Abstract:
The present invention provides a modified coupling system that can be used with camouflage systems and is particularly useful with ULCANS and LCSS camouflage systems. The present invention provides compatibility between the two dissimilar systems simultaneously while maintaining quick disconnect capabilities with either system. Further, the present invention provides a method for modifying existing ULCANS system camouflage units to meet the present need.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates to the coupling of two or more attachment systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to the attachment of two or more dissimilar quick disconnect systems for camouflage units.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Camouflage has long been recognized as a practical and efficient way of concealing the location of people and equipment. Camouflage generally seeks to duplicate surrounding environments to avoid visual and/or other sensory detection. Significant amounts of camouflage are used in military operations. For example, large equipment such as tanks, aircraft, ships, and other equipment frequently are painted or otherwise coated with a camouflage appearance. A covering spread over the equipment can make additional camouflage protection.  
           [0003]    The camouflage covering can be used to cover even large pieces of equipment and troop placements by linking two or more camouflage units, or screens, together. For example, aircraft, ships, and other large equipment can use several camouflage screens to cover at least a portion of the equipment. It is advantageous to have a “quick disconnect” coupling system to allow the screens to be quickly coupled when setting up the screens and quickly uncoupled upon removal. The success of a mission and protection of lives can depend on the quick covering and removal of the screens.  
           [0004]    One camouflage system known to those in military environments is termed “lightweight camouflage screening system” (LCSS). The LCSS was originally fielded in the mid-1970&#39;s. Generally, the LCSS employs a system of plastic brackets and pins surrounding the perimeter of a screen to attach one camouflage screen to another. A bracket from a first screen engages a bracket from a second screen and a pin is inserted through both brackets to hold the brackets together. Multiple pins are connected by a lanyard. To quickly release the LCSS system screens, a person can pull the lanyard, thereby disengaging multiple pins from the associated LCSS brackets and the camouflage screens can be separated quickly.  
           [0005]    One difficulty with the LCSS system is that the brackets can scratch sensitive equipment, such as aircraft. Thus, a new generation of camouflage units was developed.  
           [0006]    The new generation of camouflage units is known as the “ultra lightweight camouflage net system” (ULCANS). The ULCANS system was developed to completely replace the LCSS. The ULCANS system employs a “becket” loop system to lace one camouflage unit to another. The becket loops are disposed around the unit&#39;s perimeter.  
           [0007]    In general, the ULCANS system includes short becket loops formed on the screen periphery in alternating fashion with long becket loops. Two ULCANS camouflage units are placed adjacent one another. The long becket loop from a first screen is inserted through a short becket loop of a second screen. Then, a long becket loop on the second screen is inserted through the first long loop on the first screen. The long becket loop on the second screen is inserted through a second short becket loop on the first screen. Generally, this intertwining continues until the edges of the screens are reached at which point the becket loop is tied off. Untying the knotted becket and pulling the units away from each other causes a quick unraveling of the becket loops. Thus, there are no hard plastic brackets as in the LCSS system. The ULCANS system has been officially approved for use in this fashion by the military and perhaps other entities. Further, the ULCANS system provides increased shielding over the LCSS system of other output, such as infrared radiation, to avoid detection.  
           [0008]    Despite the apparent advantage of the ULCANS system and the desired use, the ULCANS system has not fully replaced the LCSS system. The cutbacks in defense spending and other programs have caused the full implementation of the ULCANS system to be delayed. As a practical and realistic intermediate plan, it has been desired that the ULCANS system be fielded with the older LCSS system. The only method currently available in the field to attach the two different unit systems is to use cable ties or the LCSS pin-to-lanyard cord to secure the two dissimilar systems together. Neither of these approaches allow for the quick disconnect procedure that is so important in the field. While the need is apparent, the solution has not been so apparent.  
           [0009]    Thus, there remains a need for an improved system that allows the ULCANS system to be used in combination with the LCSS system while maintaining the quick disconnect capability.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0010]    The present invention provides a modified coupling system that can be used with camouflage systems and is particularly useful with the ULCANS and the LCSS camouflage systems. The present invention provides compatibility between the two dissimilar systems simultaneously while maintaining quick disconnect capabilities with either system. Further, the present invention provides a method for modifying existing ULCANS system camouflage units to meet the present need.  
           [0011]    In at least one embodiment, the present invention provides a camouflage screen system, comprising at least one interlocking modular attachment unit adapted to connect to one or more camouflage screens, the attachment unit having connectors compatible with both the ULCANS connection system and the LCSS connection system, the connectors comprising a first becket loop, a second becket loop, and an additional connector unit whereby said first becket loop and said second becket loop are sufficient to establish quickly releasable interlock with an opposing ULCANS compatible unit, said additional connector unit comprises an LCSS compatible attachment bracket, and said connector unit is sufficient to establish quickly releasable interlock with an opposing LCSS compatible unit. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]    A more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be realized by reference to the embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings and described herein. However, it is to be noted that the appended drawings illustrate only some embodiments of the invention. Therefore, the drawings are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an LCSS system.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the ULCANS system.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a universal attachment system for ULCAN and LCSS systems.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0016]    [0016]FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an LCSS system  10 . A first LCSS screen module  12  includes a camouflage netting  13  and one or more LCSS brackets coupled to at least a portion of the netting periphery. For example, a plurality of first LCSS brackets  14 ,  26  are disposed on an outer periphery of the first LCSS screen module  12 . A second LCSS screen module  16  includes netting  15  and a plurality of second LCSS brackets  18 ,  28 . The first and second LCSS screen modules and respective LCSS brackets can be disposed adjacent each other in an opposing fashion for coupling thereto. The term “coupling” is used broadly herein and is intended to include any method of securing, fastening, attaching, joining, inserting, binding, bonding, or otherwise associating one or more members together.  
         [0017]    The LCSS bracket  14  includes a first extension  20  and a second extension  22  with a recess  24  formed therebetween. The second LCSS bracket  18  includes a similar structure. The structure of the LCSS bracket is formed to allow the mating of two corresponding LCSS brackets that are generally identical to each other for ease of assembly. For example, two LCSS brackets  26 ,  28  are shown coupled to each other. The LCSS brackets are coupled together by offsetting one bracket from the other, so that the extension of one bracket is disposed in the recess of the other bracket.  
         [0018]    The LCSS brackets include openings sized to allow a pin  30  to be inserted therethrough. A first LCSS bracket  14  includes a first opening  34  and the second LCSS bracket includes a second opening  36 . When the first and second LCSS brackets are coupled together, the first and second openings  34 ,  36  are aligned to allow the pin  30  to be inserted therethrough. The pin  30  is shown inserted through the coupled LCSS brackets  26 ,  28 .  
         [0019]    The first and second brackets  14 ,  18  can be decoupled by simply pulling the pin  30  from the coupled brackets. Advantageously, a plurality of pins can be coupled to the cord  32  and inserted in a same direction into a plurality of brackets. By pulling the cord  32 , multiple pins can be pulled from multiple brackets, thus, forming a quick release system. The interface of the LCSS system with the universal attachment system is described in reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the ULCANS system  50 . The ULCANS system  50  is also designed to allow quick release of a plurality of screen modules. For example, a first ULCANS screen module  52  includes a netting  53  and a plurality of becket loops coupled to at least a portion of the netting periphery. The netting  53  on the ULCANS system has a pattern generally distinct from the netting pattern on the LCSS system. Becket loops are known in the industry and generally include a looped cord, large hook and eye, grommet, or other elements for securing items.  
         [0021]    The first ULCANS screen module  52  includes a plurality of becket loops, such as a first becket loop  56 , a second becket loop  58 , and a third becket loop  60 . In at least one embodiment, the becket loops alternate in lengths such that the first becket loop  56  can be a short becket loop, the second becket loop  58  can be a long becket loop, and the third becket loop  60  can be a short becket loop. For example and without limitation, the first becket loop can be about one inch long and the second becket loop can be about eight inches long. Also, for example and without limitation, the loops can be spaced approximately eight inches from each other, so that the pattern repeats about every sixteen inches around at least a portion of the screen module periphery.  
         [0022]    A second ULCANS screen module  54  having netting  55  can be disposed adjacent the first ULCANS screen module  52 . The second ULCANS screen module  54  can include a netting  55  and a corresponding set of becket loops coupled to the netting  55 . The becket loops on the second ULCANS screen module are adapted to be coupled with the becket loops on the first ULCANS screen module. For example, a first becket loop  62 , which can be long, can be disposed adjacent the first becket loop  56 , which can be short, on the first ULCANS screen module  52 . Similarly, a second becket loop  64 , which can be short, on the second ULCANS screen module  54  can be disposed adjacent the second becket loop  58 , which can be long, on the first ULCANS screen module  52 . A third becket loop  66  on the second ULCANS screen module  54  can be disposed adjacent a corresponding becket loop  60  on the first ULCANS screen module  52  and so forth in corresponding fashion.  
         [0023]    For attachment, generally a long loop from one module is inserted through a short loop in the second module. Then, a long loop from the second module is inserted through the long loop of the first module. Then, the long loop of the second module is inserted through the short loop of the first module, and continuing thereon until an end of the portion to be secured is reached, where the end is tied or secured.  
         [0024]    For example, the long first becket loop  62  from the second ULCANS screen module  54  can be inserted through the short first becket loop  56  of the first ULCANS screen module  52 . Then, the long second becket loop  58  of the first ULCANS screen module  52  can be inserted through the long first becket loop  62  of the second ULCANS screen module  54 . The long second becket loop  58  can then be inserted through the short second becket loop  64  of the second ULCANS screen module  54 . The third becket loop  66  of the second ULCANS screen module  54  can then be inserted through the second becket loop  58  of the first ULCANS screen module  52 . The arrangement can continue in like fashion using alternating loops. At the end  68 , the last loop can be tied, pinned, or otherwise secured to resist unraveling. For disassembly, the secured end  68  can be untied or otherwise uncoupled. The screen modules can be pulled apart and the loops can naturally disengage from each other.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a universal attachment system  74  for ULCANS and LCSS systems. The ULCANS/LCSS attachment system  74  can include at least one modular attachment unit  76  having a netting  75  in at least one embodiment. The netting  75  can have a similar material and design as the ULCANS screen module netting  53 , shown in FIG. 2.  
         [0026]    The modular attachment unit  76  can include a plurality of loops and connector units coupled to at least a portion of the netting periphery. The modular attachment unit  76  can include a long becket loop  58 , a short becket loop  60 , a long becket loop  70 , and so forth, repeating in like fashion, such as described in FIG. 2. A cord or other material  80  can be used to form the becket loops and to support the LCSS brackets on the universal attachment system  76 . Alternatively, the various becket loops can be formed using separate material that can be tied or otherwise coupled to the material  80 .  
         [0027]    A first attachment member  82  can be coupled to the material  80  and one or more connector units. In some embodiments, the attachment member  82  may be integrated with the material  80 , such as by using a common cord, and the two members could be merged as one member. Thus, the first attachment member  82  can include a loop of the material  80  that can also used to form the becket loops  58 ,  60 ,  70 , and other loops. In other embodiments, the first attachment member  82  can be a separate member that is coupled to the material  80 .  
         [0028]    A first connector unit  84  can be coupled to the first attachment member  82 . In at least one embodiment, the first attachment member  82  can allow the first connector unit  84  to extend a distance from the edge of the modular attachment unit  76 . Generally, the distance corresponds to a similar distance that the LCSS bracket  28  extends from the edge of the LCSS screen module  16 .  
         [0029]    In at least one embodiment, the connector unit  84  is the same or similar as the LCSS brackets,  14 ,  18 ,  26 , and  28 , described in reference to FIG. 1. Thus, the connector unit can comprise a first and second extension with a recess formed therebetween. However, the shape of the connector unit  84  can vary, as long as the shape allows the connector unit  84  to maintain its ability to be coupled to an LCSS bracket. The connector unit  84  further includes an opening  86  corresponding to the openings  34 ,  36  in the LCSS brackets, shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0030]    A coupler  88  can be used to couple the connector unit and corresponding LCSS bracket together. In at least one embodiment, the coupler  88  can comprise a pin, such as the pin  30 , described in FIG. 1. The coupler  88  can be inserted through the connector unit  84  and corresponding LCSS bracket when the connector unit and bracket are aligned. The coupler  88  can be attached to a member  90 , such as a cord, to facilitate removal, similar to the pin and cord arrangement described in FIG. 1.  
         [0031]    The connector unit  84  is generally disposed between the becket loops, such as between becket loops  58  and  60  and between becket loops  60  and  70 . It is advantageous to have a spacing  92  between the first connector unit  84  and an adjacent connector unit  94  that corresponds to a spacing between LCSS screen module brackets, such as the brackets on the LCSS screen module  16 . Although the spacing can vary, a spacing  92  of about eight inches corresponds to the LCSS bracket spacing.  
         [0032]    Thus, the ULCANS/LCSS universal attachment system  74  can include a modular attachment unit  76  having loops, connector units, and a netting in at least one embodiment that can be coupled with either the ULCANS system  50  or the LCSS system  10 , described in FIGS. 1 and 2. When using an ULCANS system, the modular attachment unit  76  can be disposed adjacent an ULCANS screen module, such as screen module  54 , described in reference to FIG. 2. The alternating long and short becket loops can be intertwined to couple the members together and at least one of the becket loops tied or otherwise secured, as described above. The connector unit  84  can remain uncoupled to the ULCANS screen module. For quick release, the becket loops can be disengaged as described above and the modular attachment unit  76  can be separated from the ULCANS screen module  54 .  
         [0033]    When using an LCSS system, the modular attachment unit  76  can be positioned adjacent an LCSS screen module, such as screen module  16 , also shown in FIG. 1. Brackets  18 ,  28  can be disposed adjacent the connector units  84 ,  94 . The connector units and brackets can be coupled using the coupler  88 , such as a pin. The becket loops  58 ,  60 ,  70 , can be left uncoupled from the LCSS screen module. For quick release, the coupler  88  can be pulled from the connector units coupled with the LCSS brackets. Thus, the modular attachment unit  76  can be used with either system.  
         [0034]    Further, the present invention provides for a retrofit of an existing ULCANS screen module, such as the screen module  54 , described in reference to FIG. 2. A connector unit  84  can be provided with or without an attachment member  82 . The connector unit  84  can be coupled to an ULCANS screen module, such as to the material  80 , at an appropriate position. Other connecting units can be similarly coupled at an appropriate spacing to the ULCANS screen module. In at least one embodiment, the first attachment member  82  can be a cord that can be tied to the material  80 . Thus, the connector unit and the ULCANS screen module can be used to create the modular attachment unit  76 .  
         [0035]    While the foregoing is directed to various embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments can be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof For example, the various methods and embodiments of the invention can be included in combination with each other to produce variations of the disclosed methods and embodiments. Discussion of singular elements can include plural elements and vice-versa. Also, any directions shown or described such as “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “upper,” “lower,” and other directions and orientations are described herein for clarity in reference to the figures and are not to be limiting of the actual device or system or use of the device or system. The device or system can be used in a number of directions and orientations. Further, the order of steps can occur in a variety of sequences unless otherwise specifically limited. The various steps described herein can be combined with other steps, interlineated with the stated steps, and/or split into multiple steps. Additionally, any headings herein are for the convenience of the reader and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.  
         [0036]    Further, any references mentioned in the application for this patent as well as all references listed in the information disclosure originally filed with the application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent such may be deemed essential to support the enabling of the invention(s). However, to the extent statements might be considered inconsistent with the patenting of the invention(s), such statements are expressly not meant to be considered as made by the Applicant.