U.S. patent application number 13/328727 was filed with the patent office on 2013-06-20 for flexible protective case for firearms and other items.
The applicant listed for this patent is Chris Travis. Invention is credited to Chris Travis.
Application Number | 20130153450 13/328727 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48609042 |
Filed Date | 2013-06-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130153450 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Travis; Chris |
June 20, 2013 |
Flexible Protective Case for Firearms and Other Items
Abstract
A protective cover for firearms is provided, the cover
comprising a body formed from an injection molded elastomer
material, such as a liquid silicone rubber (LSR), having a pair of
flexible sides that are adapted to surround a selected firearm, the
body having an integrated handle molded within the sides, and a
water-proof zipper operatively connected between the sides and
adapted to enable opening and closure of the protective cover. The
sides include reinforced edges having a material thickness greater
than the remainder of the cover. Preferably, the cover includes a
butt end, an elongated barrel end, and an integral intermediate
region, and further includes at least two strap clearance regions
formed in the body adjacent the intermediate region for allowing
access to and use of a firearm shoulder strap when the cover is
installed.
Inventors: |
Travis; Chris; (Flora,
MS) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Travis; Chris |
Flora |
MS |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48609042 |
Appl. No.: |
13/328727 |
Filed: |
December 16, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/317 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41C 33/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/317 |
International
Class: |
F41C 33/06 20060101
F41C033/06 |
Claims
1. A protective cover for objects, the cover comprising: a body
formed from an injection molded elastomer material, having a pair
of flexible sides that are adapted to surround an object, the body
having an integrated handle molded within the sides, and a
water-resistant zipper operatively connected between the sides and
adapted to enable opening and closure of the protective cover;
wherein the sides include reinforced edges having a material
thickness greater than the remainder of the cover.
2. The cover of claim 1, wherein the elastomer material is a liquid
silicone rubber.
3. A protective cover for firearms, the cover comprising: a body
formed from an injection molded elastomer material, having a pair
of flexible sides that are adapted to surround a selected firearm,
the body having an integrated handle molded within the sides, and a
water-proof zipper operatively connected between the sides and
adapted to enable opening and closure of the protective cover;
wherein the sides include reinforced edges having a material
thickness greater than the remainder of the cover; wherein the
cover includes a butt end, an elongated barrel end, and an integral
intermediate region; and at least two strap clearance regions
formed in the body adjacent the intermediate region for allowing
access to and use of a firearm shoulder strap when the cover is
installed.
4. The cover of claim 3, wherein the elastomer material is a liquid
silicone rubber.
5. The cover of claim 3, wherein the butt end terminates in a
reinforced edge.
6. The cover of claim 3, wherein the body has no reinforcing
frame.
7. The cover of claim 3, wherein the body includes a camouflage
pattern.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT
[0003] Not applicable.
INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON COMPACT
DISC
[0004] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] 1. Field of the Invention
[0006] The present invention relates to flexible cases for
protecting firearms and other items, and more particularly to such
cases constructed from liquid silicone rubber and which conform to
the shape of the item.
[0007] 2. Description of Related Art
[0008] It has long been recognized by those familiar with firearms
that a protective cover or case is ideal for safe transport and
storage. It is important to keep dirt and dust away from sensitive
internal moving parts, including firearm bolt and telescopic sight
mechanisms. Firearm accuracy and reliability are directly related
to weapon cleanliness and the overall care provided by the user.
Thus adequate protection must be supplied. Gun cases protect the
weapon from moisture and unwanted contaminants including dust and
dirt, and also protect against marring or scratching.
[0009] In the prior art there are both "soft" cases and "hard"
cases. Most soft cases are made of fabrics such as canvas or nylon.
Many include thick foam padding to protect the gun, and others are
able to float in water. Some cases are less sturdy and are made of
nylon or the like and these can be folded for storage. This type of
soft case provides very little protection upon any type of impact
that may occur to the gun when carrying or transporting the gun.
These soft cases have many advantages such as relative light weight
and relative flexibility.
[0010] While driving to the hunting area adjacent a tree stand, for
example, hunters often transport their firearm within a hard shell
case. Upon arrival at the intended hunting location, the usual
practice is for the hunter to leave the hard shell case behind.
While in the field, hunters usually find that the larger and
heavier hard shell cases are too bulky and too heavy to
conveniently carry. However, firearm protection may still be needed
in the field. For example, while walking through the woods to or
from a deer stand through heavy brush, it is an advantage to cover
the firearm to protect against inadvertent scratching or
detrimental impact with obstacles such as tree branches and the
like. Such encounters might damage the firearm or the expensive
scope mounted upon it. Hunting guns are also subjected to the
weather, and rain or snow can affect gun performance. This is
especially true for those hunters who carry their weapons to and
from their hunting sites on all-terrain vehicles (ATV's) using only
a shoulder strap without a cover.
[0011] Even soft shell cases can be cumbersome though if they are
difficult or tricky to remove. Once a hunter reaches his deer
stand, for example, which often occurs in the early morning hours
of almost total darkness, the case must easily be removed, and the
process must be as quiet as possible.
[0012] Another problem with soft shell cases is that they are
either too bulky for transport and storage in the field or too
flimsy and delicate to provide protection from damage. Many of
these soft cases lack simple design and are cumbersome, and
therefore they cannot easily be removed from the firearm without
creating unwanted noise and movement.
[0013] Other gun cases completely cover the weapon and its carrying
strap, and they can be cumbersome to carry and difficult to get
into. This fact can make it impossible to access the weapon quickly
in the event of a sudden and/or unexpected opportunity during a
trip to or from the hunt.
[0014] Given the foregoing, a soft-shell case with minimal volume
and maximum ease of use would offer significant advantages to the
hunter. If the fit is tight and non-obtrusive, such a soft shell
case and be left on a firearm, if desired, while it is stored or
transported within a hard shell case. Then once the gun is removed
from the hard case and carried to the hunting location, such a soft
shell case can remain deployed on the weapon without obstructing
normal operation. Specifically, the carrying or shoulder strap of
the enclosed rifle or shotgun should remain accessible for use,
even when the gun is protected within the case. If the hunter
decides to use the firearm without the case, it should easily be
removed with a minimum of effort. Once removed, it should be easily
stored within a backpack until needed again.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and
advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the
following detailed description, read in conjunction with the
following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like
elements.
[0016] FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a protective case.
[0017] FIG. 2 shows a preferred embodiment of a protective case for
a firearm.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] Before the subject invention is further described, it is to
be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular
embodiments of the invention described below, as variations of the
particular embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope
of the appended claims. It is also to be understood that the
terminology employed is for the purpose of describing particular
embodiments, and is not intended to be limiting. Instead, the scope
of the present invention will be established by the appended
claims.
[0019] In this specification and the appended claims, the singular
forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural reference unless the
context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all
technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as
commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which
this invention belongs.
[0020] Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of
a protective case 1 which is not limited to firearms, but rather
can be used to protect any object, such as electronics, computers,
cameras, and other items. Most importantly, the case includes a
body 2 formed from an injection molded elastomer material,
including but not limited to liquid silicone rubber (LSR). The body
includes a pair of flexible sides 3 that are adapted to surround an
object, the body 2 also having an integrated handle 4 molded within
the sides 3. A water-proof zipper 5 is operatively connected
between the sides 3 and adapted to enable opening and closure of
the protective cover. Preferably, the zipper 5 is bonded
permanently to the LSR material in a manner understood to those in
the art. The aforementioned materials and construction have a
number of distinct advantages. First, permanent bonding of the
zipper 5 requires no sewing, so there are no needle holes through
which water may seep, and no need for the application of additional
sealants during fabrication. The LSR material is also highly
tolerant of temperature extremes in most typical usage
environments, such as between -20 degrees and 120 degrees
Fahrenheit, as well as far beyond such ranges. Furthermore, the
material is UV-stable and exhibits high chemical resistance to
oils, solvents, and similar substances that are common to firearm
operation and maintenance. Another property of LSR is that it is
scent-free, non-porous, and will not absorb odors--qualities which
are important to deer hunters. Even so, the user may still apply
scent-eliminating spray to the external surfaces of the LSR
material without risking leakage to the interior of the case. These
features in combination provide substantial advantages to hunters
in environments where protection of the firearm and scent-free
mobility are essential.
[0021] If desired, interior pockets 6 may also be formed into the
sides 3 to carry related items. Typically, such pockets may be used
to carry silica gel packets or other forms of desiccant to reduce
moisture inside the case, which is particularly important for
long-term storage to prevent oxidation (rusting) of metal parts.
The case may be shaped to fit any desired object, especially in
those instances where a form-fit is important.
[0022] Ideally, the sides include reinforced edges 7 having a
material thickness greater than the remainder of the cover. For
example, when the cover containing the object is placed on the
ground, those surfaces which are in contact with the ground should
be thicker than the remainder of the cover to withstand tearing or
weakening of its protective features. For those situations in which
a less flexible cover is desired, then the thickness of the sides
and other components may be increased to accommodate the greater
protective function. Conversely, if a thin and lightly protective
cover is desired, particularly when a form-fit is to be achieved,
then the thickness may be decreased to produce a "skin" whose
primary function is protection from the elements and other
chemicals and substances.
[0023] With reference to FIG. 2, a protective case 8 for firearms
is shown, which includes a body 9 formed from an injection molded
elastomer, such as a liquid silicone rubber (LSR) material, and
having a pair of flexible sides 10 that are adapted to surround a
selected firearm 11. Similar in some respects to FIG. 1, the body 9
preferably includes an integrated handle 12 molded within the sides
10, and a water-proof zipper 13 operatively connected between the
sides 10 and adapted to enable opening and closure of the
protective cover. In a preferred embodiment, the zipper 13 should
extend from the muzzle of the firearm to the butt of the rear
stock. Preferably, the sides 10 include reinforced edges having a
material thickness greater than the remainder of the cover.
[0024] In this specific design, the cover includes a butt end 14,
an elongated barrel end 15, and an integral intermediate region 16.
As indicated previously herein, the shape and size of the cover can
be constructed to suit any specific firearm, e.g. AR-15, AK-47,
Mini 14, etc. At least two strap clearance regions 17 are formed in
the body 9 adjacent the intermediate region 16 for allowing access
to and use of a firearm shoulder strap 18 when the cover is
installed. When firearms are not in use, they are often placed in a
resting position on their rear stock. Therefore, it is preferred
that the butt end 14 terminates in a reinforced edge.
[0025] Because the cover is intended to function as a form-fit
protective case, it is desirable for the cover to have no
reinforcing frame, such as seen in other prior art designs. In
other words, such internal frames or similar features would detract
from the cover's ability to function primarily as a "skin". While
not critical to the overall design and protective function of the
cover, it is also an option to construct the cover to include a
pigment that enables some camouflage, such as a green or brown
color or even a camouflage pattern. Alternatively, or in addition
to the patterns or pigments just described, the material may be
translucent for viewing the contents of the case.
[0026] All references cited in this specification are herein
incorporated by reference as though each reference was specifically
and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. The
citation of any reference is for its disclosure prior to the filing
date and should not be construed as an admission that the present
invention is not entitled to antedate such reference by virtue of
prior invention.
[0027] It will be understood that each of the elements described
above, or two or more together may also find a useful application
in other types of methods differing from the type described above.
Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the
gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current
knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without
omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly
constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific
aspects of this invention set forth in the appended claims. The
foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the
scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the
following claims.
* * * * *