Abstract:
A gun protection device comprising an elastic muzzle cover shaped to fit selectively over the muzzle and only a portion of the barrel; and a separate cover for the gun firing chamber, including means for shaping itself to provide a selective fit over the firing chamber.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to accessories for a firearm; and more particularly to accessories for protecting a shotgun or rifle. 
   BACKGROUND 
   If you have ever owned a shotgun or rifle, you probably have sought to protect your gun from the weather, and from accidental damage. Gun covers and gun cases have been widely available for such purposes for hundreds of years. There are many different types of gun cases and covers, most of which are waterproof. They protect the entire gun, and they are generally very effective when used for gun storage. 
   However, during a hunting trip, an ordinary gun cover cannot be repeatedly removed and replaced with great convenience. And while the cover is off the gun, you cannot readily place it in your pocket. It can be a real nuisance to carry, when not in use. Also, if you were to fall or drop the gun while the cover is off, there is a good chance dirt, mud, snow or other debris may enter the muzzle or the chamber. Any obstruction in the barrel becomes an immediate danger to the user and all nearby hunters, since the gun may explode if fired. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention comprises an elastic cover for selectively protecting the muzzle of a gun; and a separate cover for selectively protecting the chamber. The muzzle cover has sufficient elasticity to fit snugly on small and large barrels. The chamber cover is structured to provide an adaptable shape and size in order to fit chambers having different shapes and sizes. 
   The adaptable dimensions are provided by embedding two or more parallel bands of curved metal within the chamber cover. When the cover is placed around the gun chamber, the metal bands act to fix the shape of the cover and to hold the cover in place. 
   This two-piece cover can readily be removed and replaced as often as needed. Also, the pieces fit it an average pocket with ease, so they do not become a separate burden. They are much more convenient than a full cover, while providing totally adequate protection. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a side view of a firearm having the muzzle cover and chamber cover in place. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the chamber cover when flat. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the muzzle cover. 
       FIG. 4  is a partial cutaway view of the chamber cover in perspective, to reveal its layered construction. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   As shown in  FIG. 1 , chamber cover  11  is fixed in place on the firing chamber of shotgun  12 . The internal construction of cover  11  enables it to assume the shape of the gun, and thereby remain snugly in place, to prevent mud, rain, snow, ice and/or other debris from entering the chamber. Muzzle cover  13  is fixed in place over the muzzle and only a portion of barrel  14 , to prevent the entry of mud, rain, snow, ice and/or other debris. It remains in place because of its elastic grip on a portion of barrel  14 . The preferred construction materials for both covers are selected to be waterproof, flexible, rugged and durable. The muzzle cover is also heat-resistant, within the range of barrel temperatures caused by frequent firing of the gun. 
   As shown in  FIG. 2 , chamber cover  11  includes parallel metal bands  15 ,  16  and  17  spaced apart within the cover. The bands have a spring-like function, allowing the user to wrap the cover over the top and sides of a rifle or shotgun. Once the cover is in place, the metal bands cause the cover to retain its new shape, determined by the shape of the gun. The cover can be repeatedly removed and re-used by simply forcing the metal bands to re-shape the cover. 
   Each of the bands has a slight transverse curvature  18  along its entire length when the cover is flat. Bending the cover causes each band to lose its transverse curvature at one or more locations, and to become longitudinally curved at such locations, which acts to fix the new shape of the cover. When not in use, the cover can easily be forced to bend along its entire length, which forms a tubular roll that fits readily in an ordinary pocket. Stitches  19  hold the layers together. 
   The illustrated chamber cover is about 9 inches long and about 6 inches wide. This size was selected for convenience, while other dimensions are also useful. The preferred metal bands are made of steel having a thickness of about 0.16 mm, a width of about 25 mm and about a 1.5 inch radius of curvature. Other materials and dimensions are also useful. For example, a thickness of 0.10 to 0.20 mm and a width of 15 to 35 mm may be used. The radius of curvature may be selected within the range of 1 to 3 inches. 
   As shown in  FIG. 3 , muzzle cover  13  is a neoprene sleeve having one open end and one closed end. Stitches  20  join the two neoprene layers at the edges. This construction allows the sleeve to be stored flat. 
   As shown in  FIG. 4 , chamber cover  11  has a layered construction comprising a rugged fabric layer  21  and two neoprene layers  22  and  23  joined by stitches  19 . Metal bands  15 ,  16  and  17  are located between the two neoprene layers. Nothing extra is required to hold the bands in place because the softness of neoprene surfaces inherently prevents the bands from moving about. Preferably, a soft rubber or similar coating is added to the ends of each metal band, to prevent the edges from gradually wearing through the neoprene. 
   The spring action of the metal bands works in one direction only. Thus in the example of FIG.  4 , neoprene layer  23  is folded around the gun chamber, leaving fabric layer  21  exposed to the elements. 
   Although the edges of each layer are exposed in the drawing, it is preferred to stitch a piping strip over the edges, which improves the quality and durability of the cover. Similarly, piping is preferred on the edges of the muzzle cover. 
   Many variations are included within the scope of the invention. For example, nylon, canvas, rubber, Gore-Tex, cotton, tin-cloth, polyester, or wax impregnated cloth can be substituted for neoprene, but the quality and durability of the substitutes are not equivalent to neoprene. Similarly, these same choices may be used for layer  21 , and for the piping strip, but they are not equivalents. The metal bands may be made of aluminum or other metals, and may even be made of composites or plastic, but the quality and durability are not usually as good. 
   Although the preferred chamber cover includes three layers as illustrated, a two-layer chamber cover is a possible variation. For example, fabric layer  21  can be omitted, but such a variation is much less durable, and lacks the quality provided by a proper selection of fabric for layer  21 .