초록 ▼

Methods are described for forming unitary fabric elements for use in engineered thermal fabric articles, including thermal fabric garments, thermal fabric home textiles, and thermal fabric upholstery covers, and for forming these articles, having predetermined discrete regions of contrasting insulat

Methods are described for forming unitary fabric elements for use in engineered thermal fabric articles, including thermal fabric garments, thermal fabric home textiles, and thermal fabric upholstery covers, and for forming these articles, having predetermined discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity positioned about the thermal fabric article in correlation to insulative requirements of a user's body. In one implementation, loop yarn in first regions is formed to a first pile height, and loop yarn in other regions is formed to another, different, relatively greater pile height. In another implementation, loop yarn having a first shrinkage performance is formed in first regions to a predetermined loop height, and loop yarn having another, different shrinkage performance is formed in other regions; the loops are cut and finished to a common pile height and the web is exposed to heat to cause loop yarn to shrink to one or more different pile heights.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article having a multiplicity of predetermined discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity positioned about the article in an arrangement having correlation to insulative requirements

What is claimed is: 1. A method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article having a multiplicity of predetermined discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity positioned about the article in an arrangement having correlation to insulative requirements of corresponding regions of a user's body, the unitary fabric element defining at least two predetermined, discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity, said method comprising the steps of: designing a pattern of the predetermined, discrete regions; combining yarn and/or fibers in a continuous web according to the pattern of predetermined, discrete regions, comprising the steps of, in one or more first discrete regions of the fabric element, forming loop yarn to a first pile height, the one or more first discrete regions corresponding to one or more regions of the user's body having first insulative requirements, and in one or more other discrete regions of said fabric element, forming loop yarn to another pile height different from and relatively greater than the first pile height, the one or more other discrete regions corresponding to one or more regions of the user's body having other insulative requirements different from and relatively greater than the first insulative requirements; finishing one or both surfaces of the continuous web to form the predetermined, discrete regions into discrete regions of contrasting pile heights; and removing the unitary fabric element from the continuous web according to the pattern of predetermined, discrete regions, wherein the finishing one or both surfaces of the continuous web to form the predetermined, discrete regions into discrete regions of contrasting pile heights comprises cutting selected loops on one surface of the continuous web and raising the opposite surface. 2. A method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article having a multiplicity of predetermined discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity positioned about the article in an arrangement having correlation to insulative requirements of corresponding regions of a user's body, the unitary fabric element defining at least two predetermined, discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity, said method comprising the steps of: designing a pattern of the predetermined, discrete regions; combining yarn and/or fibers in a continuous web according to the pattern of predetermined, discrete regions, comprising the steps of, in one or more first discrete regions of the fabric element, forming loop yarn to a first pile height, the one or more first discrete regions corresponding to one or more regions of the user's body having first insulative requirements, and in one or more other discrete regions of said fabric element, forming loop yarn to another pile height different from and relatively greater than the first pile height, the one or more other discrete regions corresponding to one or more regions of the user's body having other insulative requirements different from and relatively greater than the first insulative requirements; finishing one or both surfaces of the continuous web to form the predetermined, discrete regions into discrete regions of contrasting pile heights; and removing the unitary fabric element from the continuous web according to the pattern of predetermined, discrete regions, wherein the finishing one or both surfaces of the continuous web comprises applying a chemical resin or chemical binder to one or more predetermined discrete regions of one surface or both surfaces of the continuous web, and finishing the one surface or both surfaces, the predetermined discrete regions resisting raising. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein applying a chemical resin or chemical material to one or more predetermined discrete regions is synchronized with wet printing in other predetermined regions. 4. A method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article having a multiplicity of predetermined discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity positioned about the article in an arrangement having correlation to insulative requirements of corresponding regions of a user's body, the unitary fabric element defining at least two predetermined, discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity, said method comprising the steps of: designing a pattern of the predetermined, discrete regions; combining yarn and/or fibers in a continuous web according to the pattern of predetermined, discrete regions, comprising the steps of, in one or more first discrete regions of the fabric element, forming loop yarn to a first pile height, the one or more first discrete regions corresponding to one or more regions of the user's body having first insulative requirements, and in one or more other discrete regions of said fabric element, forming loop yarn to another pile height different from and relatively greater than the first pile height, the one or more other discrete regions corresponding to one or more regions of the user's body having other insulative requirements different from and relatively greater than the first insulative requirements; finishing one or both surfaces of the continuous web to form the predetermined, discrete regions into discrete regions of contrasting pile heights; and removing the unitary fabric element from the continuous web according to the pattern of predetermined, discrete regions, wherein the finishing one or both surfaces of the continuous web comprises applying a hard face chemical resin or chemical binder to one surface or to both surfaces to improve pill resistance and/or abrasion resistance. 5. A method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article having a multiplicity of predetermined discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity positioned about the article in an arrangement having correlation to insulative requirements of corresponding regions of a user's body, the unitary fabric element defining at least two predetermined, discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity, said method comprising the steps of: designing a pattern of the predetermined, discrete regions; combining yarn and/or fibers in a continuous web according to the pattern of predetermined, discrete regions, comprising the steps of, in one or more first discrete regions of the fabric element, forming loop yarn to a first pile height, the one or more first discrete regions corresponding to one or more regions of the user's body having first insulative requirements, and in one or more other discrete regions of said fabric element, forming loop yarn to another pile height different from and relatively greater than the first pile height, the one or more other discrete regions corresponding to one or more regions of the user's body having other insulative requirements different from and relatively greater than the first insulative requirements; finishing one or both surfaces of the continuous web to form the predetermined, discrete regions into discrete regions of contrasting pile heights; removing the unitary fabric element from the continuous web according to the pattern of predetermined, discrete regions; and incorporating the unitary fabric element in a unitary fabric laminate, wherein the incorporating the unitary fabric element in a unitary fabric laminate comprises the step of laminating the unitary fabric element with a controlled air permeability element, and wherein the incorporating the unitary fabric element in a unitary fabric laminate with a controlled air permeability element comprises the step of selecting a controlled air permeability element from the group consisting of: perforated membrane, crushed adhesive as a layer, foam adhesive as a layer, discontinuous breatheable membrane, porous hydrophobic breatheable film and non porous hydrophilic breatheable film. 6. A method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article having a multiplicity of predetermined discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity positioned about the article in an arrangement having correlation to insulative requirements of corresponding regions of a user's body, the unitary fabric element defining at least two predetermined, discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity, said method comprising the steps of: designing a pattern of the predetermined, discrete regions; combining yarn and/or fibers in a continuous web according to the pattern of predetermined, discrete regions, comprising the steps of, in one or more first discrete regions of the fabric element, forming loop yarn to a first pile height, the one or more first discrete regions corresponding to one or more regions of the user's body having first insulative requirements, and in one or more other discrete regions of said fabric element, forming loop yarn to another pile height different from and relatively greater than the first pile height, the one or more other discrete regions corresponding to one or more regions of the user's body having other insulative requirements different from and relatively greater than the first insulative requirements; finishing one or both surfaces of the continuous web to form the predetermined, discrete regions into discrete regions of contrasting pile heights; removing the unitary fabric element from the continuous web according to the pattern of predetermined, discrete regions; and incorporating the unitary fabric element in a unitary fabric laminate, wherein the incorporating the unitary fabric element in a unitary fabric laminate comprises the step of laminating the unitary fabric element with an air and liquid water impermeable element in the form of a breatheable film. 7. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article of claim 3, wherein the incorporating the unitary fabric element in a unitary fabric laminate with an air and liquid water impermeable element in the form of a breatheable film comprises the further step of selecting a breatheable film from the group consisting of porous hydrophobic film and non porous hydrophilic film. 8. A method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article having a multiplicity of predetermined discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity positioned about the article in an arrangement having correlation to insulative requirements of corresponding regions of a user's body, the unitary fabric element defining at least two predetermined, discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity, said method comprising the steps of: designing a pattern of the predetermined, discrete regions; combining yarn and/or fibers in a continuous web according to the pattern of predetermined, discrete regions, comprising the steps of, in one or more first discrete regions of the fabric element, forming loop yarn to a first pile height, the one or more first discrete regions corresponding to one or more regions of the user's body having first insulative requirements, and in one or more other discrete regions of said fabric element, forming loop yarn to another pile height different from and relatively greater than the first pile height, the one or more other discrete regions corresponding to one or more regions of the user's body having other insulative requirements different from and relatively greater than the first insulative requirements; finishing one or both surfaces of the continuous web to form the predetermined, discrete regions into discrete regions of contrasting pile heights; and removing the unitary fabric element from the continuous web according to the pattern of predetermined, discrete regions, wherein a unitary fabric, selected from the group consisting of: single face unitary fabric element, double face unitary fabric element, and a unitary fabric laminate, has a raised inner side with a no-loop or low-loop region along a seam edge, the method comprising the further steps of: joining together the unitary fabric and a complementary unitary fabric with a seam along a seam edge, and applying a narrow band of thermoplastic tape with heat and pressure over the seam in the no-loop or low-loop region on the inner side. 9. A method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article having a multiplicity of predetermined discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity positioned about the article in an arrangement having correlation to insulative requirements of corresponding regions of a user's body, the unitary fabric element defining at least two predetermined, discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity, said method comprising the steps of: designing a pattern of the predetermined, discrete regions combining yarn and/or fibers in a continuous web according to the pattern of predetermined, discrete regions, comprising the steps of, in one or more first discrete regions of the fabric element, forming loop yarn to a first pile height, the one or more first discrete regions corresponding to one or more regions of the user's body having first insulative requirements, and in one or more other discrete regions of said fabric element, forming loop yarn to another pile height different from and relatively greater than the first pile height, the one or more other discrete regions corresponding to one or more regions of the user's body having other insulative requirements different from and relatively greater than the first insulative requirements; finishing one or both surfaces of the continuous web to form the predetermined, discrete regions into discrete regions of contrasting pile heights; and removing the unitary fabric element from the continuous web according to the pattern of predetermined, discrete regions, wherein a unitary fabric, selected from the group consisting of: single face unitary fabric element, double face unitary fabric element, and a unitary fabric laminate, has a raised inner side, the method comprising the further steps of: forming a no-loop or low-loop region adjacent to a raised inner side region, and folding the no-loop or low-loop region to form a double fabric layer region without double bulk of the raised inner side region. 10. A method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article having a multiplicity of predetermined discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity positioned about the article in an arrangement having correlation to insulative requirements of corresponding regions of a user's body, the unitary fabric element defining at least two predetermined, discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity, said method comprising the steps of: designing a pattern of the predetermined, discrete regions; combining yarn and/or fibers in a continuous web according to the pattern of predetermined, discrete regions, comprising the steps of, in one or more first discrete regions of the fabric element, forming loop yarn to a first pile height, the one or more first discrete regions corresponding to one or more regions of the user's body having first insulative requirements, and in one or more other discrete regions of said fabric element, forming loop yarn to another pile height different from and relatively greater than the first pile height, the one or more other discrete regions corresponding to one or more regions of the user's body having other insulative requirements different from and relatively greater than the first insulative requirements; finishing one or both surfaces of the continuous web to form the predetermined, discrete regions into discrete regions of contrasting pile heights; and removing the unitary fabric element from the continuous web according to the pattern of predetermined, discrete regions, wherein the combining yam and/or fibers in a continuous web comprises the further step of incorporating fibers of stretch and/or elastic material in the stitch yarn. 11. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article of claim 5 or claim 7, wherein the combining yarn and/or fibers in a continuous web comprises combining yarn and/or fibers of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: synthetic yarn and/or fibers, natural yarn and/or fibers, regenerate yarn and/or fibers, and specialty yarn and/or fibers. 12. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article of claim 11, wherein the synthetic yarn and/or fibers are selected from the group consisting of: polyester yarn and/or fibers, nylon yarn and/or fibers, acrylic yarn and/or fibers, polypropylene yarn and/or fibers, and continuous filament flat or textured or spun yarn made of synthetic staple fibers. 13. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article of claim 11, wherein the natural yarn and/or fibers is selected from the group consisting of: cotton yarn and/or fibers and wool yarn and/or fibers. 14. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article of claim 11, wherein the regenerate yarn and/or fibers is selected from the group consisting of: rayon yarn and/or fibers. 15. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article of claim 11, wherein the specialty yarn and/or fibers is selected from the group consisting of flame retardant yarn and/or fibers. 16. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article of claim 15, wherein the flame retardant yam and/or fibers is selected from the group consisting of: flame retardant aramide yarn and/or fibers, and flame retardant polyester yarn and/or fibers. 17. A method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article having a multiplicity of predetermined discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity positioned about the article in an arrangement having correlation to insulative requirements of corresponding regions of a user's body, the unitary fabric element defining at least two predetermined, discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity, said method comprising the steps of: designing a pattern of the predetermined, discrete regions; combining yarn and/or fibers in a continuous web according to the pattern of predetermined, discrete regions, comprising the steps of, in one or more first discrete regions of the fabric element, forming loop yarn to a first pile height, the one or more first discrete regions corresponding to one or more regions of the user's body having first insulative requirements, and in one or more other discrete regions of said fabric element, forming loop yarn to another pile height different from and relatively greater than the first pile height, the one or more other discrete regions corresponding to one or more regions of the user's body having other insulative requirements different from and relatively greater than the first insulative requirements; finishing one or both surfaces of the continuous web to form the predetermined, discrete regions into discrete regions of contrasting pile heights; and removing the unitary fabric element from the continuous web according to the pattern of predetermined, discrete regions, wherein the multiplicity of predetermined discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity positioned about the article in an arrangement having correlation to insulative requirements of corresponding regions of a user's body comprises discrete regions selected from the group consisting of: high tortuosity, low tortuosity, open construction and combinations thereof. 18. A method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article having a multiplicity of predetermined discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity positioned about the article in an arrangement having correlation to insulative requirements of corresponding regions of a user's body, the unitary fabric element defining at least two predetermined, discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity, said method comprising the steps of: designing a pattern of the predetermined, discrete regions; combining yarn and/or fibers in a continuous web according to the pattern of predetermined, discrete regions, comprising the steps of, in one or more first discrete regions of the fabric element, forming loop yarn to a first pile height, the one or more first discrete regions corresponding to one or more regions of the user's body having first insulative requirements, and in one or more other discrete regions of said fabric element, forming loop yarn to another pile height different from and relatively greater than the first pile height, the one or more other discrete regions corresponding to one or more regions of the user's body having other insulative requirements different from and relatively greater than the first insulative requirements; finishing one or both surfaces of the continuous web to form the predetermined, discrete regions into discrete regions of contrasting pile heights; removing the unitary fabric element from the continuous web according to the pattern of predetermined, discrete regions; and laminating a breatheable membrane between a knit surface region of no loop yarn and a knit surface region with velour having low pile height, high pile height, and/or any combinations thereof. 19. A method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article having a multiplicity of predetermined discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity positioned about the article in an arrangement having correlation to insulative requirements of corresponding regions of a user's body, the unitary fabric element defining at least two predetermined, discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity, said method comprising the steps of: designing a pattern of the predetermined, discrete regions; combining yarn and/or fibers in a continuous web according to the pattern of predetermined, discrete regions, comprising the steps of, in one or more first discrete regions of the fabric element, forming loop yarn to a first pile height, the one or more first discrete regions corresponding to one or more regions of the user's body having first insulative requirements, and in one or more other discrete regions of said fabric element, forming loop yarn to another pile height different from and relatively greater than the first pile height, the one or more other discrete regions corresponding to one or more regions of the user's body having other insulative requirements different from and relatively greater than the first insulative requirements; finishing one or both surfaces of the continuous web to form the predetermined, discrete regions into discrete regions of contrasting pile heights; removing the unitary fabric element from the continuous web according to the pattern of predetermined, discrete regions; and finishing a technical face and a technical back of the unitary fabric element in a manner to preserve, enhance, and/or create contrasting levels of bulk and to form one or more fleece surface regions. 20. A method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article having a multiplicity of predetermined discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity positioned about the article in an arrangement having correlation to insulative requirements of corresponding regions of a user's body, the unitary fabric element defining at least two predetermined, discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity, said method comprising the steps of: designing a pattern of the predetermined, discrete regions; combining yarn and/or fibers in a continuous web according to the pattern of predetermined, discrete regions, comprising the steps of, in one or more first discrete regions of the fabric element, forming loop yarn to a first pile height, the one or more first discrete regions corresponding to one or more regions of the user's body having first insulative requirements, and in one or more other discrete regions of said fabric element, forming loop yarn to another pile height different from and relatively greater than the first pile height, the one or more other discrete regions corresponding to one or more regions of the user's body having other insulative requirements different from and relatively greater than the first insulative requirements; finishing one or both surfaces of the continuous web to form the predetermined, discrete regions into discrete regions of contrasting pile heights; and removing the unitary fabric element from the continuous web according to the pattern of predetermined, discrete regions, wherein loop yarn in the one or more first discrete regions of the fabric element has a first shrinkage performance and loop yarn in the one or more other discrete regions of the fabric element has another shrinkage performance different from the first shrinkage performance, and the method comprises the farther step of: exposing the continuous web to heat in a manner to cause loop yarn having a first shrinkage performance to shrink to form to a first pile height and to cause loop yarn having another shrinkage performance different from the first shrinkage performance to shrink to one or more other pile heights relatively greater than the first pile height. 21. A method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article having a multiplicity of predetermined discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity positioned about the article in an arrangement having correlation to insulative requirements of corresponding regions of a user's body, the unitary fabric element defining at least two predetermined, discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity, said method comprising the steps of: designing a pattern of the predetermined, discrete regions; combining yarn and/or fibers in a continuous web according to the pattern of predetermined, discrete regions, comprising the steps of, in one or more first discrete regions of the fabric element, forming loop yarn to a first pile height, the one or more first discrete regions corresponding to one or more regions of the user's body having first insulative requirements, and in one or more other discrete regions of said fabric element, forming loop yarn to another pile height different from and relatively greater than the first pile height, the one or more other discrete regions corresponding to one or more regions of the user's body having other insulative requirements different from and relatively greater than the first insulative requirements; finishing one or both surfaces of the continuous web to form the predetermined, discrete regions into discrete regions of contrasting pile heights; removing the unitary fabric element from the continuous web according to the pattern of predetermined, discrete regions; in one or more discrete regions of the fabric element, forming loop yarn having a shrinkage performance different from shrinkage performance of loop yarn in one or more other discrete regions of the fabric element; and exposing the continuous web to heat in a manner to cause loop yarn having a shrinkage performance different from shrinkage performance in one or more other discrete regions of the fabric element to shrink to a different, lesser pile height. 22. A method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article having a multiplicity of predetermined discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity positioned about the article in an arrangement having correlation to insulative requirements of corresponding regions of a user's body, the unitary fabric element defining at least two predetermined, discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity, said method comprising the steps of: designing a pattern of the predetermined, discrete regions; combining yarn and/or fibers in a continuous web according to the pattern of predetermined, discrete regions, comprising the steps of, in one or more first discrete regions of the fabric element, forming loop yarn to a first pile height, the one or more first discrete regions corresponding to one or more regions of the user's body having first insulative requirements, and in one or more other discrete regions of said fabric element, forming loop yarn to another pile height different from and relatively greater than the first pile height, the one or more other discrete regions corresponding to one or more regions of the user's body having other insulative requirements different from and relatively greater than the first insulative requirements; finishing one or both surfaces of the continuous web to form the predetermined, discrete regions into discrete regions of contrasting pile heights; removing the unitary fabric element from the continuous web according to the pattern of predetermined, discrete regions; forming a first surface with the predetermined, discrete regions; forming an opposite, second surface with plain loops; and raising and finishing the opposite second surface as fleece, velour or shearling. 23. A method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article having a multiplicity of predetermined discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity positioned about the article in an arrangement having correlation to insulative requirements of corresponding regions of a user's body, the unitary fabric element defining at least two predetermined, discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity, said method comprising the steps of: designing a pattern of the predetermined, discrete regions; combining yarn and/or fibers in a continuous web on a knitting machine according to the pattern of the predetermined, discrete regions, comprising the steps of, in one or more first discrete regions of the fabric element, forming loop yam having a first shrinkage performance to loops of a predetermined loop height, the one or more first discrete regions corresponding to one or more regions of the wearer's body having first insulative requirements, and in one or more other discrete regions of said fabric element, forming loop yarn having another shrinkage performance different from the first shrinkage performance to loops of the predetermined loop height, the one or more other discrete regions corresponding to one or more regions of the user's body having other insulative requirements different from 10 and relatively greater than the first insulative requirements; cutting the loops of the one or more first discrete regions and the loops of the one or more other discrete regions of the continuous web while on the knitting machine; finishing the cut loops of the one or more first discrete regions and the cut loops of the one or more other discrete regions to a common pile height; exposing the continuous web to heat in a manner to cause cut loop yarn having a first shrinkage performance to shrink to form pile to a first pile height and to cause cut loop yarn having another shrinkage performance different from the first shrinkage performance to shrink to form pile to one or more other pile heights relatively greater than the first pile height; finishing one or both surfaces of the continuous web to form the predetermined, discrete regions into discrete regions of contrasting pile heights; and removing the unitary fabric element from the continuous web according to the pattern of predetermined, discrete regions. 24. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article of claim 23, wherein the first shrinkage performance is in the range of about 20% shrinkage to about 60% shrinkage. 25. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article of claim 23 or claim 24, wherein the another shrinkage performance is in the range of about 0% shrinkage to about boo shrinkage. 26. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article of claim 23, wherein the unitary fabric element comprises a silhouette for the engineered thermal fabric article and the method comprises the farther steps of: forming a complementary unitary fabric element with a complementary pattern of predetermined, discrete regions, the complementary unitary fabric element comprising a complementary silhouette for the engineered thermal fabric article; and joining together the unitary fabric element and the complementary unitary fabric element to form the engineered thermal fabric article. 27. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article of claim 23, wherein the combining yarn and/or fibers in a continuous web according to the pattern of predetermined, discrete regions comprises combining yarn and/or fibers and determining pile height by controlling spacing between dial and cylinder. 28. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article of claim 23, wherein the forming loop yarn to the predetermined height comprises forming loops at a technical face of the unitary fabric element. 29. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article of claim 23, wherein the combining yarn and/or fibers in a continuous web comprises combining yarn and/or fibers by tubular circular knitting. 30. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric garment of claim 26, wherein the combining yarn and/or fibers in a continuous web by tubular circular knitting comprises combining yarn and/or fibers by reverse plaiting. 31. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric garment of claim 30, wherein the finishing comprises finishing one surface of the continuous web to form a single face fleece. 32. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric garment of claim 30, wherein the finishing comprises finishing both surfaces of the continuous web to form a double face fleece. 33. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article of claim 29, wherein the combining yarn and/or fibers in a continuous web by tubular circular knitting comprises combining yarn and/or fibers by regular plaiting. 34. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article of claim 33, wherein the finishing comprises forming a single face fleece by regular plaiting. 35. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article of claim 23, wherein the combining yarn and/or fibers in a continuous web comprises combining yarn and/or fibers by warp knitting. 36. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article of claim 23, wherein the combining yarn and/or fibers in a continuous web comprises combining yarn and/or fibers to form a woven fabric element. 37. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article of claim 23, wherein the combining the yarn and/or fibers in a continuous web comprises combining yarn and/or fibers to form a fully fashion knit fabric body. 38. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article of claim 23, wherein the finishing one or both surfaces of the continuous web to form the predetermined, discrete regions into discrete regions of contrasting pile heights comprises raising one surface or both surfaces. 39. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article of claim 23, wherein the finishing one or both surfaces of the continuous web to form the predetermined, discrete regions into discrete regions of contrasting pile heights comprises cutting selected loops on one surface and raising the opposite surface. 40. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article of claim 23, wherein the finishing one or both surfaces of the continuous web comprises applying a hard face chemical resin or chemical binder to one surface or to both surfaces to improve pill resistance and/or abrasion resistance. 41. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article of claim 23 or claim 35, comprising the further step of incorporating the unitary fabric element in a laminate. 42. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article of claim 41, wherein the incorporating the unitary fabric element in a laminate comprises laminating the unitary fabric element with a controlled air permeability element. 43. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article of claim 42, wherein the incorporating the unitary fabric element in a laminate with a controlled air permeability element comprises selecting a controlled air permeability element from the group consisting of: perforated membrane, crushed adhesive as a layer, foam adhesive as a layer, discontinuous breatheable membrane, porous hydrophobic breatheable film and non porous hydrophilic breatheable film. 44. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article of claim 41, wherein the incorporating the unitary fabric element in a unitary fabric laminate comprises laminating the unitary fabric element with an air and liquid water Impermeable element in the form of a breatheable film. 45. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article of claim 44, wherein the incorporating the unitary fabric element in a unitary fabric laminate with an air and liquid water impermeable element in the form of a breatheable film comprises the farther step of selecting a breatheable film from the group consisting of porous hydrophobic film and non porous hydrophilic film. 46. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article of claim 23, where a unitary fabric, selected from the group consisting of: single face unitary fabric element, double face unitary fabric element, and a unitary fabric laminate, has a raised inner side with a no-loop or low-loop region along a seam edge, the method comprising the further steps of: joining together the unitary fabric and a complementary unitary fabric with a seam along a seam edge, and applying a narrow band of thermoplastic tape with heat and pressure over the seam in the no-loop or low-loop region on the inner side. 47. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article of claim 46, wherein a unitary fabric, selected from the group consisting of: single face unitary fabric element, double face unitary fabric element, and a unitary fabric laminate, has a raised inner side, the method comprising the further steps of: forming a no-loop or low-loop region adjacent to a raised inner side region, and folding the no-loop or low-loop region to form a double fabric layer region without double bulk of the raised inner side region. 48. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article of claim 23, wherein the combining yarn and/or fibers in a continuous web comprises the further step of incorporating fibers of stretch and/or elastic material in the stitch yarn. 49. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article of claim 43 or claim 45, wherein the combining yarn and/or fibers in a continuous web comprises combining yarn and/or fibers of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: synthetic yarn and/or fibers, natural yarn and/or fibers, regenerate yarn and/or fibers, and specialty yarn and/or fibers. 50. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article of claim 49, wherein the synthetic yarn and/or fibers is selected from the group consisting of: polyester yarn and/or fibers, nylon yam and/or fibers, acrylic yarn and/or fibers, polypropylene yarn and/or fibers, and continuous filament flat or textured or spun yarn made of synthetic staple fibers. 51. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article of claim 49, wherein the natural yarn and/or fibers is selected from the group consisting of: cotton yarn and/or fibers and wool yarn and/or fibers. 52. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article of claim 49, wherein the regenerate yam and/or fibers is selected from the group consisting of: rayon yarn and/or fibers. 53. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article of claim 49, wherein the specialty yarn and/or fibers is selected from the group consisting of flame retardant yam and/or fibers. 54. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article of claim 53, wherein the flame retardant yam and/or fibers is selected from the group consisting of: flame retardant aramide yarn and/or fibers, and flame retardant polyester yam and/or fibers. 55. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article of claim 23, wherein the forming loop yam to the first pile height comprises forming loop yam to a low pile using low sinker and/or shrinkable yam. 56. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article of claim 23 or claim 55, wherein the forming loop yarn to the first pile height comprises forming loop yarn to a low pile height of about 1 mm. 57. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article of claim 23, wherein the forming loop yarn to the another pile height different from and relatively greater than the first pile height, comprises forming loop yarn to a high pile height in the range of greater than about 1 mm up to about 20 mm. 58. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article of claim 23, wherein the multiplicity of predetermined discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity positioned about the article in an arrangement having correlation to insulative requirements of corresponding regions of a user's body comprises discrete regions selected from the group consisting of: high pile, low pile and combinations thereof. 59. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article of claim 23, wherein the multiplicity of predetermined discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity positioned about the article in an arrangement having 10 correlation to insulative requirements of corresponding regions of a user's body comprises discrete regions selected from the group consisting of: high pile, low pile, no pile and combinations thereof. 60. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article of claim 23, wherein the multiplicity of predetermined discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity positioned about the article in an arrangement having correlation to insulative requirements of corresponding regions of a user's body comprises discrete regions selected from the group consisting of: high tortuosity, low tortuosity, open construction and combinations thereof. 61. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal fabric article of claim 23 having the form of a thermal fabric garment, wherein the one or more first discrete regions and the one or more other discrete regions correspond to one or more regions of the wearer's body selected from the group consisting of: spinal cord area, spine, back area, upper back area, lower back area, neck area, back of knee areas, front of chest area, breast area, abdominal area, armpit areas, arm areas, front of elbow areas, sacrum dimple areas, groin area, thigh areas, and shin areas. 62. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal o fabric article of claim 23, further comprising the step of finishing a technical face and a technical back of the unitary fabric element in a manner to preserve, enhance, and/or create contrasting levels of bulk and to form one or more fleece surface regions. 63. The method of forming a unitary fabric element for use in an engineered thermal 5 fabric article of claim 23, comprising the further steps of: in one or more discrete regions of the fabric element, forming loop yarn to a pile height different from loop yarn pile heights in other discrete regions of the fabric element. 64. A unitary fabric element and an engineered thermal fabric article comprising the unitary fabric element, said unitary fabric element having a multiplicity of predetermined discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity positioned about the article in an arrangement having correlation to insulative requirements of corresponding regions of a user's body, the unitary fabric element defining at least two predetermined, discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity, comprising, in one or more first discrete regions of the fabric element, loop yarn having a first pile height, the one or more first discrete regions corresponding to one or more regions of the user's body having first insulative requirements, and, in one or more other discrete regions of said fabric element, loop yarn having another pile height different from and relatively greater than the first pile height, the one or more other discrete regions corresponding to one or more regions of the user's body having other insulative requirements different from and relatively greater than the first insulative requirements. 65. The unitary fabric element and engineered thermal fabric article of claim 64, wherein the engineered thermal fabric article has the form of an engineered thermal fabric garment. 66. The unitary fabric element and engineered thermal fabric article of claim 64 or claim 65, further comprising a complementary unitary fabric element with a complementary pattern of predetermined, discrete regions, said complementary unitary fabric element and said unitary fabric element joined together to form an engineered thermal fabric garment. 67. The unitary fabric element and engineered thermal fabric article of claim 64, wherein the engineered thermal fabric article has the form of an engineered thermal fabric home textile article. 68. The unitary fabric element and engineered thermal fabric article of claim 67, wherein the engineered thermal fabric home textile article has the form of a blanket. 69. The unitary fabric element and engineered thermal fabric article of claim 67, wherein the engineered thermal fabric home textile article has the form of an article selected from the group consisting of: mattress cover, mattress ticking, and viscoelastic mattress ticking. 70. The unitary fabric element and engineered thermal fabric article of claim 64, wherein the engineered thermal fabric article has the form of an engineered thermal fabric upholstery cover. 71. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric article of claim 64, wherein at least one surface is finished to form a single face fleece. 72. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric article of claim 64, wherein both surfaces are finished to form a double face fleece. 73. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric article of claim 64, wherein yam and/or fibers are combined by regular plaiting. 74. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric article of claim 64, wherein yam and/or fibers are combined by reverse plaiting. 75. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric article of claim 74, wherein both surfaces are finished to form a double face fleece. 76. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric article of claim 64, wherein yam and/or fibers are combined by warp knitting. 77. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric article of claim 64, wherein yam and/or fibers are combined in a woven fabric element. 78. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric article of claim 64, wherein yam and/or fibers is finished to form a fully fashion knit fabric body. 79. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric article of claim 64 in the form of a thermal fabric article, farther comprising an outer surface having a hard face chemical resin or chemical binder for improved pill resistance and/or abrasion resistance. 80. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric article of claim 64, further comprising a unitary fabric laminate. 81. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric article of claim 80 wherein said unitary fabric laminate comprises a controlled air permeability element. 82. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric article of claim 81, wherein said controlled air permeability element is selected from the group consisting of: perforated membrane, crushed adhesive as a layer, foam adhesive as a layer, discontinuous breatheable membrane, porous hydrophobic breatheable film and non porous hydrophilic breatheable film. 83. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric article of claim 80, wherein the unitary fabric laminate further comprises an air and liquid water impermeable element in the form of a breatheable film. 84. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric article of claim 83, wherein the air and liquid water impermeable element in the form of a breatheable film is select from the group consisting of: porous hydrophobic film and non porous hydrophilic film. 85. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric article of claim 64, wherein a unitary fabric, selected from the group consisting of: single face unitary fabric element, double face unitary fabric element, and a unitary fabric laminate, has a raised inner side with a no-loop or low-loop region along a seam edge, and the unitary fabric and a complementary unitary fabric secured together by a seam along a seam edge with a narrow band of thermoplastic tape with heat and pressure over the seam in the no-loop or low-loop region on the inner side. 86. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric article of claim 64, wherein a unitary fabric, selected from the group consisting of: single face unitary fabric element, double face unitary fabric element, and a unitary fabric laminate, has a raised inner side with a no-loop or low-loop region adjacent to a raised inner side region, and the no-loop or low-loop region is folded to form a double fabric layer region without double bulk of the raised inner side region. 87. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric article of claim 64, further comprising fibers of stretch and/or elastic material incorporated in the stitch yarn. 88. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric article of claim 82 or claim 84, wherein the fabric is formed of yarn and/or fibers of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: synthetic yarn and/or fibers, natural yarn and/or fibers, regenerate yarn and/or fibers, and specialty yarn and/or fibers. 89. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric article of claim 88, wherein the synthetic yarn and/or fibers is selected from the group consisting of: polyester yarn and/or fibers, nylon yarn and/or fibers, acrylic yarn and/or fibers, polypropylene yarn and/or fibers, and continuous filament flat or textured or spun yarn made 5 of synthetic staple fibers. 90. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric article of claim 88, wherein the natural yarn and/or fibers is selected from the group consisting of: cotton yarn and/or fibers and wool yarn and/or fibers. 91. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric article of claim 88, wherein the regenerate yarn and/or fibers is selected from the group consisting of: rayon yarn and/or fibers. 92. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric article of claim 88, wherein the specialty yarn and/or fibers are selected from the group consisting of flame retardant yarn and/or fibers. 93. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric article of claim 92, wherein the flame retardant yarn and/or fibers is selected from the group consisting of: flame retardant aramide yarn and/or fibers, and flame retardant polyester yarn and/or fibers. 94. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric article of claim 64, wherein said one or more first discrete regions having a first pile height comprises loop yarn formed to a low pile using low sinker and/or shrinkable yarn. 95. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric article of claim 64, wherein said multiplicity of predetermined discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity positioned about the fabric in an arrangement having correlation to insulative requirements of corresponding regions of a user's body comprises discrete regions having pile heights selected from the group consisting of: first pile height, second pile height, no pile and combinations thereof. 96. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric article of claim 64, wherein said one or more first discrete regions having a first pile height comprises one or more regions of loop yarn formed to a low pile height using low sinker and/or shrinkable yarn and one or more regions of no pile, and said one or more other discrete regions comprises loop yarn formed to a pile height relatively greater than said first pile height. 97. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric article of claim 64, claim 85, claim 86 or claim 87, wherein said one or more first discrete regions having a first pile height comprises loop yarn formed to a low pile height of up to about 1 mm. 98. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric article of claim 64, wherein said one or more other discrete regions having another pile height different from and relatively greater than the first pile height comprises loop yarn formed to a high pile height in the range of greater than about 1 mm up to about 20 mm in a single face fabric. 99. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric article of claim 64, wherein said one or more other discrete regions having another pile height different from and relatively greater than the first pile height comprises loop yarn formed to a high pile height in the range of greater than about 2 mm up to about 40 mm in a double face fabric. 100. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric article of claim 64, wherein the multiplicity of predetermined discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity positioned about the fabric in an arrangement having correlation to insulative requirements of corresponding regions of a user's body comprises discrete regions selected from the group consisting of: high pile, low pile, no pile and combinations thereof. 101. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric article of claim 64 or claim 96, wherein the multiplicity of predetermined discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity positioned about the fabric in an arrangement having correlation to insulative requirements of corresponding regions of a user's body comprises discrete regions selected from the group consisting of: high tortuosity, low tortuosity, open construction and combinations thereof. 102. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric article of claim 64 in the form of a thermal fabric garment, wherein the one or more first discrete regions and the 0 one or more other discrete regions correspond to one or more regions of the wearer s body selected from the group consisting of: spinal cord area, spine, back area, upper back area, lower back area, neck area, back of knee areas, front of chest area, breast area, abdominal area, armpit areas, arm areas, front of elbow areas, sacrum dimple areas, groin area, thigh areas, and shin areas. 103. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric article of claim 64, further comprising a breatheable membrane laminated between a knit surface region of no loop yarn and a knit surface region with velour having low pile height, high pile height and/or any combinations thereof. 104. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric article of claim 64, wherein a technical face and a technical back of the unitary fabric element are finished in a manner to preserve, enhance, or create contrasting levels of bulk and form one or more fleece surface regions. 105. An engineered thermal fabric article formed by the method of any claim of claims 1-4, 5-10, 17, 18-24, 26-40, 46-48, 55, and 57-63. 106. The engineered thermal fabric article of claim 105 having the form of an engineered thermal fabric garment. 107. The engineered thermal fabric article of claim 105 having the form of an engineered thermal fabric home textile article. 108. The engineered thermal fabric article of claim 107 having the form of a blanket. 109. The engineered thermal fabric article of claim 107 having the form of an article selected from the group consisting of: mattress cover, mattress ticking, and viscoelastic mattress ticking. 110. The engineered thermal fabric article of claim 105 having the form of an engineered thermal fabric upholstery cover. 111. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric article of claim 99 in the form of a thermal fabric garment, wherein the garment is configured to be worn under body armor. 112. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric garment of claim 111, further comprising at least one sensor configured to monitor conditions of a garment wearer. 113. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric garment of claim 111, further comprising at least one sensor configured to monitor conditions of the garment relative to a garment wearer. 114. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric garment of claim 111, further comprising at least one sensor element incorporated in the stitch yarn. 115. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric garment of claim 111, further comprising a no loop region having plaited construction. 116. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric garment of claim 111, further comprising a no loop region having jersey construction. 117. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric garment of claim 64 and having the form of an article of clothing or clothing accessory selected from the group consisting of: socks, gloves, hats, earmuffs, neck warmers, headbands, and balaclavas. 118. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric garment of claim 64 and having the form of a shoe insert, shoe insole or shoe lining. 119. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric article of claim 64 formed by yams comprising the one or more other discrete regions of said fabric element having at least a first predetermined shrinkage performance and a second, significantly greater, predetermined shrinkage performance and having a random, texture pattern surface, generated by exposure of the cut loop yam having at least a first predetermined shrinkage performance and a second, significantly great, predetermined shrinkage performance to heat. 120. The unitary fabric element and engineered thermal fabric article of claim 119, wherein the loop yam having at least a first predetermined shrinkage performance is relatively coarse and longer, and the loop yam having the second, significantly greater, predetermined shrinkage performance comprises very fine micro fibers. 121. A unitary fabric element and an engineered thermal fabric garment formed of the unitary fabric element, wherein said unitary fabric element has plaited construction and a multiplicity of predetermined discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity positioned about the garment in an arrangement having correlation to insulative requirements of corresponding regions of a wearer's body, the unitary fabric element defining at least two predetermined, discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity, comprising one or more first discrete regions of the fabric element having a first pile height, the one or more first discrete regions corresponding to one or more regions of the wearer's body having first insulative requirements, and one or more other discrete regions of said fabric element having another pile height different from and relatively greater than the first pile height, the one or more other discrete regions corresponding to one or more regions of the wearer's body having other insulative requirements different from and relatively greater than the first insulative requirements, said unitary fabric element comprises an outer layer formed of yam and/or fibers of relatively fine dpf and an inner layer formed of yam and/or fibers of relatively coarse dpf for encouraging flow of liquid sweat from the inner layer toward the outer layer. 122. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric garment of claim 121, wherein said one or more first discrete regions comprises open mesh, see-through construction for enhanced flow of air. 123. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric garment of claim 121, wherein said outer layer has a surface comprising one or more discrete regions of full knit with smooth, aerodynamic surface. 124. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric garment of claim 121 wherein said outer layer comprises one or more discrete regions having a textured surface. 125. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric garment of claim 124, wherein said one or more discrete regions having a textured surface has a construction selected from the group consisting of: knit-tuck, knit-welt, and knit-welt-tuck. 126. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric garment of claim 121, wherein said inner layer comprises one or more discrete regions having a slightly brushed surface providing a relatively reduced number of touching points to a wearer's skin, for minimizing any clinging effect. 127. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric garment of claim 121, wherein the inner layer comprises synthetic fibers treated chemically to render the fibers hydrophilic. 128. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric garment of claim 127, wherein the outer layer comprises fibers of natural materials. 129. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric garment of claim 121, further comprising spandex, for two-way stretch. 130. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric garment of claim 121, wherein the outer layer has anti-microbial properties, for minimizing body odors. 131. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric garment of claim 121, wherein the inner layer comprises fibers containing ceramic particles, for enhancing body heat reflection from a wearer's skin. 132. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric garment of claim 121, wherein said unitary fabric element of plaited construction comprises a unitary fabric element of double knit construction. 133. The unitary fabric element and the engineered thermal fabric garment of claim 121, wherein said unitary fabric element of plaited construction comprises a unitary fabric element of plaited jersey construction. 134. The unitary fabric element and engineered thermal fabric garment of claim 133, wherein said unitary fabric element of plaited jersey construction comprises a unitary fabric element of double plaited jersey construction. 135. The unitary fabric element and engineered thermal fabric garment of claim 133, wherein said unitary fabric element of plaited jersey construction comprises a unitary fabric element of triple plaited jersey construction.