Structural camouflage system

Abstract

A structural camouflage system includes as the primary structural component a planar panel with a reflective outer face, formed in a trapezoidal configuration with upper and lower edges of the panel in parallel relation, the panels connected in edge to edge orientation to form an enclosed structure with the reflective faces of the panels facing outward of the structure and inclined toward the surface upon which the structure rests, so that the panels reflect an image of the immediate foreground to more distant observer looking toward the structure, camouflaging the structure. In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of reflective strips are connected to vertical supports with each strip disposed at an angle so as to reflect a composite image of the immediate foreground to a more distant observer.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/601,927, filed Aug. 16, 2004, by the same applicant, titled “Structural Camouflage System”.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to camouflage and means of camouflaging objects, and in its preferred embodiments more specifically relates to a structural system for camouflaging or disguising the existence of any relatively rigid structure, both fixed and mobile.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is often desirable for a variety of reasons to disguise the existence of an object from observers. Various systems of camouflage have been developed for this purpose. Approaches to camouflage, as originally developed in the natural world and then adopted and copied by humans, include coloration and patterning, and mimicry of another object or structure. In the coloration and patterning approach, the surface of the object to be camouflaged is covered with generally random patterns of color intended to match and blend into the surroundings. For example, camouflage clothing for use in woodland settings and other foliage dominated areas is typically made in colors and patterns designed to fade into the predominantly mottled green background. Similarly, camouflage clothing for desert areas is made in tans and browns to more closely replicate the desert environment. Structures and vehicles are camouflaged in much the same way, with colors and patterns to replicate the colors and patterns in the environment in which they are to be used. The disadvantage to this approach is that camouflage designed for one environment is completely ineffective in a different environment, and may actually be more detectable than a non-camouflaged object.

In the structural mimicry approach, structures are formed to appear to be a naturally occurring object, or may be covered with items from the environment in which they are used. An example of this approach is forming a hunting blind to appear to be a large rock or group of rocks as camouflage for the blind in a rocky terrain. Another example would be attaching branches to a hunting blind in a wooded setting. Although these approaches may be reasonably effective in the environment for which they are designed, such a structure is suited for use only in that environment and cannot be effectively moved to another. The manufacture of such structures is highly specialized and a large variety of designs must be available to accommodate the wide variety of, e.g., hunting environments.

A camouflage system that can be effectively used in a wide variety of environments without structural modification or changes in coloration and patterning would be highly desirable. Such a system is not provided by the prior art, and, accordingly, there remains an unfilled need for such camouflage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a camouflage system that is universally effective for camouflaging essentially any structure in essentially any environment in which it is placed. The system of the invention utilizes, in the preferred embodiment, a camouflage structure formed of a mirrored panels interconnected to form an enclosure in which one or more hunters may conceal themselves, or in which one or more objects to be camouflaged may be placed. Each of the mirrored panels is inclined at an angle of less than ninety degrees relative to the ground or other generally horizontal surface on which the structure is erected. Because of the inclination at which they are placed the mirrored panels reflect an image of the surrounding environment to an observer, eliminating the need to attempt to replicate or mimic any particular environment. The panels are disposed so as to prevent any glare, reflection of the sun or sky, or the image of an observer from being visible to an observer at any reasonable height above the ground. When an observer looks toward the camouflage structure or an object camouflaged using the system of the invention, the observer perceives a continuation of the foreground rather than the object itself.

In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of narrow mirrored strips to cover, or partially form, the object to be camouflaged. Each of the strips is disposed at an angle of less than ninety degrees to the foreground surface, in a stacked, generally vertical array, with a slight overlap to eliminate any reflective gap between the strips. Various means for supporting the mirrored strips may be used.

The structure of preferred and alternative embodiments of the components making up the system of the invention, as well as the features, uses, and advantages of the system of the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a vertically disposed preferred embodiment of a reflective panel of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of a variation of the reflective panel shown in FIG. 1, without a gun port opening.

FIG. 3 is a side edge view of a preferred embodiment of a reflective panel of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a camouflage structure of the preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of a camouflage structure of the preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrating the inclination of the reflective panels forming the camouflage structure.

FIG. 6 is a top edge view of a two-panel module for the camouflage structure shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 7 is a side edge view of an alternative embodiment of a reflective panel of the invention, with a hinged window.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of the angles of incident and reflected light relative to a viewer looking toward a structure or object camouflaged in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of incident and reflected light indicating the position of a reflected image of the sun or sky from a structure or object camouflaged in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 10 is a front view of a planar multi-panel wall structure formed by interconnecting an array of panels in edge to edge configuration.

FIG. 11 is a front face view of a reflective strip of an alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is an edge view of a reflective strip of an alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a partially sectioned side elevation view of reflective strips of the alternative embodiment connected to a vertical surface, showing the orientation of the reflective strips, and also illustrating one embodiment of a spacing means.

FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of a portion of an attachment strip for attaching reflective strips of the alternative embodiment to a vertical surface (shown in dashed lines).

FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of a portion of a vertical support member adapted for attachment of reflective strips of the alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a side elevation view of a variation of the alternative embodiment, with reflective strips suspended in a flexible cradle structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawing figures, the primary structural component of the preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 10, comprises a planar panel 10 formed in a trapezoidal configuration, with top edge 11 and bottom edge 12 parallel to each other and with side edges 13 and 14 angled relative to each other. The width of panel 10 at its top edge 11 is greater than the width of the panel at its bottom edge 12. The first, or outer, face 15 of the panel is mirrored to reflect a mirror image from that face of the panel. The second, or inner, face 16 of the panel is formed of a non-reflective material, such as a plastic sheet. In the preferred embodiment the interior or core 17 of panel 10 is formed of a relatively rigid, lightweight foam material. The sheet forming inner face 16 is connected to the interior core 17 by convenient conventional means, such as screws or adhesive. The mirrored face of the panel is preferably formed of a material that is highly resistant to breakage. A rigid facing material such as a mirrored plastic sheet may be used, or a flexible material such as a Mylar sheet may be used, as desired, within the scope of the invention. The material forming mirrored face 15 may be connected to the interior core of the panel by an adhesive or other convenient conventional means. The mirrored face 15 may also be formed by applying a coating to the face of the material forming the interior of the panel, by spraying or other application means.

Panel 10 also includes connector means disposed on side edges 13 and 14 for connecting panels together to form a composite mirrored structure. A particularly preferred structure that may be formed by connecting panels is a hunting blind, illustrated in e.g., FIGS. 4 and 5. In this embodiment two panels 10 are hinged together to form a module 18. The panels of module 18 are connected by hinges 19 along side edge 14 of one of the panels and side edge 13 of the other panel. Hinges 19 allow a range of rotation of the connected panels around the hinged edges so that the two panels can be rotated through a range of at least two hundred seventy degrees, between a closed orientation with mirrored faces 15 together, to facilitate transportation and storage of the module and protect the mirrored faces, and an open orientation with the panels at approximately a ninety degree angle to each other and an angular separation of approximately two hundred seventy degrees between the mirrored faces.

Two modules 18 may be used to form a generally rectangular structure for use as, e.g., a hunting blind, by opening two modules and connecting the free, unhinged, edges of the panels forming the two modules. In the preferred embodiment the connection between the panels of the two modules is made using connectors 20 disposed along the unhinged edges of the panels. Connectors 20 are essentially the same structure as hinges 19, with two interlocking wings 21 and 22 and a removable pin 23. The open top of the assembled structure may be closed with a roof panel 24, if desired. In the preferred embodiment roof panel 24 is a rigid panel of the same general structure as panels 10, with both faces unmirrored like face 16 of panels 10. Roof panel 24 may, if desired, be divided into to sections with a hinged or folding interconnection between them so that the sections can be folded together for transportation and storage, or may be formed as a unitary panel. Roof panel 24 may also be formed from a sheet of flexible material that is hung between the upper edges of the panels of the enclosed structure.

In order to provide access between the interior and the exterior of the structure, it is preferred that at least one of modules 18 include one mirrored panel 10 and one door panel 25. Door panel 25 is of the same configuration and overall dimensions as panel 10, but is divided into a threshold panel 26 across the lower portion of the door panel, and an openable door 27 comprising the majority of panel 25. Panel 26 is connected to adjacent panel 10 of the module 18 by a hinge 19 at one side edge of panel 26 and is connectable to a panel 10 of an adjacent module by a connector 20 between the other edge of panel 26 and a panel 10 of the adjacent module. Door 27 is connected to the adjacent panel 10 of the module by hinges 19. A support member 28 preferably extends across the upper edge of door panel 25. In the preferred embodiment one end of member 28 is connected at the upper hinge 19 between door panel 25 and the adjacent panel 10, and the opposite end is connectable to the adjacent upper connector 20 of the other module used to form the enclosed structure. The support member maintains connection between the two modules forming the enclosed structure when door 27 is open and prevents any shifting of the connected modules during the opening and closing of the door. A door latching mechanism 29 secures door 27 in the closed position, and includes handles 30 for activating the mechanism from both the interior and the exterior of the structure.

In the preferred embodiment of panels 10, used for the construction of a hunting blind structure as described above, a narrow slot-like opening or port 31 is formed in the upper portion of each panel to serve as a window, for visibility, and as a gun port. Port 31 is preferably generally rectangular in configuration, and is generally centered between side edges 13 and 14 of panel 10, with sufficient material between each end of the port and the respective side edge to maintain the structural integrity of the panel. A port 31 is also preferably included in door 27. In the preferred embodiment, ports 31 are open, but in an alternative embodiment a cover 32 maybe provided so that the ports can be closed when not in use. In such an alternative embodiment cover 32 is formed of a rigid material with a mirrored face, connected along one edge, preferably the lower edge, to the inner face 16 of panel 10 by hinges 33, so the cover can be lowered for access to port 31 or closed to provide a mirrored face to the exterior. Cover 32 may be formed as a “two way” mirror, so that a partially reflective face is presented as a mirror, but sufficient light is transmitted to allow a person inside the enclosed structure to see through the cover.

As illustrated in the drawing figures, when panels 10 are connected to form the walls of an enclosed structure as described above, the perimeter of the structure at the base, or lower ends of the panels is smaller than the perimeter of the structure at the upper ends of the panels, and the panels lean outward at an angle relative to a line perpendicular to the plane defined by the bottom edges of the connected panels. With the structure placed on a generally horizontal surface, the panels have an outward inclination from vertical. The disposition of the panels at an angle is significant in achieving the camouflage effect to which the invention is directed. It is well known and understood that the angle at which light is reflected from a mirrored surface is equal to the angle at which incoming light strikes the surface. Because of the inclination of the reflective surface from vertical, a viewer looking toward the camouflaged structure or object from any distance will not see the viewer's own image, because light impinging upon the reflective surface from the viewer's position is reflected downward to the ground (or other surface upon which the structure or object is resting) between the viewer and the structure. None of the viewer's own image is reflected back to the eyes of the viewer. The image that is reflected to and perceived by the viewer is a reflection of whatever is in the immediate foreground of the camouflaged surface. For the same reason that a viewer will not observe his or her own reflected image, a viewer will also not observe a reflected image of the sun, regardless of its position in the sky, or of the sky itself. Illustrative relationships between a viewer's line of sight and the path of light impinging upon and reflected from the inclined surface of a strip 10 are shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

The preferred angle of inclination of the reflective surface is between about seven degrees and ten degrees. Inclination within this range is sufficient to achieve the camouflage effect but is not enough of an offset to compromise the stability of a structure formed as described above, or unduly minimizing the floor space available within the structure. However, it should be understood that angles of inclination outside the preferred range may be used within the scope of the invention, and that the scope of the camouflage system of the invention encompasses any disposition of mirrored panels on an object or structure such that the image reflected along the line of sight of a viewer looking toward the object or structure is of the immediate surroundings of the camouflaged structure or object, and such that the image of the viewer and any image above the horizon is not within the reflected image.

The planar configuration of the reflective panels also plays a role in achieving the preferred camouflage effect. A flat or planar surface reflects a truer image, without the distortion introduced by a curved surface, and provides more effective camouflage. The use of a flat panel construction also facilitates storage and transportation, as well as erection of a structure from the panel modules described above.

Although panels 10 are not limited to any particular dimension, in the preferred embodiment each panel 10 is approximately four feet it width at its top edge 11 and approximately three feet six inches in width at its bottom edge 12. It is to be understood that panel dimensions may be either larger or smaller, but a structure formed of smaller panels in the manner described above would tend to be excessively cramped, and panels of much larger width would be more difficult to transport and store. In the event it is desired or needed to construct a larger camouflaged structure, an array of panels 10 may be connected edge to edge to form a planar structure. To form such an elongate planar structure each panel 10 is inverted relative to the adjacent panel(s), as generally illustrated in FIG. 10. A single multi-panel wall could be disposed to function as a camouflage shield, or multi-panel walls could be connected together to form a camouflaged enclosure of essentially any desired size.

The camouflage system of the invention is not limited to the use of panels with a continuous reflective face. In an alternative embodiment a camouflaged structure may be constructed using a plurality of elongate, narrow, planar strips of reflective material, identified by reference number 34. Each strip 34 has an upper edge 35, a lower edge 36, a front face 37, a rear face 38, and first and second ends 39 and 40, respectively. Mirror strips 34 are formed of a durable, weather resistant, break resistant material, such as but by not limited to an acrylic plastic. It is also preferred that the mirror strips be relatively rigid to resist sagging or lateral deformation in the plane of the strip, although a degree of flexibility of the plane of the strips, allowing them to be at least slightly curved, is advantageous to facilitate installation. Strips 34 formed of a transparent material with a mirror coating applied to the rear face 38 of each strip, so that each strip is an elongate narrow mirror when viewed from the front. However, the details of construction of the mirrored strips is not critical to the invention, and it is to be understood that any desired manner of making mirror strips may be employed. As but one example, a thin reflective film of, e.g., Mylar, could be applied to the front face of strips of essentially any material with characteristics suitable for installation of the strips on a structure as described below. In another approach a reflective coating could be sprayed onto either front face 37 or rear face 38. Reflective metal strips could also be used, if desired.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, strips 34 are applied to a structure or object to be camouflaged in a generally horizontal orientation, with the plane of each strip inclined outwardly at an angle, to provide an inclined reflective surface on a vertical support wall or structure. In the preferred embodiment the angle of inclination is in the general range of seven to ten degrees, the same range of inclination at which the panels of the preferred embodiment are disposed. Other angles of inclination may also be used, as noted above, so long as the reflective characteristics achieve the camouflaging result. A generally symmetrical array of strips 34 is applied to the structure, extending from the bottom of the structure to the top, with the strips generally parallel to each other and with each strip in the array inclined outwardly as described. It is preferred that the upper edge of each strip extend vertically a short distance above the lower edge of the next higher strip in the array, as indicated in FIG. 13, to avoid visual gaps in the reflectivity of the surface of the camouflaged structure. A viewer looking toward the camouflaged structure will perceive a continuous surface, without gaps between the strips.

A variety of means may be employed for the structural placement of reflective strips 34, or other reflective elements within the scope of the invention. In one embodiment, as in FIG. 13, for a structural arrangement in which strips 34 are to be attached to a flat, generally vertical surface, a plurality of individual triangular spacers 41 may be attached between each strip and the vertical surface, such as a flat wall or a plurality of vertical posts. It is preferred that attachment of strips 34 to spacers 41 be made with a suitable adhesive, to avoid penetration of the strips by fasteners such as nails or screws. Spacers 41 may be attached to the vertical surface with an adhesive, or any other selected attachment means.

In another embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 14, attachment strips 42 may be used instead of individual spacers 41. Each attachment strip, formed in any convenient or desired length, includes regularly spaced notches 43, spaced along the attachment strip and configured for the positioning of strips 34 in the notches with the preferred spacing and inclination. Attachment strips 42 may be secured to the vertical surface, whether wall or post, by any convenient fastening means, and strips 34 secured to the attachment strips by adhesive.

In another embodiment, particularly applicable to a construction in which the strips 34 form the outer wall of the structure to be camouflaged, notches 43 may be formed in the upright structural posts themselves, as illustrated in FIG. 15, and strips 34 attached directly to the upright posts.

It is structurally feasible to form strips 34 with integral spacers, configured like separate spacers 41 but formed as an integral part of the strips, such as by molding. However, it is contemplated that this approach would complicate and increase the cost of production of strips 34 significantly, and is not preferred.

If joints between strips are required in order to span the width of a structure, the ends of adjacent strips may be butted together, or overlapped, as desired and appropriate for the particular circumstances of construction. Strips 34 may also be applied to doors and windows (e.g., on window flaps or shutters) in the structure to be camouflaged. In order to provide visibility from the interior of the camouflaged structure, strips covering, e.g., window areas, may be made with a partially reflective coating, in the nature of a “two way” mirror, so that a portion of the incident light is reflected and a portion is allowed to pass through the strip. As long as the interior of the structure is darker than the exterior the portion of the incident light reflected is sufficient to maintain the camouflaged appearance of the structure. In the application of strips 34, it is preferred that at least some of the strips be extended beyond the corners of the structure to varying lengths, to break up the appearance of a sharp corner and assist in blending the appearance of the structure into the surrounding environment.

For the construction of a light camouflaged structure such as a hunting blind, pre-assembled interlocking panels may be provided, with each panel including a selected number of strips 34 attached to in proper orientation to support member sections. The panels can be easily and quickly assembled into wall sections by connecting the support members together, and then the wall sections connected to form the structure. If a roof is desired a roof panel or a tent-like roof structure could be connected between the walls. The size of the panels would be selected to provide panels that can be relatively easily transported to the site at which the structure is to be erected, and then easily assembled on site.

The camouflaging effect of the system of the invention may also be achieved by suspending an array of reflective strips 34 in front of the walls of an existing structure or in a framework such that the array of strips function as the walls for a camouflaged enclosure. In this embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 16, a plurality of reflective strips 34 are suspended in a cradle, similar to the structure and configuration of “venetian blinds” window coverings. A supporting cradle suitable for use in this alternative embodiment includes a plurality of paired, preferably flexible, vertical members 44, such as thin cords, with a space between the members of each pair, and a plurality of strip support members 45 extending between the vertical members in a symmetrical array. Each strip is supported by a strip support member and is disposed at an angle with its lower edge against one of the vertical members and its upper edge against the other of each pair, to produce the array of reflective slats described above. If desired, a means of raising and lowering the reflective array, like the means conventionally used for raising and lowering window blinds can be provided. Likewise, a means of adjusting the angle of the reflective strips, by raising and lowering one of the vertical members of each pair, may be provided. With this embodiment the slats can be collapsed upon each other for transportation, and easily expanded for use.

The foregoing descriptions have focused upon the use of the system of the invention for camouflaging a fixed structure or object, but it is to be understood that the invention may also be used as an effective means of camouflaging moving objects such as vehicles. Application of the reflective strips 34 to a vehicle can be easily accomplished using any convenient means of disposing the strips at the angular inclination described above. The use of flexible strips would be particularly preferred in this application, to facilitate curving the strips to follow vehicle contours.

Other forms of reflective elements can also be used within the scope of the invention. For example, reflective elements in the form of shingles could be used, so long as they are configured and applied to the surface to be camouflaged to achieve the reflective characteristics described above. These alternative embodiments for reflective elements, including elongate strips and shingles, are well suited for attachment to existing structures to provide camouflage and obscure them from view.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments and alternative embodiments for the system of the invention is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. The invention is susceptible to further variations in the structural embodiments, all within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A camouflaged structure comprising

three or more planar panels, each of said panels having a light reflective outer face and an inner face, an upper edge and a bottom edge, a first side edge and a second side edge, each of said panels formed in a trapezoidal configuration with said upper edge and said lower edge generally parallel to each other, and with said upper edge of greater length than said bottom edge, said panels connected in edge to edge orientation with said first side edge of each panel connected to said second side edge of the adjacent one of said panels, so as to form an enclosed structure, with said reflective outer face of each of said panels facing outwardly from said enclosure, with each of said panels inclined outwardly at an angle relative to a line perpendicular to the plane defined by the bottom edges of said panels.

2. A method of making a camouflaged structure, comprising

providing a plurality of planar panels of trapezoidal configuration, each of said panels having a light reflective outer face, an inner face, a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge, with said top edge being generally parallel to said bottom edge, and with the length of said top edge being greater than the length of said bottom edge;

connecting said panels in edge to edge relation with said first side edge of each of said panels connected to said second side edge of the adjacent one of said connected panels to form an enclosure with said reflective outer face of each of said panels facing outwardly of said enclosure, with said bottom edges of said panels defining a first plane and with said top edges of said panels defining a second plane parallel to said first plane, such that the plane of each of said panels is offset from perpendicular to said first plane defined by said bottom edges and from said second plane defined by said top edges.