Invista North America S.a.r.l.

Kevin A Frankel

Sharon W Birk

Xiangming Kong

A fabric having a camouflage appearance in the near infrared (NIR) spectrum with a substantially a single color appearance in the visible (VIS) spectrum is provided. The novel fabric may include at least two synthetic polymer multifilament yarns. The multifilament yarns are selected from 3 types of multifilament yarns: multifilaments comprising carbon black, multifilaments comprising pigments which modify the NIR reflectance characteristics of the multifilaments, and multifilaments substantially free of additives capable of modifying the NIR reflectance characteristics of the multifilaments. The fabric is dyed to a substantially single color appearance in the visible spectrum. In general, the fabric has a NIR spectrum comprising two reflectance curves having about 10% to about 85% reflectance separated by about 5% reflectance in a range of wavelengths from about 700 to about 860 nanometers (nm). The fabric may be used to manufacture garments, equipment, tents and tarpaulins that exhibit a camouflage appearance in NIR reflectance observed using night vision devices. At the same time, these garments, equipment, tents and tarpaulins have a single color and substantially non-camouflage in the VIS reflectance spectrum.

Dyed fabric with visible and near infrared differential yarn fiber signature

A stretchable fabric comprising NYCO fabric with about 2 to about 4 wt. % elastic, such as an elastane as LYCRA&#xae;, is disclosed. The stretchable fabric of the invention exhibits about 20 to about 50% fabric stretch, and is suitable for application in combat uniforms where mobility and comfort are desirable. The stretchable fabric maintains or exceeds substantially all military uniform standard requirements and exhibits characteristics such as breaking strength, tear resistance, air permeability and abrasion resistance similar to that of NYCO fabric. Also disclosed is a garment manufactured from the stretchable fabric, as well as methods for manufacturing, dying and finishing the stretchable fabric.

Stretchable fabrics comprising elastics incorporated into NYCO for use in combat uniforms

A modified synthetic polymer filament and multifilament yarn of polyamide or polyester filament containing a carbon black polymer additive, and fabrics from these yarns, are disclosed. These melt spun filaments are especially well-suited for use in garments and equipment where a modified Near Infrared Reflectance (NIR) signature is desired. The yarn and fabrics made from this yarn may be advantageously dyed or printed to provide a camouflage fabric for use in desert sand dominated environments, urban environments and multi-terrain environments.

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Hockessin, DE, United States of America

Kevin A Frankel