Camouflage patterns

Abstract

Camouflage patterns on a substrate such as a fabric comprise in a first aspect a substrate having a camouflage pattern with a set of intermixed colored blotches thereon, the colors of the set of intermixed colored blotches being selected from a group of colors comprising an Olive 527 color, a Dark Green 528 color, a Tan 525 color, a Brown 529 color, a Bark Brown 561 color and a Dark Cream 559 color. In another aspect the colors of the set of intermixed colored blotches being selected from a group of colors comprising an Olive 527 color, a Dark Green 528 color, a Light Sage 560 color, a Tan 525 color, a Brown 529 color, a Bark Brown 561 color and a Dark Cream 559 color.

Claims

1. A camouflage pattern on a substrate, comprising: a substrate having a camouflage pattern with a set of intermixed colored blotches thereon, the colors of the set of intermixed colored blotches being selected from a group of six colors comprising an Olive 527 color, a Dark Green 528 color, a Tan 525 color, a Brown 529 color, a Bark Brown 561 color and a Dark Cream 559 color, wherein in a single repeat of the camouflage pattern about 2.3% to and including 2.6% of the colors in the set of intermixed colored blotches consist of the Tan 525 color and a color layer in the set of intermixed colored blotches that are colored in the Brown 529 color has a first gradient that extends vertically across a width of a repeat of the camouflage pattern.

2. The camouflage pattern on the substrate of claim 1, wherein a color layer in the set of intermixed colored blotches that are colored in the Dark Green 528 color has a second gradient that extends horizontally along a length of the repeat of the camouflage pattern.

3. A camouflage pattern on a substrate, comprising: a substrate having a camouflage pattern with a set of intermixed colored blotches thereon, colors of the set of intermixed colored blotches being selected from a group of seven colors comprising an Olive 527 color, a Dark Green 528 color, a Light Sage 560 color, a Tan 525 color, a Brown 529 color, a Bark Brown 561 color and a Dark Cream 559 color, wherein in a single repeat of the camouflage pattern about 2.3% to and including 2.6% of the colors in the set of intermixed colored blotches consist of the Tan 525 color and a color layer in the set of intermixed colored blotches that are colored in the Brown 529 color has a first gradient that extends vertically across a width of a repeat of the camouflage pattern.

4. The camouflage pattern on the substrate of claim 3, wherein a color layer in the set of intermixed colored blotches that are colored in the Dark Green 528 color has a second gradient that extends horizontally along a length of the repeat of the camouflage pattern.

5. A camouflage pattern on a fabric, comprising: a fabric having a camouflage pattern with a set of intermixed colored blotches thereon, the colors of the set of intermixed colored blotches being selected from a group of colors comprising an Olive 527 color, a Dark Green 528 color, a Tan 525 color, a Brown 529 color, a Bark Brown 561 color and a Dark Cream 559 color, wherein in a single repeat of the camouflage pattern about 2.3% to and including 2.6% of the colors in the set of intermixed colored blotches consist of the Tan 525 color and a color layer in the set of intermixed colored blotches that are colored in the Brown 529 color has a first gradient that extends vertically across a width of a repeat of the camouflage pattern.

6. The camouflage pattern on the fabric of claim 5, wherein a color layer in the set of intermixed colored blotches that are colored in the Dark Green 528 color has a second gradient that extends horizontally along a length of the repeat of the camouflage pattern.

7. A camouflage pattern on a fabric, comprising: a fabric having a camouflage pattern with a set of intermixed colored blotches thereon, the colors of the set of intermixed colored blotches being selected from a group of colors comprising an Olive 527 color, a Dark Green 528 color, a Light Sage 560 color, a Tan 525 color, a Brown 529 color, a Bark Brown 561 color and a Dark Cream 559 color, wherein in a single repeat of the camouflage pattern about 2.3% to and including 2.6% of the colors in the set of intermixed colored blotches consist of the Tan 525 color and a color layer in the set of intermixed colored blotches that are colored in the Brown 529 color has a first gradient that extends vertically across a width of a repeat of the camouflage pattern.

8. The camouflage pattern on the fabric of claim 7, wherein a color layer in the set of intermixed colored blotches that are colored in the Dark Green 528 color has a second gradient that extends horizontally along a length of the repeat of the camouflage pattern.

9. The camouflage pattern on the substrate of claim 1, wherein blotches of the set of intermixed colored blotches are horizontally oriented in a fill direction of the repeat of the camouflage pattern.

10. The camouflage pattern on the substrate of claim 1, wherein the first gradient comprises a lighter region followed by a darker region followed by a lighter region.

11. The camouflage pattern on the substrate of claim 1, wherein an intensity of the first gradient increases in a vertical direction along the repeat of the camouflage pattern.

12. The camouflage pattern on the substrate of claim 3, wherein blotches of the set of intermixed colored blotches are horizontally oriented in a fill direction of the repeat of the camouflage pattern.

13. The camouflage pattern on the substrate of claim 3, wherein the first gradient comprises a lighter region followed by a darker region followed by a lighter region.

14. The camouflage pattern on the substrate of claim 3, wherein an intensity of the first gradient increases in a vertical direction of the repeat of the camouflage pattern.

15. The camouflage pattern on the fabric of claim 5, wherein blotches of the set of intermixed colored blotches are horizontally oriented in a fill direction of the repeat of the camouflage pattern.

16. The camouflage pattern on the fabric of claim 5, wherein the first gradient comprises a lighter region followed by a darker region followed by a lighter region.

17. The camouflage pattern on the fabric of claim 5, wherein an intensity of the first gradient increases in a vertical direction of the repeat of the camouflage pattern.

18. The camouflage pattern on the fabric of claim 7, wherein blotches of the set of intermixed colored blotches are horizontally oriented in a fill direction of the repeat of the repeating camouflage pattern.

19. The camouflage pattern on the fabric of claim 7, wherein the first gradient comprises a lighter region followed by a darker region followed by a lighter region.

20. The camouflage pattern on the fabric of claim 7, wherein an intensity of the first gradient increases in a vertical direction along the repeat of the repeating camouflage pattern.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The file of this patent contains at least one drawing/photograph executed in color. Copies of this patent with color drawing(s)/photograph(s) will be provided by the Patent and Trademark Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.

(2) The accompanying drawings illustrate presently preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. As shown throughout the drawings, like reference numerals designate like or corresponding parts.

(3) FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a 7-color operational camouflage pattern incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments, in grayscale.

(4) FIG. 2A illustrates one embodiment of a brown color channel for the camouflage pattern shown in FIG. 1.

(5) FIG. 2B illustrates the lighter and darker regions of the brown color channel shown in FIG. 2A.

(6) FIG. 2C illustrates exemplary dimensions for the brown color channel illustrated in FIG. 2A.

(7) FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a dark cream color channel for the camouflage pattern of the present disclosure.

(8) FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a bark brown color channel for the camouflage pattern of the present disclosure.

(9) FIG. 5A illustrates one embodiment of a dark green color channel for the camouflage pattern shown of the present disclosure.

(10) FIG. 5B illustrates the lighter and darker regions of the dark green color channel shown in FIG. 5A.

(11) FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of an olive color channel for the camouflage pattern shown of the present disclosure.

(12) FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a light sage color channel for the camouflage pattern of the present disclosure.

(13) FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a tan color channel for the camouflage pattern shown of the present disclosure.

(14) FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary false color composite showing the overlap of the tan, light sage, and brown channels of the camouflage pattern shown in FIG. 1.

(15) FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary false color composite showing the overlap of the dark green and the olive color channels of the camouflage pattern of FIG. 1.

(16) FIG. 11 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 1 in color.

(17) FIG. 12 illustrates one embodiment of a six-color operational camouflage pattern incorporating aspects of the present disclosure, in grayscale

(18) FIG. 13 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 12 in color.

(19) FIG. 14 illustrates one embodiment of a brown color channel for the six-color operational camouflage pattern of FIGS. 12 and 13.

(20) FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of an exemplary uniform to which the camouflage pattern of the present disclosure can be applied.

(21) FIG. 16A illustrates a front view of the uniform shown in FIG. 15.

(22) FIG. 16B illustrates the application of the 7-color operational camouflage pattern of the present disclosure to the front of the uniform shown in FIG. 16A, the camouflage pattern being shown in color.

(23) FIG. 17A illustrates a rear view of the uniform shown in FIG. 15.

(24) FIG. 17B illustrates the application of the 7-color operational camouflage pattern of the present disclosure to the rear of the uniform shown in FIG. 17A, the camouflage pattern being shown in color.

(25) FIG. 18A is a front view of the coat of the exemplary uniform shown in FIG. 15.

(26) FIG. 18B illustrates the application of the 7-color operational camouflage pattern to the front of the coat illustrated in FIG. 18A, the camouflage pattern being shown in color.

(27) FIG. 19A is rear view of the coat illustrated in FIG. 15.

(28) FIG. 19B illustrates the application of the 7-color operational camouflage pattern of the present disclosure to the rear of the coat shown in FIG. 19A, the camouflage pattern being shown in color.

(29) FIG. 20A is a front view of the trousers illustrated in FIG. 15.

(30) FIG. 20B illustrates the application of the 7-color operational camouflage pattern of the present disclosure to the front of the trousers shown in FIG. 20A, the camouflage pattern being shown in color.

(31) FIG. 21A is a rear view of the trousers illustrated in FIG. 15.

(32) FIG. 21B illustrates the application of the 7-color operational camouflage pattern to the rear of the trousers illustrated in FIG. 21A, the camouflage pattern being shown in color.

(33) FIG. 22A is a front perspective view of the helmet and helmet cover illustrated in FIG. 15.

(34) FIG. 22B illustrates the application of the 6-color camouflage pattern of the present disclosure to the helmet cover shown in FIG. 22A, the camouflage pattern being shown in color from a slightly different perspective than that of FIG. 22A.

(35) FIG. 23A is a front view of the helmet and helmet cover illustrated in FIG. 15.

(36) FIG. 23B illustrates the application of the 6-color camouflage pattern of the present disclosure to the front of the helmet cover shown in FIG. 23A, the camouflage pattern being shown in color.

(37) FIG. 24A is a rear view of the helmet and helmet cover illustrated in FIG. 15.

(38) FIG. 24B illustrates the application of the 6-color camouflage pattern of the present disclosure to the rear of the helmet cover shown in FIG. 24A, the camouflage pattern being shown in color.

(39) FIG. 25A is a top view of the helmet and helmet cover illustrated in FIG. 15.

(40) FIG. 25B illustrates the application of the 6-color camouflage pattern of the present disclosure to the top of the helmet cover shown in FIG. 25A, the camouflage pattern being shown in color.

(41) FIG. 26A is a right side view of the helmet and helmet cover illustrated in FIG. 15.

(42) FIG. 26B illustrates the application of the 6-color camouflage pattern of the present disclosure to the right side of the helmet cover shown in FIG. 26A, the camouflage pattern being shown in color.

(43) FIG. 27A is a left side view of the helmet and helmet cover illustrated in FIG. 15.

(44) FIG. 27B illustrates the application of the 6-color camouflage pattern of the present disclosure to the left side of the helmet cover shown in FIG. 27A, the camouflage pattern being shown in color.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

(45) Referring to FIG. 1, one example of a seven (7)-color camouflage pattern 100 incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments is illustrated. The aspects of the disclosed embodiments are directed to a seven-color layer transitional camouflage pattern that represents a layering design effective to improve camouflage performance in the visual, near-infrared (NIR) and shortwave infrared regions (SWIR) of the electromagnetic spectrum. The unique camouflage pattern of the present disclosure can be applied to a substrate, such as a military garment or combat uniform, and is configured to provide improved concealment, which enhances force protection and survivability for soldiers.

(46) While the aspects of the disclosed embodiments are generally described herein with respect to a military garment or uniform, the aspects of the disclosed embodiments are not so limited. Alternative applications of the camouflage pattern 100 can include, but are not limited to, helmets, helmet covers, hats, bags, back packs, netting, vehicles, aircraft, tracked vehicles including tanks, tents, portable enclosures and buildings, for example. Numerous other non-military applications for the camouflage pattern 100 of the disclosed embodiments can also be contemplated. These can include, for example, law enforcement, hunting, outdoor sports and other activities that can make use of the improved levels of concealment provided by the camouflage pattern 100 of the present disclosure.

(47) The exemplary design of the camouflage pattern 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 generally comprises seven (7) color layers, a single layer being referred to as a layer 102. For the purposes of the disclosure herein, a layer 102 in the camouflage pattern 100 may also be referred to as a color channel. While the aspects of the disclosed embodiments are described herein with respect to a seven-color or layer camouflage pattern, it will be understood that the combination of the seven color layers can result in a pattern 100 that appears to have more than seven colors.

(48) To provide the overall design of the camouflage pattern 100, the seven layers 102 are overlaid, one layer on top of another layer, in a camouflage printing process. A layer 102, or color channel, can have varying degrees of transparency. The design of the individual screens that make up a layer 102, and which are used to print the camouflage pattern 100, can allow some color channels to show through each other. This can allow for one or more gradients to appear in the overall design of the camouflage pattern 100.

(49) As will be described further herein, in one embodiment, one color channel 102 of the camouflage pattern 100 is distinguishable from another color channel 102 of the camouflage pattern 100 by its color. A color channel 102 will have a specific color with a specific color distribution and will provide a distinct individual pattern.

(50) As noted above, the W20601 pattern was found deficient in that insufficient brown coloration was present in the resulting pattern. In particular, it was determined that there was a need to increase the amount of brown coloration i?n the pattern to accommodate for environments and terrains such as the arid and woodland dormant environments. Relative to the W20601 pattern, the camouflage pattern 100 of the present disclosure increases the amount of brown appearing in the pattern 100, changes the overlay of the screens in the brown region, changes the physical size of the repeat of the pattern, increases the sizes of the blotches in certain color channels and changes the colors of certain color channels of the pattern. The increased overlay of the screens in the brown region provides for the aggregative effect of layers of dyes and pigments with spectral properties in the near and shortwave infrared. This will result in additional signature reduction. Additionally, the resulting increase in brown portions of the pattern advantageously reduces the percentage of the other colors in the pattern.

(51) FIGS. 2-8 illustrate the different layers 102 or color channels of the camouflage pattern 100 of the present disclosure. As will be further described herein, the seven layers 102 of the camouflage pattern 100 comprise a brown color channel 200, a dark cream color channel 300, a bark brown color channel 400, a dark green color channel 500, an olive color channel 600, a light sage color channel 700 and a tan color channel 800. A more detailed description of each of the color channels 200-800 follows below. Each of the color names and numbers used herein refer to military colors in accordance with military specifications, such as for example MIL-DTL-44436B and its interim updates, both of which are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference thereto.

(52) As noted, the formation of the camouflage pattern 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a result of the combination of the seven color channels 200-800 during a camouflage printing process. In a camouflage printing process, such as in a rotary printing process, the seven color channels 200-800 are typically layered or superimposed, one layer over another layer. The respective color channels 200-800 are thus intermingled or combined. The camouflage pattern 100 is thus the result of the combination of the colors of the seven color channels 200-800.

(53) During the process of printing the camouflage pattern 100 on a substrate, the color channels 200-800 are layered, one on top of another. The layering of color channels 200-800 in the camouflage pattern 100 allows for the use of various dye formulations that have improved effect for breakup in the near infrared (NIR) and shortwave infrared (SWIR) spectrums. In this way, the spectral response characteristics of the underlying color will affect the spectral response characteristics of the top color, as is known to one of ordinary skill of the art.

(54) In the camouflage pattern 100, the dark cream color channel 300, the bark brown color channel 400 and the light sage color channel 700 of the camouflage pattern 100 are modified relative to the cream, brown and pale green colors, respectively, of the W20601 pattern. As will be described in more detail below, the colors of the camouflage pattern 100 of the disclosed embodiments are modified to be highly saturated and appear more vibrant to increase internal contrast. Internal contrast, in terms of camouflage patterns, is the level of difference in brightness or hue between two or more neighboring or adjacent blotches of color. As is generally understood, blotches and colors in a camouflage pattern will be perceived to merge together at certain distances or ranges. By increasing the contrast between different colors in the camouflage pattern 100 of the present disclosure, the camouflage pattern 100 can maintain an effective range over greater distances before the colors in the camouflage pattern 100 will appear, to an observer, to merge into a single monotone color.

(55) As shown in FIG. 1, the camouflage pattern 100 comprises a plurality of blotches, generally shown as blotches 106. For purposes of the present invention, the definition of the term blotch or blotches 106 as used herein refers to varying irregular shapes and regular shapes (e.g., but not limited to, circles, ovals, ellipses) all of varying sizes, dimensions, appearance, contrast and color. When all seven layers 200-800 are superimposed, one over another to form the camouflage pattern 100, the entire surface of the camouflage pattern 100 is aggregately covered by the blotches 106 that result from the combination of the color channels 200-800. The camouflage pattern 100 has very few short thin line elements, and no long thin line elements such as the vertically oriented elongated thin line elements shown in the '861, '909 and '915 Patents.

(56) FIG. 2A illustrates the brown color channel 200. The pattern repeat 212 of the brown layer 200 includes a plurality of discrete shapes or blotches 206. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the brown layer 200 also comprises three regions, generally identified as top region 222, central or middle region 224 and bottom region 226. The top region 222 and bottom region 226 are generally lighter in color than the middle or central region 224. For the purposes of the description herein, the top region 222 and bottom region 226 will be referred to as the “lightest regions” while the central region 204 will be referred to as the “darkest region.”

(57) The top region 222 includes region 223, while the bottom region includes region 227. Regions 223 and 227 are regions of the brown layer where there is little or no brown color printed. The lack of brown color in the regions 223, 227 will allow the light sage color of the light sage channel 700 to show through when the layers are combined.

(58) The brown color channel 200 includes a gradient 210 that runs with the pattern repeat 212. Moving in the vertical or warp direction of FIG. 2B, the gradient 210 begins with the lighter or top region 222, followed by the central or dark region 224. Following the dark region 224, the gradient 210 reverts to a lighter region again in bottom region 226. This cycle repeats as the camouflage pattern 100 is printed on the substrate or fabric.

(59) The gradient 210 is intensified in the vertical or warp direction, meaning that the color contrast changes along the vertical direction. In the horizontal or fill direction, the color contrast of the brown color channel 200 is substantially uniform across the width of the pattern repeat 212. The gradient 210 in the vertical direction is an element in the formation of the brown color of the camouflage pattern 100 shown in FIG. 1.

(60) The top region 222 of the pattern repeat 212 is an area where very little brown is printed onto the substrate or fabric. The middle region 224 of the pattern repeat 212 has considerably more brown color being printed. The brown color channel 200 is mostly on top of the other color channels 300-800 of the pattern 100 as a result of the printing process. This combination of the color channel 200 with the other color channels 300-800 results in the camouflage pattern 100 appearing darker to an observer, and provides improved effectiveness in transitional environments.

(61) FIG. 3 illustrates the dark cream color channel 300. In this example, pattern repeat 312 of the dark cream channel 300 includes blotches 306. The relative size of the dark cream color blotches 306 is generally larger than those of the '848 Patent, '861 Patent, '909 Patent and the '915 Patent.

(62) The larger sizes and areas of the blotches 306 will increase the effective range of the camouflage pattern 100 of FIG. 1 by increasing the range over which the observer will be able to discern a difference between the blotches 306. As range to target distance increases, a pattern will be perceived to merge to a monotone color based on a number of factors. This range to target distance can be referred to as “merge range.” Some of these factors related to the merge range of a pattern are described in a paper authored by Alvin O. Ramsley entitled “Camouflage Patterns—Effects of Size & Color”, (U.S. Army Natick Research and Development Command, 1979), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The merge range is generally determined by the size and contrast of the blotches 306. The larger sizes and areas of the blotches 306 will contribute to the pattern 100 maintaining its internal contrast over a longer range than a pattern with smaller blotch sizes, which will improve camouflage performance.

(63) FIG. 4 illustrates the bark brown color channel 400. In this example, the pattern repeat 412 of the bark brown channel 400 includes a plurality of discrete shapes or blotches 406. The relative size of the bark brown color blotches 406 is also, as with the dark cream color blotches 306, generally larger than those in the '848 Patent, '861 Patent, '909 Patent and the '915 Patent.

(64) The larger sizes and areas of the blotches 406 will increase the effective range of the camouflage pattern 100 of FIG. 1 by increasing the range over which the observer will be able to discern a difference between the blotches. As noted above, as the range to target increases, a pattern will merge to a monotone color based on a number of known perceptual factors. This merge range is determined by the size and contrast of the blotches. The larger blotches 406 will contribute to the pattern maintaining its internal contrast over a longer range than a pattern with smaller element sizes, providing for improved camouflage performance. The increase in size of the dark cream blotches 306 and the bark brown blotches 406 is not only advantageous in the visual spectrum as noted, but also improves NIR and SWIR performance. The NIR and SWIR performance will be improved by contrast of the colors when viewed through infrared imagers. It will be appreciated that the relative blotch size of the dark cream color blotches 306 of FIG. 3 and the bark brown color blotches 406 of FIG. 4 are generally smaller than those of the dark brown and cream color blotches in W20601, although, that is offset by the increased color contrast compared to W20601. The smaller blotch size is offset by a higher color contrast and a different set of seven colors.

(65) The enlargement of the size of the dark cream blotches 306 and bark brown blotches 406 in the respective color channels 300, 400, allows the camouflage pattern 100 to blend in better with larger clutter that may be apparent in a scene. The dark cream color of the dark cream color channel 300 and the bark brown color of the bark brown color channel 400 have the highest separation in color contrast relative to each other and is greater than that of the cream and the dark brown colors of W20601. Increasing the amount of area used in the camouflage pattern 100 by the two colors that are of highest color contrast to each other, dark cream and dark brown, advantageously improves the effective range of the camouflage pattern 100.

(66) FIG. 5A illustrates the dark green color channel 500. In this example, the pattern repeat 512 of the dark green channel 500 includes blotches 506. The pattern repeat 512 also includes blotches 518, such as those shown within region 516, which are solid areas of color coverage. Blotches 518 offer a contrast to adjacent blotches 506 which are subject to less than 100% color coverage and increase the overall performance range of the pattern repeat 512.

(67) The pattern repeat 512 of the dark green color channel 500 includes one or more vertically oriented striated gradients 510 that run substantially horizontally across the pattern 512. Referring to FIG. 5B, moving from left to right across the pattern repeat 512, the gradients 510 of the dark green color channel 500 will generally alternate between darker areas 522 and lighter areas 524, and variations of darker and lighter areas there between. This variation of darker and lighter areas in the example of FIGS. 5A and 5B is advantageous because it provides a random breakup in the design of the camouflage pattern 100 shown in FIG. 1. The variation or random breakup in the camouflage pattern 100 improves the ability of a substrate bearing the design of the camouflage pattern 100 to blend in with the background of the environment in which the camouflage pattern 100 is being used. The gradients 510 extend horizontally along the pattern repeat 512 and run through each pattern repeat 512. The cycle repeats as the pattern repeat 512 is printed.

(68) FIG. 6 illustrates the olive color channel 600. In this example, the pattern repeat 612 of the olive channel 600 includes blotches 606. During the printing of the camouflage pattern 100, the blotches 606 of the olive channel 600 combine with the blotches 506 of the dark green channel 500 in a manner that allows for a gradual blending of the olive color and dark green color to take place within the respective areas of the camouflage pattern 100 shown in FIG. 1.

(69) FIG. 7 illustrates the light sage color channel 700. In this example, the pattern repeat 712 of the light sage channel 700 includes blotches 706. During the formation or printing of the camouflage pattern 100, the combination of the light sage channel 700 with the brown channel 200 and the tan channel 800 allows for a gradual blending or combining of the light sage, brown and tan colors to take place within the respective areas of the camouflage pattern 100 of FIG. 1.

(70) FIG. 8 illustrates the tan color channel 800. In this example, pattern repeat 812 of the tan channel 800 includes blotches 806. As noted above, the blotches 806 of the tan channel 800 combine with the blotches 206 of the brown channel 200 and the blotches 706 of the light sage channel 700. This allows for a gradual blending or combining of the tan, brown and light sage colors to take place within respective areas of the camouflage pattern 100 of FIG. 1 when the layers 200, 700 and 800 are layered and combined during the printing of the camouflage pattern 100.

(71) In the illustrations of FIGS. 1-8, the camouflage pattern 100 and the respective color channels 200-800 are represented in different shades of black. FIG. 11 is a plan view of a single repeat 120 of one embodiment of the camouflage pattern 100 of FIG. 1, in color. A repeat unit 120 of the camouflage pattern 100 is enclosed within the broken lines of the drawing. The broken lines do not form part of the ornamental design of the camouflage pattern 100.

(72) As noted above, the camouflage pattern 100 of the disclosed embodiments makes use of gradients that blends with solid colors, the solid colors of one or more of the color layers 200-800 overlapping each other in the camouflage pattern 100. The use of gradients in this manner gives the appearance to the observer of having many different depths of color without creating a seemingly cluttered pattern that is distracting to the eye. The gradients 210, 510 shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 5A and 5B respectively, are increased relative to the 02601 pattern and the '848 Patent to provide a more dramatic difference between the lightest and darkest areas of the camouflage pattern 100 when the color channels 200-800 are combined.

(73) The gradients 210, 510 in the respective color channels 200, 500 of the camouflage pattern 100 are positioned to avoid any signature cues that will draw the eye of the observer. Avoiding signature cues generally means that the blotches 206, 506 in the respective color channels 200, 500 are configured to avoid any single blotch from standing out in the overall pattern, which would otherwise cause the eye to focus on that area because the blotch does not appear to belong there.

(74) As noted earlier, aspects of the camouflage pattern 100 are a result of the combination of the brown color channel 200, the light sage color channel 700 and tan color channel 800. The lighter coloring of the top region 222 of the pattern 212 for the brown color channel 200 shown in FIG. 2A results in the light sage and tan colors showing through from the respective color channels 700, 800.

(75) Referring to FIG. 2C, in one embodiment, the central region 224 of the repeat 230 of the brown color channel 200 has a width in the warp direction of approximately 4.88 inches. There is a distance of approximately 8.16 inches in the warp direction between the central region 224 and an edge of the top region 222 where the saturation level of the brown varies from dark to light. There is also a distance of approximately 8.16 inches in the warp direction between the central region 224 and an edge of the bottom region 226 of the repeat of the pattern 212. Region 223, which is part of the top 224 and region 227, which is part of the bottom region 226 have respective widths in the warp direction of approximately 2.03 inches.

(76) Referring now also to FIG. 5A, when the dark green color channel 500 and the olive color channel 600 are combined, the regions 524 where the dark green channel 500 is the lightest, will allow for the olive color from the olive color channel 600 to show through.

(77) Referring to FIGS. 1, 2A, 7, 8 and 11, while there is a general appearance of more color weighting, or a heavier weighting of the brown color in certain portions, such as the middle region 124 of the camouflage pattern 100. This is nota result of the addition of brown coloring to the brown channel 200 of FIG. 2A, but rather, a blending of the different colors in the different channels that make brown. For example, in one embodiment of the camouflage pattern 100, the blotches 206 combine with the blotches 706 of the light sage channel 700 of FIG. 7 and the blotches 806 of the tan channel 800 of FIG. 8. The lightest regions 222, 226 of the brown channel 200 will provide more or greater transparency to the blotches 706 on the light sage channel 700 and the blotches 806 of the tan channel 800. The lighter coloring of the regions 222, 226 will improve the ability of the blotches 706, 806 to show through in those regions 222, 226 resulting in the camouflage pattern 100.

(78) FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary false color composite 900 of the brown color channel 200, the light sage color channel 700 and the tan color channel 800 overlaid and shows where the colors in the composite pattern 900 occur when the combining or mixing of certain colors occurs. The color brown is represented as red 902, the mix of light sage and brown is represented by yellow 906, and the light sage as green 904. Blue 910 corresponds to the color tan, while purple 912 corresponds to a mix of brown and tan. The white space 914 is filled by one or more of dark cream, bark brown, olive or dark green. The tan and light sage colors, blue 910 and green 904 respectively, do not combine with each other.

(79) FIG. 10 is an exemplary false color composite 1000 illustrating the overlap of the dark green channel 500 and the olive channel 600. The dark green color is illustrated by the blue 1002 and the olive color by the red 1004. The false color composite 1000 shows where the colors occur resulting from the combination of the blotches 506, 606 of the dark green channel 500 and olive channel 600. The combination of colors is illustrated by the purple areas 1006.

(80) As illustrated by the different color channels 200-800 of the camouflage pattern 100, through the use of gradients in the horizontal and vertical directions across the repeat of the patterns, and in combination with larger blotches of colors, the improved effectiveness of the camouflage pattern 100 of the disclosed embodiments is achieved. This allows the soldier wearing a garment with the camouflage pattern 100 applied thereto, to blend into various “transitional” environments, as described above.

(81) The enlargement of the size of the blotches in the different color channels 200-800 improves the ability of the camouflage pattern 100 to blend in with larger clutter that may be apparent in a scene. Increasing the amount of area used in the camouflage pattern 100 by colors that are of highest contrast to each other improves the effective range of the camouflage pattern 100.

(82) The pattern 100 of the present disclosure and the pattern of the '848 Patent are composed of seven color channels, as shown in Table 1, referred to earlier. In Table 1, color 6 of the '848 Patent generally corresponds to the bark brown color channel 200 of the camouflage pattern 100, and color 7 of the '848 Patent generally corresponds to the dark cream color channel 300 of the camouflage pattern 100.

(83) The average size of the cream colored blotches in the pattern of the '848 Patent is approximately 25621 pixels. The average size of the dark cream colored blotches in the pattern 100 of the present disclosure is approximately 38031 pixels, an increase of approximately 19.5% over the '848 Patent. The average size of all of the dark brown colored blotches in the pattern of the '848 Patent is approximately 11639 pixels. The average size of all of the bark brown colored blotches in the pattern 100 is 16851, an increase of approximately 18.3% over the '848 Patent.

(84) The ranges of percentages of color for one embodiment of the camouflage pattern 100 of FIG. 1, is generally defined in Table 2, below. The column labeled “Scorpion W2 (a.k.a. OCP) Pattern” illustrates the color percentages in the preferred embodiment of camouflage pattern 100. “OCP” stands for the Operational Camouflage Pattern.

(85) TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Minimum in Warp Scorpion W2 Maximum in Direction (a.k.a. OCP) Warp (22.75″ Pattern Direction COLOR Repeat) (25.25″ Repeat) (26.5″ Repeat) Olive 527 19.5% 21.6% 22.7% Dark Green 528 12.9% 14.3%   15% Light Sage 560 10.9% 12.1% 12.7% Tan 525  2.3%  2.5%  2.6% Brown 529 11.1% 12.4%   13% Bark Brown 561  6.9%  7.7%  8.1% Dark Cream 559  6.0%  6.6%  6.9% Combination: Dark  8.1%  9.0%  9.5% Green 528 - Olive 527 Combination: Brown 12.4% 13.8% 14.4% 529 - Light Sage 560 - Tan 525 Actual Size 90.0%  100% 105.0% 

(86) Each color is a percentage of the overall pattern. Typically, all the colors within the pattern add up to 100%, except in the case of tonal/gradient type patterns, where the total colors may exceed 100%. As is reflected in Table 2, the percentage of the color of the bark brown channel 400 in the camouflage pattern 100 is approximately 7.7%. As is also shown in Table 2 above, the percentage of the color in the dark cream channel 300 of the camouflage pattern 100 is approximately 6.6%. The color percentage results illustrated in Table 2 were arrived at using the Adobe Photoshop™ process described earlier herein.

(87) The percentages and pattern repeat dimensions listed in Table 2 above are intended to be representative or approximate. The calculations used to find the values in Table 2 also assume that any corresponding changes in the warp or length direction also occur in the fill or width direction. For example, if the pattern repeat is 90% from one element to the same element in the next pattern repeat, the calculations in Table 2 assume that the distances from left to right are also 90% of what would be found in the original pattern.

(88) Referring to FIG. 11, the camouflage pattern 100 consists of blotches 106 that repeat, also referred to herein as a pattern repeat 120. As noted, the blotches 106 of the camouflage pattern 100 are generally horizontally oriented in the fill direction of the pattern repeat 120. The blotches 106 are not vertically oriented in the warp direction of the pattern repeat 120 as is generally the case of the blotches of the '861, '909 and '915 patents. In one embodiment, the pattern repeat 120 will comprise an area measuring approximately 65.028 inches in the fill direction by 25.256 inches in the warp direction. The maximum dimensions of the repeat 120 of pattern 100 will be approximately 68 inches by 26.506 inches. In alternate embodiments, the size and area of the pattern repeat 120 can comprise any suitable dimensions.

(89) In the development of the camouflage pattern 100 of the present disclosure, the W20601 pattern repeat in its entirety was reduced in one direction to fit on an approximately 25.25″ vertical repeat (warp direction), down from an approximately 28.5″ vertical repeat. The horizontal measurement (fill direction) remained stable at approximately 66.2″, including the selvages. The changes to the size of the pattern repeat of the camouflage pattern 100 of the present disclosure enables, among other things, easier implementation by textile printers so the pattern can be reproducible onto fabrics and substrates by additional printers.

(90) FIG. 11 illustrates the application of the camouflage pattern 100 of the disclosed embodiments to a surface of a sheet material or substrate 140, also referred to as selvage, showing the camouflage pattern 100 in color. The sheet material or substrate 140 can include any suitable item or object that is configured to make use of camouflage. In one embodiment, the substrate 140 includes a fabric material on which the camouflage pattern 100 is applied, such as by printing of the layers 200-800. The fabric material of the substrate 140 in this example can include any fiber blend used to construct textiles for clothing and individual equipment.

(91) Helmet covers are a fitted textile that will envelope a soldier's issued helmet. Helmet covers may be constructed with a nylon-cotton twill fabric, a material that is able to stretch to fit the round contour of the helmet. In accordance with a feature of the present invention, a six-color variant of the camouflage pattern 100 was found to enhance a particular uniformity of the colors over a smaller area of the current pattern, e.g., for use in the making of helmet covers. FIG. 12 illustrates a grayscale version of one embodiment of a 6-color camouflage pattern 160. FIG. 13 illustrates the camouflage pattern 160 of FIG. 12, in color. As will be described in more detail below, the 6-color camouflage pattern 160 may be applied to the helmet cover 158 of the helmet 156 illustrated in FIG. 15. It will be understood that the 6-color camouflage pattern 160 may be printed on a fabric head cover, such as a hunter's hat or even directly printed onto a helmet.

(92) The color channels of the 6-color camouflage pattern 160 include a brown color channel 260 shown in FIG. 14, the dark cream color channel 300 of FIG. 3, the bark brown color channel 400 of FIG. 4, the dark green color channel 500 of FIG. 5, the olive color channel 600 of FIG. 6, and the tan color channel 800 of FIG. 8. The 6-color camouflage pattern 160 does not include the brown color channel 200 of FIG. 2 and the light sage color channel 700 of FIG. 7.

(93) FIG. 14 illustrates one embodiment of the brown color channel 260 for the 6-color camouflage pattern 160 of the present disclosure. In this example, the pattern repeat 262 of the brown color channel 260 of the 6-color camouflage pattern 160 replaces the patterns previously provided by the pattern repeat 212 of the brown color channel 200 and pattern repeat 712 of the light sage color channel 700. The brown channel 260 for the 6-color pattern 160 replaces both the original brown channel 200 and the light sage channel 700 in an effort to make the helmet covers appear cut and sewn from the darker regions of the pattern repeat.

(94) Because the original brown channel 200 in the 7-color camouflage pattern 100 combined with both the tan channel 800 and the pale green channel 700, the gradient or faded region occurring between the brown channel 200 of FIG. 2 and the tan color channel 800 of FIG. 8 had to be preserved to ensure aesthetic compatibility with the camouflage pattern 100 used in uniforms and other individual equipment. Regions 270, 272, and 274 of FIG. 14 are examples of areas where the fading was modified to ensure aesthetic compatibility among the blotches where the colors were modified. The gradient in this brown channel 260 affects only the blotches that are shared with the tan color layer 800 of FIG. 8, the remaining areas of the channel are uniform in coverage.

(95) Table 3 below illustrates the ranges of percentages of color for one embodiment of the 6-color camouflage pattern 160 of FIGS. 12-13.

(96) TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Minimum in Original Maximum in Warp Direction Pattern Warp Direction −2.50″ ±0 +1.25″ OCP/W2- OCP/W2- OCP/W2- Scorpion 6- Scorpion 6- Scorpion 6- Color - 90% Color - 100% Color - 105% (22.75″ repeat) (25.25″ Repeat) (26.5″ repeat) Tolerance: 10 Tolerance: 10 Tolerance: 10 Olive 527 18.4% 20.5% 21.5% Dark Green 528 12.9% 14.3% 15.0% Light Sage 560  0.0%  0.0%  0.0% Tan 525  2.4%  2.6%  2.8% Brown 529 28.7% 31.9% 33.5% Bark Brown  6.9%  7.7%  8.1% 561 Dark Cream  6.0%  6.6%  6.9% 559 Combination:  8.8%  9.8% 10.2% Dark Green 528 - Olive 527 Combination:  5.9%  6.6%  6.9% Brown 529 - Tan 525 actual size 90.0% 100.0%  105.0% 

(97) The color percentages in Table 3 above were obtained using the Adobe Photoshop™ computer graphics editor, as described above.

(98) The preferred embodiment of the present disclosure is a military field combat uniform, and in particular, the coat and trousers of the uniform with its associated accessories. These can include for example, but are not limited to, helmets, boots and packs. FIG. 15 illustrates a plan view of one embodiment of a uniform 150 to which the camouflage patterns 100 and 160 have been applied. The uniform 150 shown in FIG. 15 includes a coat 152, trousers 154 and helmet 156. The helmet 156 includes a helmet cover 158. The coat 152 is the top that goes over an undershirt in an Army Combat Uniform. The broken lines showing a person in FIG. 15 are for illustrative purposes only and form no part of the ornamental design of the camouflage patterns 100 or 160. The broken lines illustrating the stitching and seams of the uniform 150 in FIGS. 15-27 are for illustrative purposes only and form no part of the ornamental design of the camouflage patterns 100 and 160.

(99) FIG. 16A is a front view of the uniform 150 shown in FIG. 15. FIG. 16B illustrates the front view of the uniform 150 with the 7-color camouflage pattern 100 applied thereto.

(100) FIG. 17A is a rear view of the uniform 150. FIG. 17B illustrates the rear view of the uniform 150 with the 7-color camouflage pattern 100 applied thereto.

(101) FIG. 18A is a front view of the coat 152 of the uniform 150. FIG. 18B illustrates the front view of the coat 152 with the 7-color camouflage pattern 100 applied thereto.

(102) FIG. 19A is a rear view of the coat 152 of the uniform 150. FIG. 19B illustrates the rear view of the coat 152 with the 7-color camouflage pattern 100 applied thereto.

(103) FIG. 20A is a front view of the trousers 154 of the uniform 150. FIG. 20B illustrates the front view of the trousers 154 with the 7-color camouflage pattern 100 applied thereto.

(104) FIG. 21A is a rear view of the trousers 154 of the uniform 150. FIG. 21B illustrates the rear view of the trousers 154 with the 7-color camouflage pattern 100 applied thereto.

(105) FIG. 22A is a perspective view of the helmet 156 illustrated in FIG. 15. FIG. 22B illustrates the application of one embodiment of the 6-color camouflage pattern 160 of the present disclosure to the helmet cover 158 of the helmet 156.

(106) FIG. 23A is a front view of the helmet 156. FIG. 23B illustrates the application of the 6-color camouflage pattern 160 of the present disclosure to the front portion of the helmet cover 158.

(107) FIG. 24A is a rear view of the helmet 156. FIG. 24B illustrates the application of the 6-color camouflage pattern 160 of the present disclosure to the rear portion of the helmet cover 158.

(108) FIG. 25A is a top view of the helmet 156. FIG. 25B illustrates the application of the 6-color camouflage pattern 160 of the present disclosure to the top portion of the helmet cover 158.

(109) FIG. 26A is a right side view of the helmet 156. FIG. 26B illustrates the application of the 6-color camouflage pattern 160 of the present disclosure to the right side of the helmet cover 158.

(110) FIG. 27A is a view of the left side of the helmet 156 with the camouflage pattern 160. FIG. 27B illustrates the application of the 6-color camouflage pattern 160 of the present disclosure to the left side of the helmet cover 158.

(111) The camouflage patterns 100 and 160 of the present disclosure can be reproduced on the substrate 140 using any conventional method or process, including for example, dying, rotary screen printing or digital inkjet printing process. Alternatively, sublimation/heat transfer, or iron-on transfer processes can be used. It will be appreciated that several methods can be used to apply or reproduce the color channels 200-800, 260 and camouflage patterns 100, 160 on the substrate 140 according to the present disclosure. Different techniques such as scanning, stencils, templates or photocopying can be used to apply the camouflage pattern 100, 160 on various types of fabric materials and various substrates using dyes or inks.

(112) During a rotary screen printing process for example, the fabric of the substrate 140 may first be dyed to match the lightest color of the pattern. The other colors channels may then printed on top of the dyed substrate. In one embodiment, the rotary screen printing process for the camouflage pattern 100 can include a printing sequence starting with the dark cream channel 300, the tan channel 800, the light sage channel 700, the olive channel 600, the dark green channel 500, the brown channel 200 and the bark brown channel 400. In alternative embodiments, the printing sequence might vary by the particular printer being used. With digital inkjet printing, the complete pattern can be printed onto the fabric line-by-line as the ink head moves across the width of the substrate 140. A similar process applies to the application of the camouflage pattern 160.

(113) The aspects of the present disclosure have no special yardage requirements and can be used in the same manner as other patterns currently fielded by the United States Army. As is generally understood, all patterns have a requirement for manufacturing of one large sized Army Combat Uniform of approximately 6 yards of a minimum of 60 inch wide fabric. Cuts can be made in any area of the cloth so that maximum usage of the cloth is achieved with less waste clippings. The cut and sew process will allow for random depiction of the pattern on different uniforms. This will help with blending of groups of Soldiers so that features of the pattern are not always in the same place on the uniform making it harder to identify the number of soldiers in a group, if detected.

(114) Testing Data

(115) A computer-based camouflage assessment involving a wide range of backgrounds and camouflage patterns was the subject of a test report in July 2014 by the U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center (ATC). (ATEC Project No.: 2012-DT-ATC-ACU01-F0728; Report No.: ATC-11508). The testing utilized a Pattern-in-Picture (PIP) virtual test process to assess the performance of camouflage patterns in terrains representative of those found within the combatant commands. The objective of this test was to determine whether there was a significant difference in performance between the Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern (OEFCP) (the subject of Design Patent D592,861), Scorpion W2, Digital Transition Camouflage (DTC) pattern No. 1 and DTC No. 2 in a photo-simulation blending test. The camouflage pattern identified as Scorpion W2 is the camouflage pattern 100 that is the subject matter of the present patent application.

(116) Seven uniform camouflage patterns were tested. Baseline systems, with performance significantly different than transitional uniforms, were included to provide context for the analysis. The seven patterns tested were: Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP); OEFCP; Scorpion W2; DTC No. 1; DTC No. 2; Marine Corps Pattern (MARPAT) Woodland and MARPAT Desert.

(117) A photo-simulation of uniform pattern-background composite images was created for presentation to a variety of soldier observers. Images of the seven uniform camouflage patterns under direct natural lighting were collected to paste into background images for the photo simulation test. The background images included woodland verdant, dormant, arid, transitional dormant and transitional verdant.

(118) The uniform pattern-background composite images were organized and shown to soldier-observers using a computer program that simultaneously presents the uniform pattern-background composite images and records the human response data. Observers viewed the uniform pattern-background composite images on the monitor. The uniform pattern-background composite images were rated by the soldier-observers to determine how well the uniform pattern and colors blended with the backgrounds into which they were inserted. The scale of the ratings was from 1 to 100; the higher the number the better the blending to the background. Table 4 below presents the ratings, referred to as Average Blending Scores, where higher blending scores are indicative of better performance. The Scorpion W2 pattern or camouflage pattern 100 generally scored favorably across the five backgrounds presented in Table 4. A review of Table 4 shows that the camouflage pattern 100 of the present disclosure is not significantly different in performance from OEFCP, the '861 patent.

(119) TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 AVERAGE BLENDING SCORES AVERAGE BLENDING SCORE TRANSITIONAL WOODLAND AVERAGE PATTERN ARID DORMANT VERDANT DORMANT VERDANT WEIGHTED STRAIGHT OEFCP 58 54 59 52 65 58 58 Scorpion W2 50 51 57 57 64 56 56 DTC No. 1 51 53 58 59 61 56 56 DTC No. 2 52 54 57 64 61 57 57 MPW 30 44 39 82 42 46 48 MPD 61 48 34 21 33 40 39 UCP 25 16 13 9 17 16 16 Weights 0.19 0.24 0.20 0.15 0.22

(120) The aspects of the disclosed embodiments provide a camouflage pattern that, when applied to a substrate, is configured to provide improved concealment in both the visible, near-infrared (NIR) and shortwave infrared (SWIR) range of the electromagnetic spectrum. Through the use of gradients in both fill and warp directions, combined with larger blotches of colors, a well-performing camouflage pattern is achieved that will allow a soldier wearing a uniform bearing the camouflage pattern to blend into various transitional environments.

(121) The use of gradients that intersect with solid colors that overlap each other in the pattern gives the appearance of having many different blends and depths of color without creating a cluttered pattern that is distracting to the eye. This improves the effective range of a substrate, such as a uniform, with the camouflage pattern 100 applied thereto, meaning that an observer will perceive more break-up of the camouflage pattern 100 over longer distances.

(122) The use of thin vertically oriented line elements in the warp direction of a pattern repeat is eliminated in the camouflage pattern 100 of the disclosed embodiments. This improves the performance of the camouflage pattern 100 across a wide range of terrains. As noted, the thin vertically oriented line elements disposed in the warp direction that are used in some existing camouflage patterns will have a tendency to be perceived as merging together over shorter distances. Additionally, some transitional environments may not include vertical terrain elements. The inclusion of vertically oriented thin line elements disposed in the warp direction of a camouflage pattern might compromise the effectiveness of the pattern due to the signature cues in the warp or vertical direction.

(123) The optimization of the dyestuffs through layering and the inclusion of gradients, provides improved performance of the camouflage pattern in visual, near-infrared and shortwave infrared spectrums. By increasing the amount of brown appearing in the pattern 100, the selection of dyes and pigments available to achieve appropriate near NIR and SWIR performance in the overall pattern is improved. Strategic layering of the colors, or color channels, maximizes the NIR and SWIR effectiveness through the combination of dyestuffs to create “blended” colors and optimizes the effectiveness/robustness of dyes to achieve optimum NIR and SWIR characteristics/properties.

(124) Every color channel or screen is used to print its own respective dye on the camouflage pattern with its own spectral reflectance characteristics. The dyes combine in the printing process such that if one dye is laid on top of another, that base layer's reflectance characteristics will impact those of the dye above it, resulting in a unique spectral response to a sensor at that location in the pattern. Where the camouflage pattern 100 of the disclosed embodiments is made up of many instances of different amounts of the colors being combined with each other, it results in a pattern with complex breakup characteristics that performs well without appearing cluttered.

(125) Thus, while there have been shown, described and pointed out, fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to the exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of devices and methods illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Moreover, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those blotches and/or method steps, which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results, are within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or blotches and/or method steps shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form or embodiment of the invention may be incorporated in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.