Abstract:
A camouflage device includes a plurality of threads connected together to form a plurality of strips. The plurality of strips are connected to a hunting device using an attachment device. The strips are attached to the hunting device in overlapping rows to substantially cover the hunting device.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/811,517 filed Apr. 12, 2013. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a device for covering a trail camera and more particularly, to a device that provides a three-dimensional camouflage to the trail camera. 
         [0003]    A trail camera is a device that records images, either as a still photograph or a video. The camera is a rugged and weatherproof device designed for extended and unmanned use outdoors. The images produced are used for game surveillance by hunters. The trail camera automatically takes a picture when it senses motion. Each image is stamped with the date and time the picture was recorded. The trail camera functions day and night by sensing game out to around 45 feet. 
         [0004]    Trail cameras are difficult to conceal. Their boxy appearance and straight lines are not natural and stand out against vegetation. Their high selling price and demand also makes them a target for thieves. Current techniques to disguise a trail camera involve printing camouflage designs on the camera itself. This results in a two-dimensional disguise that helps the camera blend with natural colors but only slightly improves its concealment as the object is still readily recognizable given its straight lines and boxy appearance. 
         [0005]    As can be seen, there is a need for a better camouflaging device. 
         [0006]    An objective of the present invention is to provide a cover for a hunting device that improves concealment of the camera. 
         [0007]    A further objective of the present invention is to provide a cover for a hunting device that is easy to attach. 
         [0008]    These and other objectives will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art based upon the following written description, drawings, and claims. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    A camouflage device includes a plurality of threads connected together to form a plurality of strips. The plurality of strips are connected to a hunting device using an attachment device. The strips are attached to the hunting device in overlapping rows to substantially cover the hunting device. 
         [0010]    Alternatively, the plurality of threads are attached to pieces of material that are cut to a size and shape to fit over a hunting device. At least one aperture is cut from the pieces of material that aligns with a feature of the hunting device when the pieces of material are placed over the hunting device. The pieces of material are connected together so that they slide over the hunting device. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a front view of a camouflage device; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a strip of threads of a camouflage; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a front view of a strip of threads applied to a hunting device; and 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a plurality of threads attached to pieces of material. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0015]    The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims. 
         [0016]    Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a camouflage device  10  having a plurality of threads  12 , attached to a hunting device  14 , wherein the plurality of threads  12  substantially covers the hunting device  14 . 
         [0017]    The present invention may include a three-dimensional camouflage covering  10  to conceal trail cameras  14 . The present invention conceals the camera  14  by blending into its surroundings and eliminating the boxy appearance and straight lines of the camera  14 . By applying the present invention, the box shape may be eliminated and may be substituted with irregular and random shapes that make the camera  14  more difficult to see and thereby reduces the risk of theft. 
         [0018]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 through 4 , the present invention may comprise a plurality of threads  12 . In certain embodiments, the plurality of threads  12  may be manufactured into fringe. The threads  12  may be connected together to create a strip  16  of threads  12 . An attachment device  18  may be applied to a substantial portion of the length of the strip  16 . This may be done by glue, adhesive, elastic band, sewing or the like. In certain embodiments, the attachment device  18  is a loop and hook fastener. In such embodiments, a hook fastener  18  may be applied to the trail camera  14 . The loop fastener  18  may be attached to a substantial length of the top of the backside of the strip  16 . The hook fastener  18  may be cut to the appropriate length. The covering protecting the adhesive side  20  of the hook fastener  18  may be removed so the hook fastener  18  may be applied to the camera  14 . 
         [0019]    When in use, the strip  18  may be cut to the appropriate length and secured onto the trail camera  14  with loop fastener  18  adhering to the hook fastener  18 . Once the first row at the bottom of the camera is in place, additional rows may be added to overlay a portion of the previous row. This is continued until the trail camera is substantially covered. Thread  12  may then be cut to reveal the flash  22 , heat sensor  24  and camera lens  26  of the camera  14 , which allows the camera  14  to properly function. The combination of the rows of fringe with threads  12  may create a three-dimensional disguise for the trail camera  14 , which eliminates straight lines and boxy appearance. 
         [0020]    A method of making the present invention may include the following. Spools of thread  12  may be loaded onto a jig. Ends of thread  12  may be fed into a fringe-making machine. The fringe-making machine winds the thread  12  into loops of desired length. The top of the fringe  12  is then sewn to hold the threads  12  together. The bottom loops may be cut to produce fringe. The loop fastener  18  may then be applied to the fringe by glue or sewing. Adhesive hook fastener  18  may be attached to trail camera. 
         [0021]    In alternative embodiments, bunches of thread  12  may be sewn or glued onto a substrate  30  and the substrate  30  may be applied to the camera  14 . Bunches of thread  12  may be adhered directly to the trail camera  14  surface. Camouflage material  34  may be cut and attached to the trail camera  14 . Bunches of thread  12  may be adhered to a sheet of adhesive  34 . Sheet  34  is cut to a size and shape to be attached to the hunting device  14 . Depending on the hunting device  14 , various apertures  26  are cut out of the material  24  such that when the sheet  34  is placed on the hunting device  14 , the apertures  26  align with various features of the hunting device  14 . 
         [0022]    Bunches of thread  12  may be tied to a net substrate  30  and the netting applied to the trail camera  14 . The present invention may be adhered to any hunting items to conceal their appearance. Examples include hunting scopes, guns, rifles, bows, quiver, binoculars, clothing, masks, hats, jackets, backpacks, bags, etc. 
         [0023]    In another embodiment, the plurality of threads  12  are attached to pieces of material  34 . The material  34  is cut to a size and shape to be attached or fit over the hunting device  14 . Depending upon the device  14 , various apertures  36  are cut out of the material  34  such that when the material  34  is placed on or over the hunting device  14  the aperture  36  align with various features of the hunting device  14 . For example, when covering a trail camera  14 , the apertures  36  align with the flash  22 , the heat sensor  24 , and the lens  26  on the front of the camera  14 . On the side of the camera  14 , apertures  36  align with a hinge  38  or clasp  40 . Once apertures  36  are cut and threads  12  attached, the pieces of material  34  are connected to form a cover  10  that easily slides over the hunting device  14 . In one example, the cover  10  would have a front piece  42  that covered the front of the camera  14  attached to a second piece  44  that covers the sides, top, and back leaving an open bottom. Alternatively, the front, side, top, and back are attached to the hunting device  14 . 
         [0024]    It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.