Abstract:
A method for camouflaging a trail camera in a variety of natural environments by sequentially using a variety of interchangeable camouflaged covers. Also disclosed is a camouflaged cover for a trail camera, and a kit containing a plurality of variously camouflaged covers for camouflaging a trail camera in a variety of natural environments.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority from provisional application No. 61/835,205, filed Jun. 14, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Trail cameras are often used to identify locations frequented by animals, to determine what species of animals or specific individuals are present in a location, or to determine the times when animal activity in an area tends to occur. Such information can be helpful to hunters, researchers, hobbyists such as bird-watchers, and those protecting the security of property. For a trail camera to be effective, the camera&#39;s presence must not disrupt the natural behavior of the animals. It may also be desirable that the camera not interfere with the natural beauty of the environment. Also, it is preferable that the trail camera not attract the attention of trail camera thieves. 
     Camouflaged trail cameras are available which incorporate some type of color or texture into the camera case. These cameras are available in a variety of camouflage patterns, each intended for use in a specific natural environment. As trail cameras are relatively expensive and bulky, it is impractical for the user to purchase and carry multiple cameras for use in different environments. Thus, there is a need in the art for a way to camouflage one trail camera to blend in with a variety of environments. 
     SUMMARY 
     The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. In various embodiments, one or more of the above-described problems have been reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments are directed to other improvements. 
     In a first separate aspect, the present invention may take the form of a method for camouflaging a trail camera in different environments. A first camouflaged cover is used on the camera in a first environment. Then the first cover is removed and a second camouflaged cover is used on the camera in a second environment. 
     In a second separate aspect, the present invention may take the form of a kit for camouflaging a trail camera. The kit contains multiple covers, each camouflaged appropriately for a different environment. The covers fit interchangeably on a trail camera. 
     In a third separate aspect, the present invention may take the form of a cover for a trail camera which resembles tree bark. 
     In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following detailed descriptions. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. 
         FIG. 1A  is a front view of a trail camera cover according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 1B  is a rear view of a trail camera cover according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a rear view of a trail camera cover according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of the bottom portion of a trail camera cover according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 3B  is a side sectional view of the bottom portion of a trail camera cover according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 4A  is a front view of a trail camera cover having a first camouflage design according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 4B  is a front view of a trail camera cover having a second camouflage design according to the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , in one embodiment, the invention may take the form of a removable cover  10  that helps a trail camera blend into the natural environment. The cover  10  has a front wall  12 . A top wall  14 , bottom wall  16  and side walls  18  extend rearwardly from front wall  12 . 
     In one embodiment, the cover  10  is designed such that it does not interfere with the operation of the trail camera. Camera features such as lenses, light sensors, motion detectors and the like are not blocked or interfered with by the cover. In one embodiment, the front wall  12  defines opening  20 , which allows light from the camera flash to illuminate the environment and light from the environment to enter the camera lens. Also, an opening  22  allows light to enter the camera light sensor, and an opening  24  allows light to enter the camera motion detector. Alternative embodiments of cover  10  define openings which permit the camera to retain the functionality of additional or different features. In one embodiment, openings  20 ,  22 , and  24  are located on cover  10  such that cover  10  does not interfere with the function of camera features of more than one brand or style of trail camera. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2 ,  3 A and  3 B, in one embodiment, the attachment of the cover  10  to the trail camera is aided by means of a thin rim  26 , which protrudes upwardly from bottom wall  16 . The rim  26  aids the attachment of the cover by, for example, engaging a seam in the exterior surface of the trail camera. In an alternative embodiment a rim protrudes from the top wall  14  or a side wall  18 , and performs a parallel function to rim  26 . 
     The cover  10  has an exterior surface  30  that is designed to blend in with a particular environment, for example by having a molded three-dimensional texture of, for example, a type of tree bark. The exterior surface  30  may be painted instead of, or in addition to, being molded in order to increase the effectiveness of the camouflage. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , in one embodiment, different designs can be molded or painted on the exterior surface  30  to camouflage a trail camera in different environments. In a preferred embodiment, a variety of covers with different designs molded or painted on the exterior surface  30  are available for a given type of camera. For example, the exterior surface  30  of one cover  10  can have a first camouflage design  32 , while the exterior surface  30  of a second cover  10  can have a second camouflage design  34 . The exterior surface  30  can be made to resemble any desired natural surface or environment. For example, the exterior surface  30  can be made to resemble eastern white pine bark, burnt timber bark, oak tree bark, sagebrush, corn stalks, or aspen bark. Other designs which resemble different environments may also be used. 
     In a variety of embodiments, cover  10  can be made to fit any brand or style of trail camera without interfering with the operation of the trail camera. The dimensions of front wall  12 , top wall  14 , side walls  18  and bottom wall  16  are designed so that cover  10  fits snugly over the desired brand or style of trail camera. Brands of trail cameras for which covers can be made include, but are not limited to, Browning, Bushnell, Covert, Cuddeback, Moultrie, Pix Controller, Plot Watcher, Primos, Reconyx, Scoutguard, SpyPoint, Stealth, Tasco, Uway, Wildgame, and Wildview. In an alternative embodiment, cover  10  fits over and may be used with a variety of different trail camera brands and styles. For example, openings  20 ,  22  and  24  can be combined into a large window that permits both lens and sensors to see out. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the cover  10  can be easily attached and detached from a trail camera. Attachment to a trail camera can be accomplished with any appropriate retention assembly, including but not limited to clips, screws, snaps, buckles, hook-and-loop closures or by means of a snug or tight fit. In one embodiment, as disclosed above, the cover  10  can be constructed as a single piece which fits over the front and, optionally, the sides of a trail camera. In an alternative embodiment, the cover  10  can be constructed as two pieces (not shown) which fit around a trail camera and fasten to each other with any appropriate retention assembly, including but not limited to clips, screws, snaps, buckles, or hook-and-loop closures. 
     In some embodiments, the cover  10  is easily interchangeable. One embodiment takes the form of a method for camouflaging a single trail camera in a variety of different natural environments by replacing a cover having one camouflage design on the exterior surface  30  with a cover having a different camouflage design on the exterior surface  30  is placed on the camera. For example, a user can attach a first cover to a camera, so that it blends in with a first environment (for example, oak tree bark), use the camera in the first environment, then remove the first cover, attach a second cover to the same camera so that it blends in with a second environment (for example, corn stalks), and use the camera in the second environment. In this manner, the user is not required to either purchase different trail cameras for use in different environments or to settle for less effective camouflage when sequentially placing one camera in a variety of environments. 
     In one preferred embodiment a three dimensional texture is provided on the face plate using a product designated as Smooth-On 300. To form a rubber impression of tree bark, a product designated as Vytaflex is used. The mold formed is filled in with Smooth-On which thereby forms into the tree bark pattern. Both Smooth-On 300 and Vytaflex are available from Smooth-On, Inc., which maintains a place of business at 2000 Saint John Street, Easton Pa. 18042. 
     While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those possessed of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations as are within their true spirit and scope.