Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02366240 2001-08-30
~ OOFORO110WOP
Forbo
Universal camouflage material for camouflaged clothing
and for camouflaging
The invention relates to a camouflage layer, a
camouflage material and a camouflaged item of clothing
as claimed in the features of claims 1, 8 and 18,
preferably for camouflage for the visible spectrum, the
near-infrared, the mid-infrared and the far-infrared,
and the radar wavelength spectrum.
Various camouflage layers are known, which are
used for camouflaging different objects in the
wavelength bands referred to above. In this case, these
camouflage layers generally have a metal coating and a
facing, which are intended to allow camouflaging both
in the infrared spectrum and in the radar wavelength
spectrum. Such camouflage layers are used, in
particular, for capes or camouflaged covers. They are
not generally suitable, however, for use in, for
example, camouflaged suits or other items of clothing.
The prior art includes camouflage layers for
camouflaging items of clothing, which camouflage layers
are intended to provide camouflaging not only in the
visible and infrared spectral bands but also in the
radar wavelength band, and are in the form of
imitations of shrubbery or leaves, of appropriate
color. The described camouflage layers are available,
for example, from Custom Concealment, Inc. and Teledyne
Brown Engineering.
A particular disadvantage of the known
camouflage layers is that the widely~spaced rats' tails
or leaves impede the mobility of the wearer in the
field while, furthermore, they are comparatively heavy
and, moreover, cannot be packed up in a volume to fit a
rucksack, or can be packed up in this way only with
great difficulty. It has also been found that the
camouflage layers which can be found in the prior art
allow only inadequate camouflage in fact .and in
CA 02366240 2001-08-30
- 2 -
particular against the infrared nightsight equipment
which is nowadays readily commercially available.
The invention is thus based on the object of
providing a universally useable camouflage layer, and
universally useable camouflage material, which avoids
the above disadantages while improving the camouflage
effect, in particular in the infrared and radar bands.
This object is achieved in a highly surprising
manner just by the features of claims 1 and 8.
By providing a camouflage layer for
camouflaging, preferably for the visible spectrum, the
near-infrared, mid-infrared and the far-infrared and
the radar wavelength spectrum, wherein the camouflage
layer has a facing and the facing comprises a toothed
structure, and if, furthermore, a camouflage material
is provided which has at least one first layer for
camouflaging, preferably for the visible spectrum, the
near-infrared, the mid-infrared and the far-infrared
and the radar wavelength spectrum, and comprises at
least one second layer to hold the first layer in a
defined manner, camouflage media which can be used
universally are provided for the first time for
camouflaging not only cold or unheated objects but also
heated, warmer objects.
In this context, reference is also made to
Patent Application 198 16 707.5-15, whose complete
contents are included here by way of reference.
The term facing for the purposes of the
invention means a pattern cut into the camouflage
layer.
In particular, the claimed camouflage layer has
the advantage that, by laying the 'toothed structure
such that it is stressed in tension, the tooth system
is expanded from its closed form, with the inner tooth
system being raised from the outer tooth system, or
vice versa. The process of raising them from one
another is achieved, inter alia, by the teeth being
connected to one another at defined points and, as a
result of this, being rotated or twisted relative to
CA 02366240 2001-08-30
- 3 -
one another, in particular at the connection points.
_ Accordingly, the cuts which are made to form the facing
or tooth system according to the invention may also be
referred to as having a meandering shape.
The process of raising the tooth system can,
however, also be achieved by the camouflage layer being
bent, for example, at one edge or on some other body
which is not flat, as a result of which the teeth are
likewise raised relative to one another and with
respect to the cut surface. The facing raising effect
described above achieves two aims, in particular, in a
highly advantageous manner. These aims are, firstly, an
improvement in visual camouflaging, in that the raising
of the teeth simulates natural branches and foliage
and, secondly, the different extents to which the tooth
system is raised, as a rule, make it possible to
achieve different reflection angles, for example for
radar beams, thus considerably improving the scattering
effect of the camouflage layer. Furthermore, the
process of raising and resetting the tooth system,
depending on the camouflage layer position and the
extent to which the camouflage layer is stretched, can
be used to achieve better air flow through the
camouflage layer according to the invention. This is
because, for example, simply by buttoning onto the
camouflage layer according to the invention, the
opening and closing of the tooth system causes air to
flow to an increased extent from the underneath of the
camouflage layer, which in some circumstances is
warmer, to above it, thus achieving temperature
compensation.
In a further advantageous development of the
subject-matter of the invention, the teeth in the
toothed structure have a mushroom-like shape. In
particular, the mushroom shape has the advantage that
the mushroom head produces a comparatively large
reflective area. Furthermore, the mutually engaging
teeth are connected to one another via the respective
lower surfaces of the mushroom heads in a simple way.
CA 02366240 2001-08-30
- 4 -
In addition, it has been found in practice that the
mushroom-head structure also has a positive effect on
the thermal properties of the camouflage layer, since
the swirling of the air which this can produce on the
surface of the camouflage layer ensures, in particular,
that air is carried away better.
The air flow rate through the camouflage layer
is thus improved. As a consequence of this, it is
virtually impossible for, for example warmer objects
located underneath it, to influence the temperature of
the camouflage layer. The camouflaging capability is
thus virtually uninfluenced by the temperature of the
camouflaged objects. Furthermore, the improved
dissipation of heat, as is obvious to a person skilled
in the art, also achieves faster matching to changing
weather conditions. Different tooth structures may, of
course, also be used. Such tooth structures may, for
example, also be tooth systems with spherical heads.
In this case, it has been found to be
particularly advantageous with the camouflage layer
according to the invention for the camouflage layer to
comprise a polar fabric, a metal layer applied to the
fabric, a polar polymer primer applied to the metal
layer, and a camouflage topcoat applied to the primer.
The advantage of such a refinement of the camouflage
layer is, in particular, due to the fact that the metal
layer results in the primer penetrating through to the
polar fabric. Such a penetrating arrangement is thus
possible, according to the invention, since the fabric
that is used and the primer that is used are both polar
polymers. In this case, the polar polymers are
chemically bonded to one another. In consequence, the
metal which is applied directly onto the polar fabric
is sheathed roughly in the form of a film to a greater
extent than with a purely adhesive effect, and it is
protected against both mechanical and chemical
separation as well as being dissolved or washed out. In
order to achieve such a surface bond, the polar polymer
primer is used as a type of protective layer for the
CA 02366240 2001-08-30
metal layer, which is preferably vapor-deposited. This
primer is transparent, or at least partially
transparent, in the infrared band: According to the
invention, the fine fabric structure is optimally
transferred to the metal layer, so that a large number
of scattering dipoles are formed on the fabric surface,
which lead to the camouflage layer having an optimum
scattering effect. Furthermore, the way in which the
layers engage in one another results in the fabric
structure and the layer structure being solidified.
For strength reasons, it has been found to be
useful for the fabric of the camouflage layer to
preferably use a polar polyester. This is because
polyester is particularly suitable due to a high level
of chemical resistance and due to high strength in the
fabric.
If the camouflage layer comprises a fabric
composed of cotton or viscose staple, then adhesion of
the metal layer on the fabric is advantageously
achieved by the microporosity of the viscose staple or
cotton. In this case, the metal layer is held firmly by
channels in the threads or fibers.
The antenna effect described above is also
advantageously influenced if, during .the manufacture of
the polyester fabric for the camouflage layer, this
fabric is produced with a titer of 280 dtex, a 1/1
binding cloth and a warp thread setting of preferably
17.5 threads/cm and a weft of 18.5 threads/cm which, of
course, can be defined via these production parameters.
The parameters quoted above also offer the advantage
that the camouflage layer according to the invention is
comparatively light in weight. This~means that it can
be used to produce entire overalls whose mass may even
be less than approximately 2 kg.
Owing to its low thermal capacity, its heat
dissipation capability and its high reflective or
scattering capability, the camouflage layer structure
described above also and in a particularly advantgeous
manner has a very low intrinsic signature. In this
CA 02366240 2001-08-30
_' - 6 -
context, the term intrinsic signature for the purposes
of the invention means the extent to which the
reflection or emission characteristic of the
camouflaged body differs from the changing reflection
or emission characteristic of the natural environment.
For the camouflage layer according to the invention,
this discrepancy is scarcely detectable, being about
t2°C. It is thus now virtually impossible to resolve,
in the time domain, the object camouflaged according to
the invention by measurements at different times, for
. example with different sunlight levels or in different
weather conditions.
In an advantageous development of the subject
matter of the invention, the camouflage layer
furthermore comprises a microbiocide, which offers the
advantage that it acts in a physiologically safe manner
against both bacteria and mold. In this context the
term safe should be understood as meaning that the
legally stipulated load levels are complied with, so
that personnel can come into contact with the
camouflage layer even over a lengthy period of time.
Tetrachloro(methylsulfonate)pyridine has in this case
been proven to be a demonstrably suitable microbiocide
for complying with the national requirements. However,
tetrachloropyridine furthermore also has the advantage
that it has particularly good characteristics, in
particular, in conjunction with the polymers that are
used.
A further advantageous embodiment according to
the invention comprises, inter alia, the camouflage
layer described above having at least one associated
second layer in order to hold the camouflage layer in a
defined manner. The advantage of such a combination is,
inter alia, that this increases the tearing strength of
the camouflage layer. Furthermore, the connection
between the camouflage layer and the second layer
allows intermediate spaces to be created which at least
provide a certain air cushion, so that the heat emitted
from an object to be camouflaged is not transmitted
CA 02366240 2001-08-30
_ _ 7 _
directly to the camouflage layer, or is transmitted to
it only in a reduced form. The thermal insulation
resulting from this accordingly prevents the camouflage
layer from being matched to the temperature of the body
to be camouflaged, and thus contributes to its
delocalization.
In an advantageous development of the subject-
matter of the invention, the first camouflage layer is
connected to the second layer via a quilted seam. The
yarn used in this case is likewise preferably composed
of high-strength polyester. The advantage of such a
connection is, in particular, that, while being matched
to the facing structure, the second layer can be
specifically and securely attached to the camouflage
layer. In this case, possible hazardous material vapors
which would occur, for example, if the layers were
bonded, are avoided, and the sewing does not limit the
camouflage effect.
Stepping the camouflage layer with respect to
the second layer allows volumes to be formed between
the camouflage layer and the second layer in a highly
advantageous manner, which volumes, as already
described above, provide a certain amount of air
separation and can thus act, in the form of air
buffers, as thermal reservoirs or buffer zones and/or
insulation buffers.
In one preferred embodiment, toothed structures
which preferably lie parallel to one another and are
separated by non-meandering areas are located on the
camouflage layer. The quilted seams in this case
likewise run parallel to one another in the areas
without any facing and, accordingly, likewise lie
parallel to one another. The stepped width of the
camouflage layer and of the second layer are, however,
in this case matched to one another so that the
spreading capability, described above, of the toothed
structure and the positive camouflage effects
associated with it are retained. However, conversely,
this also means that a yield limit can be defined over
CA 02366240 2001-08-30
the second layer, which advantageously contributes to
the camouflage layer not tearing, even when severely
loaded, when the camouflage material according to the
invention is stretched. In this case, the stepped area
of the second layer is the area which is located
between two seams, and is larger than the corresponding
area of the camouflage layer. The width difference
which results in this way then essentially governs the
stretching range or the yield limit of the camouflage
layer.
The stepping described above and the creation
of buffer zones linked to it have, in addition to the
already-mentioned advantages, the highly positive
characteristic that the stepped volume areas cannot be
changed by stretching, pressing or by the camouflage
material being placed on a surface, so that this
results in a pumping effect which promotes the air flow
through the camouflage material and air convection and
thus, for example, can lead to improved dissipation of
heated air from underneath the camouflage material. The
buffer zones that are provided, in particular in
conjunction with the facing already described above,
also offer ideal air movement characteristics which
essentially prevent any buildup of heat in the air
under the camouflage material according to the
invention.
In a further highly advantageous development of
the subject-matter of the invention, the second layer
comprises a mesh fabric. In this case, the size of the
openings in the mesh is preferably designed such that,
firstly, the pumping effect defined above is retained
and, secondly, however, the air permeability through
the camouflage material is enhanced, so that the air
flow rate, and thus the thermal dissipation through the
camouflage material, are even further increased. The
mesh fabric has a particularly positively noticeable
effect in conjunction with the pumping effect, for
example, when the camouflage material is used for a
camouflaged item of clothing. Since a person who is
CA 02366240 2001-08-30
_ g _
wearing camouflaged clothing cut from the camouflage
material according to the invention is generally always
moving in some way and, in the process, the camouflaged
clothing is pressed against the body in a changing
manner, heated air close to the body can be transported
quickly and simply out of the camouflaged clothing by
particular use of the pumping effect according to the
invention. Essentially, it is possible to avoid heat
building up under the camouflaged item of clothing, and
any heating of the camouflage fabric resulting from
this. In this case, the described swirling caused by
the facing in the form of mushrooms also has a
particularly positive effect.
In one specially preferred embodiment of the
camouflage material according to the invention, the
first layer has domed regions, facing away from the
second layer, between the quilted seams. In an
advantageous manner, the domed regions are produced by
the stiffness of the camouflage material itself. This
camouflage material is preferably intended for
camouflaging personnel. With stepped camouflage
material, the distance between the quilted seams along
the second layer is approximately half the distance at
which the quilted seams were produced. The self-
stressing or folding of the camouflage material
achieved in this way advantageously results in the
capability to increase the heat dissipation or heat
supplied by convection. The domed regions which run
parallel to the quilted seams may be roughly in the
form of arcs. However, the invention also covers a
camouflage material in which the domed regions have
areas which meet one another at an acute angle between
the quilted seams. With such a camouflage material, the
areas which are at the same time limb areas of a
triangle each contain the facing structure. According
to the invention, the composition and/or the production
process allow/allows domed regions or folds of
different geometries to be produced between the quilted
seams.
CA 02366240 2001-08-30
_ - 1~ -
In principle, various materials, such as
cotton, may be used for the mesh fabric. However,
polyester has advantageously been found to be
particularly suitable, owing to its high load capacity
or strength.
As already mentioned above, the camouflage
material according to the invention is particularly
suitable for 'use in a camouflaged item of clothing
according to the invention. In this case, it is
possible to use not only the said pumping effect
usefully, but also the characteristic of the camouflage
layer that the toothed structure is designed in such a
way that the teeth, or the mushroom-shaped teeth, are
also spread apart from one another on curved surfaces
and, in the process, can produce their camouflaging
capability completely, in particular in the visible
band and in the radar band.
In this case, the camouflage material can be
used in a preferred manner for tailoring an integral
camouflaged item of clothing or a suit comprising
trousers and a jacket, thus allowing essentially whole-
body camouflaging to be achieved. To assist the
camouflage effect, and/or to make it perfect, the
camouflaged item of clothing according to the invention
has separately tailored areas. Such areas are located
essentially wherever the body can be expected to
produce an increased amount of heat.
As a consequence of this, the integral
camouflaged item of clothing according to the
invention, or the suit according to the invention, has
a bridging area in the armpit area which prevents the
buildup of heat that frequently occurs there from
happening, while air convection also takes place in
this area. These bridging areas have a shape similar to
a triangle in the make-up of the integral or two-piece
camouflaged item of clothing according to the
invention, which shape extends in the form of a wedge
into the armpit area and thus, in a highly advantageous
CA 02366240 2001-08-30
- 11 -
manner, creates a thermal link or coupling between the
chest area and the arm area.
In order furthermore to prevent heat from being
transmitted to the suit when the suit is being worn,
cushioning (which provides thermal insulation as an
intermediate layer between the body and the suit) is
introduced wherever the suit is in relatively close
contact with the body owing to the physiognomy. Such
inserts are particularly advantageous where said areas
coincide with areas of the body from which increased
heat emission can be expected.
Without any adverse effects on the camouflaging
capability of the camouflaged item of clothing
according to the invention, this item of clothing
comprises a comprehensive zip fastener system, which
preferably extends to the head and/or the upper body
and/or the legs and/or the arms of the integral or two-
piece camouflaged item of clothing. In particular, this
zip fastener system firstly makes it easier to put the
camouflaged item of clothing on when, as is generally
the case, the camouflaged item of clothing is put on
while wearing clothes underneath and, secondly, the zip
fasteners are used to fold up and to tie the
camouflaged item of clothing in such a way that it can
be carried like a rucksack. The size of the folded-up
camouflaged item of clothing is, in this case, so
compact, however, that it can also very easily be
accommodated in a rucksack. Using the camouflage
material according to the invention, the camouflaged
item of clothing has a mass of only approximately 2 kg.
In a further preferred further development of
the camouflaged item of clothing, the so-called cords,
which are preferably fitted to the camouflaged item of
clothing at the ends of the arms and legs and in the
chest are have two functions, corresponding to those of
the zip fasteners. In this case, the cords represent a
cord tightening system using which both the width and
the length of the foot ends and leg ends of the
camouflaged clothing can be reduced, so that the cut of
CA 02366240 2001-08-30
- 12 -
the integral or two-piece camouflaged item of clothing
can be matched to different body sizes. However, their
double function can also be used to tie the camouflaged
item of clothing up in a compact form. One particularly
preferred camouflaged item of clothing according to the
present invention is distinguished by the fact that the
camouflage material is fitted flat to the mesh fabric
in an armpit area and/or on the insides of the leg
areas. This results in the particular advantage that
the person wearing the camouflaged item of clothing can
move without making any noise.
The invention likewise provides a camouflaged
item of clothing which is cut as a poncho or cape. In
this case, a hood section is likewise connected, either
permanently or detachably, to the poncho. The
camouflaged poncho advantageously has a fastening
system in the chest area, which fastening system may be
in the form of a zip fastener or a Velcro-type
fastener, or may also be row of buttons.
In a further advantageous development of the
camouflaged item of clothing according to the
invention, this item of clothing has access openings
which can be closed and via which it is possible to
access the clothing located underneath and, for
example, pockets in it.
The invention will be described in the
following text using preferred exemplary embodiments
and with reference to the attached drawings, in which:
Figure la shows a detail of the front view of the
camouflage material according to the
invention, in unstressed state,
Figure 1b shows the mushroom structure of the facing,
Figure lc shows a cross-sectional illustration at right
angles to the stepped webs of the camouflage
material according to the invention,
Figure 1d shows the camouflage material according to
the invention and as shown in Figure la, in
the stretched state,
CA 02366240 2001-08-30
- 13 -
Figure 1e shows a further embodiment of the camouflage
material according to the invention,
illustrated in perspective,
Figure 2a shows a front view of one half of a
camouflaged item of clothing according to the
invention,
Figure 2b shows a rear view of one half of the
camouflaged item of clothing according to the
invention and as shown in Figure 2b,
Figure 2c shows a detail of the shoulder part of the
camouflaged item of clothing according to the
invention,
Figure 2d shows a front view of a portion of the two
part version of a camouflaged item of
clothing according to the invention,
Figure 2e shows a partial front view of a further
embodiment of the camouflaged item of
clothing according to the invention.
Figures la to 1e will in this case be referred
to first of all. Figure la shows a detail of the
camouflage material 1 according to the invention, in an
unstressed state. The camouflage material 1 comprises
an outer material layer 11 and an inner material layer
12, which points toward the object to be camouflaged,
see Figure 1. The two material layers 11, 12 are
connected to one another by means of seams 13,
producing a camouflage material 1 with a stepped
appearance. The stepping forms a web structure or
fields on the camouflage material. In this case, the
cut facing 15 of the camouflage layer 11 runs in the
webs . The cut pattern of the facing 15 forms a toothed
pattern 14. In this case, the teeth~l6 are shaped like
mushrooms. In order to illustrate this situation,
reference should be made to Figure 1b, in which the
mushroom-shaped inner tooth system 16b and outer tooth
system 16a are shaded. In this case, the inner tooth
system 16b, which is formed from a chain of mushroom
teeth which alternately project upward and downward,
engages in the outer tooth system 16a. The inner tooth
CA 02366240 2001-08-30
- 14 -
system 16b and the outer tooth system 16a do not just
engage in one another, however, but are also connected
to one another at points at the junction or connecting
points 17. In the illustrative sense, these are
precisely those points at which the lower faces of the
mushroom heads 16c come to rest above the toothed
system.
It can be seen from Figure lc that the inner
material layer 12 is stepped with respect to the outer
camouflage layer 11 in such a way that, when not
stretched, that is to say when no prestress is applied
to the camouflage material 1 at right angles to the
seams, the inner material layer 12 forms a domed region
between the seams. The size of the domed region in this
case governs the air buffer which is formed between the
camouflage layer~and the inner layer. Furthermore, the
yield limit d+x and the possible stretching width x are
defined over the stepped width of the inner layer 12.
The inner layer 12 in this case preferably has a
honeycomb or mesh fabric composed of polyester in order
to allow air to pass through the camouflage material 1
better.
When the camouflage material 1 is in the
unstretched state, Figure la, the structure 14, which
is toothed like mushrooms, is essentially in the same
plane as the material layer 11. If a force is now
applied transversely with respect to the seams 13, then
the outer tooth system 16a is pulled outward in the
direction of the seams 13. In this case, a driving
effect is also produced on the inner tooth system 16b,
via the connection points 17. However, since this acts
on the inner tooth system 16b from both sides, the
width of said inner tooth system 16b is stretched. The
stretching of the inner tooth system 16b is, however,
in this case shorter than the overall stretching
process, so that, for compensation, the mushroom heads
16c of the inner tooth system 16b and of the outer
tooth system 16a are raised and lifted from their
planar position.
CA 02366240 2001-08-30
'_ - 15 -
The mushroom heads 16c are also raised when the
_ camouflage material is held, for example, on an oblique
edge, and the mushroom heads are in this way lifted out
of the plane of the camouflage material. In order to
allow these two effects to be achieved to the same
extent, it is important that the junction points 17 be
chosen to be of the right size so that, firstly, it is
possible for the heads 16c to twist with respect to one
another and, secondly, the stiffness of the connection
is not excessive, so that mutual raising remains
possible on bending.
Figure 1d shows the camouflage material 1 in a
state where it is stretched by x transversely with
respect to the quilted seam. As can be seen, the
mushroom-like toothed structure 14 has ceased to be
closed, that is to say it has raised itself outward.
However, what cannot be seen from the figure is the
important fact that, due to the stretching process, the
stepped spatial buffer has changed its size, as a
result of which a type of pumping effect occurs, which
conveys the air faster through the camouflage net
according to the invention.
A further embodiment of the camouflage material
1 according to the invention, shown in Figure 1e, has
domed regions 18, folded into a triangular shape,
between the quilted seams 13. In this case, the limbs
18a and 18b of the domed regions 18 each intersect in a
fold 18c, like a ridge and running parallel to the
quilted seams 13. Distances 19 between the quilted
seams 13, measured along the inner layer 12 which is
preferably in the form of a large-mesh fabric,
correspond approximately to half the sum of the widths
of the limbs 18a and 18b. The domed regions 18 and the
inner layer 12 each surround cavities 19, used for
ventilation, between the quilted seams 13.
The following text refers to Figures 2a to 2e,
with Figures 2a to 2c being to a different scale to
that used in Figures 2d and 2e. Figure 2a shows an
integral camouflaged item of clothing 2 which is
CA 02366240 2001-08-30
_- - 16 -
produced from the camouflage material 1 described above
and which allows extraordinary good camouflage not only
in the visible band but also in the infrared band and
in the radar wavelength spectrum. Figure 2a shows the
front view of a part of the camouflaged item of
clothing 2 just mentioned. As can be seen from the
drawing, the camouflaged item of clothing 2, which is
in the form of an overall, comprises a hood part 21,
two arm parts 22, only one of which is shown, a trunk
part 23 and two leg parts 24, only one of which is
shown, once again. The hood part 21, the arm parts 22
and the leg parts 24 are sewn to the trunk part 23, and
are thus integrally connected to it.
The hood part 21 has a viewing opening 21a in
whose opening edge a cord 21b has been sewn, in such a
way that it can move such that it allows the hood width
or the field view area to be varied. As is known for
such situations, ends of the cord 21b are provided with
protection against unraveling and with a cord stopper,
to prevent the cord 21b from accidentally being pulled
out of the cord guide 21a. As already mentioned, the
hood part 21 is preferably sewn to the front part 23
but, if required, it may also be fitted to the trunk
part 23 by other devices, for example by means of a
Velcro-type fastener or zip fastener, or in some other
way.
As can be seen in Figures 2a and 2b, the arm
parts 22 are preferably fitted to the trunk part 23 in
the same way as that described above for the hood part
21. Where the arm part 22 joins the trunk part 23, the
arm part 22 is preferably cut to be particularly wide
at the level of the armpit. In this Case, the cut shape
fixes a wedged-shaped cutout 26 in the armpit. This
produces a thermal bridge between the arm, armpit and
body area. Since the camouflage material is guided over
the armpit in this way, it is impossible for heat to
build up at this particularly warm point, and then to
be transferred to the camouflage material, making at
least this point visible in an infrared image.
CA 02366240 2001-08-30
The ends of the arm parts 22 toward the hands
have two sewn-on strips 22a, 22b, through each of which
a moving cord is passed, with protection against
unravelling and with a cord stopper. By folding the
ends of the arm parts 22 that are toward the hand
inward and pulling on the cords, the length of the arm
parts 22 can be matched to the arm length of the person
wearing the overall 2. The arm parts 22 furthermore
each have a zip fastener 25, which extends from the end
opposite the trunk, over the entire length of the lower
side of the respective arm part 22 and over the trunk
part 23 to the end of the respective leg part 24.
As has already been described above, the leg
parts 24 are integrally connected, without any seam, to
the trunk part 23 in an advantageous manner. The ends
of the leg parts 24 toward the feet have, in the same
way as the arm parts 22 described above, two sewn-on
strips 24a, 24b, through each of which a cord is
passed, with protection against unravelling and a cord
~20 stopper. By folding the ends of the leg parts 24 which
face the feet inward and pulling on the cords, the
length of the leg parts 24 can also in this case be
matched to the leg length of the person wearing the
overall 2. Furthermore, in the hip area and on the
front of the thigh, the leg parts 24 respectively have
an access opening 24c and 24d, in order to reach the
pockets in trousers which are worn by a wearer and are
located under the overall 2. The access openings can
preferably be closed by means of Velcro-type fasteners.
In one preferred embodiment, the camouflage
material is fitted flat onto the mesh fabric,
preferably being sewn on, on the inside of the leg,
approximately in the crotch and in the armpit area.
On the shoulder section, that is to say at the
junction between the hood part 21 and the arm parts 22,
the trunk part 23 has a shoulder pad 23a, which is in
the form of a saddle, can best be seen in Figure 2c,
and is preferably composed of highly thermally
insulating foam material. The foam material makes it
CA 02366240 2001-08-30
.. _ 18 _
impossible for the body heat developed there to be
transmitted directly to the overall 2, which is in very
close contact at this point. Foam material is
particularly suitable for this purpose since it has no
negative effect on the camouflage material pumping
effect described above.
Roughly at navel height, the trunk part 23 has
a strip 23b incorporated in it, through which a cord
can likewise be passed. The ends of the cord are once
again provided with protection against unraveling and
with a card stopper. The trunk part 23 furthermore has
a zip fastener 23c arranged on the front, which extends
roughly from the crotch to the hood part 23, in order
to make it easier to put the overall 2 on. In this
case, the zip fastener system is also used, overall, to
improve the way in which the overall 2 is joined
together.
In one preferred embodiment, the camouflaged
item of clothing 3 which is designed in two parts as a
suit and is shown in Figure 2d has face protection 31,
which essentially covers the wearer's mouth and nose
area. The face protection 31 can in this case be
attached to the inner sides of the hood part 21 by a
Velcro-type or zip fastener. However, a permanent sewn
joint and/or a combination of such a joint with a zip
fastener or Velco-type fastener is also conceivable.
The invention also provide s for an additional mesh
fabric, preferably made of cotton, to be sewn in in the
navel area 33 of a jacket, at the end 34 of the arm
part 22 facing the hand and in the neck section 35 of
the hood part 21. Such additional mesh fabric is
likewise provided at the foot ends 36 and in the lower
leg area 37 of trousers 38. Cords 39a to 39e, which are
used to match the suit 3 to different sizes, are then
connected to the respective additional mesh fabric, for
example being threaded in. The cords 39a to 39e are
passed through respective openings 40a to 40e to the
outside . The appropriate cords can be pulled, to adapt
CA 02366240 2001-08-30
- 19 -
the size, via end pieces 41a to 41e, which are fitted
to the cords 39a to 39e.
The invention likewise provides a poncho-like
camouflaged item of clothing 4 as shown in Figure 2e.
This camouflaged poncho 4 can preferably be fastened by
a row of buttons 41 fitted to the chest section 42.
This camouflaged poncho 4, which has the camouflage
material according to the invention on its outside, has
access openings 43, fitted at the sides, in the lower
chest section 42.
All the advantages described above of the new
type of camouflage come to bear in particular when the
camouflage material according to the invention is used
for camouflaged clothing. Not only is the pumping
effect or stretching effect particularly useful when
someone is moving, but it has also been found that the
natural shapes of the body cause the meandering or
mushroom-shaped toothed system 14 to cease to be
closed, thus leading to the desired protection.
Finally, it is self-evident that the individual
features of the invention may also be used in
combinations other than those described.
