Abstract:
A high visibility cover adapted for use with a camouflage hunting blind that permits the blind to be easily visible to other hunters while at the same time not interfering with the use of the blind or the hunting technique of the occupant. More specifically, the high visibility cover is designed to universally and securely fit most sizes and shapes of hunting blinds.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e), to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/775,172, filed Feb. 21, 2006, the entirety of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention is directed to an apparatus for improving the visibility of a camouflage ground hunting blind. More particularly, the present invention relates to a high visibility cover that provides a hunter using a camouflage hunting blind with a high degree of safety and convenience without interfering in any undesirable manner with hunting technique or the hunter&#39;s ability to engage in hunting activities. 
         [0004]    2. Related Art 
         [0005]    The success of most hunters in many types of hunting largely depends upon the ability of the hunter to blend with the environment. In addition to using a variety of natural objects, hunters have often turned to a variety of camouflage articles to assist them in blending with their surroundings. Recently, there has been a trend towards the use of portable camouflage ground hunting blinds in a variety of hunting activities. These blinds are generally portable and can be assembled and disassembled relatively easily and quickly. These hunting blinds generally protect hunters from the environment while concealing them from game animals. Such blinds typically contain a variety of openings and/or windows positioned on the sides of the blinds for the hunter&#39;s ease in monitoring and shooting at game outside of the blind. Ground hunting blinds typically do not have any loose articles or fabric hanging from outside of the blind as such loose items can be moved by the wind, and frighten various game animals away. 
         [0006]    For various safety reasons, most local hunting laws require hunters to wear apparel that is highly visible to other hunters. This is especially true during firearm hunting seasons. The use of high visibility colors such as Hunter Orange has been shown to significantly reduce the number of hunting related accidents. “Hunter Orange” refers herein to colors such as blaze orange, hunter orange, fluorescent orange, daylight fluorescent orange, Ten Mile, camouflage orange, Hunter Safety Green, fluorescent chartreuse, fluorescent yellow, any other highly visible color that is approved or will be approved for hunting under local or national laws, any combination thereof, and the like. The highly visible apparel can take the form of a jacket, a vest, a hat, pants, or the like. As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,159,718, the entirety of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference, some garments incorporate patches of fluorescent orange in the garments themselves. Other garments incorporate Hunter Orange in a camouflage pattern. 
         [0007]    Under most local laws, the area of Hunter Orange must meet certain size limitations. For example, in Wisconsin, during any gun or muzzleloader season, no person may hunt any game, except water fowl, unless at least 50% of the person&#39;s outer clothing above the waist is colored Blaze Orange. Further, a hat, if worn, must be at least  50 % Blaze Orange. In other states, for example, apparel must contain at least a certain number of square inches of visible Hunter Orange. 
         [0008]    The trend towards the use of portable camouflage ground blinds has been noticed even in those types of hunting activities that require garments colored Hunter Orange. Despite the blaze orange clothing requirement, hunters using such ground blinds are nearly or totally concealed from other hunters in the field. As a result, there is a concern that the use of such blinds will eventually lead to an increase in hunting related accidents. 
         [0009]    Some camouflage blind manufacturers have attempted to address this concern by incorporating small patches of high visibility material into their camouflage hunting blinds. For example, some hunting blinds contain a swatch or patch of blaze Hunter Orange material that may be exposed during certain hunting seasons but covered with a camouflage patch during other seasons. These patches, however, are often small and difficult for other hunters in the area to see. As such, these measures are believed to be fairly ineffective in limiting the risk of hunting accidents. Further, because many hunters already own a portable camouflage ground blind, many are hesitant to purchase another hunting blind incorporating such patches of visible material. 
         [0010]    It is also well-known to attach a protective, water-repellant or water-resistant covering to a tent or other portable structure to offer additional protection from the elements and additional ventilation to occupants. Such coverings are often referred to as “tent flies.” Tent flies have distinct drawbacks, however, with respect to improving the visibility of ground camouflage blinds to other hunters. Tent flies are generally designed to protect tents from rain and moisture. As such, tent flies primarily cover the roofs of tents and therefore may be difficult to see from a side view or the ground level. Further, tent flies are typically not composed of a high visibility color. In addition, such tent flies typically extend like canopies beyond the perimeter of the underlying tent. Indeed, most tent flies are designed to be staked separately from the underlying tent. As such, tent flies require much more ground space than the underlying tent and therefore are difficult to utilize in most hunting conditions. Further, because tent flies are typically staked separately from the tent, tent flies often require significant time and assembly. In addition, the canopy-like features of a tent fly tend to be moved by wind and that movement can frighten game animals. 
         [0011]    Tent flies are also generally designed to improve air flow and ventilation around a tent. The additional ventilation afforded by such tent flies is disadvantageous when hunting from a ground blind. Additional air flow often results in additional movement that can spook game. Further, human scent spooks many game animals. Good hunters are careful about masking their scent and hunting blinds are often designed to help hide a hunter&#39;s scent. Improved air flow around a ground blind may defeat many of the scent masking capabilities of a ground blind. Finally, many hunting activities occur during the fall and winter seasons when temperatures are lower. Ground blinds are generally designed to cut the wind and trap warm air to help keep the occupant warm. Improved air flow and ventilation around a ground blind can diminish this desired insulating effect. 
       SUMMARY OF DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0012]    A simple covering is needed to minimize hunting accidents that may be caused by the use of camouflage hunting blinds. 
         [0013]    This invention provides a simple apparatus for improving the visibility to other hunters of a camouflage hunting ground blind to reduce the risk of hunting-related accidents. This invention separately provides a covering that is designed to fit over most sizes and shapes of camouflage blinds. This invention separately provides a covering that may be drawn close to the underlying hunting blind to minimize the overall size of the system, potentially improve the scent-mask and insulting effects of the underlying blind, and eliminate any loose or daggling fabric or items that might be prone to move with the wind and thereby frighten game animals. In addition, this invention separately provides a covering that is very portable and easy to assemble and use in connection with most camouflage blinds. 
         [0014]    These and other features and advantages of various exemplary embodiment of systems according to this invention are described in or are apparent from, the following detailed descriptions of various exemplary embodiments of various devices and/or structures according to this invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    Various exemplary embodiments of the systems and methods according to this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the cover according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention suspended over a camouflage blind. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a perspective use showing an exemplary embodiment of the present invention operatively in use over a camouflage blind. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       [0018]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in the form of a cover assembly  10  that comprises a cover top  12 , a plurality of stirrups  14 , a plurality of lower panels  16 , and a flexible cord  24 . The cover top  12  may take a variety of forms including, octagonal, round or square shape. In one exemplary embodiment, the cover top  12  may be as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0019]    In one embodiment, the cover top  12  comprises a plurality of interconnected triangular sections  18 . In one exemplary embodiment, the sides of each triangular section  18  are substantially straight while the base of each triangular section  18  arches toward the vertex in a parabolic or catenary fashion. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the cover top  12  in one embodiment is formed by attaching a first side of a first triangular section  18  to a first side of a second triangular section  18 , attaching a second side of the second triangular section  18  to a first side of a third triangular section  18 , attaching a second side of the third triangular section  18  to a first side of a fourth triangular section  18  and attaching a second side of the fourth triangular section  18  to a second side of the first triangular section  18  such that the vertex of each triangular section  18  meets at or about the same point. The triangular sections  18  may be interconnected by any variety of methods and arrangements. In one exemplary embodiment, the sides of the triangular sections  18  are sewn or stitched. In one embodiment, the stitching is hidden on the interior of the cover top  12  so the stitching is not visible from the exterior of the cover top  12 . The sides of the triangular sections  18  may also be attached using an adhesive or fasteners such as hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro(&amp; fasteners. Alternatively, the cover top  12  may be integrally formed. 
         [0020]    In one exemplary embodiment, a plurality of stirrups  14  are attached to the cover top  12 . In one embodiment, each stirrup  14  is a single length of material that is attached at one end to a corner of the cover top  12 . The stirrups  14  may be attached to the cover top  12  by any variety of methods and arrangements. In one exemplary embodiment, the stirrups  14  are sewn or stitched to the cover top  12 . The stirrups  14  may also be attached to the cover top  12  using an adhesive or fasteners such as hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro® fasteners. Alternatively, the stirrups  14  and the cover top  12  may be integrally formed. 
         [0021]    The stirrups  14  may be manufactured in a variety of shapes depending upon the shape and structure of the ground blind  11  to be covered. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the stirrups  14  may take a variety of shapes provided the shape does not interfere with ingress or egress from the underlying ground blind  11  or otherwise obstruct any doors  13 , windows  15  or other openings of the blind  11 . In one exemplary embodiment, the stirrups  14  will be elongated and are long enough to allow the distal end to extend to or nearly to the bottom of the blind  11  when in use to cover a blind  11 . In one embodiment, the width of the stirrup  14  may be generally consistent throughout the length of the stirrup  14 . In one embodiment, the width of the stirrup  14  at the end of the stirrup  14  connected to the cover top  12  may be greater than the width of the stirrup  14  at the opposite end. In one embodiment, the stirrup  14  may have parabolic longitudinal edges. In one embodiment, the longitudinal edges of a stirrup  14  may follow a parabolic contour such that the width of the stirrup  14  between opposed edges is less at the waist or central portion of the stirrup  14  than the aft or fore portions. 
         [0022]    In one embodiment, at least a portion of the perimeter of the cover top  12  comprises at least one plurality of sleeve structures  22  formed therein. In one embodiment, the longitudinal edge of each stirrup  14  and the edge of the base of each triangular section  18  comprising the cover top  12  are folded and an attachment seam  20  is sewn there along to form a plurality of sleeve structures  22  along substantially all of the perimeter of the cover assembly  10 . In one embodiment, a single flexible cord  24  passes through each of the sleeve structures  22  leaving a loop of flexible cord  24  at the distal end of each stirrup  14 . Accordingly, in one embodiment, the stitching between the cover top  12  and each stirrup  14  does not extend into the sleeve structure  22  to in any way engage the flexible cord  24 . 
         [0023]    In one embodiment, the flexible cord  24  may not be a closed loop. In one embodiment, a plurality of flexible cords  24  operatively associated to the distal ends of a plurality of stirrups  14  may be used. In one embodiment, the flexible cord  24  may be operatively associated with the cover assembly  10 . 
         [0024]    In one embodiment, the flexible cord  24  is made of rubber or some other type of elastic material such as that known as a “bungee cord.” Other types of flexible cords  24  such as ropes, belts and the like may be used but some degree of elasticity is desirable. In one embodiment, a rip cord in combination with a tensioner is used. In one embodiment, the flexible cord  24  is sized in a manner so that the flexible cord  24  may be pulled in a stretched condition once the covering assembly  10  is placed over the camouflage ground blind  11 . 
         [0025]    In one embodiment, each set of adjacent stirrups  14  are interconnected to lower panels  16 . In one embodiment, the lower panels  16  are generally stitched or sewn to the stirrups  14 . In one embodiment, the stitching between the lower panels  16  and the stirrups  14  does not extend into the sleeve structure  22 . In one embodiment, the lower panels  16  are attached to the stirrups  14  at approximately the attachment seam  20 . The lower panels  16  and stirrups  14  may also be attached using an adhesive or fasteners such as hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro® fasteners. Alternatively, the stirrups  14  and lower panels  16  may be integrally formed. In one exemplary embodiment, at least a first side of at least one lower panel  16  is coupled to a stirrup  14  by at least one detachable fastener such as a button, snap, Velcro® attachment or the like to permit the first side of the lower panel  16  to be detached from the stirrup  14  when desired. 
         [0026]    The lower panels  16  may be manufactured in a variety of shapes depending upon the type of ground blind  11  to be covered. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the lower panels  16  may take a variety of shapes provided the shape does not obstruct any openings or windows  15  of the blind  11 . In one embodiment, the lower panels  16  are in a substantially catenary or parabolic form. Such a form offers a number of advantages. For example, the catenary form is more stable and less likely to flap or move in a breeze. In addition, the catenary form can cover additional surface area of the underlying ground blind  11  without interfering with or obstructs any portion of the windows  15  and other openings in the blind  11 , while improving the visibility of the cover assembly  10  and underlying ground blind  1   1  to other hunters. 
         [0027]    According to alternative embodiments, the cover top  12 , stirrups  14 , and lower panels  16  may be made from any number of a variety of materials and have any number of different arrangements and configurations to provide the user with an article configured to suit multiple types and shapes of ground blinds  11 . In one embodiment, cover top  12 , stirrups  14  and lower panels  16  are formed from any material typically used in the tent construction industry. Such material typically has the characteristics of being water-resistant and/or fire-resistant. Examples of this material include polyester, nylon, canvas, vinyl reinforced polyester, mesh or the like which could be sewn and yet withstand the elements that could be encountered during a hunting outing. 
         [0028]    In one embodiment, the cover top  12 , stirrups  14  and lower panels  16  are made from material that is highly visible to other hunters. In one embodiment, at least one of the cover top  12 , stirrups  14  and lower panels  16  are made from material that is Hunter Orange in color. In one exemplary embodiment, the cover top  12 , stirrups  14  and lower panels  16  are made from  300  denier textured polyester Safety Orange material. 
         [0029]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , in one embodiment, the cover assembly  10  is configured to substantially cover a variety of camouflage blinds  11  without obstructing the views from or ability to open windows  15 , doors  13 , and other apertures of the underlying camouflage blind  11 . In one embodiment, the cover assembly  10  is adapted to be coupled to and/or positioned over a camouflage blind  11  such that the stirrups  14  extend down the outside corners of the camouflage blind  11  as shown in  FIG. 2 . In one embodiment, the cover assembly  10  is adapted to be positioned over a camouflage blind  11  such that the stirrups  14  extend down the sides of the camouflage blind  11  between the door  13 , windows  15  and other openings of the blind. The flexible cord  24  may then be operatively connected to exterior stakes such as any stakes holding the blind  11 . The user may tighten the flexible cord  24  across all of the margins of the stirrups  14  and cover top  12  which have a sleeve structure  22 , to hold down all such margins and prevent any portion of the cover assembly  10  from moving in a breeze. In this stretched condition, the flexible cord  24  produces tensioning forces which are applied to the cover top  12  and stirrups  14  which, in turn apply these tensioning forces to the camouflage blind  11 . It is these tensioning forces that maintain the covering assembly  10  in a taut position when the covering assembly  10  is in a secured state over the camouflage blind  11 . 
         [0030]    While this invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and/or substantial equivalents, whether known or that are or may be presently foreseen, may become apparent to those having at least ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is intended to embrace all known or earlier developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and/or substantial equivalents.