2 cm above the ankle area  148 . 
         [0177]    Furthermore, the stocking  100  can have a second compression region  142   b  which extends from a front edge  150  in the middle foot region to a rear edge  152  in the region of the ankle joint of the wearer (in the worn state). 
         [0178]    This second compression region  142   b  serves to stabilise and support both the foot arch and also the ankle joint of the wearer. 
         [0179]    The toe region  116  is preferably not given any compression effect, for comfort reasons. 
         [0180]    In the present exemplary embodiment, the lower edge  146  of the first compression region  142   a  and the rear edge  152  of the second compression region  142   b  are separated from one another. 
         [0181]    It can, however, also be provided that the compression regions  142   a ,  142   b  directly adjoin one another and form a coherent compression region of the stocking  100 . 
         [0182]    The compression strength in the first compression region  142   a  and/or in the second compression region  142   b  is preferably at least approximately 10 mm Hg and/or not more than approximately 32 mm Hg, in particular not more than approximately 25 mm Hg. 
         [0183]    The compression strength in the first compression region  142   a  and/or in the second compression region  142   b  can be constant across each compression region  142   a ,  142   b  or can have a gradient. 
         [0184]    Thus, in particular, the first compression region  142   a  can have a compression variation wherein the compression strength decreases from below upwardly. 
         [0185]    In particular, it can be provided that the compression strength at the upper edge  144  of the first compression region  142   a  is from approximately 60% to approximately 80% of the compression strength at the lower edge  146  of the first compression region  142   a.    
         [0186]    Furthermore, the stocking  100  comprises one or more stimulus induction zones  154  which are each provided with a stimulus-inducing structure  156 . 
         [0187]    Each stimulus-inducing structure  156  comprises functional elements  158  which, in the worn state of the stocking  100 , bring about a sensory stimulus effect and a proprioceptive stimulation of the musculature of the wearer. 
         [0188]    This stimulation leads to increased muscle activity and improves the synchronisation of the wearer. 
         [0189]    The functional elements  158  are preferably configured as raised portions which are arranged on the inside of the stocking  100  and act directly on the skin of the wearer. 
         [0190]    Particularly thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers, which can optionally contain additives, are suitable as a material for the raised portions. 
         [0191]    Silicones and PVC-based plastisols have proved to be particularly suitable. 
         [0192]    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 stocking  100 . 
         [0193]    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. 
         [0194]    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. 
         [0195]    It is therefore favourable if the functional elements  158  have a largest extent of not more than approximately 0.7 cm. 
         [0196]    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. 
         [0197]    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. 
         [0198]    It has also proved to be favourable if the height of the functional elements  158  is not more than approximately 0.4 cm, in particular not more than approximately 0.3 cm. 
         [0199]    Preferably, the functional elements  158  are made of a material with a Shore A hardness of at least approximately 30. 
         [0200]    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. 
         [0201]    The Shore A hardness can be determined according to DIN 53505 or DIN EN ISO 868. 
         [0202]    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. 
         [0203]    The Shore D hardness can be determined according to DIN 53505 or DIN ISO 7619-1. 
         [0204]    Since the stimulation effect of the stimulus induction zones  154  involves a proprioceptive stimulation of the muscle and tendon structures, the stimulus-inducing structures  156  are preferably arranged in stimulus induction zones  154  along the course of the muscles. 
         [0205]    For example, the stocking  100  can have a front stimulus induction zone  154   a  which extends along the tibialis anterior muscle and tendon structure and/or a rear stimulus induction zone  154   b  which extends along the peroneus longus muscle and tendon structure. 
         [0206]    The stimulus-inducing structure  156  of the front stimulus induction zone  154   a  for stimulation of the tibialis anterior muscle and tendon structure is arranged on the outward side of the stocking  100 , beginning shortly below the knee of the wearer (in the worn state) and extends above the outer ankle of the wearer as far as the instep at most. The width of the front stimulus induction zone  154   a  decreases from top to bottom. 
         [0207]    Preferably, the front stimulus induction zone  154   a  ends at a point  160  on the instep of the wearer. 
         [0208]    The stimulus-inducing structure  156  of the rear stimulus induction zone  154   b  for stimulation of the peroneus longus muscle and tendon structure is also arranged on the outward side of the stocking  100  and is arranged behind and spaced apart from the front stimulus induction zone  154   a . The rear stimulus induction zone  154   b  preferably begins shortly below the knee of the wearer (in the worn state), extends to the rear side of the ankle, and there ends at a point  162 . 
         [0209]    The width of the stimulus induction zones  154 , that is, their extent in the peripheral direction of the stocking  100  is preferably dimensioned so that the individual anatomical differences of the different wearers are taken into account. 
         [0210]    The width of the front stimulus induction zone  154   a  and/or the rear stimulus induction zone  154   b  is preferably at least approximately 2 cm and/or preferably not more than approximately 4 cm at their upper end. 
         [0211]    Since the functional elements  158  of the stimulus induction zones  154  are arranged on the inside of the stocking  100 , they do not have to be visible from the outside of the stocking  100  (as shown in  FIGS. 1 to 3 ). 
         [0212]    In order to make the position of the stimulus induction zones  154  visible from the outside of the stocking  100  in any event, it can be provided that the stimulus induction zones  154  are edged at least partially by a bordering strip  164 . 
         [0213]    This bordering strip  164  preferably stands out from the basic knit material  122  through a colour contrasting with the colour of the basic knit material  122 . 
         [0214]    In particular, it can be provided that the bordering strip  164  is formed by knitting one or more constrastingly-coloured threads into the basic knit material  122 . 
         [0215]    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. 
         [0216]    In order to reduce as far as possible any inaccuracy in the positioning of the stimulus induction zones  154  through twisting of the leg region  104  when the stocking  100  is put on, the stocking  100  preferably has a marking strip or a marking line  166  which extends substantially centrally from the toe region  116  in a straight line to the border region  102  of the stocking  100 , along the longitudinal central plane  120  of the stocking  100  and, when the stocking is put on  100 , can serve as a positioning aid for the wearer. 
         [0217]    This marking line  166  preferably stands out from the colour of the basic knit material  122  due to a contrasting colour. 
         [0218]    In particular, it can be provided that the marking line  166  is formed by knitting one or more constrastingly-coloured threads into the basic knit material  122 . 
         [0219]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the stimulus-inducing structures  156  of the stimulus induction zones  154   a ,  154   b  are mostly arranged, preferably by more than 90%, in one of the compression regions  142  of the stocking  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. 
         [0220]    The surface density of the functional elements  158  in the stimulus induction zones  154  is preferably at least approximately 1 per cm 2 , in particular at least approximately 4 per cm 2 , particularly preferably at least approximately 8 per cm 2 . 
         [0221]    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 2 , in particular not more than approximately 16 per cm 2 , particularly preferably not more than approximately 12 per cm 2 . 
         [0222]    In  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the functional elements  158  of the stimulus-inducing structures  156  are shown schematically as substantially circular. 
         [0223]    A single functional element  158  with a circular edge is shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0224]    The functional elements  158  can, in principle, also have any desired other outer contours, for example, a triangular outer contour (see  FIG. 5 ), a square outer contour (see  FIG. 6 ), a rectangular outer contour (see  FIG. 7 ) or an angled outer contour (see  FIG. 8 ). 
         [0225]    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. 9 . 
         [0226]    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 stocking  100 , do not exert any pressure on the skin of the wearer. 
         [0227]    In a leg 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 knitted construction from an adjoining knitted region  176  of the basic knit material  172 . 
         [0228]    Thus, in the functional element  158  shown schematically in its stitch structure in  FIG. 10 , the knitted region  176  of the basic knit material  172  adjoining the functional element  158  is knitted in a single jersey basic structure knitted from a ground thread  178  (shown in  FIG. 10  without shading), which is plaited with a plaiting thread  180  (shown in  FIG. 10  with shading). 
         [0229]    In the knitted region  174  of the functional element  158  (shown centrally in  FIG. 10 ) which in the exemplary embodiment shown comprises seven stitch wales and six stitch rows, an additional plush thread  182  (shown dotted in  FIG. 10 ) is knitted into the basic knit material  172  with a plush weave. 
         [0230]    The knitted region  174  of the functional element  158  is therefore selectively configured as a plush (sandwich or normal plush). 
         [0231]    This plush forms a structure raised above the basic knit material  172 . 
         [0232]    The plush can be knitted with an ergonomic method (plated in shapes) or selectively knitted. 
         [0233]    The shape of the knitted region  174  is, in principle, arbitrary; in particular, any of the outer contours shown in  FIGS. 4 to 9  can be used for this. 
         [0234]    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 . 
         [0235]    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 leg apparel, toward the skin of the wearer) plush loops  184 . 
         [0236]    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. 
         [0237]    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. 11 . 
         [0238]    The plush sinkers  188  shown in  FIG. 11  are sandwich plush sinkers. Alternatively thereto, however, other knocking-over sinkers, in particular, normal plush sinkers can be used. 
         [0239]    Each of the plush sinkers  188  has a foot  190 , a leg  192 , a forward guide part  194  arranged between the leg  192  and the foot  190 , a sinker beak  196  arranged above the leg  192 , a throat  198  arranged above the sinker beak  196  and a plush nib  199  arranged above the throat  198 . 
         [0240]    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. 11 . The ground thread  178  runs directly under the plaiting thread  180  and in the representation in  FIG. 11  is covered by the plaiting thread  180 . 
         [0241]    Through the use of sandwich plush sinkers, the plush thread  182  is brought to the outside of the fabric. 
         [0242]    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 . 
         [0243]    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. 
         [0244]    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. 
         [0245]    The combination of these materials forming the plush thread  182  can be made, for example, by intermingling or entwining. 
         [0246]    A twisting process is less favoured in order to obtain extensive neutrality in the twisting tendency. 
         [0247]    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. 
         [0248]    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 leg apparel is worn. 
         [0249]    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. 
         [0250]    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. 
         [0251]    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. 
         [0252]    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 leg apparel is shown schematically in the stitch structures of  FIGS. 12 and 13 , wherein  FIG. 13  is an enlarged section of the region I of the fabric, shown at top left in  FIG. 12 . 
         [0253]    In this embodiment also, the basic knit material  172  is formed from a ground thread  178  (shown without shading in  FIGS. 12 and 13 ) and a plaiting thread  180  (shown with shading in  FIGS. 12 and 13 ). 
         [0254]    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. 
         [0255]    In the knitted region  174  of the functional element  158 , a hot-melt adhesive thread  204  (shown dotted in  FIGS. 12 and 13 ) can be worked in by plaiting as an additional plaiting thread  202 . 
         [0256]    A hot-melt adhesive thread  204  of this type can comprise, for example, polyester or copolyamide. 
         [0257]    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 . 
         [0258]    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 . 
         [0259]    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 . 
         [0260]    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. 
         [0261]    This manner of manufacturing the functional elements  158  is suitable in particular for use with leggings, shorts or three-quarter length trousers and leg warmers. 
         [0262]    In  FIG. 12 , two functional elements  158  made in this way are shown, offset to one another in a diagonal direction of the fabric. 
         [0263]    A second embodiment of a leg apparel with compression regions and stimulus induction zones is shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . 
         [0264]    This leg apparel is a sock  206  with a border region  102  at the upper end of the sock  206 , a leg region  104  adjoining the border region  102  downwardly and a foot region  106  adjoining the leg region  104  downwardly and forwardly which, in the worn state, encloses the foot of the wearer. 
         [0265]    The lower half of the foot region  106  of the sock  206  forms a sole region  108  which encloses a lower half of a heel region  112 , a lower half of a toe region  116  and an intermediate region  118  lying between the heel region  112  and the toe region  116 . 
         [0266]    The leg region  104  and the foot region  106  of the sock  206  are made, preferably throughout, of a basic knit material  122  which comprises one or more ground threads, and optionally one or more plaiting threads. 
         [0267]    The ground thread or threads and the plaiting thread or threads can be formed from any desired material, for example, a natural fibre or a synthetic fibre. 
         [0268]    For the protection of the leg of the wearer against pressure or impact loading and/or for protection against heat loss, the sock  206  can be provided with one or more paddings. 
         [0269]    In particular, the foot region  106  of the sock  206  can be provided with a sole padding  208  which is arranged between the toe region  116  and the heel region  112 . 
         [0270]    The sock  206  also has one or more compression regions  142  in which, in the worn state, the sock  206  exerts a compression effect on the leg of the wearer. 
         [0271]    This compression effect can be achieved, in particular, through the working in of one or more elastic threads into the basic knit material  122  of the sock  206 . 
         [0272]    The elastic thread(s) can, in particular, comprise elastane. 
         [0273]    In particular, the sock  206  can comprise a first compression region  142   a  which extends from the upper edge  144  of the leg region  104  downwardly to a lower edge  146  of the first compression region  142   a.    
         [0274]    The lower edge  146  of the first compression region  142   a  preferably lies below an ankle area  148  of the sock  206  which, in the worn state of the sock  206 , lies on the ankle of the wearer. 
         [0275]    Apart from the compression region  142   a , the sock  206  can have further compression regions, for example, in the middle foot region. 
         [0276]    The toe region  116  is preferably not given any compression effect, for comfort reasons. 
         [0277]    The compression strength in the first compression region  142   a  is preferably at least approximately 7 mm Hg and/or not more than approximately 25 mm Hg. 
         [0278]    The compression strength in the compression region  142   a  can be substantially constant or can have a gradient. 
         [0279]    Thus the compression region  142   a  can, in particular, have a compression variation wherein the compression strength decreases from the bottom upwardly. 
         [0280]    In particular, it can be provided that the compression strength at the upper edge  144  of the compression region  142   a  is from approximately 60% to approximately 80% of the compression strength at the lower edge  146  of the compression region  142   a.    
         [0281]    Furthermore, the stocking  206  comprises one or more stimulus induction zones  154  which are each provided with a stimulus-inducing structure  156 . 
         [0282]    As in the first embodiment of a leg apparel shown in  FIGS. 1 to 3 , each stimulus-inducing structure  156  comprises functional elements  158  which, in the worn state of the sock  206 , bring about a sensory stimulus effect and a proprioceptive stimulation of the musculature of the wearer. 
         [0283]    These functional elements  158  can be configured and manufactured exactly as in the first embodiment and so reference is made in that regard to the above description of the first embodiment. 
         [0284]    The sock  206  comprises, in particular, two stimulus induction zones  154   c  and  154   d , the stimulus-inducing structures  156  of which are arranged, in the worn state of the sock  206 , to the left and right, respectively, of the Achilles tendon of the wearer. 
         [0285]    The stimulus induction zones  154   c  and  154   d  are therefore arranged on mutually opposing sides of an Achilles tendon region  210  of the sock. 
         [0286]    Furthermore, the stimulus induction zones  154   c  and  154   d  and their stimulus-inducing structures  156  preferably run behind the respective associated ankle area  148  and do not cover the respective associated ankle area  148 . 
         [0287]    As in the first embodiment of a leg apparel, the functional elements  158  of the stimulus-inducing structures  156  are arranged on the inside of the sock  206 , so that they can act directly on the skin of the wearer. 
         [0288]    The functional elements  158  of the stimulus induction zones  154  therefore do not have to be visible from the outside of the sock  206  (as is the case in  FIGS. 14 and 15  for reasons of simplified illustration). 
         [0289]    A third embodiment of a leg apparel shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17  differs from the first embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 to 3  in that the leg apparel is configured as leggings  212 . 
         [0290]    The leggings are shown from the front in  FIG. 16  and from the left side in  FIG. 17 . 
         [0291]    The leggings  212  comprise a border region  102  at the upper end, a trunk region  214  adjoining the border region  102  downwardly and two leg regions  216  extending downwardly from the trunk region  214  and each extending to a lower border region  218 . 
         [0292]    Each leg region  216  comprises a thigh region  220 , a knee region  222  and a lower leg region  224 . 
         [0293]    The leggings  212  also have one or more compression regions  142  in which, in the worn state, the leggings  212  exert a compression effect on the body of the wearer. 
         [0294]    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 leggings  212 . 
         [0295]    The elastic thread(s) can, in particular, comprise elastane. 
         [0296]    In particular, the leggings  212  can comprise, on each leg region  216 , a first compression region  142   a  which extends from an upper edge  144  downwardly to a lower edge  228  of the respective lower border  226 . 
         [0297]    The upper edge  144  of the first compression region  142   a  preferably lies below the knee region  222  which, in the worn state of the leggings  212 , lies against the knee of the wearer. 
         [0298]    Furthermore, the leggings  212  can comprise, on each leg region  216 , a second compression region  142   b  which extends from an upper edge  228  of each leg region  216  downwardly to a lower edge  230  of the second compression region  142   b , which preferably extends above the respective knee region  222  of the leg region  216 . 
         [0299]    In the exemplary embodiments shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the lower edge  230  of the second compression region  142   b  and the upper edge  144  of the first compression region  142   a  are spaced apart from one another. 
         [0300]    It can, however, also be provided that the compression regions  142   a ,  142   b  directly adjoin one another and form a coherent compression region of the leggings  212 . 
         [0301]    The compression strength in the first compression region  142   a  and/or in the second compression region  142   b  is preferably at least approximately 7 mm Hg and/or not more than approximately 32 mm Hg. 
         [0302]    The compression strength in the first compression region  142   a  and/or in the second compression region  142   b  can be constant across each compression region  142   a ,  142   b  or can have a gradient. 
         [0303]    Thus, for example, the first compression region  142   a  and/or the second compression region  142   b  can have a compression variation wherein the compression strength decreases from the bottom upwardly. 
         [0304]    In particular, it can be provided that the compression strength at the upper edge  144  of the first compression region  142   a  or at the upper edge  228  of the second compression region  142   b  is from approximately 60% to approximately 80% of the compression strength at the lower edge  226  of the first compression region  142   a  or at the lower edge  230  of the second compression region  142   b.    
         [0305]    Furthermore, the leggings  212  comprise one or more stimulus induction zones  154  which are each provided with a stimulus-inducing structure  156 . 
         [0306]    Each stimulus-inducing structure  156  comprises functional elements  158  which, in the worn state of the leggings  212 , bring about a sensory stimulus effect and a proprioceptive stimulation of the musculature of the wearer. 
         [0307]    These functional elements  158  can be configured and manufactured exactly as in the above-described first embodiment of a leg apparel. 
         [0308]    In particular, the functional elements  158  are preferably configured as raised portions arranged on the inside of the leggings  212 , so that they can act directly on the skin of the wearer. 
         [0309]    For example, the leggings  212  can have stimulus induction zones  154   a  at the lower leg regions  224  of the leg regions  216 , said stimulus induction zones extending on the outward side of the lower leg along the tibialis anterior muscle and tendon structure and/or along the peroneus longus muscle and tendon structure. 
         [0310]    Alternatively or additionally thereto, the leggings  212  can have stimulus induction zones  154   e  in the lower leg regions  224  of the leg regions  226  which, in the worn state of the leg apparel, at least partially overlap the musculus gastrocnemius muscle on the inward side of the lower leg. 
         [0311]    It is preferably provided therein that an outer contour  232  of the stimulus induction zone  154   e  substantially matches an outer contour of the musculus gastrocnemius muscle. 
         [0312]    Alternatively or additionally thereto, the leggings  212  can have stimulus induction zones  154   f  and  154   g  in the knee region  222  of the leg regions  226 , said stimulus induction zones being arranged, in the worn state of the leg apparel, on the inward side (facing toward the respective other leg of the wearer) or on the outward side (facing away from the respective other leg of the wearer) of the kneecap of the wearer and being preferably formed to be substantially arcuate. 
         [0313]    In  FIG. 16 , the arrangement of stimulus induction zones  154   f  on the inward side of each knee region  222  is shown. In  FIG. 17 , the arrangement of a stimulus induction zone  154   g  on the outward side of a knee region  222  is shown. 
         [0314]    It is preferably herein provided that, in the worn state of the leg apparel, the stimulus induction zones  154   f  and/or  154   g  at least partially overlap the musculus vastus medialis muscle and or the musculus vastus lateralis muscle. 
         [0315]    In particular, it is provided that an outer contour  232  of the stimulus induction zones  154   f  and/or  154   g  substantially corresponds to an outer contour of the musculus vastus medialis muscle and/or an outer contour of the musculus vastus lateralis muscle. 
         [0316]    Alternatively or additionally thereto, the leggings  212  can be provided on the front sides of the thigh regions  220  of the leg regions  216  with stimulus induction zones  154   h  which, in the worn state of the leg apparel, at least partially overlap the musculus rectus femoris muscle. 
         [0317]    In particular, it can be provided that an outer contour  232  of the stimulus induction zones  154   h  substantially corresponds to an outer contour of the musculus rectus femoris muscle. 
         [0318]    As is best shown by  FIG. 17 , the leggings  212  can also have stimulus induction zones  154   i  which extend downwardly from a lower edge  234  of the border  102  over one side of the trunk region  214  and, in the thigh region  220  of the respective leg region  216 , extend on the outward side of the thigh from the hip to just above the stimulus induction zones  154   g  at the outward side of the knee region  222 . 
         [0319]    The positioning of the stimulus induction zones  154   i  is herein carried out so that the stimulus induction zones  154   i  overlap the musculus gluteus medius muscle, the gluteus minimus muscle and/or the tractus iliotibialis fascia structure, in particular substantially completely. 
         [0320]    Alternatively or additionally thereto, the leggings  212  can comprise further stimulus induction zones (not shown) on the rear side of the thigh regions  220  of the leg regions  216  which, in the worn state, cover the rear flexor muscles, preferably substantially completely. 
         [0321]    The above-described stimulus induction zones  154  bring about a proprioceptive stimulation of the respectively named muscles and fibre structures. 
         [0322]    By means of the proprioceptive stimulation, an improved synchronisation of the muscles recruited for the walking or running movement is achieved. 
         [0323]    Otherwise, the third embodiment of a leg apparel shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17  coincides, with regard to structure, function and method of production, with the first embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 to 3 , to the above description of which reference is therefore made. 
         [0324]    A variety of possibilities as to how the functional elements  158  of the stimulus-inducing structures  156  in the stimulus induction zones  154  of a leg apparel can be produced directly on a base element  170  of the leg apparel have been described above. 
         [0325]    Alternatively thereto, in each of the leg apparels described above, at least one stimulus-inducing structure  156  can comprise at least one support element  236  (see  FIG. 18 ) on which a plurality of functional elements  158  are provided. 
         [0326]    The support element  236  having the functional elements  158  can be manufactured separately from the base element  170  of the leg apparel and then releasably or non-releasably connected to the base element  170  of the leg apparel. 
         [0327]    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. 
         [0328]    In such a case, an outer contour  238  of the support element  236  preferably substantially matches the outer contour  232  of the associated stimulus induction zone  154 . 
         [0329]    The outer contour  238  shown in  FIGS. 18 to 21  is purely exemplary and can be replaced, in particular, by any other outer contour which corresponds to the outer contour  232  of any desired stimulus induction zone  154 . 
         [0330]    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. 
         [0331]    Alternatively thereto, the support element  236  can comprise a textile material, for example a knitted fabric. 
         [0332]    The support element  236  is arranged on the base element  170  of the leg 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 leg apparel and, in the worn state of the leg apparel, face toward the body of the wearer. 
         [0333]    The rear side  242  of the support element  236  shown in  FIG. 20  which, in the mounted state of the support element  236 , faces toward the base element  170  of the leg 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 leg apparel in order to fasten the support element  236  releasably on the base element  170  of the leg apparel. 
         [0334]    In particular, the adhesion elements  246  can form a constituent part of a touch-and-close fastener or a hook-and-loop fastener. 
         [0335]    In an alternative embodiment of a support element  236 , illustrated in  FIG. 21 , which is releasably fastenable to the base element  170  of the leg 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 leg apparel. 
         [0336]    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. 
         [0337]    In an alternative embodiment of the stimulus-inducing structure  156  of a stimulus induction zone  154  shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 , it is provided that, in the worn state of the leg apparel, the functional elements  158  do not make direct contact with the skin of the wearer of the leg apparel, but rather that, in the worn state of the leg apparel, a covering  250  is arranged between the functional elements  158  and the body of the wearer. 
         [0338]    The covering  250  can be formed, for example, from a textile material or a film, in particular a plastics film. 
         [0339]    An outer contour  252  of the covering  250  preferably substantially matches the outer contour  232  of the respective stimulus induction zone  154 . 
         [0340]    As can be best seen from  FIG. 23 , 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. 
         [0341]    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 leg apparel. 
         [0342]    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 . 
         [0343]    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 . 
         [0344]    In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 , 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 . 
         [0345]    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. 
         [0346]    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 . 
         [0347]    Furthermore, it can be provided that arranged in the pocket  258  is a biasing element (not shown) which, in the worn state of the leg 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 . 
         [0348]    A biasing element of this type can comprise, for example, a foam material inlay. 
         [0349]    The use of such a biasing element can be useful, in particular, if the body of the wearer of the leg apparel is concavely shaped in the region in which the relevant stimulus induction zone  154  is arranged. 
         [0350]    The use of a covering  250  between the functional elements  158  and the body of the wearer of the leg apparel is particularly advantageous if the functional elements  158  are configured relatively hard, relatively high and/or relatively pointed.