Patent ID: 6927182

Claim:
A composite textile fabric formed by concurrently knitting a plaited construction comprising an inner fabric layer and an outer fabric layer, the inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer each being distinct and separate but intimately plaited together in an unitary body, the inner fabric being formed of yarn comprising synthetic yarn fibers rendered hydrophilic and defining a surface configured to be worn facing a wearer's skin, and the outer fabric layer being formed of a material selected from the group consisting of: a moisture absorbent material, a plurality of synthetic yarn fibers, and a combination thereof, and defining a surface to be worn as an outer surface of a garment, the outer fabric layer being disposed immediately adjacent to, and in intimate contact with, the inner fabric layer, for movement of moisture between the inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer, the surface of the inner fabric layer comprising discrete pillar regions of relatively deeper pile, said discrete pillar regions of relatively deeper pile being spaced apart and isolated from each other by regions of relatively shorter pile or no pile that form a plurality of intersecting channels passing among said discrete pillar regions and open to the wearer's skin, said plurality of intersecting channels defining insulation regions to contain a cushion of air for promoting warmth under static conditions during periods of wearer inactivity and defining circulation regions creating avenues for flow of air and enhanced evaporation of moisture from the skin of the wearer for creating a heat dissipation or cooling effect during periods of physical activity by the wearer.