GB2420169A

GB2420169A - Reversible camouflage netting

Info

Publication number: GB2420169A
Application number: GB0522890A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael J Beatty; Mark David Hennessy; Alan Cameron Newman
Original assignee: Amsafe Bridport Ltd
Current assignee: Amsafe Bridport Ltd
Priority date: 2004-11-12
Filing date: 2005-11-10
Publication date: 2006-05-17
Anticipated expiration: 2025-11-10
Also published as: GB0522890D0; GB0424977D0; GB2420169B

Abstract

A camouflage net 102 comprises a first net mesh 104 having a first mesh dimension and a second net mesh 106 having a second mesh dimension, the second mesh dimension being smaller than the first and wherein the net is reversible so as to enable different camouflage patterns to be displayed. Meshes 104 and 106 may be attached to each other along peripheral edges and may each be provided with camouflage garnishes. The first net dimensions may be in the range of 10-150mm whilst the second between 1-10mm.

Description

CAMOUFLAGE NETS

The present invention relates to camouflage nets.

Camouflage nets are used, particularly by the military, to conceal equipment and personnel and enable them to blend in with their surroundings Traditionally, camouflage nets have consisted of a net comprising a plurality of intersecting net strands, to which a garnish is attached. The garnish is a coated fabric which may have visual and near infrared properties selected to match the terrain where the camouflage net is to be used. The coated fabric may be incised to create a three dimensional (3D) leafy effect, for example. In the latter case, the garnish can be applied to the net in patches to create the look of vegetation from a threat distance or as a complete cover (100%). The garnish may also have a printed or spray painted 1 5 pattern if required. In addition, radar reflecting/absorbing properties can also be incorporated in the garnish if desired The nets may also comprise low emissivity fabrics which may be strategically placed to cover hot areas of a concealed object in order to produce a multi-spectral camouflage system.

The net mesh dimension in these traditional nets is typically in the region of 75mm square. This can make the nets difficult to deploy since the mesh may snag on protruding corners of the object to be concealed.

In addition to the traditional 3D nets, two dimensional (2D) nets are also commonly used. These nets comprise a knitted or open mesh woven fabric with patterning.

Radar absorbing or reflecting properties can be incorporated in the yarns or as a finishing process. Cutting down the line of site between image and target the 20 structure helps to reduce the thermal signature of the object. These nets are not particularly suited to woodland surroundings because of the lack of 3D effect although they are good in desert surroundings for concealing the thermal signature of an object.

However, heat can build up within the supported structure due to the relatively small holes and this can make it uncomfortable for any crew members beneath the structure.

Additionally, these 2D nets may have a garnish sewn into the knitted fabric to improve the 3D effect.

The visual appearance of such 2D nets is not as good as a patched net in woodland conditions. Similarly, the lack of texture makes such a 2D net not as good for the near and far infrared. However, the 2D nets are much easier to deploy than conventional nets as there is much less snagging due to the substantially smaller mesh size.

An alternative to conventional 2D and 3D nets is proposed in EP-A-1 464 914, in which the net comprises a first net mesh having a first mesh dimension and a first area and a second mesh dimension and a second area. The first mesh dimension is larger than the second mesh dimension, typically between 10-40 mm square compared to between 1-10 mm for the second mesh. The area of the second net mesh is larger than the area of the first net mesh and the two are attached at or near their respective peripheries such that, when the first net mesh is held taut, the second net mesh sags below. In effect, the net combines the best features of conventional 20 and 3D nets.

A further disadvantage of currently available nets is that they tend to be limited to use in a particular terrain. For example, camouflage nets intended for use in forest conditions tend to be provided with a camouflage garnish in a variety of shades of green to match the forest surroundings. However, camouflage nets for use in desert conditions tend to be provided with a camouflage garnish in a brown colour scheme to match the sandy conditions experienced in the desert. The effect of this is that it may be necessary to carry more than one camouflage net in situations where there is a variety of terrains. The examples given above are of two extremes, however, it is possible that a single camouflage net will not be suitable for all anticipated terrains.

Carrying additional camouflage nets takes up valuable space which may otherwise have been used to carry essential supplies. Often situations will arise where it is not possible to carry more than one camouflage net and this may result in the use of a camouflage net in conditions to which it is not best suited.

It is the object of the present invention to alleviate some of the problems of the prior art nets or at least to provide an alternative to them.

According to the present invention there is provided a camouflage net comprising a first net mesh having a first mesh dimension and a second net mesh having a second mesh dimension, the second mesh dimension being smaller than the first mesh dimension, wherein the net is reversible to enable different camouflage patterns to be displayed.

In normal use of the net the first net mesh overlies the second net mesh This results in a net which provides the benefits of conventional 2D and 3D nets while offering a greater degree of flexibility than the net described in EP-A-1 464 914. The camouflage net according to the present invention may be reversed to better match the terrain on which it is to be used. Unlike conventional camouflage nets, the net according to the present invention may be provided with camouflage suitable for different types of terrain.

The first net mesh and the second net mesh are preferably attached to each other along at least a portion of their respective peripheries. The attachment between the first net mesh and the second net mesh may then function as a form of hinge about which the first net mesh or second net mesh may be folded, as will be more clearly described below with reference to the drawings.

Preferably, the first net mesh is provided with a camouflage garnish. The garnish may be of a conventional type and may suitably be attached to the first net mesh in a known manner. The garnish may conveniently have visual and near infrared properties selected to match the terrain where the camouflage net is to be used. It may be applied to the first net mesh in patches to create the look of vegetation from a threat distance, or as a complete cover. In addition, radar reflecting/absorbing properties can also be incorporated in the garnish if desired.

It is further preferred that the garnish is provided with different camouflage colouring on each side. The colouring may be printed or spray painted onto the garnish if required. The effect of this is that the first net mesh may be provided with two different camouflage colourings. When viewed from the top the first net mesh may, for example, be provided with a green, "forest" camouflage. However, when viewed from below the first net mesh may, for example, be provided with a brown, "desert" camouflage. As before, these examples represent two extremes and the two sides of the first net mesh may simply be provided with different green or brown shadings to suit different forest or desert terrains Alternatively, each side of the first net mesh may be provided with a different garnish.

The garnishes may be selected to represent different camouflage colourings as may be required.

A net according to the present invention enables a user to attain two different camouflage colourings using a single camouflage net. This represents a significant benefit and provides a reduction in the amount of equipment which it is necessary to carry. This is particularly relevant in situations where the user must carry their own equipment.

As discussed above, in use of the net the first net mesh overlies the second net mesh.

This is beneficial as the relatively smaller net mesh dimension of the second net mesh helps to prevent the net from snagging, for example on the corners of equipment A first side of the first net mesh is visible and this provides a first camouflage colouring.

However, if the terrain changes it may be that the first side of the first net mesh no longer matches the colouring of the terrain. Traditionally, it would have been necessary to change the net to one with a more appropriate colouring. However, with the present net it is possible to open the net out, such that the first net mesh and second net mesh lie side by side, and then fold the second net mesh over the first net mesh, such that the second net mesh now lies on top of the first side of the first net mesh. The net can now be redeployed as before with the first net mesh overlying the second net mesh, but with the second side of the first net mesh being visible. The second side of the first net mesh has a different camouflage colouring which may be more suited to the conditions.

The first net mesh preferably defines a square mesh. The size of the mesh dimension of the first net mesh may be selected to suit the intended use of the net. Typically, the net mesh dimension may be in the range from about 10mm to about 150mm. However, the only limitation on the size of the mesh dimension is that it is larger than the mesh dimension of the second net mesh and it may be that the first mesh dimension is smaller than 10mm, or larger than 150mm.

The second net mesh preferably has a mesh dimension in the range from about 1 mm to about 10mm. The second net mesh may conveniently be in the form of a mesh fabric. The second net mesh may suitably be provided with a different camouflage -5-.

colouring on each side. For example, a first side of the second net mesh may be provided with a green, "forest" colouring and a second side may be provided with a brown, "desert" colouring. The second net mesh may be a single layer of mesh material with a different colour on each side or it may be two layers of mesh material, each of a different colour. The two sides of the second net mesh may conveniently be of a suitable colour to compliment the colour of the garnish on the side of the first net mesh with which they will be matched in use. Alternatively, the two coloured second net mesh may be utilised with a first net mesh having no garnish or a garnish with the same colouring on both sides. In this case, the colouring of the second net mesh will enable the camouflage net to function as a reversible net. Each side of the second net mesh may be composed of a single colour or a mixture of different colours to suit the surroundings.

The first net mesh may conveniently be square or it may be rectangular Alternatively, the first net mesh may be of any suitable shape to suit its intended use. For example, it is envisaged that the first net mesh may be of an irregular shape or it may be circular, oval, triangular or an other regular shape. Other shapes are also envisaged and are included within the scope of the invention. The second net mesh is preferably the same shape as the first net mesh. When the first net mesh and second net mesh are square or rectangular it is preferred that they are attached along corresponding edges of their respective peripheries.

The first net mesh and the second net mesh may be attached at a single point or they may be attached along one of their edges. The net is preferably provided with releasable attachment means remote from the attachment between the first net mesh and the second net mesh. The term "remote", as used herein, simply means that the releasable attachment means is spaced apart from the first mentioned attachment The releasable attachment means is provided to secure the first net mesh and second net mesh and to make the camouflage net easier to deploy. The releasable attachment means may suitably be any form of a clip or other such attachment. The releasable attachment means is preferably a quick release attachment Alternatively, the releasable attachment means may in the form of a disposable clip, or plastic tie, which provides a permanent attachment but may be cut off to break the attachment.

The releasable attachment means may conveniently be provided on the first net mesh or, alternatively, it may be provided on the second net mesh. In the case where the first net mesh and the second net mesh are attached along corresponding edges, the releasable attachment means is preferably provided on an opposite edge. Releasable attachment means may be provided at a plurality of spaced apart locations around the periphery of the first net mesh or second net mesh.

Alternatively, the first net mesh and the second net mesh may be attached along two opposite edges. For example, if the first net mesh and second net mesh are rectangular in shape they may be attached along both of their long edges. This results in a construction which is "tubular", in that it is open at its short edges and closed along its long edges. An advantage of this construction is that it does not require the releasable attachment means to secure the first and second net meshes together.

Furthermore, the absence of the attachment means enables the reversal operation to be carried out much quicker. In the net described above the attachment means must be undone and the first and second net meshes must be unfolded and then re-folded.

This can be time consuming and quite awkward. With a tubular" net it is simply a matter of turning the net inside out. This process will be described in more detail with reference to Figs 3a-3d.

A further possibility is for the first net mesh and the second net mesh to be attached along three adjacent edges. This results in a construction which is generally "bag shaped", having three closed edges and one open edge. This construction offers the same advantages as the "tubular" construction.

The second net mesh may suitably be the same size as the first net mesh. By this it is meant that the surface area covered by the second net mesh is preferably the same as that covered by the first net mesh. Alternatively, the second net mesh may have a larger surface area than the first net mesh. This will enable the second net mesh to sag below the first net mesh when the first net mesh is held taut, providing releasable attachment means are provided around the periphery of the first net mesh and second net mesh. The sagging effect produced between the second net mesh and the first net mesh helps to improve the visual performance of the overall net. The sagging material of the second net mesh can obscure the line of sight of an observer. This is because as the second net mesh sags away from the first net mesh it firstly falls downwards and then curves under the first net mesh. As the second net mesh curves under the first net mesh this effectively reduces the net mesh size as viewed from the side.

Consequently, the sagging material obscures the line of sight of an observer.

For a better understanding of the present invention reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a plan view of a camouflage net in an open configuration; Fig. 2 shows a p!an view of a second camouflage net in an open configuration; and Figs. 3a-3d show a method of reversal of a further camouflage net.

Referring firstly to Fig. 1, this shows a plan view of a camouflage net 2 in an open configuration. The net 2 comprises a rectangular first net mesh 4 and a rectangular second net mesh 6 of approximately the same size as the first net mesh 4. The size of the net meshes 4, 6 refers to the surface area covered by the first net mesh 4 and the second net mesh 6 and not to the actua' mesh dimension. The mesh dimension refers to the size of each individual mesh which is defined by the strands 3 of the net mesh. The mesh dimension of the first net mesh 4 is larger than that of the second net mesh 6 The mesh of the first net mesh 4 is a square mesh with a mesh dimension of approximately 100mm. The second net mesh 6 is in the form of a mesh fabric and has a much smaller mesh dimension of approximately 1 mm. The mesh in the Figures is not drawn to scale.

The first net mesh 4 and the second net mesh 6 are attached to one another along a corresponding one of their long edges 8. The first net mesh 4 and the second net mesh 6 are tied together at the point of attachment, although other suitable means of attachment may also be utilised.

The net 2 is shown in an open configuration with the first net mesh 4 and the second net mesh 6 lying side by side. However, this is merely to illustrate the construction of the net 2 and, in use, the first net mesh 4 and the second net mesh 6 are brought together to overlie one another such that the second net mesh 6 is visible through the first net mesh 4. The second net mesh 6 forms the base layer of the net 2 and the first net mesh 4 is the top layer. This makes the net 2 easier to deploy as the second net mesh 6 has a much smaller mesh dimension and is less likely to snag on equipment or the like The second net mesh 6 may be in the form of a single layer of net material with a different colour on each side or it may be in the form of two layers of net material, each of a different colour.

The second net mesh 6 is provided with different coloured camouflage markings on each side The camouflage markings are well known in the art and will be selected to suit the terrain in which the net will be used. For example, each side of the net may be a single colour or it may be a combination of colours. A first side 7 of the second net mesh 6 may be provided with a green and brown colouring for use in forest terrain and a second side (not shown) of the second net mesh 6 may be provided with a different shading of green and brown or, alternatively, the other side may be provided with a sandy brown colouring for use in desert conditions. By providing the second net mesh 6 with different colouring on each side it enables the net to function as a reversible net 2, thus increasing the operational flexibility of the net 2.

The line of attachment 8 between the first net mesh 4 and the second net mesh 6 functions as a hinge, about which the first net mesh 4 and second net mesh 6 may be folded. In a first condition of the net 2 the first net mesh 4 lies on top of the first side 7 of the second net mesh 6. In this condition the first side 7 of the second net mesh 6 is visible through the first net mesh 4 and the net will be suited to terrains which best match the colour of the first side 7 of the second net mesh. If the conditions change then the camouflage provided by the first side of the second net mesh 6 may no longer be suitable. Traditionally it would have been necessary to persevere with the unsuitable net or to replace it with another, more suitable net. The latter option requires more than one net to be carried, which is not always possible. However, with the present invention it is possible to reverse the net 2 such that the first net mesh 4 lies on top of the second side of the second net mesh 6 and the colour of the second side of the second net mesh 6 is visible. Again, the colour of the second side of the second net mesh may be selected to suit expected terrain. For example, if it was expected that both forest and desert conditions would be encountered then the second net mesh 6 could be selected accordingly with forest colours on the first side 7 and desert colours on the second side.

The reversal is carried out by removing the net 2 from wherever it is deployed and opening it out such that the first net mesh 4 and second net mesh 6 lie side by side.

The first net mesh 4 is then folded about the line of attachment 8 in the opposite direction to before, such that the first net mesh 4 overlies the second side of the second net mesh 6. The net 2 may then be redeployed with the colour of the second side of the second net mesh 6 being visible through the first net mesh 4 The first net mesh 4 and the second net mesh 6 are only attached along the line of attachment 8. However, for ease of deployment it is preferred that the net 2 is provided with releasable attachment means (not shown) located at a point or points remote from the attachment between the first net mesh 4 and the second net mesh 6.

The releasable attachment means are preferably provided at a plurality of points around the periphery of the net Referring now to Fig. 2, this shows a plan view of a second camouflage net 12 in an open configuration. The net 12 is of a similar construction to the net 2 of Fig. 1 and like parts will be numbered with the same number increased by 10.

The net 12 comprises a rectangular first net mesh 14 and a rectangular second net mesh 16 of approximately the same size as the first net mesh 14. The first net mesh 14 and second net mesh 16 are attached to one another along a corresponding one of their long edges 18.

The first net mesh 14 is provided with a camouflage garnish 20 which is attached to the strands 13 of the first net mesh 14 by plastic ties (not shown). The attachment of a camouflage garnish to a net is well known and any suitable attachment means may be used. The garnish 20 is applied to the first net mesh 14 in patches to create a natural, non-uniform appearance. The garnish 20 is in the form of a coated fabric which is incised to create a three dimensional leafy effect. The garnish has a top surface 21 and a bottom surface (not shown) and each surface is a different colour. This enables the first net mesh 14 to be provided with two different camouflage markings, or colour schemes - one on the top surface 21 and one on the bottom surface. The reversal operation to change from one colour scheme to the other is the same as described in relation to the net of Fig. 1. Any releasable attachment means are undone and the net 12 is folded about the line of attachment 18 in the opposite direction, such that the top surface 21 of the garnish 20 faces the second net mesh 16 and the bottom surface is now visible. The net 12 can then be redeployed with the alternative camouflage markings being visible.

The second net mesh 16 may be a single colour or, as described in relation to the net of Fig. 1, the second net mesh 16 may be provided with a different colour scheme on each side. The features of the nets illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 may be combined in a single net. For example, the top surface 21 of the garnish 20 may be in a colour scheme which compliments the colour scheme of the first side 17 of the second net mesh 16 with which it will be matched in use and the bottom surface of the garnish 20 may be in a colour scheme which compliments the second side of the second net mesh 16 with which it will be matched in use Referring now to Figs. 3a, this shows a plan view of a third camouflage net 102. The iS net is of a generally similar construction to the net of Fig. I and like parts will be numbered with the same number increased by 100 Although they overcome some of the problems of the prior art, the nets of Figs. I and 2 suffer from the drawback that they can be slow to reverse. This is because it is first necessary to undo the releasabfe fastening means holding the first and second net meshes together. The net meshes can then be folded about the hinge" and then the releasable attachment means are re-fastened. This process can be time consuming and is not ideal in conditions of warfare, where time is of the essence.

The net 102 comprises a rectangular first net mesh 104 and a rectangular second net mesh 106 of approximately the same size as the first net mesh 104. The size of the net meshes 104, 106 refers to the surface area covered by the first net mesh 104 and the second net mesh 106 and not to the actual mesh dimension. The mesh dimension refers to the size of each individual mesh which is defined by the strands 103 of the net mesh. The mesh dimension of the first net mesh 104 is larger than that of the second net mesh 106. The mesh of the first net mesh 104 is a square mesh with a mesh dimension of approximately 100mm. The second net mesh 6 is in the form of a mesh fabric and has a much smaller mesh dimension of approximately 1mm The second net mesh 106 is only partially shown to aid clarity.

The first net mesh 104 and the second net mesh 106 are attached to one another along three adjacent edges - both long edges 1 05a, 1 05b and one of the short edges 107. The structure of the net 102 may be described as being generally bag- like" in that it has closed sides, a closed bottom and an open mouth. This makes the operation of net reversal much easier than with the nets of Figs 1 and 2, as will be described in relation to Figs. 3a-3d Figs. 3a- 3d illustrate the process of reversing the net 102 of Fig. 3a. This operation may be carried out in order to alter the camouflage characteristics of the net 102. In use of the net 102 the second net mesh 106 functions as a base layer with the first net mesh 106 lying on top. This serves to prevent the net from snagging when deployed.

A first surface of the second net mesh 106 is visible through the first net mesh 104 and contributes to the camouflage characteristics of the net 102. Although not shown in Figs. 3a-3d, the first net mesh 104 may also be provided with a camouflage garnish.

The camouflage garnish may be the same as described in relation to the net 12 of Fig. 2. A first side of the camouflage garnish will be visible in use an the reverse side may be provided with a different camouflage pattern/colour. Alternatively, each side of the first net mesh 104 may be provided with a differently coloured camouflage garnish. A second surface of the second net mesh 106 is provided with a different camouflage colour/pattern to the first surface of the second net mesh 106. The second surface is not visible in use of the net.

If the conditions change and the camouflage characteristics of the first surface of the second net mesh 106 and the first side of the camouflage garnish are no longer appropriate to the terrain then the net 102 can be reversed to change its camouflage characteristics. The process of reversal basically involves turning the net 102 inside- out, as illustrated in Figs. 3a-3d. The sides of the net 102 are pulled down (as shown by the arrows in Figs. 3a and 3b) and the bottom is pushed up in the direction of the mouth of the "bag". This has the effect of reversing the net such that surfaces of the first net mesh 104 and second net mesh 106 which were previously visible in use of the net 102, are no longer visible. The second surface of the second net mesh 104 will now be visible through the first net mesh, and the second side of the camouflage garnish will be visible. This enables the camouflage characteristics of the net 102 to be changed from, for example, a green, forest colour to a brown, desert colour In an alternative construction of the net 102 the short edge 107 may not be attached, such that the net 102 takes a "tubular" form. Such a construction also benefits from being quicker to reverse than the nets of Figs. 1 and 2.

The foregoing description describes the invention by way of reference to three examples. However, these are simply by way of example and the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Further modifications may be made as would be easily understood by a person skilled in the art having regard to the present invention. For example, the nets 2, 12 comprise a first net mesh 4, 14 and a second net mesh 6, 16 which are of approximately the same size. In a further embodiment the second net mesh 6, 16 may be substantially larger than the first net mesh 4, 14, such that it sags below the first net mesh 4, 14 when the net 2, 12 is deployed. In this embodiment it is preferred that the net 2, 12 is provided with releasable attachment means to releasably attach the respective peripheries of the first net mesh 4, 14 and second net mesh 6, 16.

Claims

Claims 1. A camouflage net comprising a first net mesh having a first mesh

dimension and a second net mesh having a second mesh dimension, the second mesh dimension being smaller than the first mesh dimension, wherein the net is reversible to enable different camouflage patterns to be displayed.
2. A camouflage net according to claim 1, wherein the first net mesh and the second net mesh are attached to each other along at least a portion of their respective peripheries.
3 A camouflage net according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first net mesh is provided with a camouflage garnish.
4. A camouflage net according to claim 3, wherein the garnish is provided with different camouflage colouring on each side.
5. A camouflage net according to any preceding claim, wherein the first net mesh defines a square mesh.
6. A camouflage net according to any preceding claim, wherein the first net mesh has a mesh dimension in the range from about 10mm to about 150mm.
7. A camouflage net according to any preceding claim, wherein the second net mesh is in the form of a mesh fabric.
8. A camouflage net according to claim 7, wherein the second net mesh has a mesh dimension in the range from about 1mm to about 10mm.
9. A camouflage net according to any preceding claim, wherein the second net mesh is provided with different camouflage colouring on each side.
10. A camouflage net according to any preceding claim, wherein the first net mesh is square.
11. A camouflage net according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the first net mesh is rectangular.
12. A camouflage net according to any preceding claim, wherein the second net mesh is the same shape as the first net mesh.
13. A camouflage net according to claim 12, as dependent on claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the first net mesh is attached to the second net mesh along at least one corresponding edge of their respective peripheries.
14. A camouflage net according to claim 13, wherein the first net mesh and second net mesh are attached along two opposite edges.
15. A camouflage net according to claim 13, wherein the first net mesh and the second net mesh are attached along three adjacent edges.
16. A camouflage net according to any preceding claim, wherein the net is provided with releasable attachment means remote from the attachment between the first net mesh and the second net mesh.
17. A camouflage net according to claim 16, as dependent on claim 13, wherein the releasable attachment means is provided on an edge opposite the attachment between the first net mesh and the second net mesh
18. A camouflage net according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the releasable attachment means is provided on the first net mesh.
19. A camouflage net according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the releasable attachment means is provided on the second net mesh.
20. A camouflage net according to any preceding claim, wherein the second net mesh has the same surface area as the first net mesh.
21. A camouflage net according to any one of claims 1-19, wherein the second net mesh has a larger surface area than the first net mesh.
22. A camouflage net substantially as herelnbefore descnbed with reference to the accompanying drawings.