Patent Publication Number: US-9885129-B2

Title: Fabric and method of making the same

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part, and claims the priority benefit of, U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 12/334,682, filed Dec. 15, 2008, entitled FABRIC AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME, which is a nonprovisional of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/014,973, filed Dec. 19, 2007, entitled FABRIC AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME. Both applications are owned by a common assignee. The entire contents of the priority applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a fabric and a method of making the fabric. More specifically, the present invention relates to a fabric that is made to regulate moisture dispersal therethrough to enhance its ability to provide evaporative cooling or retained cooling. Even more specifically, the present invention relates to a fabric that becomes cool when activated by liquid and remains cool for an extended period of time thereafter, and a method of making the same fabric. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Although everyone enjoys a warm sunny day, there are times when the outside temperature is too hot to be enjoyable. At such times, some people choose to remain in, or retreat to, their air-conditioned homes or offices to avoid or escape the heat. These solutions, however, are impractical to those who must remain outside, such as a highway worker, for example, and are unsatisfying to those who wish to remain outside, such as an athlete, a theme park patron or beachgoer, for example. Fabric performance will vary depending on climate, humidity, and air flow. 
     People have adopted a variety of approaches for cooling themselves outdoors. These efforts are largely ineffective and are not completely satisfying. For example, many people who are exposed to oppressive heat cool themselves by soaking one of the many existing fabric materials, such as a cotton facecloth or a towel, for example, in cold water and holding it against their skin. While this technique is effective, it is effective only for a very short period of time, perhaps one minute or so. The downfall of this technique is that the individual&#39;s body heat and the ambient temperature rapidly warm the initially cold water to the point that the water is no longer cooling against the skin. The most commonly employed “solution” to this problem, which is to repeatedly saturate the towel or facecloth in cold water as needed, is not satisfying because it requires much effort, and is not practical because it requires the individual to constantly be near a cold water source. 
     Other mechanisms employed by individuals to cool themselves include the application of ice, alcohol-dipped towels, and of relatively limited availability, cloths including phase change materials. The availability of ice in any given situation may be limited. Its formation can be costly and its ability to conform to most any area of the body is severely limited. Alcohol-dipped towels are not widely used, although they tend to be a focus of professional sports teams&#39; cooling solutions. However, the alcohol is drying to the skin and can lead to rashes and other skin irritations. Phase change materials are chemicals that absorb and transfer heat through changes between solid and liquid state. The chemicals employed for that purpose can be hazardous and ineffective if their carriers are breached. 
     Presently, there is no effective non-chemical means of thermal regulating the rate of evaporation in a device that can be used to conform with a person&#39;s body, such as around the neck, for example. Evaporative cooling is the natural effect of moisture escaping into the atmosphere at will. The ability to regulate the rate of moisture dispersal and create one&#39;s personal cooling environment for an expanded period of time in a device, such as a fabric, is desirable. It is also desirable to provide an effective non-chemical means to regulate the temperature of objects, including the body, such as by providing a cooling element, for extended periods of time. Today&#39;s therapeutic wraps and compression wraps either include undesirable chemicals to generate a particular temperature condition, such as a cooling effect, they are too stiff when cooled to a low temperature, or they simply do not maintain the desired thermal condition long enough. 
     A need therefore exists for a convenient, easy-to-use, flexible device, such as a fabric that remains at a desired temperature for an extended period of time when held against an object, that is pliable or malleable enough to be formed to an object, such as around an arm or leg, and a method of making the fabric. A need also exists for moisture management that allows a user to establish a sustained thermal environment with minimal effort and no artificial chemicals to provide the cooling effect. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a convenient, easy-to-use, flexible fabric that remains at a desired temperature for an extended period of time when contacted against an object to be temperature regulated, such as a person&#39;s skin or an inanimate object for which temperature maintenance is desirable, and a method of making the fabric. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a moisture management fabric that can assist in maintaining a sustained thermal condition of an object for an extended period of time with minimal effort and no temperature-regulating chemicals in the fabric. Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method of manufacturing such a fabric with such characteristics. 
     The fabric of the present invention is formed by weaving or knitting a plurality of yarns together to form a plurality of zones, wherein each zone performs a particular function associated with the control of movement of liquid through the fabric. That liquid movement results in a regulation of the thermal condition of an object that the fabric contacts, including an area of the human body, for example. There are three primary types of functional zones of the fabric. The first primary functional zone type performs the function of causing a first rate of liquid movement, which rate of liquid movement is faster than the liquid movement through any of the other zone types. The first functional zone type is formed of or to include a hydrophobic material and is generally moisture resistance in that it has a characteristic of repelling water. The second primary functional zone type performs the function of causing a second rate of liquid movement, which rate of liquid movement is slower than the liquid movement through any of the other zone types. The second functional zone type is located within the interior of the fabric, it may be formed of one or more materials selected and arranged, such as by mechanical manipulation, to create a plurality of tortuous pathways through which liquid must pass before reaching another functional zone of the fabric. The pathways are established by a network of interstices or capillaries the configuration of which is defined by the fiber shape and the arrangement of fibers with respect to one another. The control of liquid movement in the fabric interior enabled by the second functional zone type allows the liquid to cool or warm as the case may be while completing passage through the fabric. The second functional zone type operates like a siphon in that it draws liquid in and moves it out of that zone. The third functional zone type of the fabric performs the function of causing a third rate of liquid movement, which rate of liquid movement is intermediate between the rates of liquid movement in the first and second functional zone types. The third functional zone type generally slows liquid movement but without the delay, and therefore substantial change in liquid temperature that the second zone type provides. The third functional zone type is formed of or to include a hydrophilic material and generally absorbs moisture more so than does the hydrophobic material and may be viewed as being an effective wicking structure in comparison to the hydrophobic material. 
     The composition of specific embodiments of the fabric may be varied in that each may be formed of one or more materials having characteristics that determine the characteristics of each functional zone type. The functional zone types may be combined in any selectable way dependent on the overall characteristics of the fabric desired. Each functional zone may be embodied in a specific physical layer of the fabric or some or all functional zones may be established in fewer physical layers, including just a single physical layer, of the fabric. The hydrophobic material may be polyester, the intermediate portion of the fabric may include a hollow fiber material, and the hydrophilic material may be nylon or nylon combined with polyester to form a homogeneous blend. Other materials used to make the yarns of the fabric may be employed. When the intermediate portion includes a hollow fiber, such as a hollow polyester fiber, the liquid is wicked within the conduit established by each individual fiber to facilitate transport to or from other functional zones of the fabric while also providing the capability to store the liquid within that intermediate portion. Supplemental materials may be incorporated into the fabric for supplemental purposes. For example, anti-static, anti-microbial and/or anti-odor additive materials may be used. One example of such an additive is a silver thread suitable for its anti-microbial functionality. 
     In one embodiment of the fabric comprising a single physical layer and being suitable for withdrawing moisture, such as sweat from a person or to provide cooling to a person located in a warm environment (for example but not limited thereto), includes three different functional zones. A first functional zone of the fabric to be positioned adjacent to an object to be cooled (or maintained at a defined thermal condition), referred to herein as the back side of the fabric, is of the first functional zone type selected to move moisture away from the object. The interior of the fabric is of the second functional zone type selected to retain the liquid passed to it from the back side of the fabric. A third functional zone of the fabric located on the side away from the object adjacent to the environment when the first functional zone is adjacent to the object, referred to herein as the front side of the fabric, is of the third functional zone type selected to cause the transfer of liquid out of the fabric to occur at a rate that is slower than the rate at which the liquid transfers away from the object. This embodiment of the invention provides for cooling, particularly of someone in a warm environment or involved in exercise, without the use of artificial chemicals to generate the cooling effect. Specifically, by enabling the withdrawal of liquid from the object, at what is likely to be its highest temperature at the surface of the object, storing the liquid within the fabric so that it cools down to become a more effective evaporative agent than it was when at a higher temperature, and restricting the ability of that cooled liquid to quickly evaporate from the environment-side of the fabric, ensures a substantially longer cooling capability than has been made available. 
     Another embodiment of the invention is effective at providing cooling or, more generally, to regulate the thermal condition of an object, such as an area of a person&#39;s body, for example, for a period of time that exceeds the thermal regulation provided by existing compression and other therapeutic wraps. That is accomplished with this second embodiment of the fabric without the use of chemicals. This embodiment of the fabric is an arrangement of four functional zones. The fabric can be moistened, placed in a cold environment, such as a freezer, and allowed to come to a cold temperature. In this embodiment, the fabric remains flexible after freezing and retains a cooling temperature for an extended period of time. A first functional zone that is the back side of the fabric arranged to be placed adjacent to the object is of the third functional zone type. The second functional zone, adjacent to the back side, is of the second functional zone type selected to retain liquid therein at a desired temperature for an extended period of time. The third functional zone, adjacent to the second functional zone, is of the third functional zone type. Those first three functional zones are arranged to retain liquid at a desired temperature therein, with limited regulated passage of liquid therefrom, and may be established in a single physical layer. The fourth functional zone that is the front side of the fabric when the back side is adjacent to the object, is of the first functional zone type selected to minimize moisture entry into the interior of this embodiment of the fabric and to minimize liquid evaporation out of the interior of the fabric. The fourth functional zone may be embodied in a single physical layer joined to the other three functional zones, such as by bonding with a waterproof adhesive, for example. This second embodiment of the fabric of the present invention is different from the first embodiment in that it is intended to keep the liquid therein rather than to enable the liquid to evaporate substantially therefrom. 
     The second embodiment of the fabric may include as a modification of at least the fourth functional zone a plurality of perforations. The perforations are used to aid in the compressive stretch of the fabric. They allow for increased evaporation to aid in cooling when the fabric is relatively wet. The perforations allow for increased breathability of the fabric when it is relatively dry. The perforations also provide increased pliability of the fabric, particularly when it has been frozen. The number of perforations and the dimensions of the perforations are selectable, dependent on the materials of at least the fourth functional zone and the pliability of one or more of the other functional zones, the thickness of the fabric, the desired fabric flexibility under a range of temperatures and the length of time desired for the fabric to provide cooling to an underlying surface, such as the skin. This embodiment of the invention enables a user to wrap the fabric around an area of the body where cooling is desired and maintain cooling compression in that area. This cooling compression configuration may also include an anchoring component to enable retention of the fabric around an area of the body such as an arm or leg but not limited thereto. 
     After the fabric is formed by weaving or knitting, the fabric optionally may undergo one or more treatments, such as scouring and bleaching treatments, for example. These treatments may be performed, for example, for the purpose of preparing the fabric for dyeing and/or for printing one or more designs onto the fabric. After undergoing any optional treatments, including scouring, bleaching, dyeing and/or printing, for example, in some embodiments of the invention, the fabric is brushed or peached to break some of the yarns and may be sheared to adjust the pile height of the yarns to a selectable value. For purposes of the description of some versions of the present invention, the process of making the fabric will be described as including the step of peaching, which word will be used to refer to brushing or peaching as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. The fabric in some versions may be mechanically modified, such as by peaching but not limited thereto, in a manner that results in fibers on the front side of the fabric being pulled toward the back of the fabric. This is achieved, for example, by peaching the fabric on its back side prior to performing any peaching on its front side. 
     The peaching step of the manufacturing method of the present invention involves peaching both the front and back sides of the fabric multiple times each to create a homogeneous blend of different materials. That is, at least portions of the fiber material of the front side and the fiber material of the back side become entangled with one another. The use of homogeneous blends of materials having dissimilar characteristics maintain an atmosphere that is conducive to maximizing the uniqueness of the individual fiber properties and thus control/regulate the rate of liquid transport, storage and evaporation dependent on the particular functional zone type. 
     The present invention is directed to creating in a fabric a controlled environment that retains liquid molecules within the fabric structure. The invention utilizes yarns/fibers organized in the manner described herein to maximize fabric traits that interfere with the normal process of evaporation. As used herein, “evaporation” means the change of a liquid into a vapor at a temperature below the boiling point of that liquid; a condition that exists at the surface of the liquid, where molecules with the highest kinetic energy are able to escape. When this happens, the average kinetic energy of the liquid is lowered, and its temperature decreases. With that in mind, the present invention is configured to facilitate evaporation where desired, generate cooling through the liquid, or at least reduce the warming of that liquid, and to slow evaporation of liquid where desired. Fiber characteristics, density and arrangement all have a hand in regulating evaporation and liquid cooling rates. The present invention involves fiber selection, positioning and physical modification to achieve desired evaporation and temperature control. 
     When in its finished form, the fabric of the present invention may be used for any one or more of a large variety of purposes and to partially or wholly form any one or more of a large variety of products, including, but not limited to, clothing, accessories and therapeutic products. It is to be understood that the functional zones may be combined in a variety of ways and in differing numbers for particular fabric functionality purposes. For example, in addition to the two embodiments described, the fabric may be formed by two of the first functional zone type spaced from one another by the second functional zone type. Also, the fabric may be formed by two of the third functional zone type spaced from one another by the second functional zone type. Those of skill in the art will recognize that other combinations are possible. Further, as noted, the functional zones may be embodied in one or more physical layers. 
     The cooling properties of the fabric of the present invention, which may include maintaining an object at a selected temperature for a period of time, makes it amenable to being used in a large variety of applications. For example, the fabric may be used to wholly or partially form a plurality of apparel and personal products that can be worn or otherwise used by a person in the hot sun or while exercising to keep cool. As another example, the fabric may be used to wholly or partially form a plurality of skin-associated medical health products that can be used to keep a patient cool or otherwise temperature regulated. 
     These and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent upon review of the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a close-up view of a fabric of the present invention showing a general form of the fabric as including a plurality of warp yarns and a single weft yarn. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross sectional plan view of a simplified representation of the front side of the fabric. 
         FIG. 3  is a cross sectional plan view of a simplified representation of the back side of the fabric. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross sectional elevation view of a plurality of fiber materials having increased surface area for enhanced wicking. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross sectional view of a first embodiment of a hollow fiber material for enhanced liquid transport and storage. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross sectional view of a second embodiment of a hollow fiber material for enhanced liquid wicking, transport and storage. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross sectional view elevation view of an embodiment of the fabric of the present invention, showing an intermediary fiber material between the back side and front side of the fabric. 
         FIG. 8  is a flow diagram showing the general steps, some of which are optional, that may be taken to carry out a method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the fabric of the present invention with three functional zones. 
         FIG. 10  is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the fabric of the present invention with four functional zones. 
         FIG. 11  is a view of the front side of a compression wrap version of the fabric of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a view of the back side of the compression wrap of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is a top view of the anchor of the compression wrap of  FIG. 11 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a fabric that may be single-ply or multi-ply. In a first embodiment of the invention, the fabric: (1) cools when exposed to a liquid, such as perspiration from an individual&#39;s body, for example, and/or to cool a surface, such as an area of the body, for example; (2) is able to wick (transport) perspiration, water or other liquid from an object such as an individual&#39;s skin; (3) is able to absorb a liquid at a weight that is a plurality of the weight of the fabric; (4) efficiently regulates the evaporation rate and retains a liquid with minimal loss of the liquid over an extended period of time while also enabling extended cooling of an underlying surface such as the skin of a person; (5) controls moisture release, that is, it provides moisture management; and (6) is reusable, while retaining all of these characteristics from use-to-use. The present invention also is a method of making the fabric having these characteristics. 
     The side of the of the first embodiment of the fabric to be positioned adjacent to the object to be cooled, referred to herein as the back side, is configured to enhance the transfer of liquid away from the object, such as by wicking, while the other side of the fabric that is spaced away from the object is configured to slow evaporation The back side may be relatively more porous than the front side as a mechanism to facilitate liquid transfer. Further, its wicking characteristics may be optimized, such as by using fibers made of hydrophobic material and/or with large peripheral surface area. That is, the back side provides a first functional zone type as previously described herein. On the other hand, the front side may be relatively less porous than the back side as a mechanism to slow liquid evaporation (by trapping the liquid, or at least slowing its progression to the outer surface of the fabric). Further, its wicking characteristics may be minimized, such as by using fibers made of absorptive or at least relatively hydrophilic material and/or with reduced peripheral surface area. That is, the front side provides a third functional zone type as previously described herein. An intermediate section of the fabric is configured to store liquid therein to allow liquid arriving from the back side to cool and slowing its passage out of the fabric through the front side. That is, the intermediate section provides a second functional zone type as previously described herein. 
     The selected materials and material configurations for the back side and the front side spaced by the intermediate section act in concert to enhance the movement/transportation of liquid from the surface of the object to the core of the fabric&#39;s construction. Cooled liquid either moves back toward the object or dwells long enough within the fabric to establish a sufficient heat gradient to effectively draw heat away from the object surface. This results in moisture movement in a controlled manner that enhances and extends the ability of the fabric to transfer heat between the object and the interior of the fabric. In effect, warm liquid adjacent to the surface of the object is drawn away from the object surface at the back side of the fabric and moved to the front side, while cooled liquid within the fabric is sufficiently close to the object at the back side to effect cooling. The regulated slower evaporation of the liquid from the fabric at the front side provides the extension of time for the cooled liquid within the fabric to act as a heat sink for the object. 
     While some manner of making a fabric creates interstices that act as fluid pathways, the combination of the material selection and mechanical manipulation of the fabric, such as by peaching but not limited thereto, makes that pathway characteristic much more substantial, creating a capillary web system that stores and orients the moisture molecules and holds them in suspension until such time as the fabric is activated; thus setting the molecules in motion and causing a disorientation of the moisture molecules so that they are inclined to move toward or away from an object to be cooled or maintained at a temperature. This recycling of moisture to and from the fabric core creates a regulated, controlled, extended evaporative cooling device. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the first embodiment of a fabric  10  of the present invention, which is shown in single-ply form, includes a plurality of warp yarns  12  through which at least one weft yarn  14  is woven or knitted. It is to be understood that the weft yarn  14  may be a single, integral yarn or it may be a plurality of yarns. When the weft yarn  14  is a plurality of yarns, the plurality of yarns may be fastened together, such as by tying, for example, or they may be separately woven or knitted through the warps yarns  12 . When formed by the warp and weft yarns  12 / 14 , the fabric  10  has a front side  16  and a back side  17  (shown in  FIG. 9 ), which is opposite the front side  16 . 
     The warp and weft yarns  12 / 14  include a plurality of fibers. (Hereinafter, whenever the term “yarn” is not referred to specifically as either a “warp yarn” or a “weft yarn”, it is to be understood that “yarn” is to include both a “warp yarn” and a “weft yarn”.) The fibers of the yarns  12 / 14  may be formed from any one or more of a variety of materials including, but not limited to, polyester, and nylon, for example, with the nylon at the front side  16  and the polyester at the back side. The product CoolMax®available from E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company of Wilmington, Del., or the product CoolPass® available from Jiangsu Hengli of Jiangsu, China, may be suitable choices for the polyester material of the back side. Any nylon is suitable for the front side  16  material and may be obtained from a wide range of sources, as is know by those of ordinary skill in the art. Additionally, the fabric  10  may include a hollow polyester fiber as an intermediate material to enhance fluid transport through the fabric  10  and storage of liquid within the fabric  10  for a period of time sufficient to allow evaporative cooling of the liquid while the front side  16  material reduces evaporative loss of the liquid. Further, additive materials may be incorporated into the fabrication of the fabric  10 . Such additives may be selected for the purpose of eliminating odor, microbe formation or existence, static or other undesirable characteristics. One example of such an additive is a silver fiber suitable for anti-microbial protection. The silver-coated fiber X-Static® available from Noble Materials of Scranton, Pa., is an example of a suitable silver fiber additive. 
     In one version of the first embodiment of the present invention, the fabric  10  may be about 65% to about 85% polyester and about 15% to about 35% nylon. In another embodiment, the fabric  10  may be about 80% polyester and about 20% nylon. In yet another embodiment, the fabric  10  may be about 77% polyester and about 23% nylon. The actual fiber type choice and their percentage of use are dependent on the desired function of the fabric  10 . 
     The relative thickness and fiber count of the yarns  12 / 14  is variable. Exemplary warp yarns  12  include warp yarns  12  ranging between about 50 denier and about 100 denier. For example, the warp yarn  12  may be about 75 denier. (The finer the denier, the greater the ability to create loft or pockets in which moisture can be held.) It is to be understood, however, that the weft yarn  12  is not limited to having these characteristics. 
     Exemplary weft yarns  14  include weft yarns  14  ranging between about 125 and about 175 denier and having a fiber count ranging between about 50 to about 175. For example, the weft yarn  14  may be about 160 denier and have a fiber count of about 70 or about 72. As another example, the weft yarn  14  may be about 160 denier and have a fiber count of about 144. It is to be understood, however, that the warp yarn  14  is not limited to having these characteristics. 
     Further, the yarns  12 / 14  may be of any one of a variety of textures and luster. For example, the yarns  12 / 14  may be, but are not limited to being, draw textured yarn (DTY), bright, semi-bright and semi-dull hollow (SDH). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the fibers used to form the front side  16  of the fabric  10  are preferably relatively larger than the fibers used to form the back side  17  of the fabric  10  shown in  FIG. 3 . Specifically, the larger fibers of the front side  16  have fewer interstices  30  through which liquid can escape from within the interior of the fabric  10 . On the other hand, the smaller fibers of the back side  17  have more interstices  31  through which liquid may pass relatively more quickly than is the possibility with the relatively smaller number of interstices of the front side  16 . In addition, the smaller denier of the fibers of the back side  17  have more perimeter surface area for wicking to occur. Further, using a hydrophobic material on the back side  17  is more likely to repel liquid and therefore speeds liquid wicking into the interior of the fabric  10 , while using a hydrophilic material on the front side  16  is more likely to absorb liquid and therefore slows liquid wicking through and out of the fabric  10 . It is to be understood that either side of the fabric  10  may include a single fiber size or a plurality of fiber sizes. For example, varied thermal control may be established for the fabric  10  from one portion thereof to another by selecting different fiber materials and/or fiber sizes for the front side  16  and the back side  17 . 
     Liquid wicking may be further enhanced by increasing the perimeter surface area of those fibers where enhanced wicking is desired. For example, the fibers of the back side  17 , in addition to being smaller than the fibers of the front side  16 , and/or hydrophilic rather than hydrophobic, may be shaped fibers having non-uniform cross sectional area. For example,  FIG. 4  illustrates a fiber shape that is not uniformly round. The perimeter surface area of each such fiber is greater than the corresponding fiber of uniform shape and similar cross sectional area. An embodiment of the present invention includes making the back side  17  of the fabric  10  with such non-uniform fibers. 
     The fabric  10  of the present invention may also a material that is configured to maximize liquid transport and storage for the second functional zone type. As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , a first embodiment of a hollow fiber  32  may be employed as an intermediate material of the second functional zone type at the intermediate section of the fabric  10 , wherein one or more such fibers are positioned between the front side  16  and the back side  17  of the fabric  10 . The hollow fiber  32  is shown having a uniform cross sectional area. It is preferably made of a hydrophilic material so that it slows wicking, at least relative to a hydrophobic material. The interior of the hollow fiber  32  acts as a container for liquid passing therein. In an alternative embodiment of  FIG. 6 , second hollow fiber  34  is of non-uniform cross sectional area. Its increased perimeter surface area and hollow interior maximizes liquid retention within the fabric  10 . This ability to allow liquid that is relatively warmer near the back side  17  to dwell within the fabric intermediate section ensures cooling of the liquid will occur to a point sufficient to permit that retained liquid to act as a heat sink as it approaches the front side  16  of the fabric  10 . The second hollow fiber  34  is preferably made of a hydrophilic material so that it slows wicking, at least relative to a hydrophobic material. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , a plurality of intermediate section materials, such as a plurality of the hollow fiber  32  and/or the second hollow fiber  34 , may be used with the fiber materials of the front side  16  and the back side  17  to form the second functional zone of the fabric. The combination of components identified enable the fabric  10  to speed at the back side  17  liquid wicking from the surface of the object, allow that liquid to dwell within the fabric intermediate section  36 , and cause its evaporation completely from the fabric  10  to be delayed at the front side  16 . The fabric  10  thereby includes the three functional zones types previously described and as shown in  FIG. 9 , wherein the back side  17  is of the first functional zone type, the intermediate section  36  is of the second functional zone type and the front side  16  is of the third functional zone type. 
     A fabrication method of the present invention suitable for forming the fabric  10  of the first embodiment of the invention includes a plurality of steps, several of which are optional, in the fabrication of the first embodiment of the fabric. Generally, the steps of the method  100  may be carried out as shown in  FIG. 8 . In step  110 , the fabric  10  is formed by weaving or knitting the yarns  12 / 14  together. For purposes of the description of the present invention, the two terms may be used interchangeably, such that when it is stated that the method  100  includes a weaving step, that means weaving or knitting the yarns together. In optional step  115 , the fabric  10  may be sized simultaneously with the step  110 . In optional step  120 , the fabric  10  may be pre-treated as described herein to prepare it for subsequent dyeing and/or printing, for example, or for any other purpose. In optional step  125 , the fabric  10  may be dyed any color using any one dye or combination of dyes. In optional step  130 , one or more designs may be printed onto either or both of the face side  16  and the back side of the fabric  10 . Because each one of steps  125  and  130  are optional, the fabric  10  therefore may be dyed but not printed, printed but not dyed, both dyed and printed, or neither dyed nor printed. In step  135 , the fabric  10  is peached and sheared, and in optional step  140 , the fabric  10  is tentered until the fabric  10  has a desirable weight per area value. (The weight per area of the fabric  10  therefore is selectable.) 
     The skilled artisan will recognize that the yarns  12 / 14  may be woven or knitted to form the fabric  10  by using any one or more of a variety of techniques that are well known in the art. For example, the skilled artisan will recognize that such weaving may be carried by using an air jet frame, and that such knitting may be carried out by using a 28-gauge double loop circular frame. Certainly not restricted or limited to these exact type of machines. Extensive research and development would be required to duplicate the physical construction to produce the same results on varied equipment but can be accomplished. 
     The fabric  10  optionally may be sized, such as for the purpose of increasing the strength of the yarns, for example. Sizing may be carried out, for example, by adding one or more sizing agents, preferably water-soluble sizing agents, during the weaving/knitting process. 
     The fabric  10  also is optionally dyeable and/or printable (that is, one or more designs may be printed onto the fabric  10 ). When the fabric  10  is to be dyed and/or printed, the fabric  10  may be pre-treated before the dyeing and/or printing of the fabric  10 . For example, prior to dyeing and/or printing, the fabric  10  optionally may be subjected to one or more treatments, such as scouring and bleaching treatments, for example. Further, when the fabric  10  has been sized, the fabric  10  may be desized at this time. Desizing may be carried out, for example, simply by immersing the fabric in hot water. 
     Scouring may be carried out for the purpose of removing impurities, such as wax, oil, and dirt, for example, from the fabric  10 . Scouring may be achieved by treating the fabric  10  with a scouring agent while the fabric  10  is being subjected to pressure and heat, the temperature of which is selected based upon the fibers selected to make the fabric. For example, if no hollow fibers are employed, or if fiber hollowness is not of sufficient importance, the heating may be at about 350° F., for example. The scouring agent may be a sodium hydroxide solution, for example. Further, the scouring agent may be a commercially available polymeric soil release agent, such as any one of the products of the Zelcon® line of products made available by E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company of Wilmington, Del., and Milease T, which is made available by Imperial Chemical Industries, PLC of London, England, for example. 
     The fabric  10  also may be optionally bleached for the purpose of whitening the fabric  10 . Generally, bleaching may be carried out, for example, by treating the fabric  10  with a bleaching agent, incubating the fabric  10  at an elevated temperature for an extended period of time, and washing and drying the fabric  10 . Suitable bleaching agents include, but are not limited to being, solutions containing sodium hypochlorite, sodium chlorite and/or hydrogen peroxide, for example. Where the chosen bleaching agent is an alkaline solution, such as a hydrogen peroxide solution, for example, the bleaching may be carried out concomitantly with the scouring treatment. 
     It is to be understood that the fabric  10  may be pre-treated, such as being desized, scoured, or bleached, even when the fabric  10  is not to be later dyed and/or printed. For example, the fabric  10  may be bleached, but not dyed and/or printed, when the fabric  10  is to be white in its final form. As another example, the fabric  10  may be scoured, but not dyed or printed, when the fabric  10  is to retain its natural color in its final form. 
     After the fabric  10  has been pre-treated, if at all, dyeing of the fabric  10  may be achieved, for example, by using one or more disperse dyes of any color or combinations of color in a pressure and continuous dyeing process. Dyeing by using disperse dyes may include subjecting the fabric  10  to the dye or dyes while the fabric  10  is being exposed to elevated heat and high pressure, again, dependent upon the materials used to make the fabric  10 . Under such conditions, the dye or dyes are able to penetrate the yarns  12 / 14  of the fabric  10 , effectively dyeing the fabric  10 . 
     Further, after the fabric  10  has been pre-treated and/or dyed, if at all, one or more designs optionally may be printed onto the fabric  10 . It may be desirable to print a design or designs on the fabric  10  for a variety of reasons. For example, when a theme park is to distribute a product including the fabric  10 , the theme park may wish to have a cartoon character or its logo printed onto the fabric  10  to help promote its brand. In this example, it is likely that the printed design would be fanciful and include a plurality of colors. As another example, when a hospital is to own a medical product that includes the fabric  10 , the hospital may wish to its name printed onto the product for the purpose of helping to prevent the product from being removed from the hospital. In this example, it may be true that the printed design would be simple and include only a single color (e.g., the hospital&#39;s name may appear in black letters of a standard font). 
     Therefore, designs may be printed onto the fabric  10  by using one or more dyes or pigments. Further, the designs may be printed onto to the fabric  10  by using various methods and devices known to the skilled artisan. For example, the printing may be achieved by rotary screen printing, wherein the fabric  10  passes under a series of cylindrical screens, with each screen printing a different color onto the fabric  10 . 
     Regardless of whether the fabric  10  is dyed and/or printed, the fabric  10  is mechanically manipulated, such as by peaching but not limited thereto, and may then be sheared. Prior to manipulation, moisture may be extracted from the fabric  10  by any one of a variety of techniques that are well known to the skilled artisan. This extraction may be achieved, for example, by centrifugation. The fabric  10  also may be dried by using a continuous hot oil drum, for example. Alternatively, the fabric  10  need not be peached as described herein. Instead, the fibers may be machined in a manner that causes them to become entangled, thereby increasing the tortuousness of the path of liquid moving within the fabric  10 . 
     The skilled artisan will recognize that if peaching is done, it may be achieved by carrying out any one or more of a variety of techniques and by using any one or more of a variety of devices. For example, peaching may be achieved by using a sanding machine that includes a series of circular pads that rotate in different directions to break the yarn  12 / 14  fibers. Further, as an alternative to this peaching process, the fabric  10  may be brushed by using a series of tubes having wire bristles that rotate in a circular motion around a circular cylinder. In this arrangement, the bristles contact the fabric front side  16  and/or the fabric back side  17 , thereby breaking some fibers in doing so. The fabric back side  17  is peached before the front side  16  is peached, and some of the yarns of the front side  16  are pulled through to the fabric back side  17  as a result of the peaching process to form a homogeneous blend of the different fiber materials. The final weight of the fabric is ultimately determined by creating the correct face to back pile ratio. 
     The skilled artisan will further recognize that shearing may be achieved by carrying out any one or more of a variety of techniques using any one or more of a variety of devices. Shearing may be achieved, for example, by using a machine that features a single cylinder rotation over a honed blade. In this arrangement, the blade is able to cut the previously peached front side  16  and/or back to a desired pile height. The pile height of the front side  16  or back side  17  may be selected, for example, to maximize or otherwise determine the moisture absorption ability of the fabric  10  by creating pile density or volume. While very specific exemplary pile heights are described in the Example section included herein, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to those values. In fact, the skilled artisan will recognize that a large plurality of pile height values is achievable. 
     The fabric  10  also may be tentered, such as to adjust the weight per area of the fabric  10  to a particular, selectable value, for example, by using any one or more of the tentering techniques that are well known to the skilled artisan. In one exemplary tentering technique, the fabric  10  is applied to a machine having a tenter frame of open width. (The “tenter frame” is a set of rails that run parallel to the floor on which the machine sets.) Located on these rails are sets of needles that grip the fabric  10  to hold it in place on the machine. The width of the frame may be varied as the fabric  10  moves through the machine, and when the fabric  10  reaches the desired width, live steam is injected into the fabric  10  to create memory in the fabric. (“Memory” is the phenomenon by which the fabric returns to its machined size whenever it is stretched, such as by human hand, for example.) While very specific exemplary weight per area values of the fabric  10  are described herein, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to those values. In fact, the skilled artisan will recognize that a large plurality of weight per area values is achievable. Final printing may then be performed on the fabric  10 . 
     The skilled artisan will recognize that the fabric  10  of the present invention may be used for any one or more of a large variety of purposes and to partially or wholly form any one or more of a large variety of products. For example, the fabric  10  may be used to partially or wholly form apparel or non-apparel products such as towels, facecloths, shirts, pants, jackets, shorts, vests, ties, footwear, gloves, bandanas, hats, handkerchiefs, underwear, hosiery, bras, and bandages. Further, these products may be designed for recreational, exercise, medical, and military use, for example. For example, the fabric  10  may be used to form a towel that is to be sold or otherwise distributed to individuals who will be exposed to hot temperatures for a long period of time, such as patrons of an outdoor theme park, beachgoers, or athletes, for example. As another example, the fabric  10  may wholly or partially form a compress that may be wetted and placed on the forehead of an individual having an elevated body temperature for the purpose of keeping the individual cool. Regardless of how and for what reason the fabric  10  is to be used, however, the fabric  10  is especially useful for being included to wholly or partially form a product that is meant to provide instant and extended cooling to its user. 
     Once manufactured, the fabric  10  may be used by performing the following steps. The fabric  10  is initialed immersed in a liquid, such as water and soaking the fabric in the liquid. The liquid may be at any of a variety of temperatures for the immersion step. Next, any excess liquid on the surface of the fabric  10  or located within its interstices, may be wrung out, such as by twisting the fabric  10  (which is flexible), to force the excess liquid from the fabric  10 . Next, the wrung out fabric  10  may be “snapped” to trigger activation of the thermal control capability of the fabric  10 . For the purpose of the description of the present invention, snapping means any mechanical procedure by which the wetted fabric  10  is quickly moved from one position to another. For example, a person may snap the fabric  10  by holding it in two hands at its perimeter and rapidly moving upward and downward in one or more cycles. Alternatively, the snapping may be achieved by other means, such as with a mechanical device, for example. 
     The formation of the fabric  10  with a combination of the plurality of materials described herein configured in relation to one another as indicated results in the creation of a plurality of high-density capillary networks within the fabric  10 . Liquid molecules are absorbed deep into the core of the fabric  10  and hydraulically compressed into the capillary networks of the fabric  10 , such as through the activation process described above. The water molecules are oriented within the capillary networks by the activation step to enable maximum evaporative cooling to occur through the fabric  10 . Additionally, the configuration of the fabric materials through the manipulation process, as well as the characteristics of the materials, suppresses the otherwise natural occurrence of evaporative liquid loss that can occur with conventional fabric structures. In effect, the fabric  10  of the present invention traps the liquid into a cycle of evaporative cooling adjacent to the object to be cooled, trapping of evaporative liquid moving away from the object into the fabric interstices until, as the evaporated liquid approaches the opposing hydrophilic side of the fabric, it cools and returns to the object. This repetitive cooling cycle is achieved by the construction of the fabric  10  and allows the user to use water as the liquid employed for the evaporative cooling. The fabric  10  thereby eliminates the need to use chemicals such as alcohol and/or PCMs as an artificial cooling agent. 
     The fabric  10  and the method of the present invention are more specifically described with reference to the Example; however, they are not to be construed as being limited thereto. The fabric  10  of this Example exhibited cooling characteristics while maintaining structural integrity. 
     EXAMPLE 
     Fabric formation. A first fabric of the first embodiment of the invention having about 77% polyester and about 23% nylon was made in this Example. The warp yarn included as part of the fabric was DTY and SDH and had a relative thickness of about 75 deniers. The weft yarn included as part of the fabric was DTY and had a relative thickness of about 160 deniers per 144 fibers. 
     Prior to being woven, the yarns were added to an air jet weaving loom (having a width of 10,612 ends) at a density of a thread count of about 160 threads her square inch. The yarns were then woven to form the fabric according to standard protocols that are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
     Printing pre-treatment. After being woven, the fabric was scoured by using Zelcon to remove any dirt, wax, oil, or other contaminants that may have been present. 
     Fabric Printing. After scouring, a plurality of multi-colored designs was printed onto the face of the fabric by using a sublimation printer according to protocols that are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Suitable printers for achieving such printing are available from, for example, the Roland DGA Corporation of Irvine, Calif., and Mimaki USA, Inc. of Suwanee, Ga. 
     After the printing process was complete, more than 90% of the moisture absorbed by the fabric was extracted from it by centrifuging the fabric for about 12 minutes. The fabric was then dried at about 400° F. while in a gas continuous hot oil drum and rolled into tubular form via an “a-frame” windup folding machine. The fabric back was peached and sheared to about 0.0939 inches (about 0.2385 cm). After the fabric back was peached, the fabric face was peached and then sheared to about 0.0313 inches (about 0.0795 cm). Specifics here are based on a desired finished weight based on a specific end use that requires a variation in weight for its intended performance level. This final weight is in direct proportion to the variation of the yarn (face/back/fill) of the yarn denier and the final finish. 
     Following peaching and then shearing, the fabric was tentered at about 380° F. The weight of the fabric after tentering was about 208 g/m 2 . 
     A second embodiment of a fabric  100  of the present invention as a compression wrap is described with respect to  FIGS. 10-13 . The fabric  100  is multi-ply formed of a first fabric physical layer  102  and a second fabric physical layer  104 . The first fabric layer  102  is arranged to retain liquid therein and permit some absorption and evaporation. The second fabric layer  102  is arranged to restrict evaporation and minimize moisture entry into the first fabric layer  104 . The first fabric layer  102  is arranged to be placed to an object to be regulated for temperature, such as a body part to be cooled. The second fabric layer  104  is arranged to be adjacent to the environment when it is joined to the first fabric layer  102  and the fabric  100  applied to the object to be thermally conditioned. 
     The first fabric layer  102  of the fabric  100  includes a first functional zone  106  corresponding to the back side  17 . The first functional zone  106  is of the third functional zone type described herein in that it enables the wicking and some retention of moisture from an underlying surface. The first fabric layer  102  also includes a second functional zone  108  spaced from the object when the fabric is applied to the object by the first functional zone  106 . The second functional zone  108  is of the second functional zone type describe herein in that it enables the retention and storage of liquid therein and reduces the rate of transport of the liquid out of the first fabric layer  102 . The first fabric layer  102  also includes a third functional zone  110  spaced from the first functional zone  106  by the second functional zone  108 . The third functional zone  110  is of the third functional zone type describe herein in that it enables the retention of moisture within the second functional zone  108  while enabling some evaporation of liquid through to the second fabric layer  104 . The second fabric layer is a fourth functional zone of the first functional zone type described herein in that it facilitates the evaporation of liquid out of the first fabric layer  102  while minimizing moisture entry into the first fabric layer  102  from the environment. 
     Whereas the fabric  10  is configured to regulate the passage of fluid through and out of the fabric  10  enough to allow warm moisture at back side  17  to cool within the fabric  10  before it is permitted to exit the front side  16 , the fabric  100  substantially limits fluid passage out of the fabric  100 . Instead, whereas the fabric  10  is designed to remove warm moisture, such as sweat, from an area of the body, the fabric  100  is designed to keep cooling moisture near a surface of an object, such as an area of the body for which a cooling or compression pack is desired. In particular, the fabric  100  includes fibers made partially or entirely of hydrophilic material at the first and third functional zones  106  and  110 , thereby limiting the wicking of moisture out of the fabric  100 . The fabric  10 , on the other hand, is arranged to facilitate the wicking of moisture out of the fabric  10  and therefore substantially includes fibers of hydrophilic material at its first functional zone established at the back side  17 . 
     The fabric  100  includes a plurality of warp yarns  12  through which at least one weft yarn  14  is woven or knitted. It is to be understood that the weft yarn  14  may be a single, integral yarn or it may be a plurality of yarns. When the weft yarn  14  is a plurality of yarns, the plurality of yarns may be fastened together, such as by tying, for example, or they may be separately woven or knitted through the warps yarns  12 . The warp and weft yarns  12 / 14  include a plurality of fibers. The fibers of the yarns  12 / 14  may be formed from the materials described herein with respect to the fabric  10 . The arrangement of the warp and weft yarns  12 / 14  may be similar to that which is shown in  FIG. 1 . Although shown in  FIG. 1  as a relatively open weave or knit, it is to be understood that the weave or knit may be much tighter with the yarns closely interfacing with one another. The fabric  100  may include one or more hollow fiber materials, including a hollow polyester fiber of the type described herein with respect to the fabric  10 , as an intermediate material to enhance fluid retention and transport within the interior of the fabric  100 . Further, additive materials may be incorporated into the fabrication of the fabric  100 . Such additives may be selected for the purpose of eliminating odor, microbe formation or existence, static or other undesirable characteristics. One example of such an additive is a silver fiber suitable for anti-microbial protection. The silver-coated fiber described herein. 
     The second fabric layer  104  may be arranged as a “hook-and-loop” independent fabric structure as noted. The second fabric layer  104  may be joined to the first fabric layer  102  at third functional zone  110  by physical or chemical joining such as bonding with a water-resistant adhesive. The second fabric layer  104  may be needled punched prior to joining with the first fabric layer  102  to establish a plurality of perforations  120 , as shown in  FIG. 11 , to enhance the flexibility of the fabric  100 . The perforations  120  also provide small avenues for moisture transfer out of the fabric  100 . The size and number of perforations  120  is selectable as a function of the extent of moisture transfer and flexibility desired. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the first fabric layer  102  of the fabric  100  may be about 65% to about 85% nylon fibers and about 15% to about 35% polyester fibers, with the second fabric layer  104  formed substantially of a polyester material. In another embodiment, the first fabric layer  102  may be about 80% nylon fibers and about 20% polyester fibers. In yet another embodiment, the first fabric layer  102  may be about 77% nylon fibers and about 23% polyester fibers. The actual fiber type choice and their percentage of use are dependent on the desired cooling capability and flexibility desired for the fabric  100 . 
     The relative thickness and fiber count of the yarns  12 / 14  for the fabric  100  is variable. Exemplary warp yarns  12  include warp yarns  12  ranging between about 50 denier and about 100 denier. For example, the warp yarn  12  may be about 75 denier. (The finer the denier, the greater the ability to create loft or pockets in which moisture can be held.) It is to be understood, however, that the weft yarn  12  is not limited to having these characteristics. Exemplary weft yarns  14  include weft yarns  14  ranging between about 125 and about 175 denier and having a fiber count ranging between about 50 to about 175. For example, the weft yarn  14  may be about 160 denier and have a fiber count of about 70 or about 72. As another example, the weft yarn  14  may be about 160 denier and have a fiber count of about 144. It is to be understood, however, that the warp yarn  114  is not limited to having these characteristics. Further, the yarns  12 / 14  may be of any one of a variety of textures and luster. For example, the yarns  12 / 14  may be, but are not limited to being, draw textured yarn (DTY), bright, semi-bright and semi-dull hollow (SDH). The fabric  100  may be further processed as described herein with respect to the fabric  10  in regard to stretching, printing and the like. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 10-13 , the fabric  100  includes an optional anchor  130  that enables a user to secure the fabric  100  embodied as a compression or cooling wrap, about a part of the body such as the arm. The anchor  130  is a ring or other structure with an open interior section  132  sized sufficient to permit at least the width of the fabric  100  to pass therethrough. The anchor  130  may be translucent nylon, urethane or a stretch cord but not limited thereto. The fabric  100  as wrap having a first end  140  and a second end  142  is arranged such that the second end  142  is folded back onto a main body  144  of the fabric  100  and joined thereto with stitching, such as flatlock stitching, for example. Prior to that joining, the second end  142  is placed within the interior section  132  of the anchor  130  passed around a leg  134  thereof and then joined to the main body  144 . That holds the anchor  130  to the fabric  100 . A user may apply the fabric  100  to an object to be thermally managed, pass the first end  140  of the fabric through the open interior section  132  and secure it in place, either on the main body  144  with Velcro™ for example, or to a second leg  136  of the anchor  130 . 
     The fabric  100  can be used as a compress and may be used in any of at least four ways. First, it may be applied directly to the body and used as a dry compression wrap. Second, the fabric  100  may be immersed in a liquid, such as water, and soaked to ensure that the fabric  100  substantially reaches its maximum liquid storage capacity. It may be wrung out to remove any excess liquid and then applied to the body as a cool compression wrap. Third, the fabric  100  may be immersed in a liquid, such as water, and soaked to ensure that the fabric  100  substantially reaches its maximum liquid storage capacity. It may be wrung out to remove any excess liquid. Next, the fabric  100  is inserted into a cooling container, such as a freezer, and retained therein for enough time to allow the liquid to chill but not solidify. The configuration of the fabric  100  ensures that it will remain flexible even with cold liquid retained therein. The fabric  100  may be removed from the cooling container and applied to the body as a cold compression wrap. Finally, the fabric  100  may be immersed in a liquid, such as water, and soaked to ensure that the fabric  100  substantially reaches its maximum liquid storage capacity. It may be wrung out to remove any excess liquid. Next, the fabric  100  is inserted into a cooling container, such as a freezer, and retained therein for enough time to allow the liquid to solidify. The configuration of the fabric  100  ensures that it will remain flexible even with solidified liquid retained therein. The fabric  100  may be removed from the cooling container and applied to the body as an ice-alternative compression wrap. The anchor  130  may be used to secure the fabric  100  in place in any of these usage options. The configuration of the fabric  100  ensures that warmed liquid near the surface to be cooled passes into the interior of the fabric  100  where it is cooled and cooler or still solidified liquid moves to the surface to be cooled. The use of the first fabric layer  102  and the second fabric layer  104  limits the extent of liquid passage out of the fabric  100 . 
     The present invention has been described with respect to various examples. Nevertheless, it is to be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described by the following claims.