Abstract: The invention describes novel approaches for dynamic active camouflage that may be used as personal apparel as well as shell for static installations, and mobile units. This includes, but is not limited to, air units, ground units, marine units, and submersible units. Technology disclosed in this invention allows significant reduction of weight, energy consumption, and cost. It also provides significant decrease in complexity and increase in reliability. Technology also allows true blending with ambient background that is not achievable in prior art inventions and technologies.

Abstract: A disruptive camouflage pattern system to be used for both military and civilian applications. The system includes specialized techniques for printing the camouflage pattern system unto fabric. The system provides camouflage in both the human visible light and the near infrared range. The system depends on macro pattern resulting from a repeat of a micro pattern. The coloring used includes at least four colorings from dyes that in combination produce a percent reflectance value comparable to that of the negative space of the camouflaged subject's surroundings. The system functions by a macro pattern being disruptive of the subject's shape and a micro pattern having sharp edge units of a size capable of blending the subject into its background. The relative lightness values and percentages of total pattern, wet or dry, are sufficient to produce a percent reflectance of acceptable colors, in terms of lightness values unlike current four-color camouflage.

Abstract: A camouflaged material for outdoor wear has an inside liner material with a fine mesh to prevent the passage of insects therethrough. An outside layer overlays the inside layer and is die-cut to have a plurality of leaf tabs cut therein with the leaf tabs having a substantially elliptical shape having a cut perimeter on opposite sides and a cut end therebetween, with an opposite end to the cut end forming a live hinge with respect to the outside layer, to permit the leaf tabs to deflect from the outside layer in a random fashion to create an outer appearance of random leaves.

Abstract: A camouflage utilizing countercoloring, countershading, and disruptive coloration principles to provide concealment to a person or object. The method of manufacturing the camouflage covering includes photographing a form and obtaining imagery from the photographs. The imagery is then manipulated by photographic manipulative software to determine appropriate countershading for the camouflage covering. In addition, appropriate countercoloring and disruptive coloration is utilized upon indicia applied to the camouflage covering.

Abstract: An improved camouflaged product and method of making such a product is disclosed. A multi-layered camouflage construction may comprise a first textile substrate and a second textile substrate secured to each other along parallel lines of stitching. The second textile substrate may be cut to form lobes oriented transversely to the lines of stitching to simulate the appearance of natural objects in the terrain, such as leaves or foliage. Thread which is capable of shrinking is used to attach textile substrates to each other, and then the thread is heated to shrink the thread into the stitch, forming a hardened seam with gathering and bunching of one or more substrates along the seam. Gathering of substrate along a seam contributes to the three-dimensional visual effect of the camouflage construction.

Abstract: An improved camouflaged product and method of making such a product is disclosed. A multi-layered camouflage construction may comprise a first textile substrate and a second textile substrate secured to each other along parallel lines of stitching. The second textile substrate may be cut to form lobes oriented transversely to the lines of stitching to simulate the appearance of natural objects in the terrain, such as leaves or foliage. Thread which is capable of shrinking is used to attach textile substrates to each other, and then the thread is heated to shrink the thread into the stitch, forming a hardened seam with gathering and bunching of one or more substrates along the seam. Gathering of substrate along a seam contributes to the three-dimensional visual effect of the camouflage construction.

Abstract: A camouflage composition includes a plurality of fabric strips, each strip having a body portion and at least one fringed portion, said at least one fringed portion arranged along a margin of the strip, the first surface of the body portion of each fabric strip affixed to the first surface of the body portion of a separate one of said plurality of fabric strips along a seam, said seam being oriented adjacent said fringed portion of each strip, whereby the body portions of each of said plurality of fabric strips form a continuous material and said fringed portions extend outwardly from said continuous material to form a three-dimensional camouflage effect. A garment made at least in part of the camouflage composition and a method of making the camouflage composition are further included.

Abstract: An infrared camouflaging system comprises a thermorefractive layer system or a thermorefractive material, whose thermal emissivity has a negative temperature coefficient.

Abstract: A perforated panel having a grid of perforations or holes formed at least partially therethrough for disposing hangers for holding objects thereon and having at least a black color pattern disposed on a surface thereof for camouflaging the perforations and for reducing the appearance of damage and/or stains occurring through use is provided. It is desired to have a base finish formed on the panel and a first color pattern and the black color pattern formed by spattering of paint on the panel, screen printing, or attaching a lamina having the first color pattern and the black color pattern thereon.

Abstract: A base textile has a camouflage pattern on the first surface and a coating on the second surface. The coating is a ethylene methyl acrylate thermoplastic with a carbon black pigment. The base textile and coating have a visible light transmission such that shadows of hunters or others inside a blind of the camouflage are not visible on the opposite side of the camouflage.

Abstract: Camouflage covering fabricated by the method of attaching dyed jute strands to netting, wherein the netting is placed over an individual or object to be camouflaged. The covering may be formed as an integral garment, such as a hooded poncho, or may be attached to clothing such as a battle dress uniform (BDU) to form a ghillie suit. The covering may be draped over an object such as a weapon, vehicle, equipment, or supplies. The present invention allows for quick, cost-effective creation of realistic three-dimensional camouflage coverings and apparel that are easily portable, naturally frayed in appearance, and securely assembled without the use of loops or snaps.

Abstract: A pattern for camouflage and a method for making the pattern. Rely on photographic images arranged in a synthetic perspective relationship, appearing to extend toward the horizon. The photographic images are images of landscape features in a selected environment. The pattern blends in with landscape features both in proximity to and distant from the camouflage pattern. In one embodiment, the pattern is adapted to be seamlessly repeatable across a surface. In one or two dimensions the method for making the camouflage includes taking photographs and selecting photographic images that represent the landscape features in the selected environment. The method also includes separating those images and arranging them into a repeating pattern. Photographic images are arranged in synthetic perspective which includes obscuring background images with foreground images in a manner that simulates the perspective in the selected environment.

Abstract: An infrared camouflage device has a surface structure having two groups of partial areas. Partial areas in the first group are directed downward and form an angle &agr; of between 5° and 45° with vertical; and partial areas in the second group are directed upward and form an angle &bgr; of between 50° and 65° with vertical; and &agr;+&bgr;<90°.

Abstract: To ensure that a camouflage structure will not lose its effectiveness even in changing temperatures (day/night, sunshine/clouds) when protecting against reconnaissance in the IR range, the camouflage structure features varying emissivity tendencies in the atmospheric windows II (3-5 um) and III (8-14 um). In other words, the emissivity in the IR range is not constant and at a certain level, but it has an increasing or decreasing tendency in at least one selected spectral range.

Abstract: The present invention provides an attachment system that can be used to interface between dissimilar camouflage systems and is particularly useful with ULCANS and LCSS camouflage systems. The present invention provides such compatibility while simultaneously maintaining quick disconnect capabilities with either system.

Abstract: A base textile has a camouflage pattern on the first surface and a coating on the second surface. The coating is a ethylene methyl acrylate thermoplastic with a carbon black pigment. The base textile and coating have a visible light transmission such that shadows of hunters or others inside a blind of the camouflage are not visible on the opposite side of the camouflage.

Abstract: A coated cloth includes a fabric layer having a three-dimensional pattern printed thereon. A clear coating layer is secured to the fabric layer and disposed over at least a portion of the three-dimensional pattern. Also, the cloth may include a clear adhesive layer forming a bond between the coating layer and the fabric layer. The present invention also includes a method of forming a coated cloth. The method includes applying a coating material to a substrate, thereby forming a coating layer on the substrate. The coating layer is allowed to partially cure, and a three-dimensionally patterned fabric layer is applied to the coating layer. The method may also include applying an adhesive material to the coating layer, thereby forming an adhesive layer that bonds the fabric layer to the coating layer.

Abstract: The invention regards a material having a three-dimensional surface built up by bulgings arranged regularly or irregularly mutually adjacently, and which have approximately conical form. It is thus accomplished that the brightness of the material is little dependent on the view angle, in contrast to what is the case with plane surfaces, even if painted with matte camouflage paint.

Abstract: A multidimensional camouflage outer wear garment system including garments made of various combinations of two-dimensional and three-dimensional camouflage material. The two-dimensional and three-dimensional camouflage materials are positioned within garments so as to distort the smooth line silhouette of the wearer, thereby enhancing the total effectiveness of the camouflage. Zones of three-dimensional material are disposed across limited selected regions of the garments to maintain continuity of silhouette distortion while two-dimensional material is disposed over predefined extended regions adjacent the zones of three-dimensional material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a camouflage garment which utilizes multiple heights of three dimensional materials in strategic panels or points to provide a user with the full benefit of an all-inclusive three-dimensional camouflage fabric garment while still allowing a user friendly or low hindrance design that allows the user quietness, stealth and the like.

Abstract: A pattern for camouflage and a method for making the pattern. Rely on photographic images arranged in a synthetic perspective relationship, appearing to extend toward the horizon. The photographic images are images of landscape features in a selected environment. The pattern blends in with landscape features both in proximity to and distant from the camouflage pattern. In one embodiment, the pattern is adapted to be seamlessly repeatable across a surface. In one or two dimensions the method for making the camouflage includes taking photographs and selecting photographic images that represent the landscape features in the selected environment. The method also includes separating those images and arranging them into a repeating pattern. Photographic images are arranged in synthetic perspective which includes obscuring background images with foreground images in a manner that simulates the perspective in the selected environment.

Abstract: A novel wound dressing includes a fibrous absorbent layer for absorbing wound exudate, an odor layer for absorbing odor and a barrier layer interposed the fibrous absorbent and barrier layers. Preferably the barrier layer is vacuum perforated and the fibrous absorbent layer is of highly absorbent fibres capable of absorbing 25 grams of exudate per gram of dressing.

Abstract: A pattern for camouflage and a method for making the pattern. Rely on photographic images arranged in a synthetic perspective relationship, appearing to extend toward the horizon. The photographic images are images of landscape features in a selected environment. The pattern blends in with landscape features both in proximity to and distant from the camouflage pattern. In one embodiment, the pattern is adapted to be seamlessly repeatable across a surface. In one or two dimensions the method for making the camouflage includes taking photographs and selecting photographic images that represent the landscape features in the selected environment. The method also includes separating those images and arranging them into a repeating pattern. Photographic images are arranged in synthetic perspective which includes obscuring background images with foreground images in a manner that simulates the perspective in the selected environment.

Abstract: An arborescent concealment artifice for hunters and nature observers constructed of artificial limbs, branches, stems and leaves. The limbs have a plastically deformable wire core sheathed in flexible plastic. The proximal ends of the limbs are detachably connected to a common mounting block; the block is detachably secured to a connector plate disposed intermediate the block and a support; and, the connector plate is detachably secured to the support.

Abstract: A hollow decorative rock protects and provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance by covering utility implements or access covers. Hidden slots in the hollow rock provide for an air flow through the rock, when combined with the uneven bottom edge of the molded hollow rock.

Abstract: A cover is proposed for camouflaging land-based military facilities, the cover comprising electrically conductive layers separated by dielectric interlayers and placed in a protective jacket. The outer layer of the protective jacket is radio-transparent. Wherein the electrically conductive layers are made in the form of ordered resonance structures in the form of grids of conductive threads. The size of the cells of such grids and the electrical resistance of threads from which they are made decrease from the outer layer to the inner. Wherein the effective part of the dielectric permeability of the conducting threads is proportional to the wavelength of the working frequency range.

Abstract: A reversible fabric particularly for use in the production of military rainflies is described. The fabric has first and second faces, each of which has a visually distinct color in order that rainflies and other articles made from the fabric can be used to provide inconspicuous shelter in two visually distinct environments. Each of the sides of the fabric provides requisite degrees of visual opacity and infrared reflectance, as well as other functional properties—such as water-resistance, etc. The fabric includes a dyed textile substrate and three coats of pigmented polyurethane having varying compositions; the composite fabric can be produced by a coating and/or laminating process.

Abstract: A camouflage surface for concealment from, and deception of, a herbivorous animal comprises a camouflage pattern made up of at least two different types of regions which reflect electromagnetic radiation in the near-infra-red range of the electromagnetic spectrum. All the regions of each type reflect the near-infra-red radiation in the same fashion as one another and in a fashion different from the fashion in which the regions of each other type reflect the radiation. The different types of regions all have, in the near-infra-red range, spectral reflectance curves having reflectance maxima at wavelengths of at least 680 nm. Each spectral reflectance curve which the surface has in the visible light range of the electromagnetic spectrum is without a reflectance maximum in the wavelength range between 480 and 680 nm and each spectral reflectance curve which the surface has in the visible light range has a reflectance maximum at a wavelength of at most 480 nm.

Abstract: A camouflage covering having a porous underlayer such as a knit mesh of 90% open area, and a plurality of dangling elements each having a base portion that is joined to and extends essentially transversely out from the porous underlayer. The dangling elements are arranged so as to essentially cover the porous underlayer so as to present a covering that has depth and provides a loft effect. The dangling elements are preferably strips having a low emissivity (0.02-0.50) inner layer and an external coating, which is thermally transparent but supports pigments that provide a visual and near infrared radiation signature suppression effect.

Abstract: A camouflage garment having a torso portion, sleeves extending downward from a top, side of the torso portion and an optional neck portion. The torso portion, sleeves and optional neck portion are made of a camouflage material having a plurality of rectilinear shapes, adjacent ones of which have a different color. The rectilinear shapes each have at least six straight sides and an interior angle between 180.degree. and 360.degree. and may be formed only by straight sides whereby opposed straight sides are substantially parallel to one another. Camouflage enhancement features may be arranged in connection with the camouflage material for enhancing the camouflage effect of the camouflage material.

Abstract: A universal camouflage system comprised of one or more bundles of elongated material strips attached to a spring-loaded clip. The bundles may be attached by means of the clips to garments, equipment, and natural environment objects and growth, without any requirements that they be modified to receive the bundles.

Abstract: A process for the production of a foam rubber tree bark-configured article having a manmade textile backing is provided. The inventive process involves the vulcanization of NBR or SBR including a chemical blowing agent, and optionally including EPDM as an ozone-resistance agent, over a silicon-base mold which is a negative relief mold of at least a portion of tree bark, and with a backing adhered to, and not easily removed from, the unmolded side of the rubber. Such a backing is either 100% polyester or 100% nylon, which provides an excellent, long-lasting, durable, easily colored, fast-drying article for use in outdoor camouflage applications. The article itself, as well as clothing, footwear, and shelter articles incorporating the inventive product, are also provided.

Abstract: A kit for outfitting the exterior surface of a vehicle is shown as being made up of a plurality of pressure-sensitive adhesive backed camouflage panels. Each of the panels may be adhered to a specific segment of the vehicle surface. The panels preferably include marginal strips that permit the panels to register with their associated segments of the vehicle. These marginal strips may also provide panel overlap portions to ensure complete surface coverage by the panels.

Abstract: Methods and articles so produced for increasing the camouflaging effect of any camouflaging pattern, the invention relates to the coating of at least portions of a camouflaging pattern disposed on an article with a material capable of assuming different chromic states at different ambient light levels. Materials employed to produce color changes in the camouflaging pattern include light and/or heat sensitive dyes and/or inks and particularly photochromic materials capable of reversible color changes. At least portions of camouflaging patterns modified according to the invention change color, such as from a color in the original camouflaging pattern to a different color or from a first shade of a given color to a second shade of that same color, on exposure to sunlight either of a more direct nature or a greater intensity, the color change being reversed in whole or in part by a return of ambient light conditions toward or to a given set of original light conditions.

Abstract: The invention uses a garnish of tufts of filaments or strips attached to camouflage material, particularly camouflage material for use on mobile equipment, vehicles and personnel. The garnish or tuft is formed from a sheet of flexible, low emissivity material that has been cut into filaments or strips adhesively attached along one uncut longitudinal strip edge portion of the sheet. The tuft is formed by rolling the strip edge portion longitudinally around one part of a tuft retaining anchor, to form a rolled, adhesive-bound segment attached to the tuft part. When the rolled strips or filaments are so bound about the tuft retaining anchor part, a tuft is formed therefrom. When all the tuft retaining anchor parts are assembled, the tuft retaining anchor and tuft together constitute the garnish. A plurality of garnishes is attached to a base camouflage material on, e.g., mobile equipment, vehicles and personnel.

Abstract: A method of forming a camouflage pattern, a method of manufacturing a camouflage material in accordance with the pattern, and a camouflage material so manufactured. The method is performed by the taking of a series of photographs in a setting in the environment in which the camouflage configuration is intended to be used. One typical environment might include oak, poplar and birch trees. The individual images of the photographs are then entered graphically into a computer. The computer images are then overlain, one upon another, to form a composite print. Using the computer, the colors in the composite print are separated into a plurality of color prints portraying the predominant colors in the composite print. The colors are identified, and a corresponding plurality of layer screens based upon the individual color prints are made. The layer screens are then employed to screen the identified colors onto a sheet of material.

Abstract: An adhesive camouflage patch is described in which a flexible base sheet is provided with a perimeter defining an irregular configuration. First and second adhesive surfaces are provided on opposed inside and outside surfaces of the base sheet, covered with removable first and second backing sheets. The second adhesive surface may be of a color selected to be visually non-contrasting with an environmental setting of a surface to be camouflaged. The first backing sheet is removable from the first adhesive surface to enable the first adhesive surface to be applied to the surface to be camouflaged. The second removable backing sheet may be removed to expose the second adhesive surface for adhesive attachment of environmental materials selected from the environmental setting of the surface to be camouflaged.

Abstract: A realistic appearing camouflage system for personal wearing attire in which both the appearance and scale of a natural scene from an environment where the camouflage system is intended to be used is mimicked or enhanced. The camouflage system includes a first article of clothing imprinted with a portion of a photographic image of the natural scene in substantially the same scale as the natural scene. The camouflage system also includes a second article of clothing designed to be worn with the first article of clothing. The second article of clothing is imprinted with a second portion of the photographic image in substantially the same scale as the natural scene. The imprints of the first and second articles are located so that when the first and second articles are worn, the respective imprinted portions of the scene appear substantially continuous and the scene is reproduced both vertically and horizontally.

Abstract: Camouflaged apparel for use by a hunter in pursuing waterfowl, in which the apparel is designed to be observed by the pursued waterfowl, includes apparel that resembles the coloration of a selected species of waterfowl. The apparel conceals the hunter that is wearing the apparel and has an exterior appearance that visibly resembles the appearance features of the selected species of waterfowl in order to entice the waterfowl to approach the concealed hunter.

Abstract: Methods and articles so produced for increasing the camouflaging effect of any camouflaging pattern, the invention relates to the coating of at least portions of a camouflaging pattern disposed on an article with a material capable of different chromic states at different ambient light levels. Materials employed to produce color changes in the camouflaging pattern include light and/or heat sensitive dyes and/or inks and particularly photochromic materials capable of reversible color changes. At least portions of camouflaging patterns modified according to the invention change color, typically from a color in the original camouflaging pattern to a different color or from a first shade of a given color to a second shade of that same color, on exposure to sunlight either of a more direct nature or a greater intensity, the color change being reversed in whole or in part by a return of ambient light conditions toward or to a given set of original light conditions.

Abstract: Textile materials having radar attenuating properties based upon a polymer enclosed scrim having hollows which are at least partially filled with radar attenuating material. The scrim is sandwiched between two or more polymeric layers, the spaces being the interstices of the scrim. Suitable radar attenuating materials for inclusion in these spaces include carbon granules, carbon fiber, carbonyl iron, ferrites or metal coated microspheres. Carbon fiber is conveniently used in chopped or otherwise relatively short fiber form. The textiles offer lightweight with equivalent radar attenuation performance to known textiles and may include further radar attenuating material in polymeric components to provide enhanced attenuation effect.

Abstract: A fabric presents a non-camouflage pattern under visible light and a camouflage pattern under infrared radiation. The fabric may appear under visible light to have a continuous solid color and thus be suitable for use in police uniforms.

Abstract: A protective cover for a long-barreled firearm having a stock with opposed sides. The cover includes a thin, vinyl sheet bearing a camouflage design and having a shape corresponding to that of one side of the stock. A backing of light-tack, adhesive material is preferably applied to the undersurface of the vinyl sheet to permit such to be selectively positioned on the stock.

Abstract: A weatherproof seasonal tree ornamentation includes a sheet of clear waterproof plastic which is dimensioned to fit around the trunk of a tree and which is imprinted with at least some facial indicia such as two eyes and a mouth. When the ornamentation is attached to a tree, the clear portion of the ornamentation blends in with the color of the tree trunk and the facial indicia appear to be part of the tree. The resulting effect of the ornamentation is to give the appearance that the tree is an animate character having a face. According to a second embodiment, the sheet of clear waterproof plastic is imprinted with indicia of a complete animate character, i.e. face, torso and legs. When the ornamentation of this embodiment is attached to the trunk of a tree, the clear portion of the ornamentation blends in with the color of the tree trunk. The resulting effect is the appearance of an animate character standing in front of the tree.

Abstract: Disclosed is a camouflage material which includes a substantially continuous sheet and has a pattern which extends from the plane of the sheet. The present invention is a unique camouflage system suitable for all camouflage applications, including clothing, covers for blinds and tarps.

Abstract: A camouflage pattern for use on clothing and other articles for concealing a hunter or outdoorsman in a forest undergrowth comprised primarily of fan-shaped palmetto palm plants. The pattern is comprised of a background of varying shades of gray overlaid by successive patterns of plants having extending, long, flat, fan-shaped, pointed, finger-like medium green foliage so as to depict fan-shaped palmetto palm plants intermittently interspersed with plants having downwardly bent, long, flat, fan-shaped, pointed, finger-like brown foliage. The plants of each successive pattern being smaller than those of the preceding pattern and having a slightly lighter shade of green foliage than that of the preceding pattern.

Abstract: A device for the sensor signature reduction of cargo to be dropped from the air comprises a covering that essentially completely surrounds the cargo, which is made of a flexible material having a surface that reflects the expected radar radiation, wherein it is provided with openings for the inlet of ram air.

Abstract: A device and technique for the passive real-time control of effective emivity, color, and camouflage, the device utilizing surfaces which are interposed between a target and an observer at a viewing position with a predetermined angular resolution. Effective surfaces are utilized, including at least one set of movable surfaces, the effected surfaces having a predetermined surface characteristic, such as emissivity, color, or camouflage pattern. An assembly contains all surfaces relative to each other such that the front and back surfaces are seen by the viewing position as stationary. A drive assembly allows movable surfaces to move.

Abstract: A realistic appearing camouflage system for personal wearing attire in which both the appearance and scale of a natural scene from an environment where the camouflage system is intended to be used is mimicked or enhanced. The camouflage system includes a first article of clothing imprinted with a portion of a photographic image of the natural scene in substantially the same scale as the natural scene. The camouflage system also includes a second article of clothing designed to be worn with the first article of clothing. The second article of clothing is imprinted with a second portion of the photographic image in substantially the same scale as the natural scene. The imprints of the first and second articles are located so that when the first and second articles are worn, the respective imprinted portions of the scene appear substantially continuous and the scene is reproduced both vertically and horizontally.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional camouflaged garment that has an external surface, a first portion of the external surface being formed of a three dimensional material and a second portion of the external surface being formed of a two dimensional material.