Methods and apparatus for infrared reflecting system

Abstract

An infrared reflecting system according to various aspects of the present invention includes an infrared reflective material and at least one layer. The infrared reflecting material is configured to deflect infrared radiation. The layers inhibit heat transfer via convection and/or conduction and/or obscure the infrared reflective material.

1 . An infrared reflecting system comprising: 
 an infrared reflecting material with high infrared reflectivity; and    an inner layer and an outer layer, wherein: 
 the layers inhibit convection and thermal conduction; and  
 the infrared reflecting material is disposed between the layers.  
   
   
   
       2 . An infrared reflecting system according to  claim 1 , wherein the infrared reflecting material comprises a plurality of strands.  
   
   
       3 . An infrared reflecting system according to  claim 2 , wherein the infrared reflecting material comprises a woven material.  
   
   
       4 . An infrared reflecting system according to  claim 2 , wherein the strands comprise at least one of a metal, a metal coating, and a material having a high dielectric constant.  
   
   
       5 . An infrared reflecting system according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one layer further comprises an insulation and a covering.  
   
   
       6 . An infrared reflecting system according to  claim 1 , wherein the infrared reflecting material further comprises a corrosion resistant material.  
   
   
       7 . An infrared reflecting system according to  claim 1 , wherein the infrared reflecting material and the layers are flexible.  
   
   
       8 . An infrared reflecting system according to  claim 1 , wherein the layers and infrared reflecting material are permeable to at least one of water and water vapor.  
   
   
       9 . An infrared reflecting system according to  claim 1 , wherein the infrared reflecting material contains at least one of symbols and letters.  
   
   
       10 . A method for reflecting infrared rays comprising: 
 providing an infrared reflecting material; and    placing the infrared reflecting material between a first layer of convection inhibiting and thermal conduction inhibiting material and a second layer of convection inhibiting and thermal conduction inhibiting material.    
   
   
       11 . A method for reflecting infrared rays according to  claim 10 , wherein the material substantially conforms to a surface.  
   
   
       12 . A method for reflecting infrared rays according to  claim 10 , wherein the system comprises at least a portion of at least one of a survival blanket and a survival enclosure.  
   
   
       13 . An infrared reflecting system according to  claim 10 , wherein the layers and infrared reflecting material are permeable to at least one of water and water vapor.  
   
   
       14 . An infrared reflecting system comprising: 
 a flexible infrared reflecting fabric exhibiting high infrared reflectivity; and    an inner layer and an outer layer, wherein the layers inhibit convection and thermal conduction;    and the infrared reflecting material is between the layers.