LEG GARMENT

Abstract

In order to create a leg garment, comprising at least one leg part that comprises a knitted region, which is nearly invisible in the worn state, but which conceals small flaws in the skin of the wearer of the leg garment and thus creates a desired appearance of the leg of the wearer of the leg garment, it is proposed that the quotient Qtt of the weighted normal-normal light transmittance TV, nn of the knitted region and the weighted normal-diffuse light transmittance TV, ndiff of the knitted region is at least 4.0.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of international application number PCT/EP2020/067900 filed on 25 Jun. 2020 and claims the benefit of German application number 10 2019 117 666.2 filed on 1 Jul. 2019.

The present disclosure relates to the subject matter disclosed in international application number PCT/EP2020/067900 of 25 Jun. 2020 and German application number 10 2019 117 666.2 of 1 Jul. 2019, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention relates to a leg garment, which comprises at least one leg part that comprises a knitted region.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, such a leg garment is provided, which is nearly invisible in the worn state, but which conceals small flaws in the skin of the wearer of the leg garment and thus creates a desired appearance of the leg of the wearer of the leg garment.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a leg garment with the features of the preamble of claim 1 is provided, in which the quotient Q_tt of the weighted normal-normal light transmittance T_{V, nn} of the knitted region and the weighted normal-diffuse light transmittance T_{V, ndiff} of the knitted region is at least 4.0.

Underlying the present invention is the knowledge that the visual effect of the knitted region of the leg garment is determined by its photometric behavior, which in turn is defined by different measured variables that characterize the light transmission and light reflection behavior of the knitted region, in particular by

• • the wavelength-dependent normal-normal light transmittance T_nn;
  • the wavelength-dependent normal-diffuse light transmittance T_ndiff;
  • the wavelength-dependent normal-hemispherical light transmittance T_nh; and
  • the wavelength-dependent normal-hemispherical light reflectance ρ_nh.

These measured variables are determined as described in the article by Kathrin Haigis, Marielle Stephan, Christoph Riethmüller, Holger IlIg and Götz T. Gresser: “Neues Messverfahren zur Bestimmung lichttechnischer Kennwerte von Strumpfhosen”, published in Melliand Textilberichte 2/2019 on pages 88 to 90.

Measuring methods for determining the stated light transmittances and light reflectances are described in DIN EN 14500 and are used there to characterize solar protection textiles, but are applicable to the characterization of leg garments.

Weighted light transmittances and light reflectances are obtained from the wavelength-dependent light transmittances and light reflectances explained above by the measured values obtained for the respective wavelength-dependent light transmittance or light reflectance being averaged over the entire wavelength range from 380 nm to 780 nm and thereby weighted with the V(λ)-distribution, which represents the spectral luminous efficiency of the human eye for photopic vision at the respective wavelength λ.

The V(λ)-distribution for photopic vision is defined in the norm DIN 5031 Part 3 and is given with respect to its curve as a function of the wavelength λ.

The weighted normal-normal light transmittance T_{V, nn} is determined by the averaging of the wavelength-dependent normal-normal light transmittance T_nn weighted with the V(λ)-distribution for photopic vision.

The weighted normal-diffuse light transmittance T_{V, ndiff} is determined by the averaging of the wavelength-dependent normal-diffuse light transmittance T_ndiff weighted with the V(λ)-distribution for photopic vision.

The weighted normal-hemispherical light transmittance T_{V, nh} is determined by the averaging of the wavelength-dependent normal-hemispherical light transmittance T_nh weighted with the V(λ)-distribution for photopic vision.

The weighted normal-hemispherical light reflectance R_{V, nh} is determined by the averaging of the wavelength-dependent normal-hemispherical light reflectance ρ_nh weighted with the V(λ)-distribution for photopic vision.

Because the desired visual effect of the knitted region of the leg garment is determined, in particular, by the normal-normal light transmission and the normal-diffuse light transmission being coordinated with one another, the quotient Q_tt of the weighted normal-normal light transmittance T_{V, n-n} and the weighted normal-diffuse light transmittance T_{V, ndiff} is a particularly important parameter of the knitted region of the leg garment.

Let Q_tt=T_{V, n-n}/T_{V, n-diff}.

It has proven to be particularly favorable if the quotient Q_tt of the knitted region of the leg garment is at least 4.1.

Because the coordination between the reflection behavior and the transmission behavior of the knitted region is also important for the desired visual appearance of the knitted region of the leg garment, a further important photometric parameter is the quotient Q_tr of the weighted normal-hemispherical light transmittance T_{V, n-h} and the weighted normal-hemispherical light reflectance R_{V, nh}.

Let Q_tr=T_{V, n-h}/R_{V, n-h}

It is particularly favorable if the quotient Q_tr of the weighted normal-hemispherical light transmittance T_{V, n-h} of the knitted region and the weighted normal-hemispherical light reflectance R_{V, n-h} of the knitted region is at least 25, preferably at least 30, in particular at least 35.

Further, it has proven to be favorable if the quotient Q_tr of the weighted normal-hemispherical light transmittance T_{V, n-h} of the knitted region and the weighted normal-hemispherical light reflectance R_{V, n-h} of the knitted region is at most 50, in particular at most 45, particularly preferably at most 40.

In addition, it has proven to be favorable if the quotient Q_tt of the weighted normal-normal light transmittance T_{V, n-n} of the knitted region and the weighted normal-diffuse light transmittance T_{V, ndiff} of the knitted region is less than 100, preferably at most 6.0, in particular at most 5.0, particularly preferably at most 4.5.

Further, it may be favorable if the quotient Q_tt of the weighted normal-normal light transmittance T_{V, n-n} of the knitted region and the weighted normal-diffuse light transmittance T_{V, n-diff} of the knitted region is at least 5.0, in particular at least 5.5, particularly preferably at least 6.0.

A particular adaptation to the hue of the skin of the wearer of the leg garment is achievable in that the wavelength-dependent normal-diffuse light transmittance T_n-diff of the knitted region is at most 0.175 and/or at least 0.165 at the wavelength 440 nm.

Further, it is favorable if the wavelength-dependent normal-diffuse light transmittance T_n-diff of the knitted region is preferably at most 0.185 and/or preferably at least 0.175 at the wavelength 540 nm.

Further, it is advantageous if the wavelength-dependent normal-diffuse light transmittance T_n-diff of the knitted region is preferably at most 0.215 and/or preferably at least 0.205 at the wavelength 720 nm.

For a visual impression of the leg garment that is as neutral as possible, it is further advantageous if the wavelength-dependent normal-hemispherical light reflectance ρ_n-h of the knitted region is preferably at most 0.025 and/or preferably at least 0.020 at the wavelength 440 nm.

Further, it is advantageous if the wavelength-dependent normal-hemispherical light reflectance ρ_n-h of the knitted region is preferably at most 0.028 and/or preferably at least 0.023 at the wavelength 540 nm.

Further, it is favorable if the wavelength-dependent normal-hemispherical light reflectance ρ_n-h of the knitted region is preferably at most 0.040 and/or preferably at least 0.035 at the wavelength 720 nm.

The leg garment in accordance with the invention preferably lies directly against the skin of the wearer in the worn state.

The leg garment in accordance with the invention is preferably a pantyhose, in particular a fine pantyhose, or a stocking, in particular a fine stocking, for example a knee stocking or a thigh stocking.

With regard to the yarn used for producing the knitted region, it is favorable if the knitted region comprises a leg part yarn, the overall fineness of which is at most dtex 16, in particular at most dtex 14, particularly preferably at most dtex 12.

For a sufficient mechanical strength, in particular tear strength, of the knitted region of the leg garment, it is further favorable if the leg part yarn has an overall fineness of at least dtex 6, in particular at least dtex 8, particularly preferably at least dtex 10.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, provision is made that the knitted region comprises a leg part yarn, which is configured as a bi-component yarn.

In particular, provision may be made that the knitted region comprises a leg part yarn, which comprises a polyamide material and/or a polyurethane material.

It has proven to be particularly favorable if the knitted region comprises a leg part yarn, which is configured as a bi-component yarn in which each filament comprises both a polyamide material and a polyurethane material.

Here, the share of the polyamide material may preferably be at least 40% by weight and/or preferably at most about 60% by weight.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a schematic front view of a leg garment, which is configured as a pantyhose and comprises an upper waistband, a border region, a pant part, two leg parts, and two foot tip regions;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic depiction of direct transmission of light on a knitted fabric;

FIG. 3 shows a graph, which depicts the measured values for the normal-normal light transmittance T_n-n as a function of the wavelength for four different knitted fabrics;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic depiction of diffuse transmission on a knitted fabric;

FIG. 5 shows a graph, which depicts measured values for the normal-diffuse light transmittance T_n-n as a function of the wavelength for four different knitted fabrics;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic depiction of hemispherical transmission of light on a knitted fabric;

FIG. 7 shows a graph, which depicts measured values for the normal-hemispherical light transmittance T_n-h as a function of the wavelength for four different knitted fabrics;

FIG. 8 shows a schematic depiction of directional reflection and diffuse reflection on a knitted fabric;

FIG. 9 shows a graph, which depicts measured values for the normal-hemispherical light reflectance as a function of the wavelength for four different knitted fabrics;

FIG. 10 shows a schematic depiction of a measuring arrangement for determining the angle-dependent transmission of light on a knitted fabric;

FIG. 11 shows a stitch structure of a plain R/L (right/left) knitted fabric;

FIG. 12 shows a stitch structure of a knitted fabric that is knitted in the knitting technique 1:1 miss, wherein the misses in each course are offset by one stitch in relation to the misses in the preceding course;

FIG. 13 shows a stitch structure of a knitted fabric that is knitted from a first yarn in a plain knitting technique and a second yarn in the knitting technique 1:1 tuck; and

FIG. 14 shows a graph, which depicts measured values for the weighted angle-dependent light transmittance T_{V, Θ} as a function of the zenith angle Θ for four different knitted fabrics.

The same or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference numerals in all Figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A leg garment 100, depicted as a whole in FIG. 1, is configured exemplarily as a pantyhose 102 and comprises an upper waistband 104, a border region 106 adjoining the upper waistband 104 at the bottom, and a pant part 108 adjoining the border region 106 at the bottom, two leg parts 110 adjoining the pant part 108 at the bottom, and two foot tip regions 112 each adjoining one of the leg parts 110 at the bottom.

The upper waistband 104, the border region 106, the pant part 108, the leg parts 110, and the foot tip regions 112 together form a base body 114, which is preferably configured throughout as a knitted fabric.

A respective leg part 110 and foot tip part 112 as well as half of the pant part 108, the border region 106 and the upper waistband 104 are first produced in the form of a knitted tube on a circular knitting machine. The two knitted tubes are cut open in the region of the pant part 108, the border region 106, and the upper waistband 104, and are joined along a seam, in particular by sewing.

The circular knitting machine that is used to produce the leg garment 100 has a cylinder with preferably more than 400 needles, in particular with more than 420 needles, particularly preferably with more than 430 needles, and/or with preferably fewer than 460 needles, in particular with fewer than 450 needles, particularly preferably with fewer than 440 needles.

In particular, provision may be made that the circular knitting machine has a cylinder with 432 needles.

The diameter of the cylinder is preferably about 4 inches.

The gauge of the cylinder, i.e., the number of needles per inch of the circumference of the cylinder, is preferably about 34 (gauge E 34).

By using such a circular knitting machine, a knitted fabric is created that has more than 400 stitches, in particular more than 420 stitches, particularly preferably more than 430 stitches, and/or preferably fewer than 460 stitches, in particular fewer than 450 stitches, particularly preferably fewer than 440 stitches along the periphery of each leg part 110.

An optimal fit of the leg garment 100 on the body of the wearer of the leg garment is achieved through the selection of the number of stitches along the periphery of the leg parts 110 in the aforementioned regions.

The upper waistband 104 of the leg garment 100 is preferably knitted from a first waistband yarn and a second waistband yarn, wherein optionally one or more further waistband yarns may be knitted in.

The first waistband yarn preferably comprises a synthetic polymeric material, in particular a polyamide material.

For example, a polyamide yarn of seven filaments with the overall fineness dtex 22 may be used as a first waistband yarn.

The second waistband yarn is preferably an elastic yarn.

The second waistband yarn may comprise, in particular, an elastane material.

For example, an elastane yarn with the fineness dtex 195 may be used as a second waistband yarn.

The upper waistband 104 may be knitted, e.g., in the manner described in the following, the following sequence of four courses being repeated upon knitting the upper waistband 104:

Each first course is formed from two threads of the first waistband yarn and a thread of the second waistband yarn in the knitted construction 3:1 miss.

This results in floatings that extend in each case over three wales of the R/L (right/left) knitted fabric and are delimited on both sides by a respective stitch.

Such a floating is formed by a needle of the circular knitting machine missing the presented threads of the waistband yarns and thus not being able form them into a stitch.

The principle of floating or missing is depicted in FIG. 12, which shows the stitch structure of a knitted fabric that is knitted from a yarn 116 in the knitted construction 1:1 miss, wherein in each course a stitch is followed by a floating, which extends in each case over one whale.

Every second, third, and fourth course is knitted from two threads of the first waistband yarn in the knitted construction plain.

In the case of the plain knitted construction, all stitches of the respective course are configured as R/L (right/left) stitches, as depicted in FIG. 11 for a plain R/L (right/left) knitted fabric made of a yarn 116.

The border region 106 of the leg garment 100 may be knitted, e.g., from a first border yarn and a second border yarn, wherein optionally one or more further border yarns may be knitted in.

The first border yarn is preferably a bi-component yarn made of two different synthetic polymeric materials. In particular, provision may be made that the first border yarn is a bi-component yarn made of the components polyamide and polyurethane.

For example, a bi-component yarn made of polyamide and polyurethane with the overall fineness dtex 19, which has two filaments, may be used as a first border yarn.

The second border yarn preferably comprises a synthetic polymeric material, in particular a polyamide material.

In particular, provision may be made that a polyamide yarn with the overall fineness dtex 17, which comprises seven filaments, is used as a second border yarn.

The second border yarn is preferably twisted and, in particular, has the direction of rotation S.

The third border yarn preferably comprises a synthetic polymeric material, in particular a polyamide material.

For example, a polyamide yarn with the overall fineness dtex 17, which has seven filaments, may be used as a third border yarn.

The third border yarn is preferably twisted, in particular with the direction of rotation Z.

The border region 106 may be knitted, e.g., in the manner described in the following, wherein the following sequence of four courses is repeated upon knitting the border region 106.

Every first course is formed in plain knitted construction from the first border yarn.

Every second course is formed in the knitted construction 3:1 miss from the first border yarn and the second border yarn.

Every third course is formed in plain knitted construction from the first border yarn.

Every fourth course is formed in the knitted construction 3:1 miss from the first border yarn and the third border yarn, wherein the floatings of the fourth course are offset in the course direction from the floatings of the second course.

The pant part 108 of the leg garment 100 is preferably knitted from a first pant part yarn, into which one or more further yarns may optionally be knitted.

The first hose part yarn is preferably a bi-component yarn, which, in particular, may comprise a polyamide material and a polyurethane material.

For example, a bi-component yarn made of polyamide and polyurethane with the overall fineness dtex 19, which has two filaments, may be used as a first hose part yarn.

The first pant part yarn may be identical to the first border yarn.

The pant part 108 of the leg garment 100 may be knitted, e.g., in the manner described in the following, the following sequence of four courses being repeated:

The first through fourth courses are each knitted from the first pant part yarn in plain knitted construction.

Each of the leg parts 110 of the leg garment 100 is preferably knitted from a leg part yarn, into which one or more further yarns may optionally be knitted.

The leg part yarn may comprise, in particular, a synthetic polymer material.

Provision is preferably made that the leg part yarn is a bi-component yarn.

The two components of the bi-component yarn may be, in particular, a polyamide material and a polyurethane material.

The number of filaments of the bi-component yarn is at least one, preferably at least two.

The number of filaments of the bi-component yarn is preferably at most four, in particular at most three, particularly preferably at most two.

The overall fineness of the leg part yarn is preferably at least dtex 6, in particular at least dtex 10, particularly preferably at least dtex 12.

Further, the overall fineness of the leg part yarn is preferably at most dtex 18, in particular at most dtex 14, particularly preferably at most dtex 12.

For example, provision may be made that a bi-component yarn made of polyamide and polyurethane with the overall fineness dtex 12, which comprises two filaments, is used as a leg part yarn.

Each leg part may be knitted, e.g., in the manner described in the following, the sequence of four respective courses being repeated.

Each of the four courses is knitted from the leg part yarn in plain knitted construction.

The foot tip regions 112 of the leg garment 100 are preferably knitted from a foot tip yarn, into which one or more further yarns may optionally be knitted.

The foot tip yarn is preferably a bi-component yarn, in particular made of polyamide and polyurethane.

For example, a bi-component yarn made of polyamide and polyurethane with the overall fineness dtex 19, which comprises two filaments, may be used.

The foot tip yarn may be identical to the first border yarn and/or to the pant part yarn.

Each foot tip region 112 of the leg garment 100 may be knitted, e.g., in the manner described in the following, the following sequence of four courses being repeated upon knitting the respective foot tip region 112:

The first course is knitted from the foot tip yarn in the knitted construction 3:1 tuck.

The second course is knitted from the foot tip yarn in plain knitted construction.

The third course is knitted from the foot tip yarn in the knitted construction 3:1 tuck, wherein the tuck stitches of the third course are offset in the course direction from the tuck stitches of the first course.

The fourth course is knitted from the foot tip yarn in plain knitted construction.

The knitting technique of tucking is schematically depicted in FIG. 13. FIG. 13 shows the stitch structure of a R/L knitted fabric made of a first yarn 118, into which a second yarn 120 is knitted with the knitting technique 1:1 tuck.

The term n:m tuck hereby means that in a respective course, n ordinary stitches following one another in the course direction and then m tuck stitches are formed, this arrangement of ordinary stitches and tuck stitches then repeating.

In order to give the knitted fabric of the leg parts 110 the desired transmission and reflection properties, the completed knitted leg garment 100 is subjected to a dyeing and finishing process with the following steps:

• • washing with surfactants in a basic medium (for example at a pH value of 8);
  • neutralizing with acetic acid in an acidic medium (for example at a pH value of 6);
  • rinsing with water;
  • dyeing with an acid dye in aqueous solution, wherein the concentration of the acid dye in the aqueous solution is preferably at least 0.5% by weight and preferably at most 1% by weight;
  • treating with a softener.

In the completed knitted and dyed leg garment 100, each of the leg parts 110 of the leg garment 100 comprises a knitted region 122, which is formed in the manner described above and is nearly invisible in the worn state of the leg garment 100, but conceals small flaws in the skin as a result of its fine stitch structure lying closely against the body of the wearer and thus creates a desired visual appearance of the leg of the wearer, only the cosmetic effect of the knitted region 122 being perceived as a result of its photometric properties.

The photometric behavior of the knitted region 122 of the leg garment 100 is determined by different measured variables that characterize the light transmission and light reflection behavior of the knitted region 122, in particular by

• • the wavelength-dependent normal-normal light transmittance T_nn;
  • the wavelength-dependent normal-diffuse light transmittance T_ndiff;
  • the wavelength-dependent normal-hemispherical light transmittance T_nh; and
  • the wavelength-dependent normal-hemispherical light reflectance ρ_nh.

These measured variables are determined as described in the article by Kathrin Haigis, Marielle Stephan, Christoph Riethmüller, Holger IlIg and Götz T. Gresser: “Neues Messverfahren zur Bestimmung lichttechnischer Kennwerte von Strumpfhosen”, published in Melliand Textilberichte 2/2019 on pages 88 to 90.

For this purpose, the leg garment 100, on which the knitted region 122 to be examined is arranged, is tensioned over an apparatus that is matched to ready-made clothing sizes, in particular a leg model of the respective clothing size, and is two-dimensionally stretched in a defined manner.

With a prefabricated stretching frame, a square sample is taken at a location of the knitted region, preferably on the front side of the lower leg, said sample having a length of, e.g., 65 mm and a width of, e.g., 65 mm. The stretching frame is hereby aligned such that the opposing parallel longitudinal sides of the sample are oriented in parallel to the center alignment of the leg. The alignment of the sample on the leg garment 100 tensioned on the leg model is designated by an orientation marking.

By tensioning the leg garment 100 on a leg model of the clothing size for which the leg garment 100 is intended by the manufacturer, the state of stretch of the stitches of the sample correspond to the stretching in the worn state on the leg of the wearer when using the proper clothing size according to manufacturer specification.

A measuring point on the front side of the lower leg is selected as a reference value for the state of stretch of the stitches, because this location is particularly relevant for the visual impression of the leg garment and plays an important role in judging visual effects.

In this described embodiment of a leg garment 100 in the clothing size 40, the sample is stretched by about 13 to 14 stitches in the course direction and by about 20 stitches in the wale direction.

From this sample, the wavelength-resolved reflection and transmission behavior in the wavelength range of visible light from 380 nm to 780 nm is determined in analogous application of the measuring methods described in DIN EN 14500 in the version of August 2008. Described in this norm are measuring methods for examining solar protection textiles, but which are transferable to the determination of the photometric properties of knitted regions of leg garments.

The wavelength-dependent normal-normal light transmittance T_nn the ratio of the luminous flux 124 directly transmitted by the knitted region 122 to the directed incident luminous flux 126 (cf. FIG. 2), wherein the angle of incidence or zenith angle θ, which is defined as the angle between the normal direction of the knitted region 122 and the direction of the incident radiation, is zero.

This wavelength-dependent normal-normal light transmittance T_nh is measured in the manner described in Section 7.5 of the norm DIN EN 14500 in the version of August 2008.

The results of the measurement of the wavelength-dependent normal-normal light transmittance T_nn in the wavelength range from 380 nm to 780 nm are depicted in the graph of FIG. 3 for a sample of the knitted region 122 of the embodiment of a leg garment 100 described above (curve AF) and for sample of the knitted regions of three reference products V1, V2, and V3 (curves V1, V2, and V3 in FIG. 3). Said reference products are pantyhose from competitors of the applicant, which have similar stitch finenesses and colors as the embodiment AF.

It can clearly be seen that the wavelength-dependent normal-normal light transmittance T_nn of the embodiment of the leg garment 100 described here is significantly above the wavelength-dependent normal-normal light transmittances T_nn of the reference products V1 to V3 in the entire wavelength range.

The wavelength-dependent normal-diffuse light transmittance T_ndiff is the ratio of the luminous flux 128 diffusely transmitted by the knitted region 122 to the directed incident luminous flux 126 (cf. FIG. 4).

The wavelength-dependent normal-hemispherical light transmittance T_nh is the ratio of the total luminous flux transmitted by the knitted region 122, which comprises the directly transmitted luminous flux 124 and the diffusely transmitted luminous flux 128, to the directed incident luminous flux 126 (cf. FIG. 6).

The wavelength-dependent normal-hemispherical light transmittance T_nh is thus the sum of the wavelength-dependent normal-normal light transmittance T_nn and the wavelength-dependent normal-diffuse light transmittance T_ndiff.

The wavelength-dependent normal-hemispherical light transmittance T_nh is determined in accordance with Section 7.4 of the norm DIN EN 14500 in the version of August 2008 according to the method defined for the measurement of direct-hemispherical transmittance, which method is described in Section 7.2.3 of the norm DIN EN 14500 in the version of August 2008, the luminous flux having an angle of incidence or zenith angle of 8=0° upon measurement of the transmittance.

The values thus measured for the wavelength-dependent normal-hemispherical light transmittance T_nh are depicted in the graph of FIG. 7 in the wavelength range from 380 nm to 780 nm for the knitted region 122 of the embodiment of a leg garment 100 described above (curve AF) and for the samples of the knitted regions of the three reference products V1 to V3.

It can be seen clearly that the wavelength-dependent normal-hemispherical light transmittance T_nh for the knitted region 122 of the embodiment described above is significantly above the values of the wavelength-dependent normal-hemispherical light transmittance T_nh of the reference products V1 to V3 in the entire wavelength range from 380 nm to 780 nm.

The wavelength-dependent normal-diffuse light transmittance T_ndiff is obtained by subtracting the respective wavelength-dependent normal-normal light transmittance T_nn from the respective associated wavelength-dependent normal-hemispherical light transmittance T_n-h.

The values for the wavelength-dependent normal-diffuse light transmittance T_ndiff are depicted in the graph of FIG. 5 in the wavelength range from 380 nm to 780 nm for the knitted region 122 of the embodiment described above (curve AF) and for the samples of the three reference products V1 to V3.

It can be seen in FIG. 5 that the wavelength-dependent normal-diffuse light transmittance T_ndiff for the knitted region 122 of the embodiment AF described above is always smaller than the wavelength-dependent normal-diffuse light transmittances T_ndiff of the knitted regions of the reference products V1 to V3 in the wavelength range from 420 nm to 780 nm.

A particular adaptation to the hue of the skin of a wearer of the leg garment 100 is achieved in the embodiment described here in that the wavelength-dependent normal-diffuse light transmittance T_ndiff is preferably at most 0.175 and/or preferably at least 0.165 at a wavelength of 440 nm, preferably at most 0.185 and/or preferably at least 0.175 at a wavelength of 540 nm, and preferably at most 0.215 and/or preferably at least 0.205 at a wavelength of 720 nm.

Further, provision is preferably made that in the embodiment of a leg garment 100 described here, the wavelength-dependent normal-diffuse light transmittance T_ndiff increases, preferably continuously, starting at a wavelength of 440 nm toward longer wavelengths.

The wavelength-dependent normal-hemispherical light reflectance ρ_nh is the ratio of the total luminous flux reflected by the knitted region 122, which comprises the directly reflected luminous flux 130 and the diffusely reflected luminous flux 132 (cf. FIG. 8), to the incident luminous flux 126.

The measurement of the wavelength-dependent normal-hemispherical light reflectance ρ_nh takes place in accordance with Section 7.4 of the norm DIN EN 14500 in the version of August 2008 according to the measuring method defined for the measurement of direct-hemispherical reflectance, which method is described in Section 7.2.4 of the norm DIN EN 14500 in the version of August 2008.

Measured values for the wavelength-dependent normal-hemispherical light reflectance ρ_nh for the knitted region 122 of the embodiment of a leg garment 100 described above are depicted in the graph of FIG. 9 for the wavelength range from 380 nm to 780 nm (curve AF) and for the samples of the three reference products V1 to V3.

Here, the normal-hemispherical light reflectance ρ_nh of the knitted region 122 of the embodiment of a leg garment 100 described above is below the normal-hemispherical light reflectance ρ_nh of the knitted regions of the reference products V1 to V3 everywhere in the wavelength range from 410 nm to 780 nm.

It is particularly favorable fro the desired visual effect and the adaptation to the hue of the skin of the wearer of the leg garment 122 that the normal-hemispherical light reflectance ρ_nh is preferably at most 0.025 and/or preferably at least 0.020 at the wavelength 440 nm, preferably at most 0.028 and/or preferably at least 0.023 at the wavelength 540 nm, and preferably at most 0.040 and/or preferably at least 0.034 at the wavelength 720 nm.

Weighted light transmittances and light reflectances are obtained from the wavelength-dependent light transmittances and light reflectances explained above by the measured values obtained for the respective wavelength-dependent light transmittance or light reflectance being averaged over the entire wavelength range from 380 nm to 780 nm and thereby weighted with the V(λ)-distribution, which represents the spectral luminous efficiency of the human eye for photopic vision at the respective wavelength λ.

The V(λ)-distribution for photopic vision is defined in the norm DIN 5031 Part 3 and is given with respective its curve as a function of the wavelength λ.

The weighted normal-normal light transmittance T_{V, nn} is determined by the averaging of the wavelength-dependent normal-normal light transmittance T_nn weighted with the V(λ)-distribution for photopic vision.

The weighted normal-diffuse light transmittance T_{V, ndiff} is determined by the averaging of the wavelength-dependent normal-diffuse light transmittance T_ndiff weighted with the V(λ)-distribution for photopic vision.

The weighted normal-hemispherical light transmittance T_{V, nh} is determined by the averaging of the wavelength-dependent normal-hemispherical light transmittance T_nh weighted with the V(λ)-distribution for photopic vision.

The weighted normal-hemispherical light reflectance R_{V, nh} is determined by the averaging of the wavelength-dependent normal-hemispherical light reflectance ρ_nh weighted with the V(λ)-distribution for photopic vision.

The determined values of the weighted normal-normal light transmittance T_{V, nn}, the weighted normal-diffuse light transmittance T_{V, n-diff}, the weighted normal-hemispherical light transmittance T_{V, nh}, and the weighted normal-hemispherical light reflectance R_{V, nh} for the samples of the knitted regions 122 of the embodiment of a leg garment 100 described above and the reference products 1 to 3 are indicated in the table below.

	TV, n-n	TV, n-diff	TV, n-h	RV, n-h
Reference product 1	0.73	0.19	0.92	0.0415
Reference product 2	0.67	0.22	0.90	0.0424
Reference product 3	0.69	0.21	0.91	0.0334
Exemplary embodiment	0.758	0.181	0.938	0.0264

The knitted region 122 of the leg garment 100 described above preferably has a weighted normal-normal light transmittance T_{V, nn} of at least 0.74, in particular at least 0.75.

The table shows that the weighted normal-normal light-transmittance T_{V, n-n} of the knitted region 122 of the embodiment is greater than the weighted normal-normal light transmittance T_{V, n-n} of the knitted region of all reference products 1 to 3.

Further, the table above shows that the weighted normal-diffuse light-transmittance T_{V, n-diff} of the knitted region 122 of the embodiment is smaller than the weighted normal-diffuse light transmittance T_{V, n-diff} of the knitted region of all reference products 1 to 3.

The weighted normal-diffuse light transmittance T_{V, n-diff} of the knitted region 122 of the embodiment is preferably at most 0.18.

Further, the table above shows that the weighted normal-hemispherical light transmittance T_{V, nh} of the knitted region 122 of the embodiment is greater than the weighted normal-hemispherical transmittance T_{V, n-h} of the knitted regions of all reference products 1 to 3.

The weighted normal-hemispherical light transmittance T_{V, n-h} of the knitted region 122 of the embodiment is preferably at least 0.93, in particular at least 0.94.

The weighted normal-hemispherical light reflectance R_{V, n-h} of the knitted region 122 of the embodiment is preferably at most 0.03.

Because the desired visual effect of the knitted region 122 of the leg garment 100 results, in particular, from the normal-normal light transmission and the normal-diffuse light transmission being coordinated with one another, the quotient Q_tt of the weighted normal-normal light transmittance T_{V, n-n} and the weighted normal-diffuse light transmittance T_{V, n-diff} is a particularly important parameter of the knitted region 122 of the leg garment 100.

Let Q_tt=T_{V, n-n}/T_{V, n-diff}.

The values of Q_tt for the knitted region 122 of the embodiment and for the reference products 1 to 3 are displayed in the following table.

	Qtt	Qtr
	Reference product 1	3.8	22.2
	Reference product 2	3.0	21.2
	Reference product 3	3.3	27.2
	Exemplary embodiment	4.2	35.5

This table shows that the quotient Q_tt in the case of the knitted region 122 of the embodiment of a leg garment 100 described above is significantly greater than in the case of the reference products 1 to 3.

The quotient Q_tt of the knitted region 122 of the leg garment 100 is preferably at least 4.0, in particular at least 4.1, and/or preferably at most 6.0, in particular at most 5.0, particularly preferably at most 4.5.

Because the coordination between the reflection behavior and the transmission behavior of the knitted region is also important for the desired visual appearance of the knitted region 122 of the leg garment 100, a further important photometric parameter is the quotient Q_tr of the weighted normal-hemispherical light transmittance T_{V, n-h} and the weighted normal-hemispherical light reflectance R_{V, nh}.

Let Q_tr=T_{V, n-h}/R_{V, n-h}

The values of the quotient Q_tr for the knitted region 122 of the embodiment of a leg garment 100 described above and for the reference products 1 to 3 are also indicated in the table above.

The table shows that the quotient Q_tr in the case of the knitted region 122 of the embodiment is greater than in the case of all reference products 1 to 3.

The quotient Q_tr is preferably at least 25, in particular at least 30, particularly preferably at least 35.

Further, the quotient Q_tr of the knitted region 122 of the embodiment is preferably at most 50, in particular at most 45, particularly preferably at most 40.

A further measured variable that is important for evaluating the transmission behavior of the knitted region 122 of the leg garment 100 is the wavelength-dependent and angle-dependent light transmittance T_θ which is the ratio of the luminous flux that is transmitted by the knitted region 122 of the leg garment 100 at a predetermined zenith angle Θ to the directed incident luminous flux. Here, the zenith angle Θ is the angle between the respective direction of incidence of the incident light and the normal direction of the knitted region 122.

A measuring arrangement for determining the wavelength-dependent and angle-dependent light transmittance T_θ is schematically depicted in FIG. 10.

The light emitted by a light source 134 is captured by means of a spectrometer 136. A sample 138 of the knitted region 122 is rotatably held between the light source 134 and the spectrometer 136 on a rotatable sample holder 140, such that a desired zenith angle Θ is settable.

Here, the sample 138 is preferably placed taking into account the orientation marking.

As can be seen in FIG. 10, the measuring arrangement 142 further comprises a collimating lens 144 and a light guide 146.

The measuring arrangement 142 is arranged in a dark housing 148 with a reflectance of less than 0.1.

The distance between a diffuser through which the light of the light source 134 enters into the dark housing 148 and the collimating lens 144 is r=D_D/tan 3°, D_D denoting the diameter of the diffuser.

The diameter of the diffuser D_D may be, e.g., 50 mm.

A weighted angle-dependent light transmittance T_Θ is obtained from the wavelength-dependent and angle-dependent light transmittances T_θ measured by means of the measuring arrangement 142 by an averaging over the wavelength range from 380 nm to 780 nm for each zenith angle Θ, weighted with the V(λ)-distribution for photopic vision.

Measured values for the weighted angle-dependent transmittance T_Θ for the knitted region 122 of the embodiment of a leg garment 100 described above (curve AF) and for the knitted regions of the reference products 1 to 3 (curves V1, V2, and V3) are depicted in the graph of FIG. 14 for zenith angles from 0° to 80°.

The further the sample is 138 rotated, i.e., the greater the zenith angle Θ becomes, the smaller the weighted angle-dependent light transmittance T_Θ becomes. This is due to the fact that by increasing in the zenith angle Θ, more textile material of the knitted region 122 interacts with the incident light beam, thereby reducing the transmission.

Translated to the worn state of a leg garment, for example a fine pantyhose, these regions of higher zenith angles Θ describe the lateral leg regions, seen by a frontal observer. In these regions, the leg garment has a greater influence on the perception of the viewer.

FIG. 14 shows that the weighted angle-dependent light transmittance T_Θ for the knitted region 122 of the embodiment of a leg garment 100 described above is higher at all zenith angles Θ than the weighted angle-dependent light transmittance T_Θ in the case of the knitted regions of the reference products 1 to 3.

This is confirmed by the special visual appearance of the embodiment of a leg garment 100 described above that is achieved by the coordination of normal light transmission and diffuse light transmission on the one hand and of hemispherical light transmission and hemispherical reflection of the knitted region 122 on the other hand.

Claims

1. A leg garment, comprising at least one leg part that comprises a knitted region, wherein the quotient Qtt of the weighted normal-normal light transmittance TV, nn of the knitted region and the weighted normal-diffuse light transmittance TV, ndiff of the knitted region is at least 4.0.

2. The leg garment in accordance with claim 1, wherein the quotient Qtr of the weighted normal-hemispherical light transmittance TV, nh of the knitted region and the weighted normal-hemispherical light reflectance RV, nh of the knitted region is at least 25.

3. The leg garment in accordance with claim 1, wherein the quotient Qtr of the weighted normal-hemispherical light transmittance TV, nh of the knitted region and the weighted normal-hemispherical light reflectance RV, nh of the knitted region is at most 50.

4. The leg garment in accordance with claim 1, wherein the quotient Qtt of the weighted normal-normal light transmittance TV, nn of the knitted region and the weighted normal-diffuse light transmittance TV, ndiff of the knitted region is at most 6.0.

5. The leg garment in accordance with claim 1, wherein the wavelength-dependent normal-diffuse light transmittance Tndiff of the knitted region is at most 0.175 at the wavelength 440 nm.

6. The leg garment in accordance with claim 1, wherein the wavelength-dependent normal-diffuse light transmittance Tndiff of the knitted region is at least 0.165 at the wavelength 440 nm.

7. The leg garment in accordance with claim 1, wherein the wavelength-dependent normal-diffuse light transmittance Tn-diff of the knitted region is at most 0.185 at the wavelength 540 nm.

8. The leg garment in accordance with claim 1, wherein the wavelength-dependent normal-diffuse light transmittance Tn-diff of the knitted region is at least 0.175 at the wavelength 540 nm.

9. The leg garment in accordance with claim 1, wherein the wavelength-dependent normal-diffuse light transmittance Tn-diff of the knitted region is at most 0.215 at the wavelength 720 nm.

10. The leg garment in accordance with claim 1, wherein the wavelength-dependent normal-diffuse light transmittance Tn-diff of the knitted region is at least 0.205 at the wavelength 720 nm.

11. The leg garment in accordance with claim 1, wherein the wavelength-dependent normal-hemispherical light reflectance ρn-h of the knitted region is at most 0.025 at the wavelength 440 nm.

12. The leg garment in accordance with claim 1, wherein the wavelength-dependent normal-hemispherical light reflectance ρn-h of the knitted region is at least 0.020 at the wavelength 440 nm.

13. The leg garment in accordance with claim 1, wherein the wavelength-dependent normal-hemispherical light reflectance ρn-h of the knitted region is at most 0.028 at the wavelength 540 nm.

14. The leg garment in accordance with claim 1, wherein the wavelength-dependent normal-hemispherical light reflectance ρn-h of the knitted region is at least 0.023 at the wavelength 540 nm.

15. The leg garment in accordance with claim 1, wherein the wavelength-dependent normal-hemispherical light reflectance ρn-h of the knitted region is at most 0.040 at the wavelength 720 nm.

16. The leg garment in accordance with claim 1, wherein the wavelength-dependent normal-hemispherical light reflectance ρn-h of the knitted region is at least 0.035 at the wavelength 720 nm.

17. The leg garment in accordance with claim 1, wherein the knitted region comprises a leg part yarn, the overall fineness of which is at most dtex 16.

18. The leg garment in accordance with claim 1, wherein the knitted region comprises a leg part yarn, which is configured as a bi-component yarn.

19. The leg garment in accordance with claim 1, wherein the knitted region comprises a leg part yarn, which comprises at least one of a polyamide material and a polyurethane material.