U.S. patent application number 11/676591 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-23 for high visibility cover for camo hunting blind.
Invention is credited to Gary A. Egstad.
Application Number | 20070193614 11/676591 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38426928 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070193614 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Egstad; Gary A. |
August 23, 2007 |
HIGH VISIBILITY COVER FOR CAMO HUNTING BLIND
Abstract
A high visibility cover adapted for use with a camouflage
hunting blind that permits the blind to be easily visible to other
hunters while at the same time not interfering with the use of the
blind or the hunting technique of the occupant. More specifically,
the high visibility cover is designed to universally and securely
fit most sizes and shapes of hunting blinds.
Inventors: |
Egstad; Gary A.; (Shiocton,
WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LATHROP & CLARK LLP
740 REGENT STREET SUITE 400, P.O. BOX 1507
MADISON
WI
537011507
US
|
Family ID: |
38426928 |
Appl. No.: |
11/676591 |
Filed: |
February 20, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60775172 |
Feb 21, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
135/156 ;
135/137 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 15/001
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/156 ;
135/137 |
International
Class: |
E04H 15/42 20060101
E04H015/42 |
Claims
1. A covering adapted to be coupled to a ground hunting blind
comprising: a cover top having at least one sleeve structure formed
along one or more margins of the cover top; and a flexible cord
positioned within the at least one sleeve structure.
2. The covering of claim 1, wherein the cover top comprises a high
visibility material.
3. A covering adapted to be coupled to a ground hunting blind
comprising: a cover top; a first stirrup attached to the cover top;
a second stirrup attached to the cover top; at least one sleeve
structure formed along an edge of the first stirrup, a contiguous
first edge of the cover top and an edge of the second stirrup
contiguous with the first edge of the cover top, and extending from
a distal end of the first stirrup to a distal end of the second
stirrup; and a flexible cord positioned within the at least one
sleeve structure.
4. The covering of claim 3, wherein at least one of the cover top,
first stirrup and second stirrup comprise a high visibility
material.
5. A covering adapted to be coupled to a ground hunting blind
comprising: a cover top; a first stirrup attached to the cover top;
a second stirrup attached to the cover top; a third stirrup
attached to the cover top, wherein the third stirrup and first
stirrup are oppositely disposed; a fourth stirrup attached to the
cover top, wherein the fourth stirrup and the second stirrup are
oppositely disposed; a first sleeve structure formed along an edge
of the first stirrup, a contiguous first edge of the cover top and
an edge of the second stirrup contiguous with the first edge of the
cover top, and extending from a distal end of the first stirrup to
a distal end of the second stirrup; a second sleeve structure
formed along an edge of the second stirrup, a contiguous second
edge of the cover top and an edge of the third stirrup contiguous
with the second edge of the cover top, and extending from the
distal end of the second stirrup to a distal end of the third
stirrup; a third sleeve structure formed along an edge of the third
stirrup, a contiguous third edge of the cover top and an edge of
the fourth stirrup contiguous with the third edge of the cover top,
and extending from the distal end of the third stirrup to a distal
end of the fourth stirrup; a fourth sleeve structure formed along
an edge of the fourth stirrup, a contiguous fourth edge of the
cover top and an edge of the first stirrup contiguous with the
fourth edge of the cover top, and extending from the distal end of
the fourth stirrup to the distal end of the first stirrup; and at
least one flexible cord positioned within at least one of the first
sleeve structure, the second sleeve structure, the third sleeve
structure, and the fourth sleeve structure.
6. The covering of claim 5, wherein the flexible cord travels at
least from the distal end of the first stirrup, through the first
sleeve structure, across the margin of the distal end of the second
stirrup, through the second sleeve structure, across the margin of
the distal end of the third sleeve structure, through the third
sleeve structure, across the margin of the distal end of the fourth
sleeve structure, and through the fourth sleeve structure to the
distal end of the first stirrup.
7. The covering of claim 5, further comprising at least one lower
panel attached at one end to the first stirrup and at an opposite
end to the second stirrup.
8. The covering of claim 5, further comprising at least one lower
panel removably attached at one end to the first stirrup and at an
opposite end to the second stirrup.
9. The covering of claim 5, wherein at least one of the cover top,
the first stirrup, the second stirrup, the third stirrup, and the
fourth stirrup.
10. The covering of claim 7, wherein at least one of the cover top,
the first stirrup, the second stirrup, the third stirrup, the
fourth stirrup and the at least one lower panel are made of a high
visibility material.
11. The covering of claim 8, wherein at least one of the cover top,
the first stirrup, the second stirrup, the third stirrup, the
fourth stirrup and the at least one lower panel are made of a high
visibility material.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. Section
119(e), to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/775,172, filed
Feb. 21, 2006, the entirety of which is expressly incorporated by
reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention is directed to an apparatus for improving the
visibility of a camouflage ground hunting blind. More particularly,
the present invention relates to a high visibility cover that
provides a hunter using a camouflage hunting blind with a high
degree of safety and convenience without interfering in any
undesirable manner with hunting technique or the hunter's ability
to engage in hunting activities.
[0004] 2. Related Art
[0005] The success of most hunters in many types of hunting largely
depends upon the ability of the hunter to blend with the
environment. In addition to using a variety of natural objects,
hunters have often turned to a variety of camouflage articles to
assist them in blending with their surroundings. Recently, there
has been a trend towards the use of portable camouflage ground
hunting blinds in a variety of hunting activities. These blinds are
generally portable and can be assembled and disassembled relatively
easily and quickly. These hunting blinds generally protect hunters
from the environment while concealing them from game animals. Such
blinds typically contain a variety of openings and/or windows
positioned on the sides of the blinds for the hunter's ease in
monitoring and shooting at game outside of the blind. Ground
hunting blinds typically do not have any loose articles or fabric
hanging from outside of the blind as such loose items can be moved
by the wind, and frighten various game animals away.
[0006] For various safety reasons, most local hunting laws require
hunters to wear apparel that is highly visible to other hunters.
This is especially true during firearm hunting seasons. The use of
high visibility colors such as Hunter Orange has been shown to
significantly reduce the number of hunting related accidents.
"Hunter Orange" refers herein to colors such as blaze orange,
hunter orange, fluorescent orange, daylight fluorescent orange, Ten
Mile, camouflage orange, Hunter Safety Green, fluorescent
chartreuse, fluorescent yellow, any other highly visible color that
is approved or will be approved for hunting under local or national
laws, any combination thereof, and the like. The highly visible
apparel can take the form of a jacket, a vest, a hat, pants, or the
like. As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,159,718, the entirety of
which is expressly incorporated herein by reference, some garments
incorporate patches of fluorescent orange in the garments
themselves. Other garments incorporate Hunter Orange in a
camouflage pattern.
[0007] Under most local laws, the area of Hunter Orange must meet
certain size limitations. For example, in Wisconsin, during any gun
or muzzleloader season, no person may hunt any game, except water
fowl, unless at least 50% of the person's outer clothing above the
waist is colored Blaze Orange. Further, a hat, if worn, must be at
least 50% Blaze Orange. In other states, for example, apparel must
contain at least a certain number of square inches of visible
Hunter Orange.
[0008] The trend towards the use of portable camouflage ground
blinds has been noticed even in those types of hunting activities
that require garments colored Hunter Orange. Despite the blaze
orange clothing requirement, hunters using such ground blinds are
nearly or totally concealed from other hunters in the field. As a
result, there is a concern that the use of such blinds will
eventually lead to an increase in hunting related accidents.
[0009] Some camouflage blind manufacturers have attempted to
address this concern by incorporating small patches of high
visibility material into their camouflage hunting blinds. For
example, some hunting blinds contain a swatch or patch of blaze
Hunter Orange material that may be exposed during certain hunting
seasons but covered with a camouflage patch during other seasons.
These patches, however, are often small and difficult for other
hunters in the area to see. As such, these measures are believed to
be fairly ineffective in limiting the risk of hunting accidents.
Further, because many hunters already own a portable camouflage
ground blind, many are hesitant to purchase another hunting blind
incorporating such patches of visible material.
[0010] It is also well-known to attach a protective,
water-repellant or water-resistant covering to a tent or other
portable structure to offer additional protection from the elements
and additional ventilation to occupants. Such coverings are often
referred to as "tent flies." Tent flies have distinct drawbacks,
however, with respect to improving the visibility of ground
camouflage blinds to other hunters. Tent flies are generally
designed to protect tents from rain and moisture. As such, tent
flies primarily cover the roofs of tents and therefore may be
difficult to see from a side view or the ground level. Further,
tent flies are typically not composed of a high visibility color.
In addition, such tent flies typically extend like canopies beyond
the perimeter of the underlying tent. Indeed, most tent flies are
designed to be staked separately from the underlying tent. As such,
tent flies require much more ground space than the underlying tent
and therefore are difficult to utilize in most hunting conditions.
Further, because tent flies are typically staked separately from
the tent, tent flies often require significant time and assembly.
In addition, the canopy-like features of a tent fly tend to be
moved by wind and that movement can frighten game animals.
[0011] Tent flies are also generally designed to improve air flow
and ventilation around a tent. The additional ventilation afforded
by such tent flies is disadvantageous when hunting from a ground
blind. Additional air flow often results in additional movement
that can spook game. Further, human scent spooks many game animals.
Good hunters are careful about masking their scent and hunting
blinds are often designed to help hide a hunter's scent. Improved
air flow around a ground blind may defeat many of the scent masking
capabilities of a ground blind. Finally, many hunting activities
occur during the fall and winter seasons when temperatures are
lower. Ground blinds are generally designed to cut the wind and
trap warm air to help keep the occupant warm. Improved air flow and
ventilation around a ground blind can diminish this desired
insulating effect.
SUMMARY OF DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS
[0012] A simple covering is needed to minimize hunting accidents
that may be caused by the use of camouflage hunting blinds.
[0013] This invention provides a simple apparatus for improving the
visibility to other hunters of a camouflage hunting ground blind to
reduce the risk of hunting-related accidents. This invention
separately provides a covering that is designed to fit over most
sizes and shapes of camouflage blinds. This invention separately
provides a covering that may be drawn close to the underlying
hunting blind to minimize the overall size of the system,
potentially improve the scent-mask and insulting effects of the
underlying blind, and eliminate any loose or daggling fabric or
items that might be prone to move with the wind and thereby
frighten game animals. In addition, this invention separately
provides a covering that is very portable and easy to assemble and
use in connection with most camouflage blinds.
[0014] These and other features and advantages of various exemplary
embodiment of systems according to this invention are described in
or are apparent from, the following detailed descriptions of
various exemplary embodiments of various devices and/or structures
according to this invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0015] Various exemplary embodiments of the systems and methods
according to this invention will be described in detail, with
reference to the following figures, wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the cover according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention suspended over a
camouflage blind.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective use showing an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention operatively in use over a camouflage
blind.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0018] With reference to FIG. 1, a first exemplary embodiment of
the present invention is shown in the form of a cover assembly 10
that comprises a cover top 12, a plurality of stirrups 14, a
plurality of lower panels 16, and a flexible cord 24. The cover top
12 may take a variety of forms including, octagonal, round or
square shape. In one exemplary embodiment, the cover top 12 may be
as shown in FIG. 1.
[0019] In one embodiment, the cover top 12 comprises a plurality of
interconnected triangular sections 18. In one exemplary embodiment,
the sides of each triangular section 18 are substantially straight
while the base of each triangular section 18 arches toward the
vertex in a parabolic or catenary fashion. As shown in FIG. 1, the
cover top 12 in one embodiment is formed by attaching a first side
of a first triangular section 18 to a first side of a second
triangular section 18, attaching a second side of the second
triangular section 18 to a first side of a third triangular section
18, attaching a second side of the third triangular section 18 to a
first side of a fourth triangular section 18 and attaching a second
side of the fourth triangular section 18 to a second side of the
first triangular section 18 such that the vertex of each triangular
section 18 meets at or about the same point. The triangular
sections 18 may be interconnected by any variety of methods and
arrangements. In one exemplary embodiment, the sides of the
triangular sections 18 are sewn or stitched. In one embodiment, the
stitching is hidden on the interior of the cover top 12 so the
stitching is not visible from the exterior of the cover top 12. The
sides of the triangular sections 18 may also be attached using an
adhesive or fasteners such as hook and loop fasteners such as
Velcro(& fasteners. Alternatively, the cover top 12 may be
integrally formed.
[0020] In one exemplary embodiment, a plurality of stirrups 14 are
attached to the cover top 12. In one embodiment, each stirrup 14 is
a single length of material that is attached at one end to a corner
of the cover top 12. The stirrups 14 may be attached to the cover
top 12 by any variety of methods and arrangements. In one exemplary
embodiment, the stirrups 14 are sewn or stitched to the cover top
12. The stirrups 14 may also be attached to the cover top 12 using
an adhesive or fasteners such as hook and loop fasteners such as
Velcro.RTM. fasteners. Alternatively, the stirrups 14 and the cover
top 12 may be integrally formed.
[0021] The stirrups 14 may be manufactured in a variety of shapes
depending upon the shape and structure of the ground blind 11 to be
covered. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the
stirrups 14 may take a variety of shapes provided the shape does
not interfere with ingress or egress from the underlying ground
blind 11 or otherwise obstruct any doors 13, windows 15 or other
openings of the blind 11. In one exemplary embodiment, the stirrups
14 will be elongated and are long enough to allow the distal end to
extend to or nearly to the bottom of the blind 11 when in use to
cover a blind 11. In one embodiment, the width of the stirrup 14
may be generally consistent throughout the length of the stirrup
14. In one embodiment, the width of the stirrup 14 at the end of
the stirrup 14 connected to the cover top 12 may be greater than
the width of the stirrup 14 at the opposite end. In one embodiment,
the stirrup 14 may have parabolic longitudinal edges. In one
embodiment, the longitudinal edges of a stirrup 14 may follow a
parabolic contour such that the width of the stirrup 14 between
opposed edges is less at the waist or central portion of the
stirrup 14 than the aft or fore portions.
[0022] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the perimeter of
the cover top 12 comprises at least one plurality of sleeve
structures 22 formed therein. In one embodiment, the longitudinal
edge of each stirrup 14 and the edge of the base of each triangular
section 18 comprising the cover top 12 are folded and an attachment
seam 20 is sewn there along to form a plurality of sleeve
structures 22 along substantially all of the perimeter of the cover
assembly 10. In one embodiment, a single flexible cord 24 passes
through each of the sleeve structures 22 leaving a loop of flexible
cord 24 at the distal end of each stirrup 14. Accordingly, in one
embodiment, the stitching between the cover top 12 and each stirrup
14 does not extend into the sleeve structure 22 to in any way
engage the flexible cord 24.
[0023] In one embodiment, the flexible cord 24 may not be a closed
loop. In one embodiment, a plurality of flexible cords 24
operatively associated to the distal ends of a plurality of
stirrups 14 may be used. In one embodiment, the flexible cord 24
may be operatively associated with the cover assembly 10.
[0024] In one embodiment, the flexible cord 24 is made of rubber or
some other type of elastic material such as that known as a "bungee
cord." Other types of flexible cords 24 such as ropes, belts and
the like may be used but some degree of elasticity is desirable. In
one embodiment, a rip cord in combination with a tensioner is used.
In one embodiment, the flexible cord 24 is sized in a manner so
that the flexible cord 24 may be pulled in a stretched condition
once the covering assembly 10 is placed over the camouflage ground
blind 11.
[0025] In one embodiment, each set of adjacent stirrups 14 are
interconnected to lower panels 16. In one embodiment, the lower
panels 16 are generally stitched or sewn to the stirrups 14. In one
embodiment, the stitching between the lower panels 16 and the
stirrups 14 does not extend into the sleeve structure 22. In one
embodiment, the lower panels 16 are attached to the stirrups 14 at
approximately the attachment seam 20. The lower panels 16 and
stirrups 14 may also be attached using an adhesive or fasteners
such as hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro.RTM. fasteners.
Alternatively, the stirrups 14 and lower panels 16 may be
integrally formed. In one exemplary embodiment, at least a first
side of at least one lower panel 16 is coupled to a stirrup 14 by
at least one detachable fastener such as a button, snap,
Velcro.RTM. attachment or the like to permit the first side of the
lower panel 16 to be detached from the stirrup 14 when desired.
[0026] The lower panels 16 may be manufactured in a variety of
shapes depending upon the type of ground blind 11 to be covered. As
can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the lower panels 16
may take a variety of shapes provided the shape does not obstruct
any openings or windows 15 of the blind 11. In one embodiment, the
lower panels 16 are in a substantially catenary or parabolic form.
Such a form offers a number of advantages. For example, the
catenary form is more stable and less likely to flap or move in a
breeze. In addition, the catenary form can cover additional surface
area of the underlying ground blind 11 without interfering with or
obstructs any portion of the windows 15 and other openings in the
blind 11, while improving the visibility of the cover assembly 10
and underlying ground blind 1 1 to other hunters.
[0027] According to alternative embodiments, the cover top 12,
stirrups 14, and lower panels 16 may be made from any number of a
variety of materials and have any number of different arrangements
and configurations to provide the user with an article configured
to suit multiple types and shapes of ground blinds 11. In one
embodiment, cover top 12, stirrups 14 and lower panels 16 are
formed from any material typically used in the tent construction
industry. Such material typically has the characteristics of being
water-resistant and/or fire-resistant. Examples of this material
include polyester, nylon, canvas, vinyl reinforced polyester, mesh
or the like which could be sewn and yet withstand the elements that
could be encountered during a hunting outing.
[0028] In one embodiment, the cover top 12, stirrups 14 and lower
panels 16 are made from material that is highly visible to other
hunters. In one embodiment, at least one of the cover top 12,
stirrups 14 and lower panels 16 are made from material that is
Hunter Orange in color. In one exemplary embodiment, the cover top
12, stirrups 14 and lower panels 16 are made from 300 denier
textured polyester Safety Orange material.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the cover assembly 10
is configured to substantially cover a variety of camouflage blinds
11 without obstructing the views from or ability to open windows
15, doors 13, and other apertures of the underlying camouflage
blind 11. In one embodiment, the cover assembly 10 is adapted to be
coupled to and/or positioned over a camouflage blind 11 such that
the stirrups 14 extend down the outside corners of the camouflage
blind 11 as shown in FIG. 2. In one embodiment, the cover assembly
10 is adapted to be positioned over a camouflage blind 11 such that
the stirrups 14 extend down the sides of the camouflage blind 11
between the door 13, windows 15 and other openings of the blind.
The flexible cord 24 may then be operatively connected to exterior
stakes such as any stakes holding the blind 11. The user may
tighten the flexible cord 24 across all of the margins of the
stirrups 14 and cover top 12 which have a sleeve structure 22, to
hold down all such margins and prevent any portion of the cover
assembly 10 from moving in a breeze. In this stretched condition,
the flexible cord 24 produces tensioning forces which are applied
to the cover top 12 and stirrups 14 which, in turn apply these
tensioning forces to the camouflage blind 11. It is these
tensioning forces that maintain the covering assembly 10 in a taut
position when the covering assembly 10 is in a secured state over
the camouflage blind 11.
[0030] While this invention has been described in conjunction with
the exemplary embodiments outlined above, various alternatives,
modifications, variations, improvements and/or substantial
equivalents, whether known or that are or may be presently
foreseen, may become apparent to those having at least ordinary
skill in the art. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the
invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not
limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the
spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is
intended to embrace all known or earlier developed alternatives,
modifications, variations, improvements and/or substantial
equivalents.
* * * * *