U.S. patent application number 12/858890 was filed with the patent office on 2011-02-24 for weapon protection device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Nemo Equipment, Inc.. Invention is credited to Cam Brensinger.
Application Number | 20110041376 12/858890 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43604133 |
Filed Date | 2011-02-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110041376 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brensinger; Cam |
February 24, 2011 |
WEAPON PROTECTION DEVICE
Abstract
A weapon protection device for enclosing a weapon. The weapon
protection device protects the weapon from adverse conditions,
including water, dust, dirt and sand. The weapon protection device
features a transparent or translucent material that is impervious
to water and is lightweight. The material is highly flexible and
stretchable. The weapon protection device is compact when not in
use and requires very little storage space. The weapon protection
device allows a user to fire the weapon with either hand while the
weapon is inside the protection device. The weapon protection
device is designed to be a shoot-through device, which can be used
where a weapon must be transported through a wet and/or dirty
environment. The weapon protection device allows the weapon to be
used on short notice and does not require removal of the weapon
from the weapon protection device in order to use the weapon. A
clear window is provided in the device in line with the standard
projection sight (such as a laser sight) on the weapon so that the
sight can be used even if the weapon is in the weapon protection
device. A waterproof opening seal, such as a dry sack seal, is
provided.
Inventors: |
Brensinger; Cam; (Arlington,
MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BOURQUE & ASSOCIATES;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ATTORNEYS, P.A.
835 HANOVER STREET, SUITE 301
MANCHESTER
NH
03104
US
|
Assignee: |
Nemo Equipment, Inc.
Nashua
NH
|
Family ID: |
43604133 |
Appl. No.: |
12/858890 |
Filed: |
August 18, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61234792 |
Aug 18, 2009 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
42/96 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 35/02 20130101;
F41C 33/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/96 |
International
Class: |
F41A 35/02 20060101
F41A035/02 |
Claims
1. A weapon protection enclosure device, comprising: an enclosure
comprising a soft, stretchable, pliable, waterproof material and
having a first side, a second side, a first end and a second end,
said enclosure configured for containing a weapon entirely within
said enclosure; said first side and said second side of said
enclosure coupled to one another proximate and edge region, said
coupled first and 2nd sides including an edge region proximate said
first end of said enclosure wherein said edge region is not coupled
together, said first and region configured for forming an opening
into said enclosure; said enclosure opening provided with a
waterproof closure device; said enclosure defining a weapon barrel
portion, configured for receiving a weapon barrel, a weapon stock
portion, configured for receiving a stock portion of a weapon, and
a weapon body portion, configured for receiving a body, handle and
trigger portion of said weapon; and at least one enclosure
gathering device, configured for gathering said enclosure about a
weapon disposed in said enclosure, and for generally preventing
said weapon from moving within said enclosure.
2. The weapon protection enclosure device of claim 1, wherein said
soft, stretchable, pliable, waterproof material includes a heat
weldable material.
3. The weapon protection enclosure device of claim 2, wherein said
heat weldable material includes thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)
film.
4. The weapon protection enclosure device of claim 1, wherein said
waterproof closure device includes a dry sack style closure.
5. The weapon protection enclosure device of claim 1, wherein said
enclosure device is configured for enclosing a firearm weapon.
6. The weapon protection enclosure device of claim 5, wherein said
firearm includes an automatic firearm.
7. The weapon protection enclosure device of claim 1, wherein said
barrel portion of said enclosure includes at least one region
including a heat resistant material.
8. The weapon protection enclosure device of claim 7, wherein said
barrel portion is lined with said heat resistant material.
9. The weapon protection enclosure device of claim 7, wherein said
barrel portion is constructed from said heat resistant
material.
10. The weapon protection enclosure device of claim 1, wherein said
enclosure includes a plurality of enclosure gathering devices.
11. The weapon protection enclosure device of claim 1, wherein said
body portion of said enclosure further includes a projection sight
penetrating window, configured for allowing a projected signal from
a projected weapon sight to exit said enclosure for use as a
projection sight signal.
12. The weapon protection enclosure device of claim 11, wherein
said projection sight penetrating window includes a clear window
formed by a folding a clear piece of heat weldable material, said
window including a central portion and heat weldable edges, wherein
said projection sight penetrating window is configured so as to
allow said projected signal to pass through said Central portion of
said projection sight penetrating window without having to pass
through said heat weldable edges of said projection sight
penetrating window.
13. A weapon protection enclosure device, comprising: an enclosure
comprising a heat weldable, soft, stretchable, pliable, waterproof
material said heat weldable material including a thermoplastic
polyurethane (TPU) film having a first side, a second side, a first
end and a second end, said enclosure configured for containing a
weapon entirely within said enclosure; said first side and said
second side of said enclosure heat welded to one another proximate
an edge region, said coupled first and second sides including an
edge region proximate said first end of said enclosure wherein said
edge region is not coupled together, said first and region
configured for forming an opening into said enclosure, said
enclosure opening provided with a dry sack type waterproof closure
device; said enclosure defining a weapon barrel portion, configured
for receiving a weapon barrel, wherein said barrel portion of said
enclosure includes at least one region including a heat resistant
material, a weapon stock portion, configured for receiving a stock
portion of a weapon, and a weapon body portion, configured for
receiving a body, handle and trigger portion of said weapon,
wherein said body portion of said enclosure further includes a
projection sight penetrating window, configured for allowing a
projected signal from a projected weapon sight to exit said
enclosure for use as a projection sight signal; and at least one
enclosure gathering device, configured for gathering said enclosure
about a weapon disposed in said enclosure, and for generally
preventing said weapon from moving within said enclosure.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/234,792 Aug. 18, 2009 and incorporated
fully herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to weapon protection in
adverse weather conditions and more particularly, to a weapon
protection device that covers and protects a weapon while still
allowing a user to fire the weapon while the weapon is inside the
weapon protection device.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Weapons are often used in adverse conditions. Weapons can
include, but are not limited to, firearms or any other weapons with
intricate or mechanically precise firing mechanisms that could be
compromised by sand, salt, or other environmental contaminants
including bows (particularly compound bows and crossbows),
spearguns, tasers, paintball guns, etc. (collectively referred to
herein as weapons) . The adverse conditions that these weapons are
exposed to can include salt or fresh water, chemicals, dust, sand
and other particulates or types of contaminants. These adverse
conditions can damage the weapon and lead to malfunction, or
precipitate the need for premature maintenance and repair. At a
minimum, damage can lead to expense or lost time while at worst,
damage can cause a weapon to fail to perform properly and
compromise the safety of a soldier or police officer who is relying
on the weapon being ready to be used at a moment's notice. This is
especially of concern to soldiers, whose areas of operation might
include deserts, high mountains and ocean or other wet
environments, where the environment may be especially harsh and
compromising to the reliability of their weapons. Protecting a
weapon from chemical and biological contamination can also expedite
the decontamination process, which can be of great value on the
battlefield.
[0004] Pistols, rifles and fully automatic weapons typically
include a hollow tubular barrel, are trigger initiated and hand
held. When necessary, the weapon needs to be readily accessible to
the user. Under certain circumstances, it is desirable to carry a
firearm in a water and/or dust proof protective bag. The bag is
typically comprised of a waterproof material and the weapon is
completely sealed within the bag, which may or may not closely fit
the shape of the weapon. The user cannot see the weapon inside the
bag and cannot use the weapon while it is inside the bag. The bag
typically contains a zipper or other opening means and the weapon
must be removed from the bag in order for the weapon to
function.
[0005] Improvements on such a waterproof duffle bag weapon holder
have been made that allow a user to protect a weapon from water and
sand and still allow the weapon to be fired. The current technology
consists of a neoprene bag that has a brass waterproof zipper and a
built-in five-finger glove-like pocket "welded" onto the side of
the bag. To fire a weapon, a user must first locate and then insert
their hand into the glove-like pocket in order to operate the
trigger. The glove-like pocket does not allow for ambidextrous use.
The pocket can be hard for the user to locate and then difficult to
slide their hand into, especially for large or small hands or if
the bag or user's hand is wet, covered with sand or otherwise
contaminated. Furthermore, it can be difficult to operate features
of the weapon once the hand is inserted.
[0006] Some features such as the weapon's foregrip, magazine or
cocking mechanism may be out of reach of the built in "glove".
Moreover, such prior art bags completely preclude the use of the
weapon's built-in sight, such as a laser or other sighting device.
Additionally, the prior art bags are expensive, bulky and, for a
rifle-seized weapon, may weigh approximately 3 pounds when dry and
empty. When the bag is removed after adverse conditions have
passed, the user must store the bag, which can be even heavier and
bulkier when wet.
[0007] Furthermore, the bag is opaque and the user cannot see the
weapon while the bag is covering the weapon, so it is not possible
to visually inspect the weapon for the position of the safety,
cocking mechanism, or proper seating of a magazine. These bags also
require regular maintenance, such as the addition of a wax to
maintain the waterproof quality of the brass zipper.
[0008] As such, there is a need to improve upon the prior art to
create a weapon protective device (bag) that is lightweight and
easy to store, which protects the weapon, allows a user to visually
inspect the weapon, and allows for simple ambidextrous use of all
of the critical features of the weapon (preferably including any
sighting mechanism), regardless of hand size, when the weapon is
contained and protected within the device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention features a novel apparatus for the
protection of a weapon from adverse conditions. The weapon
protection device allows for transportation of the weapon through
wet or dirty environments while still allowing a user to visually
inspect, manipulate and fire the weapon in a natural and
instinctual way. The weapon protection device of the present
invention is made from a clear or translucent stretchy film
material, which allows the weapon to be easily visible to the user,
but may also have a dark tint and/or matte finish if camouflage or
low-reflectivity is necessary. The weapon protection device is
impervious to water, is low cost and is extremely lightweight.
[0010] The film material is a relatively thin, highly flexible and
stretchable material that is strong enough to withstand reasonable
abrasion and puncture. When not in use, the weapon protection
device is very compact and can be folded or rolled into a very
small size to fit in a typical cargo pants or jacket pocket. The
weapon protection device allows the user to utilize the weapon
contained therein by either the left or the right hand of the user.
The weapon protection device is designed to be a shoot-through
device that is simple to use, is low cost and disposable. The
weapon protection device allows the weapon to be used on short
notice, when there is not enough time to remove it from the weapon
protection device.
[0011] It is important to note that the present invention is not
intended to be limited to a system or method which must satisfy one
or more of any stated objects or features of the invention. It is
also important to note that the present invention is not limited to
the preferred, exemplary, or primary embodiment(s) described
herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in
the art are considered to be within the scope of the present
invention and not to be limited except by the allowed claims and
their legal equivalents.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will be better understood by reading the following
detailed description, taken together with the drawings wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1. is a perspective view of a protection device of the
present invention; and
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a protection device of the
present invention shown with a weapon inside the protective
device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0015] The weapon protection device 10, FIG. 1, in accordance with
a first embodiment of the present invention includes a first side
18 and a second side 20. The weapon protection device 10 is
constructed by the connection of the first side 18 and the second
side 20 with a "peel type" heat welded seam or other sealing method
around a perimeter 26 of the weapon protection device 10. The first
side 18 and second side 20 are completely sealed except for an
opening 22. The opening 22 allows for entry and removal of the
weapon.
[0016] Each of the sides 18/20 consists of a stock portion 12 that
contains the stock of the weapon, a body, handle and trigger
portion 14, and a barrel portion 16. The weapon protection device
10 is preferably made from a relatively strong, lightweight,
inexpensive, weatherproof, durable, heat-weldable material such as
a stretchable plastic or composite material available in multiple
colors, translucencies and finishes. The stretch film material is
preferably a polyurethane stretchable material, such as a
thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film. The preferred material for
this film is a 7 mil thermoplastic polyurethane from a company such
as American Polyfilm, Inc. The weapon protection device 10 is also
outfitted with a plurality of strap attachment areas 40. Each strap
attachment area 40 can be outfitted with a strap as will be
discussed in greater detail below.
[0017] The preferred manufacturing method for the weapon protection
device is by radio frequency (RF) or heat welding a few simple
pattern pieces which provides an excellent economy of scale,
manufacturing efficiency and predictable quality compared to the
relatively large number of pattern pieces needed to be stitched
together in the prior art. Welding can be an automated process,
versus stitching which is a manual process and more prone to errors
and inaccuracy. Also, automated processes tend to become cheaper
faster as quantities increase. The low cost of the bag also means
it can be treated more like a disposable item, so that if it wears
out or damage is suspected, it can be replaced easily and
inexpensively and the user is less likely to extend the use of a
bag in questionable condition if price and availability are not an
issue. The stretchy film that the device is made of allows the user
to simply grab the weapon as they normally would. The combination
of the patterning of the bag and the stretchiness of the material
allows the weapon protection device to conform to the shape of the
weapon's handle while providing extra material around the ejector
port for spent ammunition to escape and allowing full use of the
weapon's mechanical features.
[0018] The stretchy film material is preferably transparent or
translucent. The transparency of the weapon protection device
allows a user to see the weapon inside the weapon protection device
and allows for visual inspection of the weapon prior to use or
during use. The translucent film allows for visual inspection but
also obscures the view of the weapon from a distance, which may be
desirable. The transparency of the stretch film material (either
throughout the entire bag or in one or more specific areas 41 as
will be explained below) may also allow a laser sight or other
projection type sighting device of the weapon to remain functional.
The main film of the bag would preferably be a dark translucent
material with a matte finish that is non-reflective. An opaque
material could also be used if visual inspection is not desired,
without impairing the basic virtue of this design, which is to
allow a natural and instinctual manipulation of the weapon in a
lightweight and low cost device.
[0019] In the preferred embodiment, the weapon protection device 10
includes a transparent "window" 41 that allows a laser sight or
other projection type sighting device on the weapon to remain
functional. The transparent window 41 allows the "projection" (i.e.
laser beam from a laser sight) from the sight to project "through"
the transparent window 41 and function essentially as it would
without the weapon protection device 10.
[0020] In order to achieve this functionality, the transparent
window 41 is made by folding a piece of transparent material
forming a fold line 45 and two welded edges 43a and 43b. The two
edges 43a and 43b are welded to the adjacent material of the first
and second sides 18 and 20 respectively of the weapon protection
device 10. Eliminating any welded edge along line 45 ensures that
there is not unnecessary material, welding, weld joint and the like
that might serve to interfere with the laser or other projection
sighting device.
[0021] The weapon protection device 10 is extremely lightweight
compared to prior art versions that weigh in excess of 2 pounds.
The weapon protection device 10 would preferably weigh
approximately 5-10 ounces. The weapon protection device 10 can be
folded or rolled or similarly collapsed into a very small package
and secured together with one of the provided clips and that fits
easily into a pocket or into another similarly small space. The
diminutive size of the weapon protection device when in a folded
state allows for easy storage and easy transport when not in use. A
folded or rolled weapon protection device can fit easily into a
cargo pants pocket of the user.
[0022] The weapon protection device 10 allows for full operation of
the weapon without the need for an integrated glove. The simplicity
of the weapon protection device saves cost and weight and reduces
manufacturing complexity and the possibility for leaks. The
material of the weapon protection device allows for stretching so
that there is no glove required as the users hand can be placed on
the outside of the bag around the area of the trigger or other
components or features and the material allows for enough stretch
so that the user can pull the trigger or manipulate other features
of the weapon.
[0023] The weapon protection device as shown in FIG. 2 features a
closure mechanism 24 that allows for complete closure of the
opening 22 once a weapon 32 is inserted into the weapon protection
device 10. The opening 22 is large enough to allow for a weapon
with an extended magazine and/or optics and sighting devices. The
closure mechanism 24 is preferably a dry bag closure as is well
known in the art although other waterproof and sand proof closures
are within the scope of the invention. In order to facilitate
closure of the opening, the weapon is inserted into the weapon
protection device with the barrel of the weapon entering the barrel
portion 16 of the weapon protection device 10. Excess air may be
purged from the weapon protection device 10 by conforming the
weapon protection device to that of the weapon contained in the
protection device 10 and the first side 18 and the second side 20
of the weapon protection device are brought together to squeeze out
however much excess air is desired before closing the dry bag or
other style opening 22. As is well known in a dry bag closure
device, the length of the opening on both the first side 18 and
second side 20 is outfitted with a rigid strip of material 42 that
allows the material of the weapon protection device 10 to easily
fold over in a predetermined length during the rolling and closing
of the dry bag style closure 22. The material of the weapon
protection device near the opening is folded at least once during
closure. Preferably, the material is folded a minimum of three
times in order to ensure that water and other debris cannot enter
the weapon protection device 10. Finally, the buckle 28 is snapped
together to maintain the dry bag style closure 22 or other airtight
seal in a closed position, to maintain an airtight seal that is
impervious to penetration by water and other substances. The buckle
also serves to hold the weapon protection device 10 in a closed
position once rolled up. The buckle may be made of plastic, metal,
or a composite material. The dry bag style closure is intuitive and
maintenance free. Other suitable closure mechanisms may also be
employed. Additionally, a limited amount of excess air in the
weapon protection device may remain after the weapon protection
device has been securely closed. This excess air provides buoyancy
so that if the user loses control of the weapon in water, it will
not sink. The excess air also provides space around the receiver
and ejector port of the weapon for spent shell casings.
[0024] After the weapon protection device 10 opening 22 has been
closed, the weapon protection device 10 may be further fitted or
conformed to the weapon. A first strap 34, which is attached to one
of a plurality of strap attachment areas 40, is preferably located
in the barrel portion 16 of the weapon protection device 10. The
first strap 34 is used to gather excess material in the weapon
protection device 10 around the weapon barrel and to hold the
weapon in place within the weapon protection device 10. The first
strap 34 preferably consists of a hook and loop fastener or similar
attachment means to which is attached a short length of webbing or
pull strap 38 which serves as a pull tab to allow the operator to
quickly release the hook and loop fastener if and when it is
desired to remove the weapon from within the weapon protection
device 10. A second strap 36, which is similarly designed and
attached to one of a plurality of strap attachment areas 40, may be
located between the handle portion 12 and body and trigger portion
14 of the weapon protection device 10. The second strap 36 is also
used to gather excess material in the weapon protection device 10
and to hold the weapon in place within the weapon protection device
10, and is similarly secured using a hook and loop fastener or a
similar attachment means to which is attached a short length of
webbing or strap 38 that serves as a pull to release the strap 36.
The depiction of the weapon protection device 10 in FIG. 2 shows
the weapon protection device 10 when the first strap 34 and second
strap 36 are securely positioned around the weapon 32. Additional
or fewer straps may be employed as is necessary. Various sizes and
styles of bags are envisioned by the present embodiment, to provide
protection to firearms or weapons of all types, shapes and
sizes.
[0025] The weapon protection device 10 may further include a
shoulder strap 30 that provides for ease of carrying the weapon
protection device 10 and weapon 32. Additionally, all or only a
portion of the inside of the weapon protection device (for example,
the area at or near the barrel portion 16) may be lined with and/or
made from a heat resistant component 44 in one or more places, in
order to protect the material of the weapon protection device 10
from heat given off by the weapon when the weapon is fired. The
heat resistant components 44 may be located at or near the end of
the gun barrel near the flash suppressor and/or in other regions as
necessary. The heat resistant panels/components allow sustained
firing of the weapon without melting the TPU film bag to the weapon
and creating a big mess and perhaps making the weapon inoperative.
The heat resistant panels/components 44 may be made of nylon,
Nomex.TM. fabric, or any other suitable fabric that provides for
and is heat resistant. In a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, these fabrics would be coated with polyurethane and
welded onto the inside of the weapon protection device.
[0026] It is understood that the present invention is not intended
to be limited to a system or method which must satisfy one or more
of any stated objects or features of the invention. It is also
important to note that the present invention is not limited to the
preferred, exemplary, or primary embodiment(s) described herein.
Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art
are considered to be within the scope of the present invention and
not to be limited except by the allowed claims and their legal
equivalents.
* * * * *