U.S. patent application number 10/801120 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-02 for hunter's coat.
Invention is credited to Windham, Bobby Lee, Wood, Michael Tate.
Application Number | 20040237169 10/801120 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33456822 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040237169 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wood, Michael Tate ; et
al. |
December 2, 2004 |
Hunter's coat
Abstract
A hunter's coat made of waterproof and noiseless material, such
as micro-fleece, especially adapted for waterfowl hunters and
preferably in a camouflage design, with an insulated inner lining
and a tailored action back and underarm gussets for a full range of
motion in the arms and shoulders. A variety of customized storage
compartments are designed for storage of specific gear and provide
the hunter with easy access to the gear when needed, yet maintain
the gear in a secure position when not in use. A game bag/pocket
attached to the back of the coat carries the ducks and geese,
freeing the hunter's hands for other uses. Two hand-warmer pockets
are located at breastbone height to allow the hunter to warm his
hands while wading in cold waist-deep or higher water. A specially
designed dedicated shell pouch, a duck call pouch/pocket, and a
call separator allow the hunter to readily access the particular
item when needed, yet securely stow the item when not in use. Other
pockets are designed to hold personal and emergency items, such as
a license, keys, wireless telephone, and gloves.
Inventors: |
Wood, Michael Tate;
(Cordova, TN) ; Windham, Bobby Lee; (Olive Branch,
MS) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ROYAL W. CRAIG
A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
SUITE 153
10 NORTH CALVERT STREET
BALTIMORE
MD
21202
US
|
Family ID: |
33456822 |
Appl. No.: |
10/801120 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60454795 |
Mar 13, 2003 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/94 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 13/0012
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/094 |
International
Class: |
A63H 005/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A hunter's coat, comprising: an outer shell formed with a body
and sleeves; a pair of hand-warmer pockets on the front of the
jacket at breastbone level, each hand-warmer pocket comprising a
sleeved pocket angled upward within a range of from 15-20 degrees
from horizontal for upward insertion of a hunter's hand therein,
said pair of hand-warmer pockets comfortably warming both hands
while the hunter remains in an arms-crossed-on-chest posture.
2. The hunter's coat according to claim 1, wherein the outer shell
is made of micro-fleece.
3. The hunter's coat according to claim 1, wherein the coat is
wader length.
4. The hunter's coat according to claim 1, further comprising poly
insulation.
5. The hunter's coat according to claim 1, further comprising taped
seams to ensure complete waterproofing.
6. The waterfowl hunter's coat according to claim 1, further
comprising an insulated inner lining.
7. The waterfowl hunter's coat according to claim 1, wherein said
insulated inner lining is removable.
8. The waterfowl hunter's coat according to claim 7, wherein said
insulated inner lining is zippered for removal.
9. A hunter's coat, comprising: an outer shell made of quiet
waterproof material and formed with a body and sleeves, and coat
sleeve cuffs at the distal ends of said sleeves, each of said cuffs
further comprising an elastic collar sewn inside a stretchable
fabric cuff.
10. The hunter's coat according to claim 9, further comprising an
adjustable belt encircling each of said coat sleeve cuffs for
tightening or loosening as desired.
11. The hunter's coat according to claim 9, wherein said shell is
formed with a pair of underarm gussets, and a plurality of rearward
pleats for enhanced arm motion.
12. The waterfowl hunter's coat according to claim 11, wherein the
coat is wader length.
13. The waterfowl hunter's coat according to claim 12, wherein said
shell is sewn with taped seams to ensure complete
waterproofing.
14. A hunter's coat, comprising: an outer shell formed as a body
having a front, back, and sleeves, a plurality of pockets on the
front of said shell, and a rear pocket on a back side of the shell
for storing slain game.
15. A hunter's coat, comprising: an outer shell formed with a body
and sleeves, and at least one ammunition pouch located on the front
of the outer shell, said at least one one ammunition pouch further
comprising an oversize pocket with inseam, and a dual-position
spring hinge maintained in said inseam, said spring hinge
supporting the pocket in an open position until squeezed shut by a
user.
16. The hunter's coat according to claim 15, wherein said spring
hinge further comprises a resilient collar formed by a pair of
opposing hinges joined by opposing spring-segments having a fixed
length, the fixed length of said spring segments imposing a
self-bias against the hinges to maintain the spring hinge in either
an open or closed position.
17. The hunter's coat according to claim 16, wherein said spring
hinge is removable from the inseam of said pocket.
18. The hunter's coat according to claim 17, further comprising a
rear pocket on the back side of the coat for storing slain
game.
19. The hunter's coat according to claim 15, further comprising a
pair of hand-warmer pockets on the front of the jacket at
breastbone level, each hand-warmer pocket comprising a sleeved
pocket angled upward within a range of from 15-20 degrees from
horizontal for upward insertion of a hunter's hand therein, said
pair of hand-warmer pockets comfortably warming both hands while
the hunter remains in an arms-crossed-on-chest posture.
20. A dedicated ammunition shell pouch, comprising: a pocket having
an inseam; a spring hinge including a pair of hinges and a
plurality of spring segments joined end-to-end between said hinges
to form an articulating collar therebetween; whereby the spring
hinge is inserted into the inseam in the pocket to create a spring
biased opening enabling the pouch to remain in an open position and
to snap shut.
21. A hunter's coat, comprising: an outer shell formed with a body
and sleeves, and a primary game call separator comprising a
stretchable collar sewn to the shell proximate breast-level for
maintaining one game call in a readily usable position.
22. The hunter's coat according to claim 21, further comprising a
game call pouch sewn to the shell proximate said game call
separator for storing a plurality of secondary game calls, said
game call pouch having a flap-closure with magnetic
snap-coupling.
23. The hunter's coat according to claim 22, further comprising at
least one ammunition pouch located on the front of the outer shell,
said at least one ammunition pouch further comprising an oversize
pocket with inseam, and a dual-position spring hinge maintained
inside said inseam, said spring hinge supporting the pocket in an
open position until squeezed shut by a user.
24. The hunter's coat according to claim 23, further comprising at
least one zippered pouch at breast level opposite said game call
pouch for storing personal items above water.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application derives priority from U.S.
Provisional Patent Application 60/452,795 for "WATERFOWL HUNTER'S
COAT", filed Mar. 13, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to clothing for
hunters, and more particularly, to a durable, waterproof and
practical hunter's coat having an array of specialized features and
compartments to provide special utility for hunters, and especially
waterfowl, as well as turkey and other game birds, deer, and game
in general.
[0004] 2. Description of the Background
[0005] Hunters typically wear special-purpose camouflaged clothing
so that they blend in with their surroundings, thus being obscured
from the vision of their prey. The prior art is replete with such
clothing, including jump-suits, vests, jackets, and the like, all
particularly designed for hunting.
[0006] Many prior art citations are drawn to specialized features.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,882,786 to Gross shows a hunting
jacket that incorporates an arm support for carrying a gun. The
jacket includes various pockets and a gun pad on the front, and a
sling-type forearm support on the inside of the jacket.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,182,291 to Garvey shows a hunting vest with
reversible flaps on the front and the back. Each flap is detachable
with a camouflage color on one side and hunter's orange on the
other side so that the hunter can display each side
interchangeably. The front flap folds over pockets for protection
of the contents.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 3,337,101 to Tombari shows a hunting vest with
outside pockets for storage of shells, cartridges and the like.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,718,000 to Ost et al. shows a
multi-compartment, modular jacket including a vest with a vest
front panel, a vest rear panel, a pair of armholes and a fastener
for opening the vest. A plurality of pockets cover the outer
surface of the vest. The vest has detachable sleeves, an inner and
outer jacket and a plurality of pockets.
[0010] None of these prior art hunting garments are designed
particularly for hunting waterfowl (ducks, geese and the like),
which presents a most difficult environment. This type of hunting
often takes place in standing water up to 50" deep, and it carries
with it a specialized set of needs. For instance, waterfowl hunters
typically have one arm free (the other supporting a rifle) and yet
must store and have easy access to many hunting implements
including multiple duck calls, dog whistles, ammunition, etc. To
illustrate one common scenario, suppose a hunter has just waded out
on the marsh to retrieve a bird, and with bird in hand he now needs
to whistle for his dog. The hunter must stow the bird, zipper open
a pocket and retrieve a whistle, all whilst carrying his shotgun
for duck and geese hunting. The same issues arise in the context of
many other forms of hunting, including big game hunting when
carrying a rifle. Existing waterfowl coats typically offer no
assistance for stowing the bird, and pocket closures are either
non-existent exceedingly cumbersome to use one-handed (and when wet
are impossible), or are totally submerged while standing in
waist-deep water.
[0011] None of the known prior art offers a hunting jacket with a
set of specifically designed receptacles for storing duck calls,
shells, game birds and other related items, and with convenient
single-hand access to such items even when wading in water
waist-deep or higher.
[0012] It would be greatly advantageous to provide a warm,
waterproof, practical, durable, and rugged hunter's coat
specifically designed to be worn while hunting, and particularly
when hunting waterfowl, with a plurality of features and storage
compartments, each compartment being specifically designed for
waterfowl-hunting with all of its above-described tribulations. The
design of each compartment must include special placement on the
jacket to allow use in waist-deep or higher water, as well as
special closures to provide quick and easy access. Moreover, the
compartments should be specially configured for secure storage of
hunting items, including duck calls, shells, slain water fowl, etc.
when these items are not needed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to
provide a warm and waterproof hunter's coat to be worn while
hunting, and especially when hunting waterfowl, preferably in a
camouflage color to blend in with the surrounding environment.
[0014] It is another object to provide a hunter's coat suitable for
wading, and with a variety of customized storage compartments
designed for secure storage while wading, yet with easy access when
the stored items are needed.
[0015] It is another object to provide a hunter's coat that holds
slain birds for transporting out of the marshes, which frees the
hunter's hand for other purposes.
[0016] It is yet another object to provide a hunter's coat with
dedicated outer shell pouches having hinges rather than zippers,
thereby allowing them to remain in the open position, yet close
securely, as needed.
[0017] It is still another object to provide a hunter's coat with a
pocket for storing duck calls that are secured in place when not in
use, but readily accessible when needed.
[0018] It is another object to provide a hunter's coat with a duck
call separator that maintains the primary and back-up calls
separate and apart and easily accessible during the hunt.
[0019] It is yet another object to provide a hunter's coat that
allows the hunter to warm his hands while standing in water and
wearing waders.
[0020] According to the present invention, the above-described and
other objects are accomplished by providing a hunting coat
specifically designed to be worn by hunters of waterfowl. The coat
may be insulated for warmth and includes a quiet waterproof shell
material in a camouflage color design so that the coat blends in
with the surrounding environment. A variety of customized storage
compartments provide the hunter with easy access to specific gear
when needed, yet maintain the gear in a secure position when not in
use. A game bag/pocket attached to the back of the jacket stores
slain waterfowl while the hunter is returning from the marshes,
thereby keeping the hunter's hands free to carry other gear. Two
hand-warmer pockets are sewn high in the jacket at breastbone
height to allow the hunter to warm his hands while wading in cold
waist-deep or higher water, and particularly when the hunter wears
chest-high waders over his coat and has no access to typical
pockets. A dedicated shell pouch, located on the face of the cargo
pocket, has a removable hinge incorporated into its mouth so that
it can remain in the open position for ready access to the shells
when needed, but snaps shut for secure storage when not needed. A
vertical duck call pouch/pocket located on the front center of the
jacket has a magnet closure that allows the hunter to quickly stow
and retrieve the duck call as needed, yet secures the calls in
place to prevent damage or loss of the calls. The pouch also serves
to protect the call and call reeds from call freeze. A duck call's
reed can accumulate saliva. As a result, the cold and wind exposure
causes the saliva to freeze on the reed preventing blowing the
call. This pouch helps reduce the exposure to the cold reducing
call/reed freeze. when the hunter is in motion. A duck call
separator attached to the coat above the call pocket maintains the
primary and back-up calls separate and apart during the hunt. Other
pockets are designed to hold personal and emergency items. For
example, a zippered security pocket may be provided directly across
from the magnetic duck call pouch/pocket for holding items such as
a license, keys, a wireless telephone, and gloves.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present
invention will become more apparent from the following detailed
description of the preferred embodiment and certain modifications
thereof when taken together with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a front view of the waterfowl hunter's coat
according to the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the waterfowl hunter's coat.
[0024] FIG. 3 is a close-up view of the zippered pouch 50 as in
FIG. 1, which is readily accessible from the outside of the
coat.
[0025] FIG. 4 is is a close-up view of the call separator 90 as in
FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 5 is a close-up view of the game call pocket 80 as in
FIG. 1, which is a pocket with lateral ingress closed by a hemmed
flap with a magnetic snap closure 82.
[0027] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the hand-warmer pockets as
in FIG. 1 in use with waders.
[0028] FIG. 7 is a composite view of an exemplary shell pouch 30 as
in FIG. 1 (shown full at A, empty and open at B, and partially
disassembled at C).
[0029] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the spring-biased
hinge opener 72 as used in FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0030] The hunter's coat of the present invention includes an array
of features and storage compartments, each compartment being
specifically designed for hunting, and especially for hunting
waterfowl or other game. The features include special placement on
the jacket, specialized closures to provide quick and easy access,
and a unique configuration for secure storage of hunting items,
including waterfowl duck calls, shells, slain water fowl, etc.
[0031] FIG. 1 is a front view of the hunter's coat 10 according to
the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The body of the
hunter's coat 10 is cut and sewn together from a pattern comprising
discrete front and back panels, underarm gussets 74, arms 60, and
collar, open at the front and closable (preferably by a full
zipper). The pattern itself is a conventional parka pattern,
slightly elongated so that the bottom of the coat is approximately
at waist height, thereby generally preventing the bottom of the
coat from contacting water when the hunter is wading and wearing
his coat outside his waders. For non-wading hunting, the coat 10
may be longer than parka-length, as desired. Hunter's may also use
the coat 10 while hunting in boats, or permanent blinds where
wading is not involved, and yet conditions are otherwise those of
wetland areas. Preferably, the body of the waterfowl hunter's coat
10 is formed in a two-ply configuration with an outer shell and
inner lining. The outer shell is made from 100% waterproof and
breathable material, such as micro-fleece (a specially selected and
commercially-available non-pilling fleece fabric designed to
eliminate weight and bulk). Material such as micro-fleece is
preferred because it is a high-density and hence quiet fabric,
i.e., it does not rustle or make any other noise when the hunter
moves, thus eliminating the risk of the ducks or geese hearing the
movements of the hunter. Other conventional materials such as
Nylon.TM. may also be used. All outer seams are taped to ensure
complete waterproofing even in the strongest downpour.
[0032] It is also critical for hunters to keep warm, such as
waterfowl hunters while out in the cold wet marshes, and for this
purpose the water-proof outer shell may optionally be lined with
insulation of various weights. The insulation may be in the form of
a sewn-in or zip-in/out reversible liner. Polyester is a good liner
material because it is hydrophobic, meaning that it repels water.
This ensures that the insulation will not be affected by exposure
to moisture and will not decay. Alternatively, fleece, cotton, or
other soft and warm liner may be used.
[0033] Despite the need for warmth, it is essential to have freedom
of movement in the arms and shoulders, to allow the hunter to
quickly mount his gun and aim at a fast flying bird. To accommodate
this need, the coat's underarm gussets 75 are specially tailored
for unrestricted range of motion of the arms and shoulders and
maximum comfort. The generous underarm gussets 75 are oversized to
allow full overhead extension of both arms.
[0034] The arms or sleeves of the waterfowl coat 10 continue to
cuffs 64 which are also specially-designed to be elastic. The
elastic cuffs 64 comprise an elastic collar sewn inside a
stretchable fabric shell, the cuffs 64 then being sewn to the
terminus of the arms of jacket 10. Each cuff 64 is preferably made
of a synthetic elastomer, such as Neoprene.TM., with stretchable
fabric cover. The cuffs 64 fit snugly around the hunter's wrist,
and the Neoprene.TM. collar prevents dripping water from decoys
from getting inside the coat sleeve, while it retains the warmth
and dryness on the inside of the sleeve. The sleeves of the
waterfowl coat 10 are encircled at their distal ends by an annular
strap 62 with an adhesive gripping closure, such as Velcro.RTM. to
loosen or tighten the strap 62 around the cuffs 64 to the hunter's
desired tightness.
[0035] FIG. 2 is a back view of the waterfowl hunter's coat 10 as
in FIG. 1. In addition to the oversized gussets 75, the coat 10 is
formed with two bellowed pleats 77 each on opposite sides of the
back of the coat close to the shoulder blade area, running
vertically up the rear which, in combination with the underarm
gussets 75, allow for allow full overhead extension of both arms
without restrictions or binding to prevent the jacket from being
pulled up when shouldering a shotgun on overhead shots.
[0036] Referring back to FIG. 1, an exemplary layout of customized
pockets and storage compartments will now be described. Two
fleece-lined hand-warmer pockets 20 are located on opposing sides
of the front zipper. The hand-warmer pockets 20 open through the
outer shell at the breast into fleece-lined hand enclosures, and
the opening of hand-warmer pockets 20 are angled within a range of
from 15-20 degrees upward for upward insertion of the hunter's
hands, and for comfortably warming his hands in a cross-chest
posture while wading in cold waist-deep or higher water. The angle
is important because it facilitates the hunter's quick insertion
and removal of his hands when necessary. As described more fully
below with reference to FIG. 6, these hand-warmer pockets 20 are
particularly useful for those hunters that wear chest-high waders
over their coats.
[0037] In addition to the hand-warmer pockets 20, there are
multiple outer storage pockets uniquely designed for easy access to
hunting gear, when needed.
[0038] Referring back to FIG. 1, opposing shell pouches 30 are
located on the outside of the jacket 10 where indicated. To
optimally serve their purpose as easy-access munitions stores,
shell pouches 30 are equipped with spring-biased hinge openers that
spring open to hold the mouths of the pockets 30 in an open
position until pushed shut to prevent spills. The shell pouches 30
are roomy pleated pockets sewn to the outer shell of jacket 10 to
provide ample storage capacity, and the spring-biased hinge openers
are further described below.
[0039] In addition, a lateral game-call pocket 80 is located on the
outside of the jacket 10 where indicated at the breast, directly
adjacent to the zipper, for holding duck and other game calls. The
game call pocket 80 opens laterally through the outer shell to an
inner enclosure that runs horizontally away from the zipper. The
game call pocket 80 is a quick and easy storage area for game
calls, and it houses and protects the hunter's calls to prevent
clanging together and the possible loss of their reed stoppers. The
game call pocket 80 also serves to protect the calls and call reeds
from call freeze. A duck call's reed can accumulate saliva. As a
result, the cold and wind exposure causes the saliva to freeze on
the reed preventing blowing the call. This call pocket 80 helps
reduce the exposure to the cold reducing call/reed freeze.
[0040] FIG. 5 is a close-up view of the game call pocket 80 which
is a sleeved pocket formed for lateral ingress and closed by a
hemmed flap with a magnetic snap closure 82. The opening of duck
call pocket 80 can be releasably sealed by magnetic closure 82,
which couples together for central closure in the hemmed flap. The
magnetic closure 82 comprises a set of opposing permanent magnet
snaps that interlock solely by magnetic force, thereby allowing
duck calls to be stored therein for ready access by the hunter with
his free hand. One of the snaps of magnetic closure 82 is sewn to
the underside of the hemmed flap, and the other is sewn directly
facing to the shell of coat 10. The greatest advantage of the
magnetic closure 82 is its ability to minimize the sound of putting
your call up. By having a magnet instead of a zipper or Velcro.TM.,
the user can silently stow the calls and control the closure 82 for
complete silence. Moreover, many game calls make unwanted noises
when jostled about, but confining them to a call stow-way call
pocket 82 near the chest area allows storage without making a
noise. In addition, the magnetic closure 82 minimizes the amount of
dexterity needed to store or remove calls, and the upward placement
of the duck call pocket 80 keeps the calls dry and safe. Again,
this feature is helpful while wearing waders over the coat 10
because it keeps the calls high on the chest and easily
accessible.
[0041] Referring back to FIG. 1, located above the call pocket 80
and attached to the face of the coat is a call separator 90 for
holding one game call and for maintaining it in a ready-to-use
position. It is not uncommon for the ducks to fly in view for a
while and then disappear for a while. As a result, the waterfowl
hunter does not always have his call ready in his hand. When the
ducks or geese suddenly appear, the hunter must quickly grab his
call and oftentimes he inadvertently grabs the wrong call or looks
away from the birds to select the correct call and may miss an
opportunity to shoot. The call separator 90 eliminates these
opportunities for error by providing a secure specific location for
a particular one of the hunter's favorite calls. This allows the
hunter to grab the correct call when needed without looking to find
the location.
[0042] FIG. 4 is a close-up view of the call separator 90. The call
separator 90 further comprises an elastic band sewn inside an
expanding sleeve. The sleeve is sewn to the outer shell of jacket
10 at both ends to form an expandable collars for supporting one
duck call. The hunter places his primary call in the separator 90
during the hunt so that it remains secure and separated, and
back-up calls go into game call pocket 80. When finished, the
primary call is returned to the game call pocket 80 for more secure
storage and transport.
[0043] Referring back to FIG. 1, a zippered pouch 50 is positioned
high on the coat at breast level on the opposing side of the zipper
from the call separator 90 and game call pocket 80. The zippered
pouch 50 opens through the outer shell to an inner enclosure that
runs horizontally away from the zipper.
[0044] FIG. 3 is a close-up view of the zippered pouch 50, which is
readily accessible from the outside of the coat, is for storing the
hunter's license, keys, wallet, wireless phone, or the like, during
the hunt. The location and the zipper of pouch 50 keep the hunter's
personal items high, dry and secure and more easily accessible
while wearing waders, etc.
[0045] In addition to equipment storage, a hunter often needs to
store his game. For example, when a hunter has just waded out on
the marsh to retrieve a bird and now needs to whistle for his dog,
he must stow the bird to free his hand. The hunting jacket 10
according to the present invention optionally includes a rearwardly
disposed storage pouch 120 (see FIG. 2) for temporary storage of
game such as waterfowl. Storage pouch 120 is an oversize bellowed
pouch sewn along the top and bottom to the rear of the outer shell
of jacket 100 and left open on both sides (with optional zipper
closures) making it easily accessible simply by reaching back
rearwardly and stuffing game therein. Storage pouch 120 extends
across the entire lower back, from hip to hip and from waist to
lower back, and this wide expanse allows a hunter to gather and
temporarily stow up to six waterfowl whilst returning to his blind,
without needing to carry a game bag. Stowage can be accomplished
with one hand, leaving the other free to carry the shotgun or other
gear. The game storage pouch 120 is located on the back of the
jacket so that the waterfowl do not impede the movement of the
hunter. The game storage pouch 120 is also useful when chasing a
downed bird that is on the move.
[0046] Certain of the foregoing features of the hunter's jacket 10
will now be described in greater detail.
[0047] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the use of the
hand-warmer pockets 20 as in FIG. 1 in conjunction with chest
waders. A hunter must often stand for hours in the cold (sometimes
icy waist-deep or higher water) waiting for the opportunity to
shoot his prey. Often in deep water a hunter wears chest-high
waders over his coat (as shown) so only the upper portion of the
coat is exposed. While standing and waiting, the hunter must carry
his shotgun and his hands are exposed to the elements. Normal
pockets would not be accessible for warming his hands, and gloves
are no solution because the hunter must be able to quickly react,
aim and shoot when the opportunity presents itself. Gloves impede
hand dexterity. Consequently, the fleece-lined hand-warmer pockets
20 are designed into the jacket to allow the hunter to slip his
hands inside while wading, but quickly remove them and grab his gun
when necessary. The two hand-warmer pockets 20 are located on
either side of the jacket's front zipper, above the outer pockets
at breastbone level. The opening to each pocket 20 is angled at
approximately 20-30 degrees from vertical, and the inner fleece
enclosures continue at an angle so that the hunter can easily slip
his hand into the warmer when his arm is bent at the elbow. The
hand-warmer pockets at such a height and angle allows the hunter to
warm his hands in a comfortable position while wading in cold
waist-deep or higher water.
[0048] FIG. 7 is a composite view of an exemplary shell pouch 30 as
in FIG. 1 (shown full at A, empty and open at B, and partially
disassembled at C). Each shell pouch 30 is a roomy pleated pocket
sewn to the outer shell of jacket 10, and the spring-biased hinge
opener 72 is enclosed in the margin of the pocket for quick
releasing and to hold the mouths of the pockets 30 in an open
position until pushed shut to prevent spills. The hinge opener 72
is preferably removable from the margin or inseam of the pocket,
e.g., releasably enclosed therein (by fold, zipper or the like) for
removal, lubrication and/or cleaning of the hinge opener 72.
[0049] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the spring-biased
hinge opener 72 as used in FIG. 7. The spring-biased hinge opener
72 is a multi-segmented spring metal collar with four spring
segments 78A-D each being formed as a length of spring steel. The
four spring segments 78A-D are joined together by six stainless
steel joiner sections 79A-E, which may be riveted, welded or
otherwise joined end-to-end as shown. Four of the steel joiner
sections 79A-E run to opposing hinges 77A & 77B at each end.
The segments 78A-D, joiners 79A-E and hinges 77A-B are attached
together as shown end-to-end to form a closed collar. While four
segments 78A-D and six joiners 79A-E are shown, more or less may be
used as a matter of design choice. The spring-biased hinge opener
72 effectively forms a two-position hinge (open or closed), and the
fixed length of spring segments 78A-D imposes a self-bias against
the hinges 77A & 77B to maintain spring hinge 72 in either an
open or closed position, depending on the desire of the hunter.
Referring back to FIG. 7, the spring hinge 72 is enclosed within
the seams 74 at the mouth-opening of each pouch 30. The completed
spring hinge 72 may be removably incorporated into the seam 74 of
the mouth-opening of each pouch 40 by forming each mouth-opening
with a sleeve adapted to receive the hinge 72, and by incorporating
a Velcro.RTM. or snap closures 82 around the sleeves 74 to contain
the spring hinge 72 therein. As alternatives to snaps 82, a
zippered closure may be incorporated along the top of sleeve 74 to
removably contain the spring hinge 72. This removability feature is
important because it allows spring hinges 72 to be replaced if a
given hinge 72 rusts or breaks, or simply if the user prefers not
to employ them.
[0050] In operation, each spring hinge 72 can be snapped open with
one hand to make shells immediately accessible, and the pocket 30
will remain in its spring-biased open position so the hunter can
easily reach in and grab a shell. Conversely, when the hunter is
not in need of the shells, the spring hinge 72 shuts tight to
secure the shells, and remains in its spring-biased closed position
to prevent them from falling out of the pocket. The hunter easily
opens and shuts the pocket 30 by pulling/pushing the outermost
hinge outward or by squeezing/pulling the metal hinges on flanking
sides of the pocket opening. This process is much simpler than
trying to zip/unzip a wetted zipper, and it can be accomplished
with the hunter's free hand (the other being occupied with a
shotgun).
[0051] The above-described jacket provides a warm, waterproof,
practical, durable, and rugged hunter's coat specifically designed
to be worn while hunting waterfowl, with a specific array of
storage features and compartments each being specifically designed
for waterfowl-hunting with all of its above-described tribulations.
The special placement of each compartment on the jacket facilitates
use in waist-deep or higher water, and the types of closures
provide quick and easy access as well as secure storage of all
necessary waterfowl hunting items, including duck calls, shells,
slain waterfowl, etc.
[0052] Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiments and
certain modifications of the concept underlying the present
invention, various other embodiments as well as certain variations
and modifications of the embodiments herein shown and described
will obviously occur to those skilled in the art upon becoming
familiar with said underlying concept. For example, although
waterfowl coat 10 of FIG. 1 is described as a waist-length coat,
there are other coat lengths and variations such as armless coats
or vests. In any case, the coat of the present invention can be
provided in other lengths or as a vest, thereby providing the same
features as described herein. It is to be understood, therefore,
that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically
set forth in the appended claims.
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