Abstract: A fabric article that generates heat upon application of electrical power is formed, for example, by joining stitch and loop yarns to form a fabric prebody, with the loop yarn forming in loops that overlay the stitch yarn at the technical face form the technical and back of the fabric prebody. An electrical resistance heating element in the form of a conductive yarn is incorporated into the fabric prebody at symmetrical and/or asymmetrical spaced-apart intervals e.g., as the stitch yarn, the electrical resistance heating elements extending between opposite edge regions of the fabric. The technical face and/or the technical back of the fabric body is finished, in a manner avoiding damage to electrical conductivity of the electrical resistance heating elements, to form a fleece surface region, and conductive elements are provided for connecting the electrical resistance heating elements to a source of electrical power.

Abstract: A three-dimensional knit spacer fabric is provided. The fabric includes a first fabric layer, a second fabric layer and yarns interconnecting the two layers. A portion of the yarns interconnecting the two layers is perpendicular to each of the first and second fabric layers, while the remaining interconnecting yarns will be disposed at an angle between the two layers.

Abstract: A cut loop fabric, knit on a conventional terry knitting machine utilizing a reverse plaiting technique, is provided. The fabric has a technical face with a raised or napped surface, and a technical back in which the sinker loops are sheared in order to form a cut loop velvet surface.

Abstract: An integrated three-dimensional knit spacer fabric is provided. The fabric includes a first fabric layer, a second fabric layer, and a resilient yarn interconnecting the two layers. The first fabric layer is made from fiber rendered hydrophilic, while the second fabric layer is abrasion resistant.

Abstract: Electric heating/warming composite fabric articles have at least a fabric layer having inner and outer surfaces, and an electric heating/warming element in the form of a flexible, preferably stretchable, electricity-conducting film disposed at the inner surface of the fabric layer and adapted to generate heating/warming when connected to a power source. A barrier layer may be positioned, for example, adjacent to the inner surface of the fabric layer; e.g., with the electric heating/warming element formed thereupon. Methods of forming electric heating/warming composite fabric articles are also described.

Abstract: A raised surface fabric knit on a conventional terry knitting machine is provided. The process utilizes yarns of different color or dyeability in alternating courses; by way of example, yarn A (undyed) is used for course 1, yarn B (dyed) is used for course 2, yarn A is used for course 3, yarn B for course 4, etc. Yarn A has a low shrinkability, while yarn B has a high shrinkability.

Abstract: An integrated three-dimensional knit spacer fabric is provided. The fabric includes a first fabric layer, a second fabric layer, and a resilient yarn interconnecting the two layers. The first fabric layer is made from fiber rendered hydrophilic, while the second fabric layer is abrasion resistant.

Abstract: A method of constructing a double face fabric is provided. The first step in the method is to knit a three dimensional knit fabric which has a first fabric layer, a second fabric layer and a plurality of yarns that interconnect the two layers. The three dimensional knit fabric is prepared using a conventional double needle bar warp knitting machine. Then, the yarn connecting the two layers is cut, resulting in two pieces of fabric having a velvet surface on one side, and a flat knit surface on the other. The flat knit surface is then raised by a process such as napping to pull portions of the pile yarns through the fabric layer to the technical back, in order to form a pair of double face fabrics, each with a first velvet surface and a second fleece surface. Preferably, the fabric is knit so that after napping it can be stretched. In this manner a wide variety of fabrics can be created.

Abstract: An integrated three-dimensional knit spacer fabric is provided. The fabric includes a first fabric layer, a second fabric layer, and a resilient yarn interconnecting the two layers. The first fabric layer is made from fibers rendered hydrophilic, while the second fabric layer is made from hygroscopic fibers for absorbing moisture.

Abstract: An integrated three-dimensional knit spacer fabric is provided. The fabric includes identical first and second fabric layers, and a yarn interconnecting the two layers. Both the layers of the fabric have their surfaces napped.

Abstract: A composite textile fabric for rapidly moving moisture away from the skin is provided. The composite fabric includes an inner fabric layer made of a yarn comprising a plurality of fibers primarily of polyester which has been rendered hydrophilic, and an outer fabric layer made of a yarn comprising a plurality of fibers primarily of polyester which has also been rendered hydrophilic. The inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer are formed concurrently by knitting a plaited construction so that the layers are distinct and separate, yet integrated one with the other.

Abstract: A three-dimensional knit or woven fabric that is permeable to water vapor but impermeable to liquid water is provided. The fabric includes a first fabric layer, a second fabric layer and a yarn interconnecting the two layers. The two layers and the yarn are preferably made from a synthetic, such as a polyester or nylon. Both the first and second fabric layers have a barrier layer adhered to the outside surfaces thereof which is both impermeable to liquid water and permeable to water vapor. The fabric is imperviously sealed to prevent the infiltration of water.

Abstract: A stretchable, drapable, windproof, water resistant and water vapor permeable composite fabric including an inner layer of fabric, a first adhesive layer, a non-porous hydrophilic barrier layer, a second adhesive layer and an outer layer of fabric. At least one of the adhesive layers is of a hydrophilic material and may be continuous, and which joins the inner fabric layer to one side of the barrier layer, the second adhesive layer adhering the barrier layer to the outer fabric layer. The adhesive layers and the barrier layer are constructed to allow water vapor molecules to travel therethrough by a process of absorption-diffusion-desorption, but restrict the passage of wind and liquid water. The inner layer is formed of a hydrophobic material rendered sufficiently hydrophilic to permit wicking or formed with an inner surface formed of said material and an outer surface formed of a naturally absorbent material.

Abstract: A composite textile fabric for moving moisture away from the skin is provided. The composite fabric includes a first fabric layer comprising either a polyester, acrylic or nylon material which has been rendered hydrophilic, a second fabric layer comprising at least 5% by weight of a super absorbent material and a barrier layer having a high moisture vapor transmission rate applied to said second fabric layer. The first fabric layer and the second fabric layer are formed integrally and concurrently by knitting a plaited construction.

Abstract: A composite textile fabric for moving moisture away from the skin is provided. The composite fabric includes a first fabric layer comprising either a polyester or nylon material which has been rendered hydrophilic and a second fabric layer comprising at least 25% by weight of a moisture absorbent material such as cotton. The first fabric layer and the second fabric layer are formed concurrently by knitting a plaited construction. Preferably, the second fabric layer is treated with a polyurethane to promote resistance to pilling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method for embossing and decorating a thermoplastic velvet-like fabric. A transfer sheet supporting a thermally-activated decoration is simultaneously passed with a fabric between two rolls which are under pressure with respect to each other. At least one of the rolls is engraved so as to cause embossing of the fabric. The passing of the fabric and transfer sheet between the rolls is carried out at a temperature sufficient to activate the decoration and allow the transfer of the decoration to the embossed portions of the fabric. The fabric may be heated prior to the embossing-decorating step so that the velvet-like pile is at least partially plasticized. The fabric is then brushed to erect the pile to an erect position. If the decorating is printing, the fabric may be heated immediately before and after the embossing/printing step to transfer a sufficient amount of dye, and to penetrate and seal the dye within the fabric.

Abstract: A stretchable, drapable, windproof, water resistant and water vapor permeable composite fabric including an inner layer of fabric formed from an essentially hydrophobic material rendered hydrophilic having a raised inner surface and a plain outer surface, a barrier means including a hydrophilic barrier layer and an outer layer of fabric. The barrier is constructed to allow water vapor molecules to travel therethrough, but restricts the passage of wind and liquid water. The water vapor is transported to and travels through the barrier to the outer fabric layer where it is removed to the environment.

Abstract: A stretchable, drapable, windproof, water resistant and water vapor permeable composite fabric including an inner layer of fabric, a polyurethane barrier and an outer layer of fabric. The barrier is constructed to allow water vapor molecules to travel therethrough, but restricts the passage of wind and liquid water. The water vapor is transported to and travels through the barrier to the outer fabric layer where it is removed to the environment.

Abstract: A drapable, water vapor permeable, wind and water resistant composite fabric including a fabric substrate, a layer of a foamed water vapor porous adhesive in the surface area of one side of the fabric substrate and a layer or fabric material suitable for exposed use on the other is provided. The fabric material is preferably a layer of flocked fibers. The cellular structure of the foamed adhesive permits water vapor to pass through, however, wind and liquid water is inhibited from passing through the foam barrier. The foamed adhesive is inhibited from penetrating deeply into the fabric substrate during manufacture by an adhesive barrier material on the fabric which may be substantially removed during later processing. The resultant fabric is drapable and particularly suited for use in apparel, replacing two or more single purpose fabric layers within one multipurpose fabric layer.