Abstract:
A protective cover for protecting a paintball gun gas canister is disclosed. The protective cover is preferably formed from an elastic rubber material such as neoprene. The protective cover has the ability to adapt its shape when placed over a canister, thus enabling use with canisters of various sizes.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to a protective cover for a canister or other similarly shaped object, and more particularly to a protective cover for a paintball gun gas canister. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The sport (or game) of paintball is rapidly increasing in popularity. Many types of paintball guns exist, and most utilize compressed gas (e.g., CO 2 ) housed in a gas canister to propel or “force” paintballs at a target (e.g., usually opposing competitors). Most gas canisters are usually made of some type of metal, although other materials may be used. Various factors may cause damage to canisters, such as, for example, environmental factors. Examples of environmental factors may include, but are not limited to, prolonged exposure to sunlight, heat, cold, moisture, general inclement weather, or other environmental factors. 
     Canisters may also be subject to physical damage. For example, paintball is often played while running through woods or on designated playing fields. It is not uncommon for the canisters to come into contact with trees, rocks, or other objects. Canisters may also be damaged if a player falls and the canister strikes the ground. It is also not uncommon for canisters to be struck by paintballs fired from the guns of other competitors (or participants). Accordingly, dents, scrapes, scratches and other physical damage to canisters may result. In particular, CO 2  canisters, for example, tend to be more susceptible to the types of physical damage noted above in colder temperatures. 
     Environmental, physical, or other damage to a canister may raise safety concerns, particularly when the contents of the canister are under pressure. These and other drawbacks exist. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention overcoming these and other drawbacks relates to a protective cover for covering a gas canister used with a paintball gun. In one embodiment, the protective cover may be formed of a soft, elastic rubber material such as, for example, neoprene. 
     According to one embodiment, the protective cover may be substantially cylindrical in shape. Other shapes, however, may be used. In some embodiments, the shape of the protective cover may be designed to conform to the shape of the canister to be covered. 
     According to one embodiment, the protective cover may comprise a first end (or upper end) portion and a second end (or lower end) portion. The first end portion of the protective cover may include a first opening, and the second end portion may include a second opening. The diameter of the second opening at the second end portion may be larger than the diameter of the first opening at the first end portion. 
     The dimensions of the protective cover (e.g., length, diameters of first and second openings, etc.) may vary to accommodate canisters of various sizes which may be used with various types of paintball guns. For example, the protective cover may be manufactured to fit canisters as small as three (3) inches in length to over fifteen (15) inches in length. The protective cover may be manufactured to fit canisters of other sizes as well, regardless of where or how a canister interfaces with a paintball gun. 
     According to one embodiment, the top of a canister may be inserted into the second opening at the second end portion of the protective cover, and the protective cover may be slid down over the canister until a top portion of the canister emerges from the first opening of the protective cover at the first end portion. The ability of neoprene to stretch, as well as its “memory-specific” nature enables the protective cover to be secured to the canister without any additional attachment mechanisms. 
     One advantage provided by the protective cover is that it is lightweight, flexible, and easy to use, allowing for attachment to and removal from a canister in a quick and convenient manner. 
     Another advantage of the protective cover is its ability to protect canisters from environmental factors including, for example, prolonged exposure to sunlight, heat, cold, moisture, general inclement weather, or other environmental factors. A protective cover made of neoprene, for example, possesses insulative properties that serve to keep a canister warmer in colder temperatures, and vice versa. 
     Yet another advantage of the protective cover is its ability to protect canisters from physical damage including, for instance, dents, scrapes, scratches and other physical damage that may result from contact with trees, rocks, the ground, paintballs (that impact the canister), or other objects. 
     Still yet another advantage of the protective cover is its adaptability for maximizing the visibility of various graphics (e.g., logos, team names, etc.) provided thereon for viewing from a distance during, for example, a paintball competition. Such a feature enables participants to more readily identify other teammates and distinguish them from opposing competitors during a competition. Similarly, the protective covers may be manufactured in various different colors or patterns, or a combination of both, such that participants can more readily identify other teammates and distinguish them from opposing competitors through color coordination. 
     These and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent through the detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the drawings attached hereto. It is also to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and not restrictive of the scope of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is an exemplary illustration of a canister, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates a protective cover having a tapered first end portion, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates a sheet used for making a protective cover for a canister, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates a protective cover for a canister, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2C  illustrates a protective cover for a canister having a split opening, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2D  illustrates a protective cover for a canister having a fastening mechanism, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2E  illustrates a canister and a protective cover, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a canister and a protective cover, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a protective cover placed over a canister that is used in a paintball gun system, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1A  is an exemplary illustration of a gas canister  10  that may be used with a paintball gun. Gas canister  10  may comprise a first end portion  11 , an intermediate portion  12 , and a second end portion  13 . First end portion  11  may include a neck portion  14 . In one embodiment, a fixture such as a connector, valve, or other fixture may be attached to, or removably coupled to, neck portion  14 . In some embodiments, the diameter of first end portion  11  may be smaller than that of intermediate portion  12  and/or second end portion  13 . In other embodiments, the diameter of first end portion  11 , intermediate portion  12 , and second end portion  13  may be substantially identical. 
       FIG. 1B  is an exemplary illustration of a protective cover  20 , according to an embodiment of the invention. Protective cover  20  may include a first end (or upper end) portion  16 , an intermediate portion  17 , and a second end (or lower end) portion  18 . First end portion  16  may include a first opening  15 , and second end portion  18  may include a second opening  19 . The diameter of first end portion  16  may be smaller than that of second end portion  18 , thus enabling the top portion of a canister to slide through the second opening  19  in second end portion  18  of protective cover  20 . This facilitates a tight fit of protective cover  20  over a canister without the need for a separate attachment mechanism. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, protective cover  20  may be made of a soft elastic rubber such as, for example, neoprene. Neoprene&#39;s elastomeric properties enable protective cover  20  to conform to canisters of various sizes. For example, the flexible nature of neoprene may enable protective cover  20  to be secured to a canister with an intermediate portion  12  having a diameter that is slightly larger than that of intermediate portion  17  of protective cover  20 . 
     Additionally, neoprene provides a cushioning effect to reduce the risk of physical or other damage to the canister. Moreover, neoprene possesses temperature insulation properties that serve to keep a canister warmer in colder temperatures and vice versa, thus increasing the range of temperatures in which a canister may be used. This is advantageous as CO 2  canisters, for example, tend to be more susceptible to greater damage in colder temperatures. 
     Neoprene also exhibits greater weather resistance than less elastic materials such as plastics, leather, nylon, and the like, which tend to be more susceptible to cracking, expansion, and other undesirable effects. While neoprene is one example of a material for implementing the invention, it should be recognized that any similar, elastomeric, flexible, weather-resistant, and/or insulating materials may also be used. 
     According to some aspects of the invention, protective cover  20  may be manufactured in a variety of ways. According to one embodiment, the cover may be made with a single cutting operation and a single sewing operation. Other techniques may be used. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 2A , a sheet  41  may be cut into a generally rectangular shape having a substantially first straight edge  44  and an opposing, substantially second straight edge  46 . The first and second edges ( 44 ,  46 ) of sheet  41  may be further cut such that they are tapered along top portion  16  to conform to the shape of a typical canister. The first and second edges ( 44 ,  46 ) may be folded toward one another, about axis X, in the general directions illustrated by arrows A and B, respectively. 
     According to one embodiment, as illustrated for example in  FIG. 2B , the first and second edges ( 44 ,  46 ) may then be stitched together to form a seam  47 , resulting in a substantially tubular casing having first opening  15  at an upper end and second opening  19  at a lower end. As illustrated in  FIG. 2B , seam  47  may extend substantially along the entire length of protective cover  20 . 
     According to an embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 3 , to place cover  20  on to canister  10 , a user may place first end portion  11  of canister  10  into the second opening  19  of protective cover  20 . Protective cover  20  may then be slid (or stretched) over intermediate portion  12  and second end portion  13  of canister  10 . The physical characteristics of neoprene and the size of first opening  15  may enable protective cover  20  to fit snugly over canister  10 , ensuring that protective cover  20  remains on canister  10 . Accordingly, a separate fastening mechanism may not be necessary. 
     In other embodiments, as illustrated for example in  FIG. 2C , the first and second edges ( 44 ,  46 ) of sheet  41  may be stitched together to form seam  47  that extends along only a portion of the length of protective cover  20 , leaving a split  48  that extends downward to opening  19 . The provision of a split  48  in the protective cover  20  may allow protective cover  20  to more easily be placed over canister  10 . A user, for example, can grab either one or both of the two edges ( 48   a ,  48   b ) of the split and pull on them to provide assistance in getting the cover on to the canister (using a method similar to that described above with reference to  FIG. 3 ). 
     Any orientation, geometric description or configurations of the material pieces described or shown are illustrative only, and accordingly should not be viewed as limiting. Similarly, protective cover  20  may be manufactured using any number of pieces of material using any known manufacturing techniques or methods. Those skilled in the art will understand that one or more material pieces may be stitched, glued, or seamed together in a number of different ways to achieve the protective cover as described and illustrated in any of the embodiments herein. 
     The dimensions of protective cover  20  (e.g., length, diameters of first and second openings, etc.) may also vary to accommodate canisters of various sizes which may be used with various types of paintball guns. Protective cover  20  may, for example, be manufactured to fit canisters as small as three inches in length, and it may be manufactured to fit canisters as long as over fifteen inches in length. Protective cover  20  may be manufactured to fit canisters of other sizes as well, regardless of where or how a canister interfaces with a paintball gun. 
     Those skilled in the art will understand that the edges ( 44 ,  46 ) of sheet  41  may be connected, secured or fastened to one another in any of a number of ways. For example, the edges may be stitched, glued, or otherwise connected. 
     Edges ( 44 ,  46 ) may also be releasably connected, secured or fastened to one another in any of a number of ways. For instance, in some embodiments, fastening mechanisms including, but not limited to, hook and loop fasteners, button-snaps, or other fastening mechanisms (e.g., a zipper) may be used to attach the first and second edges ( 44 ,  46 ) of sheet  41  together. 
     In  FIG. 2D , for example, a strip  42   a  of either hook or loop material may be stitched or otherwise fastened to the front side of sheet  41  along either all or a portion of first edge  44 . A strip  42   b  may also be stitched or otherwise fastened to the back side of sheet  41  along either all or a portion of second edge  46 . Second edge  46  has been folded over in the direction of the “Z” arrows in  FIG. 2D  to enable viewing of the back side of sheet  41 . Strip  42   b  may comprise either hook or loop material, depending on the type of material provided on strip  42   a . If strip  42   a  comprises hook material, for example, then strip  42   b  will comprise loop material, and vice versa. In this regard, when first edge  44  and second edge  46  are respectively folded (or wrapped) in the directions of arrows A and B around a canister (which, although not illustrated, could be placed along the X axis), then the hook material of strip  42   a  (along edge  44 ) would mate with the loop material of strip  42   b  (along edge  46 ) thus securing sheet  41  to the canister. As recited above, other types of fastening mechanisms may be placed along strips  42   a  and  42   b  such as, for example, buttons and button-snaps (to receive the buttons) respectively. Other configurations may be implemented. 
     According to one embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in  FIG. 2E , protective cover  20  may be manufactured such that second end (or lower end) portion  18  is closed off, and does not include an opening similar to second opening  19  as depicted in  FIG. 1B . In this regard, the elastomeric properties of neoprene would enable first end (or upper end) portion  16  of protective cover  20  to stretch around (or over) second end portion  13  of canister  10  as second end portion  13  of canister  10  is inserted into first opening  15  of protective cover  20 , and then retain a snug fit around first end portion  11  of canister  10 . 
     In one implementation, also illustrated in  FIG. 3 , a logo or graphic may be printed on the surface of protective cover  20 . The surface area of protective cover  20  facilitates the prominent display of a team name, company name, team logo, graphic, or other design, especially in instances when the protective cover is being viewed from a distance. This feature enables participants in a competition to more readily distinguish teammates from opposing competitors. 
     According to an embodiment, protective cover  20  may be manufactured in a variety of different colors or patterns, or any combination thereof, such that participants on the same team can have covers that are identical in appearance, even if the covers happen to be sized differently to accommodate canisters of different sizes used with various types (or models) of paintball guns. In this regard, during an actual competition, participants may be able to easily distinguish teammates from opposing competitors through color coordination. 
       FIG. 4  is an exemplary illustration of a paintball gun system  35 , wherein attached canister  10  is covered by protective cover  20 . Paintball gun system  35  may include canister  10 , a paintball gun  36 , a paintball storage receptacle  37  or “hopper,” a conduit  38 , and a coupling mechanism  39 . As recited above, canister  10  may be used to store a compressed gas or fluid such as CO 2  or any other suitable gas or fluid (hereinafter “gas”). First opening  15  of protective cover  20  may prevent protective cover  20  from being removed from canister  10  when coupling mechanism  39  or paintball gun  36  is attached (or otherwise coupled) to canister  10 . 
     Those having skill in the art will recognize that the location at which a gas canister may interface with a paintball gun may be different depending on the type of paintball gun, the size of the gas canister, or both. Some paintball guns, for example, utilize a smaller-sized (or “mini”) CO 2  canister that is placed in front of the trigger. For a machine gun, the CO 2  canister may be placed between a front handle and the trigger. Regardless of the type of paintball gun utilized, or the size or placement of the gas canister, protective cover  20  may be manufactured to fit the canisters and still provide the advantages described herein. 
     Other embodiments, uses and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. Although the foregoing description and accompanying drawing figures relate to paintball gun gas canisters, the protective cover disclosed herein may be used to protect gas canisters (or other similarly-shaped objects) utilized in a variety of different applications. As such, the specification should be considered exemplary only, and the scope of the invention is accordingly intended to be limited only by the following claims.