U.S. patent application number 17/501301 was filed with the patent office on 2022-05-12 for insulated firearm cover.
The applicant listed for this patent is IdeaStream Consumer Products, LLC. Invention is credited to Richard Kovac.
Application Number | 20220146227 17/501301 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-05-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220146227 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kovac; Richard |
May 12, 2022 |
INSULATED FIREARM COVER
Abstract
An insulated cover for at least partially covering a firearm
comprising. The insulated cover includes an insulated main body
that forms a barrel cavity that is configured to fully encircle a
portion of a firearm barrel when the firearm barrel is positioned
in the barrel cavity. The insulated cover includes a closed rear
end, a closed bottom side, an open front end, and an openable top
side. The openable top side is configured to be repeatably openable
and closeable along 25-100% of a longitudinal length of the barrel
cavity. The main body including at least one layer of a thermal
insulative material.
Inventors: |
Kovac; Richard; (Sheffield
Village, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
IdeaStream Consumer Products, LLC |
Cleveland |
OH |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/501301 |
Filed: |
October 14, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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63111211 |
Nov 9, 2020 |
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International
Class: |
F41A 21/44 20060101
F41A021/44 |
Claims
1. An insulated cover for at least partially covering a firearm
comprising: an insulated main body, said insulated main body
forming a barrel cavity, said barrel cavity configured to fully
encircle a portion of a firearm barrel when positioned in said
barrel cavity, said insulated cover including a closed rear end, a
closed bottom side, an open front end, and an openable top side,
said openable top side configured to be repeatably openable and
closeable along 25-100% of a longitudinal length of said barrel
cavity, said main body including at least one layer of a thermal
insulative material.
2. The insulated cover as defined in claim 1, wherein said openable
top side includes a connection arrangement enabling said openable
top side to be repeatably openable and closeable, said connection
arrangement including a hook and loop fastener, zipper, slider
zippers, press-to-close zipper, tongue and groove closure,
mechanical snap, button, magnetic closure, magnetic snap, and/or
mushroom top connector.
3. The insulated cover as defined in claim 1, wherein said thermal
insulative material has an R value of 1 to 100.
4. The insulated cover as defined in claim 2, wherein said thermal
insulative material has an R value of 1 to 100.
5. The insulated cover as defined in claim 1, wherein an inner
surface of said insulated main body is quilted to form a quilted
surface pattern.
6. The insulated cover as defined in claim 4, wherein an inner
surface of said insulated main body is quilted to form a quilted
surface pattern.
7. The insulated cover as defined in claim 5, wherein an inner
surface and/or outer surface of said insulated main body is
modified to exhibit an added property, said added property selected
from anti-static, easier-cleaning, flame-resistant,
water-repellency, oil-repellency, soil-resistance,
stain-resistance, antimicrobial-resistance, germicidal activity,
odor control, and/or antistatic properties.
8. The insulated cover as defined in claim 6, wherein said inner
surface and/or outer surface of said insulated main body is
modified to exhibit an added property, said added property selected
from anti-static, easier-cleaning, flame-resistant,
water-repellency, oil-repellency, soil-resistance,
stain-resistance, antimicrobial-resistance, germicidal activity,
odor control, and/or antistatic properties.
9. The insulated cover as defined in claim 1, wherein said
insulated main body includes a hanging means, said hanging means
selected from a loop, hook, magnetic loop, and/or magnet.
10. The insulated cover as defined in claim 8, wherein said
insulated main body includes a hanging means, said hanging means
selected from a loop, hook, magnetic loop, and/or magnet.
11. The insulated cover as defined in claim 1, wherein an openable
portion of said openable top side extends 50.01-100% a longitudinal
length of said openable top side.
12. The insulated cover as defined in claim 1, wherein said thermal
insulative material includes one or more material selected form the
group consisting of fiberglass, wool, fabric thermal batting,
polyester-metallic fabric, polyester and cotton fabric, synthetic
microfiber fabric, synthetic fabric needle punched fleece
material.
13. The insulated cover as defined in claim 1, wherein said thermal
insulative material has a thickness of 0.05-2 inches.
14. The insulated cover as defined in claim 1, wherein said
insulated cover has a length of 5-36 inches, a width of 3-12
inches, and an average thickness of 0.1-3 inches.
15. The insulated cover as defined in claim 1, wherein an inner
surface of said barrel cavity that is configured to contact the
barrel when the barrel is inserted in said barre cavity is formed
of a material that will not burn or scorch at a temperature of less
than 400.degree. C. and/or has a melting point greater than
400.degree. C.
16. The insulated cover as defined in claim 1, wherein said barrel
cavity is configured to cover 50-100% of the barrel of the firearm,
and wherein a trigger of the firearm cannot be inserted in said
barrel cavity after the barrel of the firearm is inserted into said
barrel cavity.
17. A method for covering a barrel of a firearm after the firearm
has been used and a temperature of the barrel is above 100.degree.
C. comprising: providing an insulated cover for at least partially
covering the firearm, said insulated cover including an insulated
main body, said insulated main body forming a barrel cavity, said
barrel cavity configured to fully encircle a portion of a firearm
barrel when positioned in said barrel cavity, said insulated cover
including a closed rear end, a closed bottom side, an open front
end, and an openable top side, said openable top side configured to
be repeatably openable and closeable along 25-100% of a
longitudinal length of said barrel cavity, said main body including
at least one layer of a thermal insulative material; at least
partially opening said openable top side of said insulated cover
such that 10-100% of said openable top side is open; positioning at
least a portion of the barrel in said barrel cavity while said
openable top side is at least partially open; and, at least
partially closing said openable top side after at least a portion
of the barrel is positioned in said barrel cavity such that 50-100%
of said openable top side is closed.
18. The method as defined in claim 17, wherein said barrel cavity
is configured to cover 50-100% of the barrel of the firearm, and
wherein a trigger of the firearm cannot be inserted in said barrel
cavity after the barrel of the firearm is inserted into said barrel
cavity.
19. The method as defined in claim 17, wherein an inner surface of
said barrel cavity that is configured to contact the barrel when
the barrel is inserted in said barre cavity is formed of a material
that will not burn or scorch at a temperature of less than
400.degree. C. and/or has a melting point greater than 400.degree.
C.
Description
[0001] The present disclosure claims priority on U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 63/111,211 filed Nov. 9, 2020, which is fully
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a cover for use with a
barrel of a firearm, particularly to an insulated cover for use
with a barrel of a firearm, and more particularly to an insulated
cover for use with a barrel of a firearm that includes a side
region that can be easily opened and closed repeated times to
facilitate in the insertion of the barrel of the firearm in the
insulated cover and/or the removal of the barrel of the firearm
from the insulated cover.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] Firearms are commonly transported in gun cases. These gun
cases commonly have a foam interior to protect the firearm from
being scratched or otherwise damaged while in the gun case. Other
types of gun holders can be formed of a fabric material such as
polyester, nylon or canvas materials.
[0004] After use, the barrel of the firearm is generally heated to
an elevated temperature from the use the firearm. If the firearm is
immediately placed in a foam interior gun case or in a fabric gun
holder, the temperature of the firearm barrel can be at a
temperature that can cause the melting and/or ignition of the foam
in the gun case or the melting or otherwise damaging of the fabric
material of the gun holder. As such, the firearm user generally
must wait a period of time to allow the firearm barrel to cool
before placing the firearm into the gun case or gun holder. Some
users wrap an old towel about the barrel to prevent damage to the
gun case or gun holder. However, these cloth towels are susceptible
to scorching and can possibly catch on fire, and/or the wrapping of
a towel about the firearm barrel can interfere with the proper
placement of the firearm in the gun case or gun holder, and/or the
towel can fall off the firearm barrel when the firearm is being
placed in the gun case or gun holder, thereby resulting in
potential damage to the gun case or gun holder.
[0005] In view of the current state of the art, there is a need for
a simple and effective cover for a firearm barrel that can be
easily inserted on and removed from a firearm barrel and which can
protect a gun case or gun holder from damage from a heated firearm
barrel.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0006] The present disclosure is directed to an insulated cover for
use with a firearm barrel, and particularly to an insulated cover
for use with a firearm barrel that includes a side region that can
be easily opened and closed repeated times to facilitate in the
insertion of the firearm barrel in the insulated cover and/or the
removal of the firearm barrel from the insulated cover. The
insulated cover overcomes the past problems associated with the
storage and transport of recently used firearms.
[0007] In one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, the
insulated cover is formed of a sleeve that includes a reopenable
and reclosable side that enables the firearm barrel to be
conveniently inserted into and removed from the insulated cover.
Such an arrangement enables the repeated opening and closing of the
side of the insulated cover. The side of the insulated cover
includes a closing arrangement that facilitates in the opening and
closing of the side of the insulated cover. The closing arrangement
can include, but is not limited to, an arrangement such as a hook
and loop fastener, snaps, buttons, zipper, magnet, mushroom head
fastener, tongue and groove fastener, etc. In one non-limiting
configuration, a hook and loop fastener is used as the closing
arrangement to enable the repeated opening and closing of the side
of the insulated cover. In another non-limiting configuration, one
or more magnets are used as the closing arrangement to enable the
repeated opening and closing of the side of the insulated cover. In
another non-limiting configuration, a zipper is used as the closing
arrangement to enable the repeated opening and closing of the side
of the insulated cover.
[0008] In another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure,
the insulated cover includes a reopenable and reclosable side that
extends from the front end of the insulated cover to 10-100% (and
all values and ranges therebetween) the longitudinal length of the
insulated cover, typically 25-100% the longitudinal length of the
insulated cover, more typically 50.01-100% the longitudinal length
of the insulated cover, and still more typically 75-99.5% the
longitudinal length of the insulated cover.
[0009] In another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure,
the insulated cover can be formed of one or more pieces of
material, wherein one or more of the pieces or layers are an
insulated material. In one non-limiting configuration, the
insulated cover includes a closed back end, a closed bottom side,
an open front end, and a top side, and wherein at least a portion
(5-100% and all values and ranges therebetween) is configured to be
repeatedly opened and closed. In one non-limiting arrangement,
20-100% of the top side of the insulated cover is configured to be
repeatedly opened and closed, typically 40-100% of the top side of
the insulated cover is configured to be repeatedly opened and
closed, more typically 50.01-100% of the top side of the insulated
cover is configured to be repeatedly opened and closed, and still
more typically 75-99.9% of the top side of the insulated cover is
configured to be repeatedly opened and closed. In another
non-limiting configuration, 50-100% of the connection arrangement
(and all values and ranges therebetween) is located on or closely
adjacent to (e.g., 0.0001-1.5 inches and all values and ranges
therebetween; 0.0001-0.5 inches; 0.0001-0.25 inches) the top side
of the insulated cover. In one non-limiting arrangement, 75-100% of
the connection arrangement is located on or closely adjacent to the
top side of the insulated cover.
[0010] In another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure,
the insulated cover is at least partially or fully formed of an
insulative material having an R value of at least 1, and typically
has an R value of 1-100 (and all values and ranges therebetween).
In one non-limiting embodiment, 50.01-100% of the insulated cover
is at least partially or fully formed of an insulative material
having an R value of at least 1, typically 50.01-100% of the
insulated cover is at least partially or fully formed of an
insulative material having an R value of at least 2, and more
typically 50.01-100% of the insulated cover is at least partially
or fully formed of an insulative material having an R value of at
least 3. Generally, the insulative material is a formed of a
flexible material. In one non-limiting embodiment, the insulative
material is or includes fiberglass, wool, fabric thermal batting
(e.g., hollow, polyester fibers that have been needle-punched
through a non-woven substrate [e.g., metalized substrate, etc.]
such as Insul-Bright from The Warm Company); polyester batting that
optionally has a reflective material cover [e.g., metalized fabric
cover, etc.] such as Insul-Shine; polyester-metallic fabric such as
Solarize by Fairfield or Iron Quick; polyester and cotton fabric
such as Therma Flec; synthetic microfiber fabric [e.g., polyester,
etc.] such as Thinsulate by 3M; synthetic fabric needle punched
fleece material [e.g., polyester, etc.] such as Thermolam; and/or
fabric batting [e.g., cotton, etc.] such as Wrap-N-Zap. The
thickness of the insulative material or layer of insulative
material is generally 0.05-2 inches (and all values and ranges
there between), and typically 0.1-1 inches.
[0011] In another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, a
portion (e.g., 10-99.9% and all values and ranges therebetween) or
all the interior surface of the insulative material is optionally
quilted to form a quilted surface pattern. The quilted pattern can
be used to increase the insulative value of the insulative
materials. The type of quilting pattern, when used, is not
limited.
[0012] In another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure,
the insulated cover has a length of at least 5 inches, and
generally 5-36 inches (and all values and ranges therebetween). In
one non-limiting embodiment, the cavity of the insulated cover is
configured to receive a barrel of a firearm that is up to 28 inches
in length. In one non-limiting configuration, the longitudinal
length of the cavity of the insulated cover is 16-28 inches (and
all values and ranges therebetween).
[0013] In another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure,
the insulated cover has a width of at least 2.5 inches; and
generally 3-12 inches (and all values and ranges therebetween). In
another non-limiting configuration, the width of the cavity of the
insulated cover is less than the longitudinal length of the cavity.
In still another non-limiting configuration, the width of the
cavity is 2-10 inches (and all values and ranges therebetween); and
typically 3-6 inches.
[0014] In another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure,
the average thickness of the insulated cover is at least 0.1
inches; generally 0.1-3 inches (and all values and ranges
therebetween); and typically 0.5-2 inches. In one non-limiting
configuration, the insulated cover has a length of 16-20 inches, a
width of 4-6.5 inches, and a thickness 0.1-0.5 inches.
[0015] In another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure,
the insulated cover is formed of an insulative material optionally
includes a treatment such as for anti-static, easier-cleaning,
flame resistant, water-repellency, oil-repellency, soil resistance,
stain resistance, antimicrobial resistance, odor control, and/or
antistatic properties.
[0016] inner surface layer of the insulated cover inner surface
layer of the insulated cover insulated cover is partially or fully
encapsulated by a cover material that is different form the
insulative material (e.g., nylon, polyester, Kevlar.RTM.,
poly-para-phenylene terephthalamide, cotton, leather, plastic,
linen, wool, carbon fiber materials, graphene material,
Dyneema.RTM., polyethylene fiber material, etc.). Such cover
material is used to partially or fully encapsulate the insulative
material is generally a flexible material. In one non-limiting
arrangement, the cover material covers 50-100% of the insulative
material (and all values and ranges therebetween); and typically
the cover material covers 75-100% of the insulative material. In
one non-limiting embodiment, the thickness of the layer of cover
material that is used to partially or fully encapsulate the
insulative material has a thickness that is less than the thickness
of the insulative material (e.g., the thickness ratio of the
insulative material to the cover material is 1.5:1 to 100:1 and all
values and ranges therebetween; 1.5:1 to 20:1; 1.5:1 to 10:1).
[0017] In another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure,
the inner surface layer of the insulated cover (i.e., the surface
that contacts the gun barrel when the gun barrel is inserted into
the insulated cover) can be formed of a metal layer that will not
burn or scorch at a temperature of less than 400.degree. C. and/or
has a melting point greater than 400.degree. C. (e.g., aluminum,
etc.), a metal fiber layer having a melting point greater than
400.degree. C. (e.g., metal fiber layer that includes aluminum,
etc.), a polymer material having a melting point greater than
400.degree. C. (e.g., Kevlar.RTM., aramid fibers, etc.) and/or a
carbon fiber material having a melting point greater than
400.degree. C. Generally, the melting point of the material surface
that forms the inner surface layer of the insulated cover of at
least 500.degree. C. In one non-limiting configuration, the
material surface that forms the inner surface layer of the
insulated cover is formed of less than 20% leather, cotton,
polyester and/or nylon, and typically the material surface that
forms the inner surface layer of the insulated cover is formed of
0-5% leather, cotton, polyester and/or nylon.
[0018] In another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure,
the insulated cover can optionally include a hanging arrangement
connected to at least one end region (e.g., front end region,
back-end region) of the insulated cover. Such hanging arrangement
can include a loop, hook, magnetic loop, etc.
[0019] In another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure,
the insulated cover can be formed of a material that is insulative
in nature, and optionally having a surface finish that resists the
penetration of liquids and soils such as, but not limited to, foam,
closed-cell foam, micro-cell foams, and the like that are
commercially available, and optionally available with a thin
coating of a water- and oil-resistant material.
[0020] In another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure,
the insulated cover can be formed of a material that includes
natural and synthetic fibers in the form of thread, woven and
non-woven fabrics and textiles, and constructs of said textiles,
combined to form the panels, sleeves, pockets, and compartments of
the glove as disclosed herein. Other materials of construction
suitable for use herein include those selected for their insulative
value (R), being the resistance to the transmission of heat or cold
through their cross-section. Natural fibers and materials include,
but are not limited to, cotton, hemp, silk, rayon, wool, and other
similar plant-and vegetable-derived materials suitable for forming
fibers and threads, and of being subsequently formed into stitched,
woven, knitted, knotted, yarned, or otherwise entangled planar
sheets of textile or cloth panels. In other embodiments, insulative
materials for use herein may be selected from, but not limited to,
cellulose, glass wool, rock wool, vermiculite, perlite, wood fiber,
plant fibers such as cannabis, flax, cotton, cork, etc., recycled
cotton denim, plant straw, animal fibers such as sheep's wool,
lamb's wool, etc., and combinations thereof. Synthetic fibers and
materials include, but are not limited to, polymers and copolymers
produced by chemical means and mechanically or heat treated to form
fibers and threads, and subsequently formed into stitched, woven,
knitted, knotted, yarned, or otherwise entangled planar sheets of
textile or cloth panels. Synthetic fibers and materials may be
formed into entangled planar sheets by non-woven means including
air laid, water laid, electrostatic or dynamic fiber entanglement
means when the source fiber is process directly in a partially
softened, flowable, or melted state in the form of said source
fiber, by means of any suitable process common in the art.
Non-limiting examples of suitable synthetic materials include
nylon, polyester, polyacrylamide, and the like, as well as other
synthetic polymers known in the art such as fluorocarbon- and
silicone-based materials such as Teflon.TM. (a registered trademark
of the DuPont Company), perfluoropolyethylene, polysiloxane,
silicones, and the like.
[0021] In another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure,
the insulated cover can optionally be treated with a chemical
material or compound, reactive species, coating, treatment process
(such as exposure to heat, plasma or ionizing radiation) in order
to provide a secondary benefit to said materials. Such treatment
can provide benefits such as, but not limited to, antimicrobial
resistance, disinfecting properties, anti-soiling properties,
odor-resistant properties, oil- and water-repellant properties,
etc.
[0022] In another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure,
the insulated cover can optionally include one or more layers
having sufficient insulating properties. Materials having suitable
insulating properties in sheet form include, but are not limited
to, batting, down, foam, feathers, fluff, fleece, fuzz, lint,
eiderdown, feathers, floss, sponge, and combinations thereof,
including both naturally derived and synthetically manufactured
versions thereof. The insulating material is selected to have a
high heat and cold insulation factor .RTM. wherein higher values of
R correspond to greater insulative properties. In another
non-limiting embodiment, materials used for their insulative
properties include foams, micro-foams and closed-cell foams made
from polymeric materials that may be selected from, but are not
limited to, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, the copolymers of
ethylene and vinyl acetate; low-density polyethylene (LDPE) foam,
polyethylene (PE), nitrile rubber (NBR) foam, the copolymers of
acrylonitrile (ACN) and butadiene, polychloroprene foam, neoprene,
polyimide foam, polypropylene (PP) foam, including expanded
polypropylene (EPP) and polypropylene paper (PPP), polystyrene (PS)
foam, including expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene
foam (XPS) and polystyrene paper (PSP), styrofoam, including
extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) and expanded polystyrene (EPS),
polyurethane (PU) foam, low-resilience polyurethane (LRPu), memory
foam, sorbothane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foam, closed-cell PVC
foamboard, silicone foam, microcellular foam and other polymer and
copolymer materials that can be blown into an open or closed-cell
cellular foam structure with some degree of flexibility suitable
for the manipulation of objects when constructed as a glove panel
according to the inventive disclosure herein. The layer of
insulating material can optionally be combined with one or more
additional layers of a panel material, such as a sheet of textile
or cloth, attached to at least one side or on both sides of said
insulating material layer, to protect said insulating material from
direct contact or exposure to objects in contact with the
glove.
[0023] In another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure,
the insulated cover can optionally include a stain- or
soil-resistant finish to reduce or prevent staining. Conventional
stain-and soil-resistant and stain-proofing treatments include, but
are not limited to, hydrocarbons, fluorochemicals, silicones,
polysiloxanes, siloxanes, polymers, copolymers, waxes, etc.
[0024] In another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure,
the insulated cover can optionally include a flame-resistant or
flame-retardant material on one or more surfaces of the cover.
[0025] In another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure,
the insulated cover is optionally only configured to cover 50-100%
(and all values and ranges therebetween) of the barrel of a
gun.
[0026] These and other objects and advantages will become apparent
from the discussion of the distinction between the disclosure and
the prior art and when considering the preferred embodiment shown
in the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] Reference may now be made to the drawings, which illustrate
various embodiments that the disclosure may take in physical form
and in certain parts and arrangements of parts wherein:
[0028] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the Firearm Barrel
Cover;
[0029] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the Firearm Barrel Cover
of FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the Firearm Barrel Cover
of FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 4 is a right elevation view of the Firearm Barrel Cover
of FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 5 is a left elevation view of the Firearm Barrel Cover
of FIG. 1;
[0033] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the Firearm Barrel Cover of
FIG. 1;
[0034] FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the Firearm Barrel Cover of
FIG. 1;
[0035] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the Firearm Barrel
Cover of FIG. 1 in the open position; and,
[0036] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the Firearm Barrel
Cover of FIG. 1 with an optional barrel of a firearm inserted
therein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENT
[0037] A more complete understanding of the articles/devices,
processes, and components disclosed herein can be obtained by
reference to the accompanying drawings. These figures are merely
schematic representations based on convenience and the ease of
demonstrating the present disclosure, and are, therefore, not
intended to indicate relative size and dimensions of the devices or
components thereof and/or to define or limit the scope of the
exemplary embodiments.
[0038] Although specific terms are used in the following
description for the sake of clarity, these terms are intended to
refer only to the particular structure of the embodiments selected
for illustration in the drawings and are not intended to define or
limit the scope of the disclosure. In the drawings and the
following description below, it is to be understood that like
numeric designations refer to components of like function.
[0039] The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural
referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0040] As used in the specification and in the claims, the term
"comprising" may include the embodiments "consisting of" and
"consisting essentially of." The terms "comprise(s)," "include(s),"
"having," "has," "can," "contain(s)," and variants thereof, as used
herein, are intended to be open-ended transitional phrases, terms,
or words that require the presence of the named ingredients/steps
and permit the presence of other ingredients/steps. However, such
description should be construed as also describing compositions or
processes as "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" the
enumerated ingredients/steps, which allows the presence of only the
named ingredients/steps, along with any unavoidable impurities that
might result therefrom, and excludes other ingredients/steps.
[0041] Numerical values in the specification and claims of this
application should be understood to include numerical values which
are the same when reduced to the same number of significant figures
and numerical values which differ from the stated value by less
than the experimental error of conventional measurement technique
of the type described in the present application to determine the
value.
[0042] All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the recited
endpoint and independently combinable (for example, the range of
"from 2 grams to 10 grams" is inclusive of the endpoints, 2 grams
and 10 grams, and all the intermediate values).
[0043] The terms "about" and "approximately" can be used to include
any numerical value that can vary without changing the basic
function of that value. When used with a range, "about" and
"approximately" also disclose the range defined by the absolute
values of the two endpoints, e.g. "about 2 to about 4" also
discloses the range "from 2 to 4." Generally, the terms "about" and
"approximately" may refer to plus or minus 10% of the indicated
number.
[0044] References to specific techniques include alternative and
more general techniques, especially when discussing aspects of the
invention, or how the invention might be made or used.
[0045] The invention is in no way limited to the specifics of any
particular embodiments and examples disclosed herein. Many other
variations are possible which remain within the content, scope and
spirit of the invention, and these variations would become clear to
those skilled in the art after perusal of this application.
[0046] Specific examples of components and arrangements are
described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of
course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. In
addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals
and/or letters in the various examples.
[0047] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, there is illustrated an
insulated cover 10 for a firearm barrel of firearm F. The insulated
cover 10 has an open front end 20, a closed rear end 30, a closed
bottom side 40 and an openable and closable top side 50.
[0048] FIG. 8 illustrates the insulated cover when the top side is
open and FIG. 9 illustrates the insulated cover 10 when the
insulated cover is closed and a firearm barrel is partially or
fully inserted in the insulated cover.
[0049] The rear end 30 can be permanently closed by an end closure
arrangement 32 (e.g., sewn or stitched closed, closed by a melted
seam, closed by staples, closed by rivets, closed by non-openable
snaps, closed by un-openable zipper, closed by adhesive, etc.) or
can be closed by a non-permanent closure arrangement (e.g., hook
and loop fastener, snaps, releasable adhesive connection, openable
tongue and groove connection, magnet connection, button connection,
zipper connection, etc.). As illustrated in FIG. 1, the rear end is
permanently closed by one or more rows of stitching. Generally, the
rear end of the insulated cover is not designed for insertion of
the gun barrel into the insulated cover. Generally, 75-100% (and
all values and ranges therebetween) of the rear end is fully and
permanently closed, and typically 90-100% of the rear end is fully
and permanently closed.
[0050] When the body 12 of the insulated cover is formed by a
single piece of material, the closed bottom side 40 of the
insulated cover can be partially or fully formed by a fold FL in
the single piece of material. The fold is generally a center fold
that is located within.+-.5% of the center or middle of the width
of the fully unfolded insulated cover, and is typically located in
the center or middle of the width of the fully unfolded insulated
cover. When the body of the insulated cover is formed of multiple
pieces of material, the closed bottom side of the insulated cover
can be partially or fully formed by 1) a fold in one or more pieces
of material, and/or 2) a permanent closure arrangement (e.g., sewn
or stitched closed, closed by a melted seam, closed by staples,
closed by rivets, closed by non-openable snaps, closed by
un-openable zipper, closed by adhesive, etc.) or non-permanent
closure arrangement (e.g., hook and loop fastener, snaps,
releasable adhesive connection, openable tongue and groove
connection, magnet connection, button connection, zipper
connection, etc.). As illustrated in FIG. 1, the closed bottom side
40 is formed by a fold in the single piece of material. Generally,
the closed bottom side of the insulated cover is not designed for
insertion of the gun barrel into the insulated cover.
[0051] The openable and closable top side 50 is formed by a
non-permanent closure arrangement 60 (e.g., hook and loop fastener,
snaps, releasable adhesive connection, openable tongue and groove
connection, mushroom top connection, magnet connection, button
connection, zipper connection, etc.). In one non-limiting
arrangement, the openable and closable top side is formed by a hook
and loop fastener. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the connection
arrangement can be optionally located on the inner top edge 56, 58
of the two portions 52, 54 that are connectable together. As
illustrated in FIG. 8, the openable and closable top side is
openable and closable along at least 80% of the longitudinal length
of the openable and closable top side, and typically 85-99.5% of
the longitudinal length of the openable and closable top side. The
non-permanent closure arrangement can be connected to the two
portions 52, 54 by a any number of arrangements (e.g., adhesive,
stitching, melted connection, etc.). Generally, the permanent
closure arrangement is permanently connected to the two portions
52, 54.
[0052] The open front end 20 of the insulated cover 10 is
configured to receive and/or encircle a portion of the firearm when
the openable and closable top side 50 is closed as illustrated in
FIG. 9. As such, the portion of the firearm that is to be covered
by the insulated cover 10 can be 1) inserted through the open front
end when the openable and closable top side is partially or fully
closed, or 2) be positioned in the interior of the insulated cover
when the openable and closable top side is partially or fully open,
and thereafter, the openable and closable top side is substantially
closed (e.g. 80+%) or fully closed, thereby covering the portion of
the firearm F in the insulated cover and causing the open front end
of the insulated cover to substantially (e.g., 80+%) encircle or
fully encircle a portion of the firearm (e.g. the barrel of the
firearm). As illustrated in FIG. 9, the insulated cover is
typically configured to only cover a portion of the firearm when
the firearm is fully inserted into the insulated cover (e.g., only
cover the barrel, etc.). As such, trigger T and components located
rearwardly of the trigger of the firearm generally are not covered
by the insulated cover when the firearm is fully inserted into the
insulated cover.
[0053] Generally 0-50% (and all values and ranges therebetween) of
the open front end 20 includes a non-permanent closure arrangement,
and 0-20% of the open front end 20 includes a non-permanent closure
arrangement.
[0054] As illustrated in the FIGS. 1-3 and 9, the length of the
closed bottom side and the openable and closable top side are
generally the same length, and the width of the open front end and
the closed rear end are also the same width.
[0055] As illustrated in the FIGS. 1-9, a reinforcement material 70
can optionally be secured (e.g., stitching, adhesive, melted seam,
etc.) to the peripheral edges of the body of the insulated cover to
1) provide strength to the insulated cover, 2) protect the
peripheral edges of the body of the insulated cover from damage
(e.g., tears, unweaving, denigrating, etc.), and/or 3) seal the
peripheral edges of the body of the insulated cover from liquids
and/or particles, etc. The reinforcement material is generally a
different material from the material used to form the body of the
insulated cover. The width of the reinforcement material 70 is
generally no more than 25% of the width of the insulated cover, and
is typically 1-20% of the width of the insulated cover. Generally,
the reinforcement material 70 is placed over 50-100% (and all
values and ranges therebetween) of the end edges of insulation
material that is used to form the insulate cover.
[0056] The body of the insulated cover can be formed of one or more
layers of material. In one non-limiting embodiment, the body
includes an interior fabric layer, an outer fabric layer, and an
insulation layer encapsulated between the interior and outer fabric
layer. The interior and outer fabric layers can be the same or
different material. The insulation layer is formed of a material
that is different from the interior and/or outer fabric layer. The
insulation layer can be a fabric layer or a non-woven filler
material. The R value of the insulation layer is generally greater
than the R value of the interior and/or outer fabric layer. The
thickness of the insulation layer is generally greater than the
thickness of the interior and/or outer fabric layer. The interior
fabric layer can be formed to optionally have a quilted pattern Q
or texture. The quilted pattern can be used to form air channels in
the vicinity of the depressed portions thereof, which trap air and
effectively increase the insulative value (R) of the insulated
cover. The one or more layers used to form the body of the
insulated cover can be connected together by stitching, thermal
bonding, adhesive bounding, compressive bonding, etc.
[0057] The interior and/or outer fabric layer can optionally
include an exterior coating for stain proofing, waterproofing,
stain- and soil-resistance and/or repellency, inhibition of
antimicrobial or biostatic activity, odor control, etc.
[0058] As illustrated in the FIGS. 1-3 and 6-9, the insulated cover
can optionally include a hang tab loop 80 that enables the user to
hang the insulated cover from a hook or other support, for
convenience in storage and access when needed. As illustrated in
FIG. 1, the tap loop is located at or near (e.g., within 0.1-1.5
inches) of the closed bottom side 40. The tab loop can be connected
by any number of arrangements (e.g., stitching, adhesive, melted
connection, hook and loop fastener, snap, etc.).
[0059] It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among
those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently
attained, and since certain changes may be made in the
constructions set forth without departing from the spirit and scope
of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the
above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be
interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The
disclosure has been described with reference to preferred and
alternate embodiments. Modifications and alterations will become
apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding
the detailed discussion of the disclosure provided herein. This
disclosure is intended to include all such modifications and
alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the present
disclosure. It is also to be understood that the following claims
are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of
the disclosure herein described and all statements of the scope of
the disclosure, which, as a matter of language, might be said to
fall there between. The disclosure has been described with
reference to the preferred embodiments. These and other
modifications of the preferred embodiments as well as other
embodiments of the disclosure will be obvious from the disclosure
herein, whereby the foregoing descriptive matter is to be
interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a
limitation. It is intended to include all such modifications and
alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended
claims.
* * * * *