Abstract:
A protective sleeve for use with a firearm which protects a user&#39;s hands from the elements, especially at very cold temperatures. The sleeve fits over a firearm or other operable object and provides access to the controls, such as a firearm trigger, through a branch sleeve or mitt protrusion. The primary portion of the sleeve which fits over a firearm or other operable object may be uninsulated to prevent loss of sight-lines. The mitt protrusion or branch portion is insulated to protect the operator&#39;s hands when operating the firearm or other object. The sleeve may be secured to the object using straps, elastic bands, hook-and-loop closures, or by other suitable means.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority in U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/566,466, filed Dec. 2, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to a weather-resistant, insulated sleeve and glove apparatus for sporting equipment and firearms, such as shotguns, rifles, or remote control packs. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Firearms are used for a multitude of purposes, from hunting, to military purposes, to sport-shooting. Using firearms is a challenging skill that requires years of practice to perfect. Hunting seasons, sport shooting events, and military operations that occur during the winter or colder areas of the world present the additional challenge of cold temperatures. As a result, typically a person has a decision to make: whether to (1) use a bare hand, providing a safe and reliable operation of the firearm mechanism while sacrificing comfort and hand-functionality in cold weather; or (2) to wear thick gloves, or several gloves to try to arrive at a satisfactory balance of function and comfort. Most firearm users employ a variety of thin gloves, which provide just enough warmth to avoid great pain, but still hinder dexterity significantly when compared to the bare hand. This compromise is not ideal. 
         [0006]    Other entertainment and sporting related devices suffer similar problems in cold environments, such as remote control devices. Modern remotely controlled aircraft and other devices are capable of high degrees of mobility, but that mobility requires accurate and precise use of the remote control pack which controls the device. In colder weather, hands and fingers tend not to function as fluidly, and gloves can dull a user&#39;s reaction time and sensitivity. 
         [0007]    The present invention solves this problem by providing the warmth and insulating properties of a glove or mitten, and the dexterity and reliability of operating the weapon or device with bare hands. Additional benefits include but are certainly not limited to increased safety, improved concealment and comfort. 
         [0008]    Heretofore there has not been available a water-resistant sporting sleeve and mitt with the features and elements of the present invention. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention relates to a glove or mitten adapted to a firearm using a sleeve. An embodiment of the present invention may be used to insulate the hand of a hunter or shooter while using a firearm, and in position to operate the weapon. 
         [0010]    A preferred embodiment includes a reusable insular sleeve included within a mitten or glove-like device. The device may be temporarily affixed to a firearm by sliding the sleeve over the firearm stock and action (which contains the mechanical and moving parts of the firearm), and fastening the sleeve to both the action and the stock. A mitten-like protrusion from the sleeve allows a user to insert their hand into the sleeve for access to the trigger and safety mechanisms, while the mitten protects the hand from cold temperatures and weather. 
         [0011]    The present invention is adapted to fit most, if not all, long firearms, such as shotguns and rifles. The sleeve may be adjustable in certain ways to accommodate different firearm mechanisms and components. Hook-and-fastener connectors or pull-straps allow the device to securely be temporarily affixed to the firearm. 
         [0012]    The interior of the mitten portion may include a pocket for storing a chemical heat packet such as a Hot Hands® packet, manufactured by HeatMax® of Georgia, United States. 
         [0013]    An alternative embodiment of the present invention may be used to house a remote control pack for remotely controlling a device, such as a radio controlled airplane, car, or boat. The insulating and weather-resistant material prevents moisture or other elements from harming the sensitive electronics of the control pack, and also ensures that the user&#39;s hands are capable of maximum flexibility and precision during operation in cold weather. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrating various objects and features thereof. 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is an elevation view of an embodiment of the present invention showing the invention as it would interact with the environment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a side elevation view showing an embodiment of the present invention manufactured for a right-handed user. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a side elevation view showing the opposite side of that shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is an isometric view of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is an elevation view showing an alternative embodiment of the present invention used in conjunction with a standard trigger remote. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a top plan view showing an alternative embodiment of the present invention used in conjunction with a standard remote control pack. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     1. Introduction and Environment 
       [0021]    As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. 
         [0022]    Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as orientated in the view being referred to, such as the front or rear of a firearm. The words, “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction of travel, if appropriate. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning. 
         [0023]    An embodiment of the present invention is generally designed to provide a sleeve  2 , including a mitten or glove-like protrusion  3 , for covering a long gun  4  such as a rifle or a shotgun, while allowing the user to have access to the firing mechanisms. 
       2. Long Gun  4  Sleeve  2   
       [0024]    Referring to the drawings in more detail,  FIG. 1  generally demonstrates a person using a long gun  4  such as an over/under shotgun. A weather-resistant, insulated sleeve  2  is placed over the stock  14 , trigger guard  26 , and just behind the action  16  of the firearm, and a glove or mitt protrusion  3  extends out from the sleeve to accept a human hand and forearm. The mitt protrusion  3  operates like a branch stemming from the main body  18  of the insulated sleeve  2 . 
         [0025]    The sleeve  2 , generally comprised of weather-resistant cloth or a similarly suitable material, includes a rear opening  6  for receiving the stock  14  of a firearm, and an adjustable strap  12  or other securing means for securing the stock within the sleeve. The sleeve further includes a front opening  10  for receiving the action  16  of the firearm  4  just above the trigger guard  26 . An enclosure  22  comprised of elastic, an adjustable strap, a zipper, or other securing means secures the front opening  10  around the action  16  of the firearm. 
         [0026]    The sleeve  2  includes an upper, un-insulated portion  18  covering the top portion of the firearm  4  so as not to obstruct the line of sight  20  of the user. The lower insulated portion  30  of the sleeve includes a glove or mitt protrusion  3  which extends from the body of the sleeve  2 , and includes a mitt opening  8  which receives the user&#39;s hand and forearm. As shown in more detail in  FIG. 4 , the mitt includes an inner insulated layer  40  and an outer, weather-resistant layer  42 , which covers the entirety of the sleeve  2 . 
         [0027]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the rear strap  12  which secures the stock  14  of the firearm  4  includes an adjustor  24 , which allows the strap  12  to fit multiple firearm types and sizes. The rear opening  6  is flexible, to further accommodate firearms of different sizes. Likewise, the front opening  10  and front enclosure  22  are capable of expanding to secure larger firearms, or contracting for smaller firearms. 
         [0028]    The mitt protrusion  3  includes a concealed pocket  28  for receiving a heating source, such as a Hot Hands® packet, manufactured by HeatMax® of Georgia, United States. The pocket optimally would be placed such that it would press against the back of the user&#39;s hand, so as to provide heat without abstructing the user&#39;s access to the trigger guard  26 , trigger, and safety mechanisms or, in the case of a rifle, the bolt. 
         [0029]    The sleeve  2  must fit suitably loose about the firearm  4 , especially the trigger guard  26  and other operable mechanisms. This allows full range of use of the weapon, while protecting both the weapon components and the user&#39;s hand. 
         [0030]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , a side of the sleeve  2  may include a number of ammunition pockets  32  for receiving and storing extra shotgun shells or rifle rounds. Alternatively, a standard pocket may be sewn into the side of the sleeve  2 , may be made of the same material as the sleeve or any otherwise suitable material, and may store any other items the user deems appropriate. 
         [0031]      FIG. 4  demonstrates an example of how the front enclosure  22  may secure the front opening  10  about the action of the firearm. One type of enclosure may utilize a hook-and-loop tab  34  and receiver pad  36  for sealing the front opening  10 . A relief stitch  38  allows the opening to close over smaller firearms, or to expand for larger firearms. Other possible enclosures include, but are not limited to, a zipper, and elastic band, magnets, or an adjustable strap. For example, in military operations, magnets may produce an ideal result over other options. 
         [0032]      FIG. 4  further demonstrates the varying layers of the sleeve  2 . An insulated layer  40  is shown within the mitt protrusion  3 , and throughout the insulated lower portion  30  of the sleeve  2 . The insulation may extend up throughout the sleeve except along the top, un-insulated portion  18 , where additional layers may obstruct the user&#39;s line of sight  20  when viewing down the sights of the firearm  4 .  FIGS. 2 and 3  show most clearly which portion of the sleeve should remain un-insulated. 
         [0033]    Alternatively, the mitt protrusion  3  may initially be detached from the sleeve  2 . The mitt may be affixed to a human hand and arm, and later attached to the remainder of the sleeve when use of the firearm is desired. 
       3. Alternative Embodiment Trigger Remote Enclosure  102   
       [0034]    Enthusiasts of remote control devices, such as remote-controlled cars, boats, and airplanes often must practice their hobbies outdoors because of indoor space constraints. In colder months or in inclement weather circumstances, the user may desire to both protect the sensitive remote control device from the elements, while also ensuring that the user&#39;s own hands remain warm and nimble during operation. 
         [0035]      FIG. 5  demonstrates an alternative embodiment insulated enclosure  102  for housing a trigger remote control  103 , commonly used to control entertainment devices such as remote controlled cars and boats. The enclosure  102  generally includes an insulated bag  104  made of weather-resistant cloth or similarly suitable material. The bag  104  includes an insulated layer  114  and an un-insulated, weather-resistant layer  112 . A bag opening  110  allows the user to insert one hand into the bag to access the remote control  103 . The bag insulation layer  114  extends to the opening  110 . An access hole  120  for an antenna is provided for a typical trigger remote  103 . An adjustable opening may be included instead to allow for various antenna placements. 
         [0036]    A sleeve or mitt protrusion  106  extends out from the main body of the bag  104  and allows the user to insert a second hand through the protrusion opening  108 . The protrusion  106  also includes an insulated layer  118  and an un-insulated, weather-resistant layer  116 . 
       4. Alternative Embodiment Remote Control Pack Enclosure  202   
       [0037]      FIG. 6  demonstrates another alternative enclosure  202  for securing and protecting a remote control pack  204 , often used to pilot remote controlled airplanes. A storage bag  206  made of weather-resistant fabric or a similarly suitable material houses the control pack  204 . A view window  208  gives a user clear view of the controls on the control pack. A mitt protrusion  210  extends from either side of the storage bag  206 . The protrusions are intended to receive the user&#39;s arms and hands, and have openings  212  to receive the arm and hand on either side of the control pack. An access hole  220  for an antenna is provided for a typical remote pack  204 . An adjustable opening may be included instead to allow for various antenna placements. 
         [0038]    The entire enclosure  202  includes an insulated layer  216  for keeping the user&#39;s hands warm during operation, and a weather-resistant layer  214  for protecting the insulating layer and the sensitive remote control pack. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 6  is superior to other control pack enclosures in that it includes both a weather resistant outer layer and an insulated inner layer for improving user comfort and precision while using the enclosed remote control pack. 
         [0039]    It is to be understood that the invention can be embodied in various forms, and is not to be limited to the examples discussed above. The range of components and configurations which can be utilized in the practice of the present invention is virtually unlimited.