EP2498043A1 - Three-dimensional modular camouflage system - Google Patents

Three-dimensional modular camouflage system Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2498043A1
EP2498043A1 EP11157783A EP11157783A EP2498043A1 EP 2498043 A1 EP2498043 A1 EP 2498043A1 EP 11157783 A EP11157783 A EP 11157783A EP 11157783 A EP11157783 A EP 11157783A EP 2498043 A1 EP2498043 A1 EP 2498043A1
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Prior art keywords
camouflage
marked
module
symbol
example number
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EP11157783A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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Andrzej Zelazniewicz
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41H—ARMOUR; ARMOURED TURRETS; ARMOURED OR ARMED VEHICLES; MEANS OF ATTACK OR DEFENCE, e.g. CAMOUFLAGE, IN GENERAL
    • F41H3/00—Camouflage, i.e. means or methods for concealment or disguise
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41H—ARMOUR; ARMOURED TURRETS; ARMOURED OR ARMED VEHICLES; MEANS OF ATTACK OR DEFENCE, e.g. CAMOUFLAGE, IN GENERAL
    • F41H3/00—Camouflage, i.e. means or methods for concealment or disguise
    • F41H3/02—Flexible, e.g. fabric covers, e.g. screens, nets characterised by their material or structure

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a three-dimensional modular camouflage system.
  • Jute and burlap camouflage systems known as "ghillies” have been used since the 19 th century to hide humans in the wilderness. They were made of jute and burlap. Jute and burlap have a certain level of modularity since they can be attached to nets, rifles, gear and other objects by knotting.
  • Conventional ghillie suits consist of a net (originally fishing net) that can be used as a backing to which the natural camouflage (jute/burlap) elements (length circa 30 -50 cm) are knotted. The net itself is sewn to a combat uniform or any underlying clothing.
  • camouflage materials are very flammable and therefore very dangerous in a tactical environment.
  • US Marine Jeremy Ehart who was severely burnt and disfigured by a ghillie suit during training is well known. Flame retardant can be applied but it is not a durable treatment since it can be washed out by water.
  • camouflage materials tend to absorb water and to become much darker when wet. This makes it impossible to obtain consistent camouflage colours and infrared reflection (IRR) under rain or after immersion. For instance, during showers in a jungle all plants remain light green while a natural ghillie suit becomes almost black. Water absorption also produces dramatic weight increase that hinders the user's movement. In cold climates such water absorption can result in freezing and make the suit potentially dangerous for the wearer because of hypothermia.
  • NBD night vision devices
  • jute and burlap are not rigid enough to stand erect and create realistic shades replicating natural shades. They are incapable of resisting gravity and therefore are useless when it comes to replicating more rigid natural elements.
  • a device includes a retaining mechanism and at least two coupling mechanisms for attaching the device to the clothing, or person, of the user.
  • the device includes elastomeric banding to attach a device to the user.
  • the device includes a backing plate to provide tension across the retaining mechanism. The user immobilizes the camouflage material by inserting the camouflage material between the retaining mechanism and the clothing, apparel or person of the user.
  • the inconvenience of the system described in WO 2010111706 is that the main camouflage material is natural vegetation. Natural vegetation is fragile and it is not possible to pack and unpack a system covered by natural vegetation. It also tends to wilt and dry thus failing to provide adequate concealment for more than a few hours.
  • zig-zags do not have specific spectro-colourimetric properties ensuring optimum realistic UV and light reflection.
  • zig-zags are permanently sewn so there is no possibility of modularity. For all those reasons zig-zags appear more as a very sophisticated 2-D solution than a credible 3-D solution and they do not meet user's expectations.
  • this camouflage means comprises a supplementary set of material pieces of desired configuration which are intended to be fastened in a desired pattern onto existing masking material, for example a net.
  • the emission coefficient of the material pieces differs substantially from the emission coefficient of the masking material, preferably by a difference of at least about 0.3.
  • the invention also relates to masking material on which such material pieces are attached
  • camouflage construction comprises a first base layer having a top side defining a first camouflage motif and an opposite bottom side defining a second camouflage motif.
  • a second garnish layer formed from a plurality of elongated strips each having a central longitudinal axis extending between opposite ends of each strip, and a plurality of slits formed transverse to each strip longitudinal axis so that a plurality of fingers are formed on each side of the longitudinal axis so that each finger has a first end that is attached to a continuous central portion of the strip and a second end that is free to move with respect to the first end and adjacent fingers, are bonded to the first base layer top side along the central longitudinal axes to form a three-dimensional motif on the first base layer top side.
  • Leaf Net suits are based on a mosquito net backing to which a Leaf Net is sewn. It is the same type of Leaf Net used to conceal vehicles. The flaw is that Leaf Net is not snag-free and tends to snag on natural or mechanical parts. Leaf Net suits are not modular.
  • a three-dimensional modular camouflage system characterized in that, the system is created by a combination of recurrent modules of irregular shapes and colours replicating key natural colours.
  • the camouflage modules are cut into smaller sections forming single modular camouflage elements, and further at least two such elements are superimposed in a non-parallel way (crossing) and are attached to an element (net or other) to be camouflaged.
  • modules perform in the UV/VIS/NIR ranges and are made of material comprised of 100% of polyester.
  • modules perform in the UV/VIS/NIR/FIR/Radar ranges have a weight of 180 to 230 g/m 2 and are made of polyester fibres mixed with metal fibres and coated with polyester urethane.
  • single camouflage elements are attached together as well as attached to the element to be camouflaged by means of the well known "Zip Ties" cable ties.
  • the basic colours of the camouflage modules are created by using: solvents, chemically structured pigments, polymers, plasticizer, and matting agents.
  • the basic colour of a module is marked by the symbol Sand 2.
  • the basic colour of a module is marked by the symbol Medium Oak.
  • the basic colour of a module is marked by the symbol Light Beech.
  • the basic colour of a module is marked by the symbol Dark Beech.
  • the basic colour of a module is marked by the symbol Light Brown.
  • the basic colour of a module is marked by the symbol Snow White.
  • the basic colour of a module is marked by the symbol Dark Olive Green.
  • the basic colour of a module is marked by the symbol Light Green 1.
  • the basic colour of a module is marked by the symbol Light Green 2.
  • the basic colour of a module is marked by the symbol Bluish Green.
  • fig. 1 illustrates single module
  • fig. 2 illustrates "Zip Ties" cable tie attached to an element (net) to be camouflaged
  • fig. 3 illustrates two single modular camouflage elements on an element (net) to be camouflaged
  • fig. 4 illustrates two single modular camouflage elements attached together to an element (net) to be camouflaged
  • fig. 5 illustrates two single modular camouflage elements attached together to an element (MOLLE) to be camouflaged.
  • a three-dimensional modular camouflage system is characterized in that, the system is created by a combination of recurrent modules 1 of irregular shapes and colours replicating key natural colours.
  • the camouflage modules 1 are cut into smaller sections forming single modular camouflage elements 2 , and further at least two such elements 2 are superimposed in a non-parallel way (crossing) and are attached to an element (net) to be camouflaged 3 .
  • Single camouflage elements 2 are attached together as well as attached to the element to be camouflaged 3 by means of the well known "Zip Ties" cable ties 4 .
  • the modules 1 are performing in the VIS/NIR ranges and are made of material comprising 100% of polyester.
  • the modules 1 are performing in the VIS/NIR/FIR/Radar ranges (multispectral version) and have a weight of 180 to 230 g/m 2 , are made of polyester fibres mixed with metal fibres and coated with polyester urethane.
  • the modules 1 are flame retardant and water and light resistant.
  • the method of fastening of the camouflage elements 2 allows the elements to be attached in such a way that after being squeezed the elements acquire height and depth creating volume and omni directional light reflection and shade projection.
  • Pressure exerted on the material forces the material to bend and to stand erect perpendicularly to the backing in an arbitrary manner.
  • Every attachment point (two camouflage elements 2 + a zip tie 4 ) assembles itself arbitrarily in a unique three dimensional configuration. Every attachment point is unique and independent form the backing in terms of orientation towards light. This enables the invention to perform even against sunlight or other illumination (back lit).
  • volume as well as light reflection while being positioned between the observer and the illumination source are far superior to prior art's performance.
  • the irregular shapes and the size of the camouflage modules 1 are designed to distort visual identification and to replicate most often occurring outlines of natural objects.
  • the pattern is abstract instead of figurative and emulating certain objects while excluding others.
  • the invention's omni directional pattern succeeds in emulating leaves, small stones and snow on branches.
  • the width of the camouflage elements 1 is determined according to a width/rigidity ratio so that the material provides maximal volume after being squeezed by the zip ties 4 . Diminishing width would lead to insufficient volume whereas augmenting width would make squeezing excessively difficult.
  • the basic colours of the modules 1 are created by using: solvents, chemically structured pigments, polymers, plasticizer, matting agents.
  • the basic colours of the modules 1 are marked in the eleven examples as:
  • Illuminant / Observer 1 D65 10 deg 2. A 10 deg 3. F11 10 deg Illuminant / Observer L* a* b* C* h* 1 65.42 5.15 17.00 17.76 73.15 2 67.07 8.15 19.14 20.80 66.94 3 66.57 4.86 19.27 19.87 75.85
  • Illuminant / Observer 1 D65 10 deg 2. A 10 deg 3. F11 10 deg Illuminant / Observer L* a* b* C* h* 1 54.56 3.67 15.41 15.84 76.61 2 55.96 6.21 17.43 18.50 70.39 3 55.68 2.08 17.49 17.61 83.21
  • Illuminant / Observer 1 D65 10 deg 2. A 10 deg 3. F11 10 deg Illuminant / Observer L* a* b* C* h* 1 54.96 7.67 17.69 19.28 66.57 2 56.89 10.31 20.26 22.73 63.02 3 56.08 7.96 20.02 21.55 68.31
  • Illuminant / Observer 1 D65 10 deg 2. A 10 deg 3. F11 10 deg Illuminant / Observer L* a* b* C* h* 1 53.24 17.97 28.71 33.87 57.96 2 56.86 18.56 34.91 39.54 62.00 3 56.31 12.52 33.81 36.06 69.68
  • Illuminant / Observer 1 D65 10 deg 2. A 10 deg 3. F11 10 deg Illuminant / Observer L* a* b* C* h* 1 40.16 17.71 24.14 29.94 53.73 2 43.47 18.39 29.70 34.93 58.23 3 42.67 14.67 28.40 31.98 62.70
  • Illuminant / Observer 1 D65 10 deg 2. A 10 deg 3. F11 10 deg Illuminant / Observer L* a* b* C* h* 1 36.33 4.79 10.00 11.09 64.42 2 37.51 6.35 11.69 13.31 61.47 3 36.91 4.87 11.20 12.21 66.50
  • Illuminant / Observer 1 D65 10 deg 2. A 10 deg 3. F11 10 deg Illuminant / Observer L* a* b* C* h* 1 93.70 -1.01 3.27 3.43 107.19 2 93.82 -0.09 2.97 2.98 91.80 3 93.81 -0.58 3.35 3.40 99.78
  • Illuminant / Observer 1 D65 10 deg 2. A 10 deg 3. F11 10 deg Illuminant / Observer L* a* b* C* h* 1 29.77 -2.75 6.48 7.04 223.00 2 29.95 -1.27 6.43 6.56 101.16 3 29.97 -4.22 7.06 8.22 120.86
  • Illuminant / Observer 1 D65 10 deg 2. A 10 deg 3. F11 10 deg Illuminant / Observer L* a* b* C* h* 1 38.65 -4.04 16.70 17.18 103.61 2 39.21 -1.80 16.73 16.83 96.12 3 39.77 -6.03 19.06 19.99 107.56
  • Illuminant / Observer 1 D65 10 deg 2. A 10 deg 3. F11 10 deg Illuminant / Observer L* a* b* C* h* 1 41.69 -12.05 22.27 25.32 118.41 2 41.70 -7.91 20.52 22.00 111.08 3 43.13 -14.82 25.44 29.45 120.22
  • Illuminant / Observer 1 D65 10 deg 2. A 10 deg 3. F11 10 deg Illuminant / Observer L* a* b* C* h* 1 36.70 -7.37 11.69 13.82 122.22 2 36.67 -5.32 11.27 12.46 115.27 3 37.94 -10.82 14.07 17.74 127.56
  • the user/operator can compose a camouflage pattern adapted to the terrain.
  • Composing the right modular camouflage is like painting the environment.
  • the user selects colours from the invention's palette. Then he adapts the proportions of each selected colour according to their occurrence in the terrain. Further he cuts the modules to match the size of natural items. Smaller natural items can be matched by small camouflage elements. Inversely bigger elements can be emulated by larger camouflage elements or entire modules.
  • the user can precisely choose where to place every element on the backing.
  • the backing is not necessarily a knitted net it can be a MOLLE strip or any other object with a diameter inferior to 80% of the length of the camouflage module (50 cm), which is 40 cm in diameter.
  • Optical equipment, weapons, parts of vehicles, camouflage nets, 3-D, clothing, can all be concealed by means of the invention.
  • the invention seems to have a different camouflage pattern as he moves. Changing position implies that the observer perceives different reflections and different shades of the invention as the angle of observation is modified. Therefore, he will not see the same thing and will have more difficulty in identifying the invention.
  • This effect is made possible thanks to the inventions omni directional light reflection and shade projection. It never seems to display the same pattern because the pattern is as dynamic as the movement of the observer or the movement of the source of illumination.

Abstract

A three-dimensional modular camouflage system characterized in that the system is created by a combination of recurrent modules (1) of irregular shapes and colours replicating key natural colours; the camouflage modules (1) are cut into smaller sections forming single modular camouflage elements (2), and further at least two such elements (2) are superimposed in a non-parallel way (crossing) and are attached to an element (net or other) to be camouflaged (4) by means of the well known "Zip Ties" cable ties (3).

Description

    FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • The invention relates to a three-dimensional modular camouflage system.
    • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • Jute and burlap camouflage systems known as "ghillies" have been used since the 19th century to hide humans in the wilderness. They were made of jute and burlap. Jute and burlap have a certain level of modularity since they can be attached to nets, rifles, gear and other objects by knotting. Conventional ghillie suits consist of a net (originally fishing net) that can be used as a backing to which the natural camouflage (jute/burlap) elements (length circa 30 -50 cm) are knotted. The net itself is sewn to a combat uniform or any underlying clothing.
  • These natural materials are good at imitating dry grass and dry high weeds, but they are not capable of imitating any natural green elements (such as leaves, grass, etc) without being dyed.
  • From a morphological standpoint, they cannot replicate leaves, stones or layers of snow on leaves and branches.
  • All natural camouflage materials are very flammable and therefore very dangerous in a tactical environment. Among others, the case of US Marine Jeremy Ehart who was severely burnt and disfigured by a ghillie suit during training is well known. Flame retardant can be applied but it is not a durable treatment since it can be washed out by water.
  • All natural camouflage materials tend to absorb water and to become much darker when wet. This makes it impossible to obtain consistent camouflage colours and infrared reflection (IRR) under rain or after immersion. For instance, during showers in a jungle all plants remain light green while a natural ghillie suit becomes almost black. Water absorption also produces dramatic weight increase that hinders the user's movement. In cold climates such water absorption can result in freezing and make the suit potentially dangerous for the wearer because of hypothermia.
  • Eventually, jute and burlap do not reflect light in the way natural leaves, stones or grass do. Their dull surface causes them to be easily spotted when back lit (placed and observed against sunlight) in a flat surface environment of leaves and/or stones.
  • Besides, it is impossible to match the coloured dyes perceived with the naked eye dyes with near infrared reflection frequencies. Thus it is impossible to master realistic camouflage against night vision devices (NVD).
  • More, jute and burlap are not rigid enough to stand erect and create realistic shades replicating natural shades. They are incapable of resisting gravity and therefore are useless when it comes to replicating more rigid natural elements.
  • For all those reasons, conventional ghillie suit users consider that their concealment system relies on about 70% of natural vegetation to be cut and attached to the fishing net on the spot just before operating. The problem is that natural vegetation wilts quickly and is very fragile. It is neither a reliable nor a durable solution and needs time to be set. It cannot be stowed away and used "out of the bag" because vegetal camouflage elements will be dried up and crushed.
  • Also, there are known from the patent description WO 2010111706 systems and methods for retaining camouflage material from the natural surrounding of a user. A device includes a retaining mechanism and at least two coupling mechanisms for attaching the device to the clothing, or person, of the user. Alternatively, the device includes elastomeric banding to attach a device to the user. The device includes a backing plate to provide tension across the retaining mechanism. The user immobilizes the camouflage material by inserting the camouflage material between the retaining mechanism and the clothing, apparel or person of the user.
  • The inconvenience of the system described in WO 2010111706 is that the main camouflage material is natural vegetation. Natural vegetation is fragile and it is not possible to pack and unpack a system covered by natural vegetation. It also tends to wilt and dry thus failing to provide adequate concealment for more than a few hours.
  • Aware of the flaws of conventional ghillie suits, producers came up with a new breed of 3-D suits during the 1990's. The best known military "zig zag" system is the Karrimor Chameleon. There are numerous copies of it on the market (Cabelas LeafyWear, Jack Pyke, etc). All of the above are based on the same construction: first a suit is tailored with synthetic mesh, then a second layer of cloth is sewn longitudinally to the mesh suit. A sewing line will occur every 10-20 cm. Three-dimensionality and volume are obtained by cutting a repetitive zig-zag pattern in the second layer right in the middle between the sewing lines. The cloth is attached to the mesh backing simply on the sewing line. Elsewhere, the zig-zag pattern is free to create volume and shade.
  • Such design involves very little volume and shade projection. UV and light reflection are not mastered by spectrometric measures. Free-floating parts of the camouflage cloth have little independence from the mesh backing. The cutting pattern is too repetitive and too predictable. This is why the silhouette of a 3-D zig-zag is easy to recognize to a trained eye: it is always the same pattern, always the same reflection, always the same size. Moreover, when laying on a flat surface (for instance the back of the user) zig-zags tend to fold, depriving the system of volume and three-dimensionality. The main flaw is that such systems rely on a 2-D camouflage pattern painted on the cloth to obtain 3-D camouflage which is a methodological mistake. Such systems use the colour black to create an impression of shade (also to compensate lack of volume), but it is another mistake as black seldom occurs in nature. More, black is very easy to spot with NVDs and should be avoided. The fact that zig-zag systems are based on a 2-D camouflage cloth means that only one side is painted with camouflage. It also means that 50% of the visible 3-D elements are not really of the intended colour and infrared reflection. The little shade that is projected by 3-D zig-zag systems is almost totally parallel (mono-directional) to the sewing whereas natural shades projected by leaves, stones or branches are much more complex and less predictable. All zig-zag based systems are made of flammable cloth and are not made of permanently water resistant materials. The materials used in zig-zag systems do not have specific spectro-colourimetric properties ensuring optimum realistic UV and light reflection. Finally, zig-zags are permanently sewn so there is no possibility of modularity. For all those reasons zig-zags appear more as a very sophisticated 2-D solution than a credible 3-D solution and they do not meet user's expectations.
  • Another invention, that is known from the patent description WO 199019950 THERMAL AND VISUAL CAMOUFLAGE, relates to means for providing thermal camouflage of irregular emission pattern as a supplement to camouflage within the visual and near infra-red region. According to the invention, this camouflage means comprises a supplementary set of material pieces of desired configuration which are intended to be fastened in a desired pattern onto existing masking material, for example a net. The emission coefficient of the material pieces differs substantially from the emission coefficient of the masking material, preferably by a difference of at least about 0.3. The invention also relates to masking material on which such material pieces are attached
  • There is known from the patent description WO 2010014290 solution SNAG FREE REVERSIBLE CAMOUFLAGE NETTING, where a camouflage construction comprises a first base layer having a top side defining a first camouflage motif and an opposite bottom side defining a second camouflage motif. A second garnish layer, formed from a plurality of elongated strips each having a central longitudinal axis extending between opposite ends of each strip, and a plurality of slits formed transverse to each strip longitudinal axis so that a plurality of fingers are formed on each side of the longitudinal axis so that each finger has a first end that is attached to a continuous central portion of the strip and a second end that is free to move with respect to the first end and adjacent fingers, are bonded to the first base layer top side along the central longitudinal axes to form a three-dimensional motif on the first base layer top side.
  • At the time, both WO 199019950 and WO 2010014290 represented significant improvements over prior art. Colours and reflection in all spectrums (UV/VIS/NIR) matched natural signatures and the problems linked to water and fire were solved.
  • Nevertheless none of them is modular and none of them offer protection against radar detection. Moreover, none of them generates satisfying volume, light reflection and shade projection because of a lack of rigidity. That lack forbids camouflage elements to be perpendicular to the base layer backing and they tend to be parallel and to cover up each other. Lack of rigidity causes excessive dependence on gravity. Gravity causes the "plurality of slits" or "V"s to present themselves in a way that significantly differs from the appearance of natural elements. Therefore, realistic three-dimensionality is excessively limited what results in insufficient shade projection to achieve optimal visual disruption. From a visual standpoint Saab Barracuda's V-shaped camouflage elements are excessively repetitive and geometric. Their straight angles are easy to spot for a trained eye. They do not emulate natural shape's complexity in a proper way.
  • Other systems such as the ones offered by Alpina/Habering or Miranda use materials similar to Saab Barracuda but are cut in different shapes. Lack of rigidity is similar to Barracuda.
  • Producers such as Seyntex, Ogus or Valpak propose other systems using more rigid UV/VIS/NIR or UV/VIS/NIR/FIR/Radar material. The suits are based on a mosquito net backing to which a Leaf Net is sewn. It is the same type of Leaf Net used to conceal vehicles. The flaw is that Leaf Net is not snag-free and tends to snag on natural or mechanical parts. Leaf Net suits are not modular.
  • Paul Boyé came up with an intermediate solution between the zig zag and the Leaf Net. A textile similar to Leaf Net material is cut into semi-spherical "waves" and then sewn to a mosquito base layer just as in the zig zag system. This results in a snag-free system, but it is not modular. Boyé's system is based on a 2-D pattern and is excessively geometrical and repetitive. It does not offer protection against radar detection.
  • Also well known by hunters is the "Sneaky leaves" system which offers limited modularity. By means of safety pins the leaves can be attached to clothing. Nevertheless, safety pins offer insufficient resistance to mechanical stress and can harm the user. The shape is figurative and replicates maple leaves. Such a choice excludes good performance in other environments than maple woods. Figurative patterns of leaves make good performance impossible in rocky or snowy terrain. Those artificial leaves are not intended to be customised in terms of size and shape. The synthetic material of which the Sneaky Leaves are made is flammable and is not treated against NVDs, thermal detection or radar detection.
  • The invention differs from prior art in several aspects:
    • none of the prior art allows such precise and realistic replication of natural environments as none of them creates such a high level of volume and visual disruption thanks to complex dynamic and multi-directional light reflection and shade projection,
    • none of the prior art allows such precise and realistic replication of natural environments because none of them is based on independent and unique modular elements, The size, shape, position and colour combination are left up to the user,
    • none of the prior art allows such precise and realistic replication of natural environments because none of them offers such a broad spectrum of realistic colours and infrared signatures,
    • none of the prior art offers such modular and convenient concealment for weapons, gear, optical equipment, 3-D clothing and any object susceptible of being circled by a zip tie or by the camouflage element itself (1),
    • none of the prior modular elements is multispectral (UV/VIS/NIR/FIR/Radar),
    • none of the prior modular systems is fire-retardant, light and water resistant,
    • none of the prior modular systems reaches the same level of resistance to mechanical stress (wear and tear),
    • none of the prior modular systems is so easy and quick to remove without harming the modular element itself,
    • unlike prior art, the invention is advantageous in provoking visual disruption through its far superior three-dimensional properties, light reflection and shade projection contrasts,
    • unlike prior art, the invention is modular to the extent that shapes and proportions of colours can be customized to match fine, specific mission requirements in any terrain requiring three-dimensional concealment, It provides the user with the possibility to create micro and macro camouflage patterns that replicate his target environment, but operating arbitrary cuts in the modular elements when separating them into camouflage elements, The user can choose not to cut the elements and use their full length (50 cm) when creating a macro pattern or cut them into smaller pieces when opting for a micro pattern,
    • unlike prior art, the invention is modular to the extent that modules can be adapted to mesh, netting, gear, weapons and optical systems, It is especially compatible with the MOLLE system,
    • unlike prior art, the invention's multi directional characteristics allow the system to perform even back lit by the sun instead of having a dark appearance,
    • compared to prior art, camouflage elements (2) are at greater distance from the user's body and can be cooled by air thus reducing thermal signature,
    • compared to prior art, the multi directional orientation of the camouflage elements (2) increases radar wave scattering and reduces radar signature.
    SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • A three-dimensional modular camouflage system characterized in that, the system is created by a combination of recurrent modules of irregular shapes and colours replicating key natural colours. The camouflage modules are cut into smaller sections forming single modular camouflage elements, and further at least two such elements are superimposed in a non-parallel way (crossing) and are attached to an element (net or other) to be camouflaged.
  • It is preferable, that modules perform in the UV/VIS/NIR ranges and are made of material comprised of 100% of polyester.
  • It is also preferable, that modules perform in the UV/VIS/NIR/FIR/Radar ranges, have a weight of 180 to 230 g/m2 and are made of polyester fibres mixed with metal fibres and coated with polyester urethane.
  • It is preferable, that single camouflage elements are attached together as well as attached to the element to be camouflaged by means of the well known "Zip Ties" cable ties.
  • It is preferable, that the basic colours of the camouflage modules are created by using: solvents, chemically structured pigments, polymers, plasticizer, and matting agents.
  • It is preferable, that the basic colour of a module is marked by the symbol Sand 1.
  • It is preferable, that the basic colour of a module is marked by the symbol Sand 2.
  • It is preferable, that the basic colour of a module is marked by the symbol Medium Oak.
  • It is preferable, that the basic colour of a module is marked by the symbol Light Beech.
  • It is preferable, that the basic colour of a module is marked by the symbol Dark Beech.
  • It is preferable, that the basic colour of a module is marked by the symbol Light Brown.
  • It is preferable, that the basic colour of a module is marked by the symbol Snow White.
  • It is preferable, that the basic colour of a module is marked by the symbol Dark Olive Green.
  • It is preferable, that the basic colour of a module is marked by the symbol Light Green 1.
  • It is preferable, that the basic colour of a module is marked by the symbol Light Green 2.
  • It is preferable, that the basic colour of a module is marked by the symbol Bluish Green.
  • The camouflage system represented by the invention is advantageous in many respects:
    • It has day/night, all season and all terrain capabilities. It can perform in the desert, in temperate woodland as well as in snow covered mountains.
    • The modular camouflage elements of the invention are not subject to snagging.
    • The material constitutive of the invention is preferably characterized by a level of rigidity that allows the camouflage element to remain perpendicular relative to the backing to which the element is attached. Perpendicularity is key in assuring adequate light reflection and shade projection in order to replicate natural reflections and shades. Rigidity is of paramount importance in obtaining volume. Volume guarantees that whether the user is standing or lying prone the system always projects shades and reflects light in a realistic manner.
    • The material constitutive of the invention is preferably characterized by the capacity to replicate natural light reflection of several natural objects with numerous gradients between maximal reflection and utter shade. The same colour can appear to be lighter or darker depending on the angle of light reflection. For example, it is known that all the leaves of a tree have an almost identical colour. Nevertheless when one is observing the tree some leaves reflect light and seem brighter than others display a gradient of shades and seem darker. The ability to replicate that natural phenomenon is crucial in creating realistic 3-D camouflage. The multiplication of different gradients of the same colour makes visual analysis and recognition significantly more difficult.
    • The material constitutive of the invention is preferably characterized by the capacity to replicate infrared natural and artificial illumination of several natural objects with numerous gradients between maximal reflection and utter shade. The ability to replicate natural infrared reflection is crucial in evading detection by NVDs.
    • The material constitutive of the invention is preferably fire-retardant, water and light resistant. It does not absorb water and thus remains an effective camouflage means even in green and wet vegetation. When wet, green camouflage elements of the invention shine in a similar way to natural leaves. Besides, water resistance allows amphibious use.
    • Spectro-colourimetric parameters of the invention are the result of a long trial and error process aimed at replicating colours most often occurring in nature. The correlation between visible (VIS) and near infrared (NIR) parameters has been tested according to the EMPA 242 testing method.
    • The material constitutive of the invention can be polyester mixed with metal fibers effective against thermal and radar detection. Such materials provide multispectral camouflage (UV/VIS/NIR/FIR/Radar) capabilities. Multispectral capabilities enable the invention to render thermal and radar detection more difficult.
    • The complex 3-D shape of the invention enhances realistic light and shade projection and radar wave scattering in the case of the multispectral version. It makes radar detection more difficult.
    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
  • The invention was explained in detail on embodiments, as shown in the drawing, in which: fig. 1 illustrates single module, fig. 2 illustrates "Zip Ties" cable tie attached to an element (net) to be camouflaged, fig. 3 illustrates two single modular camouflage elements on an element (net) to be camouflaged, fig. 4 illustrates two single modular camouflage elements attached together to an element (net) to be camouflaged, fig. 5 illustrates two single modular camouflage elements attached together to an element (MOLLE) to be camouflaged.
  • A three-dimensional modular camouflage system is characterized in that, the system is created by a combination of recurrent modules 1 of irregular shapes and colours replicating key natural colours. The camouflage modules 1 are cut into smaller sections forming single modular camouflage elements 2, and further at least two such elements 2 are superimposed in a non-parallel way (crossing) and are attached to an element (net) to be camouflaged 3.
  • Single camouflage elements 2 are attached together as well as attached to the element to be camouflaged 3 by means of the well known "Zip Ties" cable ties 4.
  • In the first embodiment the modules 1 are performing in the VIS/NIR ranges and are made of material comprising 100% of polyester.
  • In the second embodiment the modules 1 are performing in the VIS/NIR/FIR/Radar ranges (multispectral version) and have a weight of 180 to 230 g/m2, are made of polyester fibres mixed with metal fibres and coated with polyester urethane.
  • The modules 1 are flame retardant and water and light resistant.
  • The method of fastening of the camouflage elements 2 allows the elements to be attached in such a way that after being squeezed the elements acquire height and depth creating volume and omni directional light reflection and shade projection. Pressure exerted on the material (polyester textile with or without metal) forces the material to bend and to stand erect perpendicularly to the backing in an arbitrary manner. Every attachment point (two camouflage elements 2 + a zip tie 4) assembles itself arbitrarily in a unique three dimensional configuration. Every attachment point is unique and independent form the backing in terms of orientation towards light. This enables the invention to perform even against sunlight or other illumination (back lit).
  • Volume as well as light reflection while being positioned between the observer and the illumination source are far superior to prior art's performance.
  • The irregular shapes and the size of the camouflage modules 1 are designed to distort visual identification and to replicate most often occurring outlines of natural objects. The pattern is abstract instead of figurative and emulating certain objects while excluding others. The invention's omni directional pattern succeeds in emulating leaves, small stones and snow on branches.
  • The width of the camouflage elements 1 is determined according to a width/rigidity ratio so that the material provides maximal volume after being squeezed by the zip ties 4. Diminishing width would lead to insufficient volume whereas augmenting width would make squeezing excessively difficult.
  • To mimic the colour of the environment, the basic colours of the modules 1 are created by using: solvents, chemically structured pigments, polymers, plasticizer, matting agents.
  • The basic colours of the modules 1 are marked in the eleven examples as:
    • 1)
    Sand 1
    2)
    Sand 2
    3)
    Medium oak
    4)
    Light beech
    5)
    Dark beech
    6)
    Light brown
    7)
    Snow white
    8)
    Dark olive green
    9)
    Light green 1
    10)
    Light green 2
    11)
    Bluish green
    and are characterized by the following CIE L*a*b* Colour difference: Example No. 1- Sand 1
  • Illuminant / Observer
    1. D65 10 deg
    2. A 10 deg
    3. F11 10 deg
    Illuminant / Observer L* a* b* C* h*
    1 65.42 5.15 17.00 17.76 73.15
    2 67.07 8.15 19.14 20.80 66.94
    3 66.57 4.86 19.27 19.87 75.85
    • Example No. 2 - Sand 2
  • Illuminant / Observer
    1. D65 10 deg
    2. A 10 deg
    3. F11 10 deg
    Illuminant / Observer L* a* b* C* h*
    1 54.56 3.67 15.41 15.84 76.61
    2 55.96 6.21 17.43 18.50 70.39
    3 55.68 2.08 17.49 17.61 83.21
    • Example No. 3 - Medium oak
  • Illuminant / Observer
    1. D65 10 deg
    2. A 10 deg
    3. F11 10 deg
    Illuminant / Observer L* a* b* C* h*
    1 54.96 7.67 17.69 19.28 66.57
    2 56.89 10.31 20.26 22.73 63.02
    3 56.08 7.96 20.02 21.55 68.31
    • Example No. 4 - Light beech
  • Illuminant / Observer
    1. D65 10 deg
    2. A 10 deg
    3. F11 10 deg
    Illuminant / Observer L* a* b* C* h*
    1 53.24 17.97 28.71 33.87 57.96
    2 56.86 18.56 34.91 39.54 62.00
    3 56.31 12.52 33.81 36.06 69.68
    • Example No. 5 - Dark beech
  • Illuminant / Observer
    1. D65 10 deg
    2. A 10 deg
    3. F11 10 deg
    Illuminant / Observer L* a* b* C* h*
    1 40.16 17.71 24.14 29.94 53.73
    2 43.47 18.39 29.70 34.93 58.23
    3 42.67 14.67 28.40 31.98 62.70
    • Example No. 6 - Light brown
  • Illuminant / Observer
    1. D65 10 deg
    2. A 10 deg
    3. F11 10 deg
    Illuminant / Observer L* a* b* C* h*
    1 36.33 4.79 10.00 11.09 64.42
    2 37.51 6.35 11.69 13.31 61.47
    3 36.91 4.87 11.20 12.21 66.50
    • Example No. 7 - Snow white
  • Illuminant / Observer
    1. D65 10 deg
    2. A 10 deg
    3. F11 10 deg
    Illuminant / Observer L* a* b* C* h*
    1 93.70 -1.01 3.27 3.43 107.19
    2 93.82 -0.09 2.97 2.98 91.80
    3 93.81 -0.58 3.35 3.40 99.78
    • Example No. 8 - Dark oliv green
  • Illuminant / Observer
    1. D65 10 deg
    2. A 10 deg
    3. F11 10 deg
    Illuminant / Observer L* a* b* C* h*
    1 29.77 -2.75 6.48 7.04 223.00
    2 29.95 -1.27 6.43 6.56 101.16
    3 29.97 -4.22 7.06 8.22 120.86
    • Example No. 9 - Light green 1
  • Illuminant / Observer
    1. D65 10 deg
    2. A 10 deg
    3. F11 10 deg
    Illuminant / Observer L* a* b* C* h*
    1 38.65 -4.04 16.70 17.18 103.61
    2 39.21 -1.80 16.73 16.83 96.12
    3 39.77 -6.03 19.06 19.99 107.56
    • Example No. 10 - Light green 2
  • Illuminant / Observer
    1. D65 10 deg
    2. A 10 deg
    3. F11 10 deg
    Illuminant / Observer L* a* b* C* h*
    1 41.69 -12.05 22.27 25.32 118.41
    2 41.70 -7.91 20.52 22.00 111.08
    3 43.13 -14.82 25.44 29.45 120.22
    • Example No. 10 - Bluish green
  • Illuminant / Observer
    1. D65 10 deg
    2. A 10 deg
    3. F11 10 deg
    Illuminant / Observer L* a* b* C* h*
    1 36.70 -7.37 11.69 13.82 122.22
    2 36.67 -5.32 11.27 12.46 115.27
    3 37.94 -10.82 14.07 17.74 127.56
  • According to mission specific requirements, the user/operator can compose a camouflage pattern adapted to the terrain. Composing the right modular camouflage is like painting the environment. At first the user selects colours from the invention's palette. Then he adapts the proportions of each selected colour according to their occurrence in the terrain. Further he cuts the modules to match the size of natural items. Smaller natural items can be matched by small camouflage elements. Inversely bigger elements can be emulated by larger camouflage elements or entire modules. Finally, the user can precisely choose where to place every element on the backing. The backing is not necessarily a knitted net it can be a MOLLE strip or any other object with a diameter inferior to 80% of the length of the camouflage module (50 cm), which is 40 cm in diameter. Optical equipment, weapons, parts of vehicles, camouflage nets, 3-D, clothing, can all be concealed by means of the invention.
  • To the observer, the invention seems to have a different camouflage pattern as he moves. Changing position implies that the observer perceives different reflections and different shades of the invention as the angle of observation is modified. Therefore, he will not see the same thing and will have more difficulty in identifying the invention. This effect is made possible thanks to the inventions omni directional light reflection and shade projection. It never seems to display the same pattern because the pattern is as dynamic as the movement of the observer or the movement of the source of illumination.
  • The use of Zip Ties as fastening system in the invention guarantees:
    • Modular compatibility with all existing 3-D clothing and MOLLE gear, among others.
    • Uniqueness of every attachment point.
    • Independence of every attachment point vis-à-vis of the backing.
    • Ability to orient camouflage elements at will.
    • Universal accessibility: Zip Ties are sold all over the world.
    • Easy, fast and safe removal with scissors, no harm or little harm to camouflage elements.
    • Great resistance to mechanical stress.
    • Water resistance and fire-retardant characteristics.
    • Absence of electro-magnetic signature.

Claims (15)

  1. A three-dimensional modular camouflage system characterized in that the system is created by a combination of recurrent modules (1) of irregular shapes and colours replicating key natural colours; the camouflage modules (1) are cut into smaller sections forming single modular camouflage elements (2), and further at least two such elements (2) are superimposed in a non-parallel way (crossing) and are attached to an element (net or other) to be camouflaged (4) by means of the well known "Zip Ties" cable ties (3).
  2. A camouflage system according to claim 1, wherein modules (1) are performing in the VIS/NIR ranges and are made of material comprising 100% of polyester.
  3. A camouflage system according to claim 1, wherein modules (1) are performing in the VIS/NIR/FIR/Radar ranges (multispectral version), have a weight of 180 to 230 g/m2 and are made of polyester fibres mixed with metal fibres and coated with polyester urethane.
  4. A camouflage system according to claim 1, wherein the basic colours of the camouflage modules (1) are created by using: solvents, chemically structured pigments, polymers, plasticizer, and matting agents.
  5. A camouflage system according to claim 1, wherein the basic colour of a module (1) is marked by the symbol Sand 1, its characteristics are described in example number 1.
  6. A camouflage system according to claim 1, wherein the basic colour of a module (1) is marked by the symbol Sand 2, its characteristics are described in example number 2.
  7. A camouflage system according to claim 1, wherein the basic colour of a module (1) is marked by the symbol Medium Oak, its characteristics are described in example number 3.
  8. A camouflage system according to claim 1, wherein the basic colour of a module (1) is marked by the symbol Light Beech, its characteristics are described in example number 4.
  9. A camouflage system according to claim 1 wherein the basic colour of a module (1) is marked by the symbol Dark Beech, its characteristics are described in example number 5.
  10. A camouflage system according to claim 1, wherein the basic colour of a module (1) is marked by the symbol Light Brown, its characteristics are described in example number 6.
  11. A camouflage system according to claim 1, wherein the basic colour of a module (1) is marked by the symbol Snow White, its characteristics are described in example number 7.
  12. A camouflage system according to claim 1, wherein the basic colour of a module (1) is marked by the symbol Dark Olive Green, its characteristics are described in example number 8.
  13. A camouflage system according to claim 1, wherein the basic colour of a module (1) is marked by the symbol Light Green 1, its characteristics are described in example number 9.
  14. A camouflage system according to claim 1, wherein the basic colour of a module (1) is marked by the symbol Light Green 2, its characteristics are described in example number 10.
  15. A camouflage system according to claim 1, wherein the basic colour of a module (1) is marked by the symbol Bluish Green, its characteristics are described in example number 11.
EP11157783A 2011-03-11 2011-03-11 Three-dimensional modular camouflage system Withdrawn EP2498043A1 (en)

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP11157783A EP2498043A1 (en) 2011-03-11 2011-03-11 Three-dimensional modular camouflage system

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3087004A1 (en) * 2018-10-08 2020-04-10 Mim Tech REMOVABLE CAMOUFLAGE DEVICE
IL291529B1 (en) * 2022-03-20 2023-03-01 Ametrine Tech Ltd Camouflage external coating

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB860282A (en) * 1957-01-18 1961-02-01 Rudolf Baumann G M B H Improvements in or relating to camouflage nets
AT347U1 (en) * 1994-09-30 1995-08-25 Herbert Dipl Ing Mag Tkadletz CARRIER RAIL WITH LEAF IMITATION
US20050144697A1 (en) * 2004-01-02 2005-07-07 Sean Casey Camouflage system
US20080072889A1 (en) * 2006-09-25 2008-03-27 Skip Mitchell Archery camouflage system
WO2010014290A1 (en) 2008-07-31 2010-02-04 Saab Barracuda Llc Snag free reversible camouflage netting
WO2010111706A2 (en) 2009-03-27 2010-09-30 Morgan Clyde S Systems and methods for providing modular camouflage

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB860282A (en) * 1957-01-18 1961-02-01 Rudolf Baumann G M B H Improvements in or relating to camouflage nets
AT347U1 (en) * 1994-09-30 1995-08-25 Herbert Dipl Ing Mag Tkadletz CARRIER RAIL WITH LEAF IMITATION
US20050144697A1 (en) * 2004-01-02 2005-07-07 Sean Casey Camouflage system
US20080072889A1 (en) * 2006-09-25 2008-03-27 Skip Mitchell Archery camouflage system
WO2010014290A1 (en) 2008-07-31 2010-02-04 Saab Barracuda Llc Snag free reversible camouflage netting
WO2010111706A2 (en) 2009-03-27 2010-09-30 Morgan Clyde S Systems and methods for providing modular camouflage

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3087004A1 (en) * 2018-10-08 2020-04-10 Mim Tech REMOVABLE CAMOUFLAGE DEVICE
IL291529B1 (en) * 2022-03-20 2023-03-01 Ametrine Tech Ltd Camouflage external coating
IL291529B2 (en) * 2022-03-20 2023-07-01 Ametrine Tech Ltd Camouflage external coating

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