Three dimensional camouflage net

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention concerns a camouflage net which is based on knitted fabrics and to a system of manufacturing same. Such nets are being used mostly for military objects such as to conceal aircrafts, land based vehicles, radar installations and like objects and installations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Camouflage nets must have special characteristics in order to fulfil and withstand and optimally prevent from operating the following monitoring or surveillance systems.

A) Visual monitoring and aerial reconnaissance flights including aerial photography.

B) Near infra red especially S.L.S. detecting systems.

C) Thermal detecting systems.

D) Different kinds of radar detecting systems.

[0003] As the above mentioned detecting means have different characteristics the camouflage nets must be designed and be provided with means which can successfully deal with these systems.

[0004] In order to avoid visual detection the net must be provided with patterns which will match the near surroundings of the objects, this being mostly dealt with by adopting the patterns of the dominating colours of the specific areas, such as sand, trees, water etc. etc.

[0005] The near infra red and S.L.S. systems operate within the range of wavelength of 700-1200 nanometers, thus the use of special pigments contributes to enhance these properties, giving a similar spectral reflection to that of the natural background.

[0006] The various thermal detecting systems operate in the 15000 nanometers range. As these systems can be distinct, the temperature of objects, thus presenting a thermal image thereof. The nets must conceal the heat of the objects so as to present a thermal image of the surrounding.

[0007] To avoid radar detecting the net is provided with radar scattering properties according to given specifications.

[0008] There are known a number of camouflage nets of different materials, the most known and used is a net which is based on a knotted net into which pieces of plastic material are incorporated.

[0009] These nets have certain disadvantages. The nets are quite transparent, thus in open areas the protection is very limited. Furthermore, the weight is relatively high thus the handling, transporting and use cause obvious difficulties.

[0010] Furthermore, due to their structure they tend to be caught at edges, corner and outjutting part of the objects during spreading and removal.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0011] It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a camouflage net which will overcome or diminish the above mentioned disadvantages namely: light weight, snagproof structure which will prevent damage during spreading and removal, and a better concealment capability. A further object of the present invention is to provide a net and system according to which nets of any colour and pattern could be manufactured.

[0012] A further object of the present invention is to provide a net which will be of one piece in any size or shape with special openings if necessary.

[0013] Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a net which will be manufactured having inherently properties in different wavelengths thus being capable of withstanding the various kinds of monitoring and detecting systems.

[0014] Yet a further advantage of the present invention is a camouflage net which is fire retardent and water resistent.

DESCRIPTION OF DISCLOSURE

[0015] According to the invention there is provided a three dimensional knitted camouflage net which is manufactured as follows:

[0016] 100% synthetic yarns such as polyester being knitted on a special warp knitting machine according to a pedetermined design which is programmed by electronic means to the machine, said design being customs made according to a given specification. To prevent the detection of radar systems, radar scattering means are inserted during the knitting stage. The knitted fabric is being dyed, U.V. inhibitor treated and printed with specially characterised fire retardent pigments, mildew resistent which have the appropriate spectral properties to prevent the detection by the visual and the S.L.S. and near I.R. and the thermal detection means. To withstand weather conditions, the fabric is given water repellent treatment. The finished product is cut to size and sewn to shape as required and the borders of the net are reinforced and to include loops for stakes or anchors when used.

[0017] In the preferred embodiment the net is dyed and printed on each side with different colours and designs to enable the use thereof either in different areas such as woodlands or deserts.

Claims

1. A three dimensional knitted camouflage net which is manufactured according to the following steps:

a) 100% synthetic yarns such as polyester being knitted on a special warp knitting machine according to a predetermined design

b) radar scattering means are inserted during the knitting stage

c) the knitted fabric is being dyed and printed with specially characterised pigments which have the appropriate spectral properties in the visual thermal detecting devices range

d) the fabric is given water repellent treatment

e) the fabric is cut to size and sewn to specification as required

f) the borders of the net are reinforced and to include loops for stakes or anchors when used.

2. A net as claimed in claim 1, characterised by that each side of the net is dyed with different colours.

3. A net as claimed in claim 1, characterised by that the net is knitted with special yarns to meet requirements in any wavelengths.

4. A three dimensional knitted camouflage net, substantially as hereinbefore described.