U.S. patent application number 13/920727 was filed with the patent office on 2014-02-06 for weapon protection enclosure.
This patent application is currently assigned to Nemo Equipment, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Nemo Equipment, Inc.. Invention is credited to Cam Brensinger.
Application Number | 20140033594 13/920727 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43604133 |
Filed Date | 2014-02-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140033594 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brensinger; Cam |
February 6, 2014 |
WEAPON PROTECTION ENCLOSURE
Abstract
A weapon protection enclosure device protects a weapon from
adverse conditions, including water, dust, dirt and sand. The
weapon protection device features a material that is tough and
durable, impervious to water, airtight and lightweight. 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 thereby allowing the weapon to be used on short
notice. 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. One or more waterproof opening closures are
provided. An oral air inflation tube allows for the buoyancy of the
weapon protection device to be adjusted.
Inventors: |
Brensinger; Cam; (Stratham,
NH) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Nemo Equipment, Inc. |
Dover |
NH |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Nemo Equipment, Inc.
Dover
NH
|
Family ID: |
43604133 |
Appl. No.: |
13/920727 |
Filed: |
June 18, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12858890 |
Aug 18, 2010 |
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13920727 |
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61234792 |
Aug 18, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
42/96 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41C 33/06 20130101;
F41A 35/02 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 pliable, waterproof and abrasion-resistant 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 an interior cavity of said enclosure; said first side and
said second side of said enclosure coupled 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 end region
configured for forming an opening into said enclosure, said opening
configured to be the only opening into said enclosure and wherein
said opening is provided with a waterproof closure device, said
waterproof closure device cooperating with said waterproof
enclosure material for forming a waterproof, air tight weapon
protection enclosure device; an air valve disposed on one of said
first and second sides, said air valve including a first end
configured for receiving and expelling air and a second end
attached to said one of said first and second sides and in fluid
communication with an interior region of said waterproof, air tight
weapon protection enclosure device through said one of said first
and second sides, said valve configured for allowing air to be
provided into and expelled from said interior region; an air valve
securing device, disposed proximate said air valve, and configured
for securing said first end of said air valve proximate said one of
said first and second sides on which said air valve is disposed;
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 pocket, disposed on at least one of said
first and second sides in said weapon body portion of said
enclosure, and configured for allowing a user to place their hand
into the pocket in order to make contact with said trigger portion
of said weapon, said pocket including a top flap portion
constructed of said pliable, waterproof and abrasion-resistant
material of said enclosure and attached to said at least one of
said first and second sides about a partial periphery of said flap
leaving a non-adhered periphery portion, said not adhered periphery
portion forming an opening under said flap, and said pocket
including an interior region disposed under said flap, said
interior region constructed of a stretchable fabric like material
and configured for allowing a user's hand to stretch said
stretchable fabric like material around a weapon portion disposed
under or near said interior region, wherein said user can
manipulate said trigger portion of said weapon while said user's
hand is inside said pocket without accessing said interior cavity
of said enclosure.
2. The weapon protection enclosure device of claim 1, wherein said
opening is configured to accommodate entry of said weapon and an
extended magazine operatively coupled to said weapon,
3. The weapon protection enclosure device of claim 1, wherein said
enclosure material is a 420 denier nylon material that is
polyethylene coated on at least one side.
4. The weapon protection enclosure device of claim 1, wherein said
waterproof closure device includes a dry bag type closure
device.
5. The weapon protection enclosure device of claim 1, wherein said
waterproof closure device includes an interlocking closure
mechanism comprising a pair of closure strips, each closure strip
including one of a male and a female member, said male and female
members cooperating to interlock together to close the open end of
the container and seal the interior from the external
environment.
6. The weapon protection enclosure device of claim 1, wherein said
waterproof closure device includes both a dry bag type closure
device and an interlocking closure mechanism comprising a pair of
closure strips, each closure strip including one of a male and a
female member, said male and female members cooperating to
interlock together to close the open end of the container and seal
the interior from the external environment.
7. The weapon protection enclosure device of claim 1, wherein said
enclosure device is configured for enclosing a firearm weapon.
8. The weapon protection enclosure device of claim 1, wherein said
firearm includes an automatic firearm.
9. 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.
10. The weapon protection enclosure device of claim 6, wherein said
barrel portion includes said heat resistant material.
11. The weapon protection enclosure device of claim 6, wherein said
barrel portion is constructed from said heat resistant
material.
12. The weapon protection enclosure device of claim 1, wherein said
enclosure includes a plurality of enclosure gathering devices.
13. 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.
14. The weapon protection enclosure device of claim 13, wherein
said projection sight penetrating window includes a clear window
formed by 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.
15. The weapon protection enclosure device of claim 1, further
including first and second pockets, said first pocket disposed on
said first side of said enclosure in said weapon body portion, and
said second pocket disposed on said second side of said enclosure
in said weapon body portion.
16. A weapon protection enclosure device, comprising: an enclosure
comprising a heat weldable, pliable, waterproof and abrasion
resistant material, said material including at least a single sided
polyethylene coating, said enclosure device 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 end region configured for forming an opening into said
enclosure, said opening being the only opening into said enclosure,
said opening provided with a waterproof closure device, wherein
said waterproof closure device includes both a dry bag type closure
device and an interlocking closure mechanism comprising a pair of
closure strips, each closure strip including one of a male and a
female member, said male and female members cooperating to
interlock together to close the open end of the container and seal
the interior from the external environment; 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; and first and second pockets, configured
for allowing a user to place their hand into said pockets in order
to manipulate said trigger portion of said weapon, said first
pocket disposed on said first side of said enclosure in said weapon
body portion, and said second pocket disposed on said second side
of said enclosure in said weapon body portion, said first and
second pockets including a top flap portion constructed of said
pliable, waterproof and abrasion-resistant material of said
enclosure and attached to said enclosure about a partial periphery
of said flap forming a non-adhered periphery portion, said not
adhered periphery portion forming an opening under said flap, and
said first and second pockets including an interior region disposed
under said flap, said interior region constructed of a stretchable
fabric like material and configured for allowing a user's hand to
stretch said stretchable fabric like material around a weapon
portion disposed under or near said interior region.
17. A weapon protection enclosure device, comprising: an enclosure
comprising a heat weldable, pliable, waterproof and abrasion
resistant material, said material including at least a single sided
polyethylene coating, said enclosure device 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 end region configured for forming an opening into said
enclosure, said opening being the only opening into said enclosure,
said opening provided with a waterproof closure device, wherein
said waterproof closure device includes both a dry bag type closure
device and an interlocking closure mechanism comprising a pair of
closure strips, each closure strip including one of a male and a
female member, said male and female members cooperating to
interlock together to close the open end of the container and seal
the interior from the external environment; an air valve disposed
on one of said first and second sides, said air valve including a
first end configured for receiving and expelling air and a second
end attached to said one of said first and second sides and in
fluid communication with an interior region of said waterproof, air
tight weapon protection enclosure device through said one of said
first and second sides, said valve configured for allowing air to
be provided into and expelled from said interior region; an air
valve securing device, disposed proximate said air valve, and
configured for securing said first end of said air valve proximate
said one of said first and second sides on which said air valve is
disposed; 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; and first and second pockets, configured for allowing a
user to place their hand into said pockets in order to manipulate
said trigger portion of said weapon, said first pocket disposed on
said first side of said enclosure in said weapon body portion, and
said second pocket disposed on said second side of said enclosure
in said weapon body portion, said first and second pockets
including a top flap portion constructed of said pliable,
waterproof and abrasion-resistant material of said enclosure and
attached to said enclosure about a partial periphery of said flap
forming a non-adhered periphery portion, said not adhered periphery
portion forming an opening under said flap, and said first and
second pockets including an interior region disposed under said
flap, said interior region constructed of a stretchable fabric like
material and configured for allowing a user's hand to stretch said
stretchable fabric like material around a weapon portion disposed
under or near said interior region.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/858,890 filed on Aug. 18, 2010 entitled
"Weapon Protection Devices" and claims priority from U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/234,792 Aug. 18, 2009, both
of which are fully incorporated fully herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to weapon protection in
adverse weather conditions and more particularly, to a waterproof
and airtight weapon protection enclosure device in the form of a
weapons bag that both 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-sized 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 (i.e. "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 and which hand is
used to operate the weapon, when the weapon is contained and
protected within the device. Additionally, the weapon protection
device should be sufficiently durable such that the weapon
protection device cannot be punctured, ripped or torn when used in
harsh environmental conditions.
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 highly durable and
lightweight 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, airtight, low cost and
extremely lightweight.
[0010] The film material is preferably a relatively thin, durable
material that is strong enough to withstand reasonable abrasion and
puncture. Two "pockets" are provided: one on each side of the
weapon protection device. These "pockets" flare outwardly somewhat
and are made of the same thin, durable material as the remainder of
the device. The interior region of the weapon protection device
under the "pocket" is, however, made of a stretchy film material
which, although less durable, is covered with not in use by the
pocket or flap. The stretchy film material allows the user to grip
and operate the trigger mechanism of the weapon stored within the
weapon protection device. 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 pant pocket 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. The weapon's safety, trigger mechanism and the
like are easily and readily accessible for use within the bag on
short notice.
[0011] An oral air inflation valve is provided on one of the first
and second sides or in one the seams formed between first and
second sides when the first and second sides are joined together.
The air inflation valve includes a first end configured for
receiving and expelling air and a second end attached to the one of
the first and second sides and in fluid communication with an
interior region of the waterproof, air tight weapon protection
enclosure device. The valve is configured for allowing air to be
provided into and expelled from said interior region. Also provided
is an air valve securing device, located proximate the air valve,
and configured for securing the first end of the air valve
proximate the one of the first and second sides on which the air
valve is disposed.
[0012] 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
[0013] 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:
[0014] FIG. 1. is a perspective view of a weapon protection device
of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a weapon protection device
of the present invention shown with a weapon inside the protective
device; and
[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the pocket or flap according
to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] 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, for example, a "peel type" heat welded seam or other
well-known sealing method around a perimeter or periphery 26 of the
weapon protection device 10. The first side 18 and second side 20
are completely sealed along their periphery 26 except for an
opening 22. The opening 22 allows for entry and removal of the
weapon.
[0018] Each of the sides 18/20 consists of a stock portion 12 that
is generally sized and configured to contain the stock of the
weapon, a body, handle and trigger portion 14, and a barrel portion
16 and a pocket 50. The weapon protection device 10 is preferably
made from a highly durable and lightweight material, such as 420
denier nylon or any other suitable material. The 420 denier nylon
fabric is coated with 1.5 ounces of polyurethane having a melt
point of approximately 300 degrees and making the coated fabric RF,
sonic or heat "weldable". The fabric is thus abrasion and heat
resistant.
[0019] The fabric may be single side coated or more preferably
double side coated. The fabric may be only single side coated in
certain areas, such as in the muzzle area or region 16, in order to
provide additional heat resistance in those selected areas.
[0020] The fabric material is therefore heat resistant, as well as
being tear resistant and abrasion resistant. The materials used for
the first and second side are preferably lightweight. The material
used for the sides 18/20 can be a dark translucent material with a
matte finish that is non-reflective or can be an opaque material,
or alternately any other material as needed in various
environmental situations, such as black, clear, or camouflage.
[0021] The preferred manufacturing method for the weapon protection
device is by radio frequency (RF) heat welding or sonic welding,
although other manufacturing methods are contemplated and within
the scope of the current invention. The polyethylene material used
for the sides 18/20 allows for a "peel type" heat welded seam or
other sealing method around a perimeter 26 of the weapon protection
device 10.
[0022] In accordance with one feature of the present invention,
each side 18/20 also features a pocket 50a/50b, FIGS. 1, 2 and in
greater detail in FIG. 3. The pockets 50a/50b are located within or
proximate the trigger portion or region 14 of the weapon protection
device 10. The pockets 50 allow a user to place their hand in
through an opening 52 into an internal cavity 54. The internal
cavity 54 is formed by a first side 56, and a second side 58.
[0023] When a user's hand is inserted inside the internal cavity
54, the user can access a trigger device of a weapon and fire the
weapon by placing the palm of their hand and fingers against the
second side 58 of the internal cavity 54. It is also contemplated
and within the scope of the invention that the weapon protection
device 10 would feature only one pocket, either on the first side
18 or second side 20, although the provisions of the two pockets 50
make the weapon storage device ambidextrous and not just left or
right handed.
[0024] The first side 56 of each pocket is preferably although not
necessarily made from the same durable, lightweight material as the
remainder of the device 10 coated at least on the inside to make it
weldable to the remainder of the side 18 or 20. The material of the
first side 56 of the pocket 50 is preferably a 420 denier nylon
material coated at least on the inside with polyethylene as used in
the manufacture of the remainder of the protection device 10, in
order to facilitate a weld along line 72 between the pocket 50 and
the sides 18/20 of the weapon protection device 10.
[0025] The material forming the inside 58 of each of the pockets
50, is preferably a stretchable yet relatively strong, lightweight,
inexpensive, weatherproof, air-impermeable, durable, heat weldable
material such as a stretchable plastic or composite material
available in multiple colors, translucencies and/or 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 available from American Polyfilm, Inc. for example.
The stretchiness of the material forming the inside of the cavity
58 allows the inside material 58 of the weapon protection device 10
to conform to the shape of the weapon's handle and allows full
gripping and use of the weapon's mechanical features. The stretch
film material 58 may be transparent or translucent, but this is not
intended to be a limitation of the present invention.
[0026] The weapon protection device 10 may include any of the
features described in connection with the weapon protection device
10 of the parent application. These devices may include but are not
limited to, a plurality of strap attachment areas for gathering up
loose material and/or for facilitating carrying of the weapon
protection device, a transparent window for viewing the laser
sight, and one or more portions on the inside of the weapon
protection device 10 that are lined with or include a heat
resistant component. Each of these additional features were
previously discussed in detail above with respect to the weapon
protection device 10 disclosed in the parent application and are
fully incorporated herein by reference and described below.
[0027] For example, the weapon protection device 10 may be made
from a material available 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.
[0028] 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 user's
pocket or into another similarly small space, thereby allowing for
easy storage and transport when not in use. The material of the
weapon protection device 10 is sufficiently strong enough to be
suitable for use in adverse weather conditions and also in rugged
or rough terrain, where the bag is subjected to protruding objects
and irregular terrain, such as when a user deploys from an aerial
vehicle into dense forest or other terrain.
[0029] 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 which need to be stitched
together in the prior art devices.
[0030] 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 less expensive 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 attempt to extend the use of a bag
that is in questionable condition if price and availability are not
an issue.
[0031] The film that the weapon protection device 10 is made of
under the pockets 50 in the area 58 allows the user to simply grab
the weapon as they normally would. The combination of the
patterning or shape of the bag and the stretchiness of the material
under the pockets 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.
[0032] The 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 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.
[0033] 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.
[0034] In order to achieve this functionality, the transparent
window 41 may, in one embodiment, be 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.
[0035] An oral air inflation valve 76 is provided on one of the
first and second sides or in one of the seams formed between first
and second sides when the first and second sides are joined
together (as shown generally at 76a), although the precise
placement of the oral air inflation valve, 76 may be anywhere on
the weapon protection device 10 that is appropriate and functional
given the size, location and placement of the weapon located within
the weapon protection device/bag 10. The air inflation valve 76
allows the user to inflate/deflate the weapon protection device 10
to any desired level thereby making it more buoyant, which assists
the user in carrying or swimming with the weapon and the weapon
protection device through water.
[0036] The air inflation valve 76 includes a first end 78
configured for receiving and expelling air and a second end 80
attached to the one of the first and second sides and in fluid
communication with an interior region of the waterproof, air tight
weapon protection enclosure device 10. The oral air inflation valve
76 is configured for allowing air to be provided into and expelled
from said interior region.
[0037] The weapon protection device 10 also includes an air
inflation valve securing device 82, located proximate the first end
78 air valve (shown only in connection with air inflation valve 80a
for sake of clarity of the drawing) and configured for securing the
first end 78 of the air valve 76 proximate the one of the first and
second sides 18/20 or seam on which the air valve is disposed. The
air inflation valve securing device 82 is preferably made from a
short strip of the same or similar material that the first and
second sides 18/20 are made from and permanently secured (welded or
stitched) to the side 18/20, and is sized, shaped and/or configured
to allow the user to store, secure and generally protect the first
end 78 of the air inflation valve 76 when the air inflation valve
76 is not in use. The air inflation valve securing device 82 may
also be made from a different material than that of the first and
second sides 18/20 with the only limitation being that it must be
able to be secured in some manner to the side or seam of the weapon
protection device 10.
[0038] 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, for
example, into a cargo pants pocket of the user.
[0039] 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.
[0040] The weapon protection device 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.
[0041] The opening 22 of the weapon protection device 10 is large
enough to allow for a weapon with an attached extended magazine
and/or mounted optics and/or sighting devices. The weapon
protection device 10 features one or more closure mechanism(s) 24
that allows for a complete, watertight and air impermeable closure
of the opening 22 once a weapon 32 is inserted into the weapon
protection device 10 as will be explained in greater detail
below.
[0042] In a first embodiment of the invention, the closure
mechanism 24 comprises an interlocking closure mechanism 25-which
utilizes a pair of closure strips having male and female members
respectively, and which interlock together to close the open end of
the weapon protection device 10 and seal the interior from the
external environment. Such a closure mechanism is often referred to
as a "zip-lock" closure of a type similar to that used in plastic
kitchen storage bags and more fully described in U.S. Pat. No.
5,356,222, which description is fully incorporated herein by
reference.
[0043] In another embodiment, the closure mechanism 24 may comprise
a dry bag closure mechanism 22 as is well known in the art,
although other waterproof, sand-proof and air impermeable closures
are within the scope of the invention including but not limited to
waterproof zippers, and the like.
[0044] As is well known in a dry bag closure device 22, 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 ends 70 are 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
70 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.
[0045] 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.
[0046] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
weapon protection device 10 is provided with a closure mechanism 24
comprising both an interlocking closure mechanism 25 of the type
described above, located in an end-most region 23 of the weapon
protection device 10, along with a dry bag closure mechanism 22, as
described herein and generally well known in the art. The end most
region 23 of the weapon protection device 10 is a generally
small/short region of fabric material located outside of the region
in the weapon protection device 10 used to provide the stiffened
end region of a dry bag closure mechanism 22, described below, if
included. The interlocking closure mechanism 25 serves as a first
means of creating a waterproof and air impermeable weapon storage
device while the dry bag closure device 22 serves as a secondary or
additional means of creating a waterproof and air impermeable
weapon storage device.
[0047] Irrespective of the type of closure mechanism 24 utilized to
close and seal the weapon storage device 10 of the invention, and
in order to facilitate closure of the opening, the weapon is
inserted into the weapon protection device 10 with the barrel of
the weapon entering the barrel portion 16 of the weapon protection
device 10 as shown in FIG. 2. 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
closure mechanism 24.
[0048] If additional air is required either to provide additional
space around the weapon or for additional buoyancy, the oral air
inflation valve 76 may be utilized. If too much air remains in the
weapon protection device, the oral air inflation valve 76 may be
used to expel unwanted and/or excess air from within the Interior
region of the weapon protection device 10
[0049] In addition, the trapped air helps to force the pockets 50
into a more open state. This is accomplished by the pressure of the
trapped air pushing against the opening 52 of the pockets 50 in
conjunction with a flexible pocket band 60. The flexible pocket
band 60 is located at or near the opening 52 of the pocket 50. The
flexible pocket band 60 may be one-piece of material or may be
multiple pieces of material. The flexible pocket band 60 is
preferably constructed from a plastic or other similar semi-rigid
material. When the opening 22 is open and the closure mechanism 24
is not engaged, the weapon protection device 10 lies essentially
flat and the flexible pocket band 60 also lies essentially flat and
generally parallel to the opening 22, thereby allowing for easy
folding and storage of the weapon protection device 10.
[0050] When the opening 22 is closed and the closure mechanism 70
is engaged and air is trapped within the weapon protection device
10, the flexible pocket band 60 is forced or tends to bend or flex
or bow slightly outwardly, thereby enlarging access to the pocket
opening 52 by pushing the first opening edge 56 away from the
second side or edge 58. This enlarged opening facilitates easy
entry of a user's hand into the internal cavity 54 of the pocket
50.
[0051] 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.
[0052] 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.
[0053] 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.
[0054] 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 (muzzle) 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 in fact heat resistant and may also weldable by RE,
heat, sonic or other means. 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.
[0055] 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.
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