KNITTED ITEM

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a knitted article with a leg section that can be pulled over at least a section of a leg.

[0002] Such knitted items are known in various variations. A knitted item can be designed as a simple calf stocking, for example, or as a longer half-thigh stocking extending to the knee, or as a thigh-high stocking extending over the thigh. The design as tights is also known. The knitted item can only comprise a leg section that extends only to or over the ankle, but no longer covers the heel and foot. Alternatively, the knitted item can also have a foot section attached to the leg section, which, like a stocking or tights, surrounds the entire foot. Such a knitted item can also be designed as an arm stocking, which is pulled over the forearm, for example, or even extends over the upper arm. The arm stocking can, for example, only extend to the wrist with an arm section.Alternatively, the arm section may be followed by a hand section that encompasses at least part of the palm or the entire hand with the fingers.

[0003] The knitted item can be a conventional garment, such as a standard stocking or tights, or similar item, which does not have or is inherent to a specific function. However, it is also known to equip such a knitted item with a specific function, for example, in the form of a compressive knitted item, which exerts pressure on the underlying, bound fabric. For example, for therapeutic purposes, when the knitted item is intended to provide support for a person, or when the garment is worn during sports, where a certain amount of pressure can be beneficial.

[0004] As is well known, putting on a stocking or tights and pulling them over your leg requires a considerable change in posture and, on the one hand, bending your upper body far forward while, on the other, bending your leg accordingly. This is often difficult, especially for older people or people with limited mobility. In particular, it is often difficult to pull the knitted part over the heel, for example, as the knitted part can be difficult to grip or the necessary tension cannot be applied. It is often then necessary to have a second person help you put the stocking on. This person also sometimes finds it difficult to get the stocking or tights into the wearing position.The situation is similar with an arm stocking, although in this case the body position does not have to be changed as significantly as when putting on a piece of legwear.

[0005] The problems are exacerbated when the knitted garment has a compressive function, i.e., when it is a compressive knit. In this case, the base fabric of the knitted garment, which is knitted from at least one knitted thread, usually contains at least one elastic thread, usually as a weft thread, which imparts the compressive properties to the knitted garment. This sometimes results in a problem for a single person when putting on the garment, particularly when the compressive knit has to be pulled over the heel, due to the geometry of the foot in the heel area. Even an assistant often has great difficulty with this.

[0006] The invention is therefore based on the problem of providing a knitted part which is improved compared to the above.

[0007] To solve this problem, the invention provides for a knitted item of the type mentioned at the outset to have at least one manually grippable pulling element on the inside of the leg section. The knitted item according to the invention is provided with at least one pulling element on the inside of the leg section, which can be gripped by a person when putting on the knitted item and which can be pulled with corresponding force, for example in the lengthwise direction of the leg, when putting on. This gripping element then makes it much easier for the person, be it the person wearing the legwear themselves or an assistant or carer, to put on the knitted item. This is because by gripping the pulling element, greater tension can be applied along the leg, so that the knitted item can be pulled more easily along the leg.

[0008] The pull element is located on the inside of the leg section, preferably at a longitudinal position spaced apart from the upper edge of the leg section that is pulled furthest along the leg and the lower edge of the leg section that extends either to the ankle or beyond the ankle to the heel. Typically, the tubular knitted part, which can be knitted as a circular or flat knit, is designed with varying diameters, with the diameter typically increasing significantly from the lower edge in the area of ​​the ankle or heel to the upper edge.This means that the leg section with the larger diameter can be pulled over the narrower leg section without any problem, but also over the heel, whereas problems can arise when pulling over the narrower leg section. This can be due to the small diameter compared to the given anatomical conditions and the resulting friction of the knitted part on the body part. If at least one pulling element is located in an area closer to the lower end of the leg section than to the upper end, the longitudinal pull can be applied by pulling on the pulling element directly in the leg section area that is problematic when putting on. This means that the pull is ultimately directly on the leg section area that is difficult to put on and the pull is therefore greater than if only the upper end of the leg section were pulled, resulting in a corresponding stretching of the entire leg section.

[0009] By arranging at least one manually grippable pulling element on the inside of the leg portion of the knitted item, regardless of how this is specifically implemented, putting on the knitted item can be significantly simplified, both when the person wants to put on the knitted item themselves and when a second person puts the knitted item on a person. As explained, the knitted item can be either a commercially available knitted item, for example a simple stocking or simple tights or the like, i.e. a knitted item without a specific, particularly compressive, function.Equally, it can also be a compressive knitted part, for example a compression leg stocking, whereby such a compressive knitted part is designed in particular in accordance with the provisions of the German industrial standard DIN 58133 (Medical compression stockings).

[0010] The knitted part according to the invention can also be one with a foot section that connects to the leg section, in which case the foot section runs just above the heel and ends below the ankle, whereupon the leg section connects. However, it can also be a knitted part comprising only a leg section that ends above the ankle or below the ankle in the area of ​​the heel, depending on the design. Accordingly, an arm stocking, which is not part of the invention, can only consist of an arm section that extends to the wrist or slightly above the wrist, but does not enclose the palm of the hand and the fingers. Alternatively, the arm stocking can also be provided with a hand section that then only encloses the palm of the hand, or additionally also the fingers.

[0011] It is conceivable that only one pulling element is provided, which is designed in a ring shape around the inner circumference of the leg section. This ring-shaped pulling element is connected to the leg section at one end and is otherwise free so that it can be gripped easily. It is designed as a closed ring, which is advantageous in that a longitudinal pull over a large part of the circumference up to the entire circumference can be applied to the adjoining leg section area when the pulling element is pulled. As an alternative to the ring-shaped design of a pulling element, only one local pulling element can be provided, or preferably two local pulling elements arranged opposite one another on the inner circumference. The local pulling element(s) is(are) also arranged and fixed at one end on the inner circumference of the leg section, while the pulling element is otherwise free and can therefore be gripped easily.With such a local, quasi-tab-like pulling element, only a local pull can be exerted, which is often sufficient to simplify tightening, especially if two pulling elements are provided, positioned opposite each other on the inner circumference.

[0012] Different variants are conceivable with regard to the design of a pull element. According to a first variant, the pull element(s) can be knitted elements. This means that, like the knitted part itself with its knitted base fabric, the pull element(s) are also knitted, consisting of a base fabric knitted with at least one knitted thread. Since the pull elements are only a few centimeters long, pulling on the pull element(s) does not result in any significant stretching of the pull element fabric, so that the tension is introduced almost directly into the actual leg fabric.

[0013] As an alternative to designing the pull elements as knitted pull elements, it is also conceivable for the pull element(s) to be made of a flexible, flat material, in particular a plastic material. In this case, no knitted fabric is used, but rather a flat material, in particular in the form of a plastic film or similar, which is suitably attached to the inner circumference of the leg section. This flat material has little to no elasticity, particularly in the longitudinal direction of the leg section, so that no appreciable stretching occurs when this material is pulled; instead, the tension is introduced almost directly into the leg section's knitted fabric.

[0014] If one or more knitted pull-on elements are provided, a particularly advantageous development of the invention provides for the knitted pull-on element(s) to be knitted integrally with the leg section. This means that the pull-on element(s) are knitted directly along with the leg section during knitting. A knitted part according to the invention is knitted either on a circular knitting machine as a circular knit using at least one knitting thread, or on a flat knitting machine as a flat knit, also using at least one knitting thread. By appropriate control, the pull-on element(s) can be easily knitted directly onto the leg section to be knitted.It is conceivable, for example, to knit the leg section a short distance, starting at the top or bottom end, and then reversing the knitting direction to form the drawstring element(s) and then knitting back a short distance, depending on the desired length of the drawstring element(s), so that a second layer of knitted fabric is formed in the drawstring element, which is then re-knitted to the base fabric at a reversal point, after which the rest of the leg section is knitted to its other end. This is merely one example of a possible way to knit the drawstring element(s) in one piece during the production of the leg section or knitted piece.

[0015] Alternatively, it is also conceivable to use one or more separate knitted pull elements, which are therefore knitted separately. These simply need to be firmly attached to the inner circumference of the leg section, either by sewing or gluing them onto the inside of the leg section. The non-knitted pull element(s) made of a flexible, flat material can also be attached to the leg section in this way, i.e. by sewing or gluing. It is advantageous if the knitted pull element(s), whether they are integrally connected to the leg section, sewn on separately, or glued on, are knitted from a thinner thread than the actual base knit. This means that the thickness of the pull element knit can be less than the thickness of the actual base knit of the leg section.

[0016] Since, as described, the drawstring element(s) are arranged so as to be virtually freely movable around the inner circumference, correspondingly thinly knitted drawstring elements hardly add any bulk when the knitted item is in the worn position. It is conceivable to work with a thinner knitting thread even when the drawstring element(s) on the leg section are formed as a single piece; a thread change is only required for knitting the drawstring element(s) in the otherwise continuous knitting process. Separately knitted drawstring elements can be knitted from a thin knitting thread anyway. But even when using a sheet material, it is expedient if this is thinner than the base knit of the leg section so that this also adds little or no bulk. This is easily possible, particularly when using a foil material.

[0017] As described, the knitted item according to the invention can be designed purely as a garment, without any specific functional features. However, according to the invention, at least the leg section can be designed to be compressive, at least in sections. This means that the knitted item, at least in sections, has compressive properties, in particular in accordance with the specifications and parameters defined in DIN 58133. This means that the leg section has a compressive property either over part of its length or over its entire length, thus exerting a relatively high supporting pressure on the underlying fabric. If the knitted item is additionally provided with a foot section, the compressive property can also be present in this area, although this is not mandatory.The compression of the knitted fabric can be determined using an appropriate measuring device, as required by DIN 58133 or the comparable quality assurance standard RAL-GZ 387 / 1 "Medical Compression Stockings" of the German Institute for Quality Assurance and Labeling (DGQA). The preferred device for this purpose is the "HOSY" or "HOSYcan" test device from Hohenstein Textile Testing Institute GmbH & Co. KG, which is specifically designed for measuring compression pressure on compression textiles, especially medical compression textiles.

[0018] The compressive property is created in a conventional manner by inserting an elastic thread into the base fabric of the knitted garment. Typically, the elastic thread is inserted as a weft thread. As already described, particularly when the knitted garment is constructed as a compression knit, significant problems arise when putting it on due to the compressive properties. This is because the knitted garment is stretched circumferentially in the worn position, with the elastic thread resisting this stretching, thereby generating pressure. This means that in the unloaded state, the diameter of the knitted garment, particularly in the leg section area,

[0019] which is pulled over thinner leg areas, is considerably small, so that high friction occurs very early on when putting the garment on, which has to be overcome by pulling it lengthwise. A major problem also arises in the case of a knitted leg piece when the knitted piece with the section having a smaller diameter has to be pulled over the heel, since the foot area with the heel is relatively wide compared to the unstretched diameter of the knitted section. The considerable advantages of the arrangement of the pulling element(s) according to the invention become apparent particularly in the case of a compressive embroidered piece. This is because with the help of the pulling element(s), a great deal of tension can be exerted on the knitted piece in the lengthwise direction, which makes it easier to pull it over the heel or along the leg, for example.

[0020] If the pull element is designed to run annularly around the circumference, it is possible, on the one hand, to make the pull element non-compressive, i.e., to knit it solely from a single knitted thread or to make it from a non-elastic material in the circumferential direction. According to the invention, this annular, circumferential pull element is designed to be compressive, meaning that this pull element itself also has compressive properties, not just the leg section.

[0021] This compressive property in the circumferential direction can be imparted to a knitted annular drawstring element by incorporating an elastic thread or compression thread, for example, by incorporating it as a weft thread or by stitch-forming knitting with the base knitted thread. In the case of a sheet material, a material or plastic material that is elastic at least in the circumferential direction can be used, which offers appropriate resistance to circumferential stretching.

[0022] If a compressive annular pulling element is provided, both the annular pulling element and the leg section can be compressive in the area where they overlap with the pulling element. This means that both the leg section and the pulling element have compressive properties. Both overlap in an overlap area, which means that there is local compression from both the pulling element and the leg section. Both compressions therefore overlap to form an overall compression in the overlap area. In the overlap area, there is then higher local compression than in adjacent areas where the compression is only generated by the leg section. This means that an advantageous local increase in compression occurs by superimposing the basic compression from the leg section with the compression of the pulling element.

[0023] The compressive drawstring element and the leg section compressive in the overlap area can be at least approximately equally compressive. This means that they exhibit almost or completely identical compressive properties. "Approximately equally compressive" also refers to a compression difference of up to a maximum of + / - 10%. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the compressive properties of the drawstring element and the leg section differ, i.e., deviate significantly from one another. This allows the overall compression in the overlap area to be varied over a wide range. This applies both to a one-piece knitted target element and to a separately knitted drawstring element, since in each case, a less or more compressive elastic thread can be used compared to the elastic thread of the base fabric of the leg section.In the same way, when using a surface material that is elastic at least in the circumferential direction, a variation of the total compression in the overlap area can of course be achieved by selecting its elasticity.

[0024] It is particularly preferred if the compressive, annular pulling element is arranged in area B or B1 according to DIN 58133. DIN 58133 defines specific positions along the leg section for compression stockings (this includes both single stockings and tights), via which a desired pressure curve along the leg section can be defined. A higher compression pressure is usually required at positions B or B1 than in neighboring areas, with position B being very close to the ankle, namely at the ankle, while position B1 is somewhat further away from it towards the knee. For medical or therapeutic purposes, the highest compression pressure is usually required in area B.This can now be advantageously designed to be correspondingly high by superimposing the individual compression pressures of the leg section and the annular pulling element, thus forming the corresponding gradient along the leg section.

[0025] A further considerable advantage of arranging the pulling element in this B or B1 area is that, in the carrying position, the individual pressure superposition results in a total pressure that is greater than the base pressure that would be generated solely across the compressive leg section in this overlap area. However, since the overlap only occurs in the carrying position and not during donning – since the pulling element is still exposed and is gripped and pulled, but the leg section has not yet been pulled over it into the carrying position – the donning process is simplified in view of the significantly increased total pressure that occurs in the carrying position. If such a high total pressure were generated locally across the leg section alone, it would be significantly less stretchable and even more difficult to don.Ultimately, this individual pressure superposition allows a compression pressure to be set in relation to the overlapping area which, when worn, is at least one compression class (according to DIN 58133, which defines specific compression classes) higher than the compression class that corresponds to the base pressure given only over the compressive leg section.

[0026] Particularly in the case of a long knitted part or a long leg section, it is expedient if at least one further pulling element is provided along the leg section at at least one longitudinal position on the inside. This means that the leg section, seen over its length, is equipped with one or more pulling elements in at least two longitudinal positions or longitudinal planes. This can be any desired pulling element as described above, i.e. a knitted pulling element that is, for example, knitted on in one piece, or several such pulling elements, or a pulling element made from a sheet material, etc. The arrangement of several such pulling elements at different longitudinal positions advantageously enables a quasi-stepped pulling up, since pulling can be carried out in a defined manner, for example, at two different longitudinal positions.If, for example, the knitted part is a leg stocking that extends up to the thigh, the leg stocking can first be pulled into a wearing position in relation to the lower area, which encloses part of the lower leg, using the first pulling element closer to the lower end. The leg stocking is then pulled into the wearing position up to above the knee using the pulling element(s) at the second longitudinal position. After that, the last leg section is pulled into the wearing position on the thigh by gripping the upper edge. This makes it possible to successively, step-by-step pull specific leg section areas lengthwise using the individual pulling elements at the different longitudinal positions. Since this allows a direct longitudinal pull to be introduced into the knitted fabric as best as possible in each location, putting the stocking on is made much easier.

[0027] As described, when the garment is worn, the drawstring element(s) lies beneath the leg section, so that in this area there is essentially a double layer of fabric. To prevent this from becoming excessively visible when the garment is worn, it is conceivable to knit in padding on the inside of the leg section, at least in sections, to increase the thickness of the knitted fabric. This means that the inside is additionally equipped with a plush layer, for example, i.e. that the base fabric is knitted on the inside as a plush layer. This padding or plush extends close to the edge of the drawstring element, so that the double layer of fabric created by the drawstring element can be at least partially compensated for by this padding. This padding or plush layer can extend, essentially adjacent to the drawstring element, only over a shorter longitudinal section of the leg section, or over its entire remaining length.Of course, such padding can be provided on both sides of the pull element, for example, the ring-shaped pull element. In the carrying position, there will then be no or only a barely visible edge at the transition from the double section to the single section formed only by the padded leg section.

[0028] An expedient development of the invention provides that at least one optical marking indicating the position of a heel or hand section turned in the basic position is provided on the inside of the leg section or on the pulling element. In the basic position, in which the knitted part is before being put on, the knitted part is turned in, i.e. the leg section, starting from the non-turned-in shape in which the knitted outer side is arranged on the outside and the knitted inner side on the inside, is turned inside out in sections, ultimately resulting in two superimposed layers. If the knitted part is provided with a foot section, the foot section is located inside this turned-in arrangement. The foot section has a specific geometry. The heel is shaped on the foot section, and when the toe is closed, a toe geometry corresponding to the shape of the toe is shaped there.

[0029] It is of course necessary to position the turned-over knitted piece with the correct foot section alignment when slipping it on with the foot so that the foot enters the foot section with the correct shape.

[0030] Since the foot section is tucked in this basic position and therefore not visible, the invention provides for the application of a visual marking on the inside of the leg section or on the pull element, which allows the user to immediately recognize the correct position for the leg stocking, etc., so that it can be slipped on correctly. Such a visual marking can, for example, be a knitted thread or a colored print or something similar. Any form of visual marking that allows for easy detection is suitable.

[0031] It is also conceivable for the drawstring to be a different color than the leg section. This makes it easy to identify the drawstring itself and its position, especially in poor light or with impaired vision, as the drawstring's color clearly distinguishes it from the base fabric.

[0032] The knitted part itself can, as already described, be designed in different forms. It can be a calf stocking, a half-thigh stocking, a thigh-high stocking, or tights, whereby a foot section adjoining the leg section can be provided if necessary, but this is not absolutely necessary. If such a foot section is provided, it can be closed in the toe area, i.e. enveloping the toes, or open. In alternative examples, which are not part of the claimed invention, the knitted part can also be a half-sleeve stocking or an arm stocking, which can optionally have a hand section adjoining the arm section, but does not have to. This hand section can also be closed, i.e. enveloping both the palm of the hand and the fingers, or open, i.e. the fingers are not encased.

[0033] In addition to the knitted part itself, the invention further relates to a method for putting on a knitted part of the type described above. This method is characterized in that the knitted part, which is in the basic position in which the leg section, with its inside facing outwards, is turned inside out and optionally pulled over the foot section, if provided, is pulled over the foot by pulling on the at least one pulling element, after which the leg section is either pulled further over the leg into the wearing position by gripping and pulling on an edge section of the leg section, or is pulled further over the leg into the wearing position by gripping and pulling on at least one further pulling element and then by gripping and pulling on an edge section of the leg section.

[0034] Further advantages and details of the present invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below and from the drawings. In the drawings: Fig. 1 a knitted part according to the invention in the form of a calf stocking in the basic position with the leg section turned inside out, Fig. 2 a side view of the knitted part from Fig. 1 , Fig. 3the knitted part from Fig. 1 in the extended form, Fig. 4the knitted part from Fig. 3in a side view, Fig. 5 shows an enlarged partial view of a knitted part according to the invention in the region of the arrangement of a ring-shaped pulling element which is knitted in one piece with the leg section, Fig. 6 shows a partial view of a knitted part according to the invention in the region of a pulling element arranged on the leg section, which is connected to the leg section as a separate pulling element, Fig. 7 shows a further partial view of a knitted part according to the invention with a local pulling element, Fig. 8 shows a side view of a knitted part in the form of a long thigh-high stocking with two pulling elements located at different longitudinal positions, and Fig. 9 shows a side view of an exemplary knitted part in the form of an arm stocking

[0035] Fig. 1 shows how the side view according to Figure 2, a knitted part 1 according to the invention in its turned-up basic position, which is knitted as a circular knit on a circular knitting machine or as a flat knit on a flat knitting machine as a one-piece knitted part. It comprises, see also the figures showing the knitted part 1 in the extended position Figures 3 and 4 , a tubular leg section 2 and a foot section 3 immediately adjacent to this. The leg section 2 preferably extends over the ankle to just before the heel, whereupon the foot section 3 is connected. This is shown by way of example via the dashed dividing line 4 in Fig. 4 shown. At the upper end of the leg section 2, a waistband 5 is knitted, which can be pulled lengthwise, among other things, to tighten the knitted part 1.

[0036] The knitted part 1 is, for example, a compressive knitted part in which the base fabric forming the leg section 2 and the foot section 3 and knitted from at least one base fabric thread is provided with a compressive property at least in sections and at least in the leg section 2. Of course, the entire knitted part 1 can be compressive in both the leg section 2 and the foot section 3. This is imparted by incorporating an elastic thread, for example as a weft thread, into the base fabric, which offers resistance to stretching in the circumferential direction so that a compression pressure can be applied to the underlying, overlapped fabric. The compression of the knitted part 1, in particular in the leg section 2 (orThe compression force (e.g., in the arm section of an arm stocking) can be determined using an appropriate measuring device, as specified, for example, in DIN 58133 or the comparable quality assurance standard RAL-GZ 387 / 1 "Medical Compression Stockings" of the German Institute for Quality Assurance and Labeling (DZI). This measurement is preferably carried out using the "HOSY" or "HOSYcan" test device from Hohenstein Textile Testing Institute GmbH & Co. KG, which is used specifically for measuring compression pressure on compression textiles, especially medical compression textiles. This applies to all described embodiments.

[0037] For elderly people or those with limited mobility, putting on such a knitted garment 1 or stocking, especially if it is compressive, is extremely difficult. Due to the anatomically knitted basic shape of the leg and foot sections and the resulting narrow transition area from the leg to the foot sections, it is sometimes difficult to pull the stocking over the heel area, especially. This problem is even greater if the stocking has compressive properties adjacent to or in the transition to the foot section 3.

[0038] To facilitate putting on, at least one pulling element 7 is arranged on the inside 6 of the leg section 2, which serves to pull the knitted part 1 lengthwise. Figures 1 and 2show the knitted piece 1 in the basic position before being put on. In this position, the leg section 2 is folded over the foot section 3, so that the inner side 6 of the leg section 2 is on the outside. In the basic form shown, the pulling element 7 is exposed, meaning it can easily be grasped with two hands.

[0039] The pulling element 7 is designed here as a ring-shaped, circumferential pulling element 7, which is firmly attached to the inner side 6 of the leg section 3 by a lower end 8, while the pulling element 7 is otherwise free or loose, as in the Figures 3 and 4 where the pulling element 7 is shown guided slightly inwards.

[0040] How Fig. 1As shown in Fig. 1, an optical marking 18, for example a knitted thread or a print or the like, is provided on the outside of the pulling element 7, which preferably has a different color than the leg section 2 and the foot section 3. This optical marking 18 indicates where the upper side 9 of the foot part 3 is, so that the user can orient himself and bring the knitted part 1 into a correct position relative to the foot or leg. Figures 1 - 4 As shown, the foot section 3 naturally also has an anatomically shaped shape corresponding to the foot, in that it has a corresponding heel section 10 on the one hand and a corresponding toe section 11 on the other. This optical marking 18 can now be used to correctly position the shoe relative to the foot, so that the foot can be correctly slipped into the foot section 3.

[0041] When putting on the garment, starting from the inverted basic shape according to the Figures 1 and 2 , the knitted part 1 is first grasped by the ring-shaped pulling element 7 and pulled with the foot section 3 over the toes and further over the foot. Pulling over the heel is often very difficult, especially if the knitted part 1 has compressive properties. This is because the lower section of the leg section 2, which is significantly reduced in diameter and which is virtually attached to the Fig. 4 shown dividing line, are pulled over the heel, which is known and how Fig. 2 As indicated in the side view, it is relatively wide. This means that the knitted part 1, or rather the leg section 2, must be stretched considerably in this area, which can be very difficult with a compressive knit.

[0042] However, because the annular pulling element 7 is arranged on the leg section 2, a strong direct pull can be exerted on the lower area of ​​the leg section 2 and via this on the foot section 3 in the longitudinal direction, which significantly simplifies pulling over the heel area.

[0043] As in particular Fig. 4shows, the annular pulling element 7 or basically the pulling element or elements (several pulling elements can also be provided) is located at a longitudinal position of the leg section 2 which is close to the lower end of the leg section, i.e. in the area of ​​or adjacent to the transition to the foot section 3, if such is provided. If no foot section 3 is provided, the pulling element 7 is located near or adjacent to the lower edge of the leg section 2, i.e. near the section with a greatly reduced diameter. The pulling element 7 is therefore located precisely in the area which is very narrow in diameter compared to the rest of the leg section 2 adjoining it towards the waistband 5, and which is very difficult to pull over the heel.This means that a strong longitudinal pull can be applied very precisely and directly to the corresponding leg section area which is difficult to pull on via the pulling element 7, which makes putting on considerably easier.

[0044] Based on the Figures 1 and 2 In the basic position shown, the foot is inserted into the foot section 3 and the lower leg section area is pulled over the heel and ankle, the waistband 5 is grasped and the remaining leg section area of ​​the leg section 2 is pulled up and over the calf until the stocking is completely pulled up and in the wearing position. In this position, the leg section 2 now overlaps the pulling element 7 with its inner side 6, thus lying between the leg and the leg section fabric.

[0045] The pulling element 7, which is ring-shaped here, can be a pulling element which, like at least the leg section 2, has compressive properties, i.e. exerts pressure on the overlapped tissue.

[0046] For this purpose, the pulling element 7 can also be knitted and provided with an elastic thread that brings about the compression. Alternatively, the pulling element 7 can also consist of a sheet material that is elastic in the circumferential direction, such as a plastic film or the like, so that a corresponding, radially inward-acting pressure can be generated via this too. If the leg section 2 is also equipped with a compressive structure, the two compressive sections overlap in the overlap area, i.e. in which the leg section 2 lies above the pulling element 7. This means that there is a double layer there, consisting of the pulling element 7 and the leg section 2, as well as two separate compressions that overlap. A total pressure is created there, resulting from the pressure exerted via the pulling element 7 and the pressure exerted via the leg section 2.

[0047] As the Figures 3 and 4show, the annular pulling element 7 is preferably arranged in a B area (ankle) defined in accordance with DIN 58133 (alternatively, it can also be arranged in the B1 area according to DIN 58133). If the knitted part 1 is a compression stocking, the highest compression pressure is to be generated in this B area according to DIN 58133. A corresponding pressure can now be generated in a simple manner by superimposing the two individual compressions, whereby the pressure can be varied over a relatively wide range. This is because the greater the additional pressure component generated via the pulling element 7, the higher the local total pressure can be set. This means that a relatively high local total pressure is established in the wearing position. However, when putting on the stocking, this high pressure present in the wearing position does not have a detrimental effect.Because the pull element 7 is separate from the leg section 2 when putting on the garment, meaning they do not overlap, only the pull element 7 needs to be stretched when pulling it over the heel, and only then does the corresponding leg section need to be stretched. This means that only one layer needs to be stretched at a time, not the double layer that exists in the wearing position, which has the significantly higher total pressure.

[0048] Fig. 5 shows a partial view of a knitted part 1 according to the invention, wherein the same reference numerals are used for identical parts. For example, it is assumed that the knitted part 1 is again a calf stocking. Alternatively, it can of course be a different type of knitted part, such as a half-thigh stocking, pantyhose, or arm stocking, with or without a foot or hand section.

[0049] Shown is a sectional view through the area in which the pulling element 7, again in a ring shape, is arranged. On the one hand, the tubular leg section 2 is shown, which consists of a base knit comprising at least one knitted thread. If the leg section 2 is compressive, an additional elastic thread is inserted, for example, as a weft thread.

[0050] In this embodiment, the drawstring element 7 is also a knitted drawstring element 7, which is knitted integrally onto the leg section 2 at its end 8. This knitting, as a quasi-free-hanging, flexible, and ring-shaped "flap," is easily possible on both a circular knitting machine and a flat knitting machine. The drawstring element 7 is either knitted from the same knitted thread as the leg section 2 and, if necessary, also provided with compression by inserting an elastic thread. However, it is also conceivable to knit the drawstring element 7 from a different, preferably thinner and possibly differently colored, knitted thread than the knitted thread of the leg section 2, so that ultimately the thickness of the drawstring element 7 can be somewhat reduced and it is not too clearly visible when worn.Also, if it is designed to be compressive, a different elastic thread can be introduced into the pulling element 7 than into the leg section 2, by means of which the compression pressure of the pulling element 7 can be varied in a simple manner.

[0051] In order to avoid that the pulling element 7, which is overlapped by the leg section 2, is clearly visible in the carrying position and a corresponding, slight bead-shaped elevation results, in the embodiment according to Fig. 5 On the inside 6 of the leg section 2, a padding 12 is provided, preferably in the form of a plush or a plush layer, which is formed immediately during the knitting of the leg section 2. This padding 12 increases the thickness of the leg section 2. It extends, as Fig. 5In the example shown, it is located on both sides of the pulling element 7 and adjoins it seamlessly or at a small distance. In the supporting position, this padding 12 compensates for the double-layered bulge resulting from the overlap, so that no or only a minor circumferential edge or bead is formed.

[0052] In the embodiment according to Fig. 5 The pull element 7 is knitted and knitted in one piece to the leg section 2. In the variant according to Fig. 6 The ring-shaped pulling element 7 is a separate element, which can either be knitted from a knitted thread, optionally also be provided with compression via an elastic thread, or which consists of a surface material, in particular a plastic material, which is elastic in the circumferential direction but as rigid as possible in the transverse direction. This separate pulling element 7 is now connected via a corresponding connection 13, which Fig. 6only schematically indicated, in the region of the lower end 8 of the pulling element 7, it is firmly connected to the tubular leg section 2 on its inner side 6. This connection 13 can, for example, be a seam, i.e., the pulling element 7 is sewn on. Alternatively, it can also be an adhesive connection. Irrespective of this, the connection 13 is designed such that a high tensile force can be applied to the leg section 2 via the pulling element 7.

[0053] Fig. 7shows an embodiment of a knitted part 1 according to the invention in the form of a sectional partial view, in which a local pulling element 7 is arranged as a pulling element 7, which is either knitted as a single piece to the inner side 6 of the tubular leg section 2 with its lower end 8, or which is fastened as a separate, knitted or surface-section pulling element 7 to the inner side 6 of the leg section 2 via a connection 13, which is shown here only in dashed lines as an example. Preferably, two such local pulling elements 7, which are designed as free-standing tabs, are provided diametrically opposite one another on the inner circumference of the leg section 2.These local pulling elements 7 are preferably open at the sides, i.e. designed as open tabs, which makes it possible to engage with the finger in the tab-shaped or double-layered or ring-shaped pulling element 7 and thus to grip it very well manually and to apply a high tensile force.

[0054] Fig. 8 shows an embodiment of a knitted part 1 according to the invention, here in the form of a long thigh stocking, again comprising a leg section 2 and a foot section 3 knitted thereto. By way of example, the foot section 3 is shown here with an open toe end.

[0055] Again, the knitted part 1 can be a non-compressive or a compressive knitted part 1, wherein the advantages of the arrangement of the pulling element(s) 7 are of course particularly given in the case of a compressive knitted part 1. In the case of the Fig. 8In the exemplary embodiment shown, a first pulling element 7, here again an annular pulling element 7 by way of example, is fastened by its lower end 8 to the inner side 6 of the tubular leg section 2, preferably in the B-region, for example knitted in one piece or sewn or glued on separately, as described above. In this embodiment, at a second longitudinal position along the leg section 2, a further pulling element 7', here again annular by way of example, is provided with its lower end 8', which is of course preferably connected to the inner side 6 of the leg section 2 in the same way as the first pulling element 7, i.e. is likewise knitted in one piece or is sewn or glued on as a separate pulling element 7'.

[0056] This design, with pulling elements 7, 7' provided at two longitudinal positions or in two longitudinal planes, enables a quasi multi-stage, optimal donning of the long thigh stocking. In the basic position, again, similar to the shorter calf stocking according to Fig. 1 , the leg section 2 is put over the foot section 3. Similar to Fig. 1 the first pulling element 7 is free at one end and can be gripped so that the foot can be pushed into the foot section 3 or the foot section 3 and the lower end of the leg section 2 can be pulled over the heel.

[0057] In the next step, the second pull element 7, which is also exposed on the outside because it has been turned inside out, is then grasped. This allows the area of ​​the leg section 2 located between the two pull elements 7 and 7' to be pulled further over the calf and over the knee. This means that, with regard to this leg section area, a longitudinal pull can again be optimally introduced directly into the knitted fabric, and this area can be brought into the wearing position. Subsequently, in the final step, the waistband 5 is grasped, and then the end area of ​​the leg section 2 is pulled into the final position over the thigh.

[0058] Of course, it is also conceivable to provide drawing elements 7, 7' in more than two longitudinal positions, just as, of course, corresponding local drawing elements 7, 7' can be provided instead of the annular drawing elements 7, 7'.

[0059] Here too, as with the arrangements according to the Figures 6 and 7 , it is of course possible to provide padding 12 on the inside 6.

[0060] Fig. 9 finally shows a knitted part 1 in the form of an arm stocking, which is not part of the invention, comprising an elongated, tubular arm section 14, with an upper end with a first waistband 15 and a lower end here with a second waistband 16. Instead of the second waistband 16, a hand section 17 can also be knitted integrally onto the arm section 14, as shown in dashed lines. Of course, the arm section 14, as well as the hand section 17 if appropriate, is also made from a basic knit made of at least one knitted thread and can if appropriate be provided with a compressive property via an elastic thread.

[0061] Here, too, a pull element 7, here again in ring form, is attached by its lower end 8 to the inside of the arm section 14, shown here with its outside. Here, too, the pull element 7 can either be knitted in one piece or can be sewn or glued on as a separate, knitted or sheet-material pull element 7. Here, too, the pull element 7 can facilitate donning in the same way as described above for the other embodiments.

[0062] In the basic position, the Fig. 9The arm section area shown to the right of the pull element 7 is slipped over the arm section area shown to the left of the pull element 7, so that the pull element 7 is exposed and can be grasped for pulling over. After pulling over the forearm, the waistband 15 can then be grasped and the remaining arm section area can be pulled over the upper arm. Here, too, the pull element 7 can have an optical marking 18 that indicates the correct orientation of the knitted part 1 relative to the arm or hand, particularly if a hand section 17 is provided.

Claims

1. Knitted fabric piece having a leg portion (2) which is to be pulled over at least a portion of a leg, wherein in a worn position, on the inside (6) of the leg portion (2) having a peripheral portion, is provided at least one manually grippable pulling element (7, 7') for pulling the knitted fabric piece over the portion of the leg, wherein the leg portion (2) is at least in portions embodied to be compressive, wherein the pulling element (7, 7') is embodied so as to encircle the circumference in an annular manner, wherein the annular pulling element (7, 7'), as well as the leg portion (3) in a region overlapping the pulling element (7, 7'), is compressive, characterized in that the compressive annular pulling element (7, 7') is disposed on the inside at a longitudinal position which is spaced apart from an upper and a lower periphery of the leg portion (2).

2. Knitted fabric piece according to Claim 1, characterized in that the pulling element, or pulling elements, (7, 7') is / are knitted elements, or in that the pulling element, or pulling elements, (7, 7') are made of a flexible, planar material, in particular a plastics material.

3. Knitted fabric piece according to Claim 2, characterized in that the knitted pulling element, or pulling elements, (7, 7') is / are knitted integrally with the leg portion (2), or in that the knitted pulling element, or pulling elements, (7, 7'), or the pulling element, or pulling elements, (7, 7') consisting of the flexible planar material, is / are sewn or adhesively bonded to the leg portion (2) .

4. Knitted fabric piece according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compressive pulling element (7, 7') and the leg portion (2), which is compressive in the overlap region, are at least approximately equally intensively compressive, or in that they are dissimilarly intensely compressive.

5. Knitted fabric piece according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compressive annular pulling element (7, 7') is disposed in the range B or B1 according to DIN 58133.

6. Knitted fabric piece according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one further pulling element (7') is provided on at least one inside longitudinal position along the leg portion (2).

7. Knitted fabric piece according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a padding (12) which increases the thickness of the knitted fabric is knitted at least into portions on the inside (6) of the leg portion (2).

8. Knitted fabric piece according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one optical marking (18), which indicates the position of an inverted heel (10) in the basic position, is provided on the inside (6) of the leg portion (2), or on the pulling element (7, 7').

9. Knitted fabric piece according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pulling element (7, 7') is embodied so as to be dissimilar in colour to the leg portion (2).

10. Knitted fabric piece according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that this is a half stocking, a half-length thigh stocking, a thigh stocking or a pantyhose, optionally comprising a foot portion (3) which adjoins the leg portion (2) and is closed or open.

11. Method for donning a knitted fabric piece according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the knitted fabric piece (1), which is in a basic position in which the leg portion (2), by way of its inside (6) pointing outwards, is inverted, is pulled over the foot by pulling on the at least one pulling element (7), whereupon the leg portion (2) is pulled further over the leg to the worn position either by gripping and pulling on the peripheral portion (5) of the leg portion (2), or is pulled further over the leg by gripping and pulling on the at least one further pulling element (7'), and subsequently pulled to the worn position by gripping and pulling on the peripheral portion (5) of the leg portion (2).