Abstract:
An exemplary embodiment relates to a hunting blind comprising a frame comprising one or more rib members and a barrier layer, a fibrous covering, and a camouflage layer. Another exemplary embodiment relates to a method of assembling a hunting blind comprising providing a generally rectangular frame base, providing one or more frame panels comprising at least one rib and a barrier layer, attaching two frame panels to opposite sides of the frame base, forming a canopy from two or more joined frame panels, and covering the canopy with a fibrous covering. Another exemplary embodiment relates to a method of assembling a hunting blind comprising providing a generally rectangular frame base, attaching one or more ribs to the frame, attaching one or more barriers layers to the ribs with a clip, attaching a fibrous covering to the ribs or barrier layers, and attaching a covering to the ends of the blind.

Description:
PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 61/224,644 filed Jul. 10, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention is related to the field of blinds (e.g., hunting blinds) and other camouflaging devices. 
         [0004]    2. Related Art 
         [0005]    Hunting blinds help hunters immerse themselves into the local environment of wildlife by, for example, helping hide the hunter from a field of view of an animal to limit the amount of fear or suspicion experienced by that animal. In general, hunting blinds may help obscure, alter, mask, or hide the visual appearance, heat, sound, and/or smell of the hunter. Additionally, blinds and the like may be used by non-hunters to, for example, help a bird watcher get closer to a flock of birds without startling the birds, or help a nature photographer approach or be approached by animals in their natural environment. 
         [0006]    Traditional hunting blinds are often camouflaged to look like or otherwise blend into a part of the local environment. For example, traditional hunting blinds may be decorated or adorned with a fabric pattern that looks like a collection of sticks and/or leaves. These patterns help hide (e.g., obscure) any edges and/or sharp angles of the camouflaged object that may be used to differentiate the object from natural objects of the local environment. 
         [0007]    Hunting blinds may also help hide, trap, or obscure smells, sounds, heat, or other identifiers from an animal. Likewise, hunting blinds may provide protection to a hunter. For example, hunting blinds may help shelter a hunter from weather (e.g., wind, rain, uncomfortable temperatures, solar exposure, etc.) and/or may protect the hunter from being harmed by animals (e.g., by avoiding recognition by the animals and/or by providing a barrier between the hunter and the animals). 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    An exemplary embodiment relates to a hunting blind comprising a frame comprising one or more rib members and a barrier layer, a fibrous covering, and a camouflage layer. 
         [0009]    Another exemplary embodiment relates to a method of assembling a hunting blind comprising providing a generally rectangular frame base, providing one or more frame panels comprising at least one rib and a barrier layer, attaching two frame panels to opposite sides of the frame base, forming a canopy from two or more joined frame panels, and covering the canopy with a fibrous covering. 
         [0010]    Another exemplary embodiment relates to a method of assembling a hunting blind comprising providing a generally rectangular frame base, attaching one or more ribs to the frame, attaching one or more barriers layers to the ribs with a clip, attaching a fibrous covering to the ribs or barrier layers, and attaching a covering to the ends of the blind. 
         [0011]    These and other features and advantages of various embodiments of systems and methods according to this invention are described in, or are apparent from, the following detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of various devices, structures, and/or methods according to this invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    Various exemplary embodiments of the systems and methods according to the present disclosure will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a hunting blind; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a another perspective view of the hunting blind embodiment  FIG. 1  showing a portion of an internal framework; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a base portion of the framework of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a side panel portion of the framework embodiment of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a partial perspective view of the framework embodiment of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a partial perspective view of the framework embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a top panel portion of the framework embodiment of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the framework of the framework embodiment of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a portion of a second exemplary embodiment of a framework for a hunting blind; 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the framework embodiment of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a screw and a bracket or clip usable to secure a barrier to a framework of a hunting blind according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the clip of  FIG. 11  coupling a barrier to a frame; 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a window cover with the window covered; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the window cover embodiment of  FIG. 13  with the window uncovered. 
       
    
    
       [0027]    It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary to the understanding of the invention or render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0028]    It should be appreciated that the following description of a hunting blind is in relation to use by a hunter for hunting animals. However, any individual could use the described blind for any desired purpose. As such, the following description (e.g., with regard to use by hunters) should be appreciated to include use by any user(s) who may use the blind for any desired purpose. 
         [0029]    While traditional hunting blinds may help obscure the edges and/or angles of the blind and/or the hunter, traditional hunting blinds may still appear to be foreign or suspicious objects and may be avoided by animals. For example, a traditional hunting blind may not be specifically recognized as a threat by an animal, however, that animal may still recognize that the hunting blind is not a natural and/or expected object (e.g., a tree) and may still avoid the hunting blind. 
         [0030]    Additionally, many traditional hunting blinds (e.g., so-called tree stands or blinds) require natural objects of similar shape and/or size to the object being camouflaged in order for the hunting blind to appear as part of that environment. Likewise, traditional camouflaged blinds require certain foliage, trees, branches, and/or the like to be able to appear as part of the local environment. These traditional hunting blinds may be predominantly useful in wooded areas where the traditional hunting blind may be camouflaged as part of the trees or undergrowth. 
         [0031]    However, hunters often hunt in locations or environments that are without large natural objects, such as trees, and/or without substantial foliage (e.g., background foliage). For example, hunters may utilize a feed field or food plot, in which vegetation (e.g., corn, sorghum, winter wheat, rye, triticale, alfalfa, clover, soybeans, brassicas, etc.) is planted that is particularly preferred by a desired animal (e.g., deer). In such feed fields or food plots, there may not be sufficient natural objects, foliage, or the like to optimally blend into using traditional camouflaged hunting blinds. 
         [0032]    However, hay bales (e.g., hay or straw) are common appearances in fields of many types, including feed fields, food plots, and the like. Animals appear to show little or no fear or suspicion when approaching hay bales, perhaps because the animals have become conditioned to seeing hay bales in fields. Additionally, some animals may have become conditioned to the tendency for hay bales to appear rapidly. For example, a field may be clear one day and include several hay bales the next. The abrupt appearance of these hay bales does not appear to be feared by animals or raise their suspicions. It should be appreciated that, in general, animals are often fearful or otherwise cautious around objects that appear foreign to a local known environment, either by shape and design or by abrupt appearance. 
         [0033]    Earlier attempts to make a hay bale style hunting blind have not been successful for several reasons. Earlier hay bale blinds have been too heavy, too permanent, too expensive, and/or required frequent repair and/or replacement. For example, earlier hay bale blinds have used solid steel bars in large dimensions, welded frames, and elaborate assembly. These blinds often require full frame preconstruction and thus create challenges related to shipping (e.g., by requiring freight shipping) and placement in the field. Once assembled, these earlier hay bale blinds are difficult to disassemble and/or move. 
         [0034]    Likewise, earlier hay bale blinds have typically used a layer of straw between two layers of fencing and a plastic interior layer to provide a camouflaged outer surface. The straw in these earlier hay bale blinds is not securely fastened to the blind and, as such, is rapidly lost from the blind due, at least in part, to weather conditions and natural settling. That is, the straw layer of previous blinds may be lost due to wind, rainfall, and/or natural settling of the material due to gravity. Many prior hay bale blinds require replacement or significant maintenance every year. The straw layer used in these previous blinds may also be particularly prone to igniting or catching fire in the presence of an ignition source such as, for example, a gas (e.g., propane or natural gas) or electric space heater. 
         [0035]    By replacing the straw layer with a more resilient fibrous material, the life of the blind can be extended. The replacement fibrous material may also be less prone to igniting or catching fire than the previous straw layer. Likewise, by improving the construction of the blind, the blind can be made lighter yet strong, while being more efficient to ship, transport, assemble, and/or disassemble. 
         [0036]      FIGS. 1 and 2  show a hunting blind  100  according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , hunting blind  100  has a generally cylindrical shape with roughly circular end portions. That is, in various exemplary embodiments, hunting blind  100  has a generally circular shaped cross-section in a latitudinal direction and a generally rectangular shaped cross section in a longitudinal direction. Additionally, hunting blind  100  is covered with a material that has the appearance of baled hay or straw. In various exemplary embodiments, hunting blind  100  includes a fibrous covering  102 . 
         [0037]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , hunting blind  100  has an exterior appearance that resembles common hay bales (e.g., round bales). That is, the outer surfaces of hunting blind  100  give the appearance of natural fibers, such as straw or hay, and the general shape of hunting blind  100  is similar to the shape of a typical hay bale, such as, for example, a round bale. Hunting blind  100  may be any size (e.g., larger or smaller than typical hay bales). 
         [0038]    In general, fibrous covering  102  may give the appearance of rolled or bundled straw or hay and may include bale netting, string, or other bundling material found in hay bales. In various exemplary embodiments, fibrous covering  102  includes end portions that may be used for covering the roughly circular end portions of hunting blind  100 . In various exemplary embodiments, fibrous covering  102  is made from a material and/or is treated (e.g., with a material or chemical) that is fire-resistant and/or fire-retarding. In various other exemplary embodiments, the end portions of the blind may be covered by another materials, such as, for example, canvas, that is treated (e.g., painted) to resemble the end of a bale. 
         [0039]    In various exemplary embodiments, fibrous covering  102  is an erosion control blanket, which may include coconut fiber and/or straw with a capture net. Erosion control blankets are produced commercially in different grades, which vary in their durability. In preferred embodiments, a longer-wearing material is preferred as it will have to be replaced less frequently. 
         [0040]    In addition to the fibrous layer, an additional layer of camouflage material may be added on the exterior of the blind. The camouflage layer may comprise natural materials such as, for example, hay, straw, or corn stalks, and/or artificial materials designed to mimic the appearance of natural materials. 
         [0041]    It should be appreciated that, while hunting blind  100  is shown to have or simulate the appearance of a round hay bale, according to various exemplary embodiments, a hunting blind may resemble any shape of hay bale. For example, the hunting blind may be substantially square or rectangular and/or may resemble one or more square or rectangular hay bales in any desired configuration (e.g., like a stack of rectangular bales). Likewise, hunting blind  100  may simulate or give the appearance of bales (e.g., round bales) composed of materials other than hay. For example, hunting blind  100  may have the appearance of baled straw, corn stalks, or other cut and/or raked crops. 
         [0042]    Hunting blind  100  may be usable to help obscure; hide, or mask one or more sensory indicators of a hunter located within hunting blind  100  from animals near hunting blind  100 . For example, hunting blind  100  may help mask or hide a smell, heat, sound, and/or an appearance of a hunter located within hunting blind  100 . As such, animals near hunting blind  100  may not be aware of the presence of the hunter located within hunting blind  100 . It should be appreciated that hunting blind  100  may be utilized to help obscure, hide, or mask any indicator used by any animal to detect the presence of a person. 
         [0043]    It should be appreciated that, while hunting blind  100  is shown as being nearly fully enclosed in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in various exemplary embodiments, hunting blind  100  includes a substantially open portion. For example, in various exemplary embodiments, hunting blind  100  may have an open roof and may be particularly useful for hunting birds (e.g., ducks and/or geese). 
         [0044]      FIG. 2  shows a portion of hunting blind  100  without fibrous covering  102  (e.g., a portion of a skeleton of hunting blind  100 ) according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 2 , in various exemplary embodiments, hunting blind  100  includes a series of spaced apart ribs  120  and a barrier  130 . In various exemplary embodiments, series of ribs  120  includes at least one terminal rib  125  positioned near each end of hunting blind  100 . In various exemplary embodiments, the ribs and/or base are formed from hollow tubing. The tubing may have any cross-sectional shape such as, for example, square, round, rectangular, triangular, oval, etc. The tubing may be made from any material of sufficient strength including, for example, metals, such as stainless steel or aluminum, or plastics. The hollow tubing provides reduced weight and more flexibility while providing sufficient strength to support the structure. Ribs  120  and barrier  130  help provide a skeletal structure upon which fibrous covering  102  may be supported. It should be appreciated that, in various exemplary embodiments, one or more additional members may also be connected to ribs  120  (e.g., between adjacent ribs to, for example, add rigidity). It should be appreciated that barrier  130  may include apertures in positions that correspond to each window  104  or any other openings. It should also be appreciated that barrier  130  may be any net, web, grid, mesh, screen, wall, or the like that helps provide suitable rigidity between ribs  120  and/or to hunting blind  100 . It should be appreciated that either ribs  120  and/or barrier  130  may comprise one or more pieces each (e.g., five rib sections may be joined to form a single rib  120 ). 
         [0045]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , in various exemplary embodiments, barrier  130  is coupled to ribs  120 . It should be appreciated that, while barrier  130  is shown in  FIG. 2  coupled to an external surface of ribs  120 , in various exemplary embodiments, bather  130  may be coupled to an internal surface of ribs  120 . 
         [0046]    In various exemplary embodiments, barrier  130  is a lightweight metal fence material. In various other embodiments, barrier  130  may be a more solid material with fewer apertures. For example, in various exemplary embodiments, bather  130  may be a plastic or plywood layer. It should be appreciated that the desired strength and/or rigidity of barrier  130  may depend, at least in part, on the number of and distance between ribs  120 . Likewise, the desired strength, and/or rigidity of barrier  130  may depend, at least in part, on the weight, thickness, size, and/or rigidity of fibrous covering  102 . In various exemplary embodiments, fibrous covering  102  may be sufficiently rigid such that barrier  130  may be omitted. In various exemplary embodiments, additional layers may be provided (e.g., between barrier  130  and fibrous covering  102 ). For example, a fire resistant and/or fire retardant layer may be provided between barrier  130  and fibrous covering  102 . 
         [0047]    In various exemplary embodiments, fibrous covering  102  includes margins or end portions that have one or more pockets, sleeves, or similar structures for coupling the end portions to a terminal rib  125  of hunting blind  100 . For example, an end portion may include a pocket around its outer dimension into which a terminal rib  125  may be fed through to help couple the end portion to terminal rib  125 . 
         [0048]    In various exemplary embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 3 , frame  110  includes a base  118  that may be a single piece or be assembled from multiple pieces. In various exemplary embodiments, the base  118  comprises four pieces coupled together. 
         [0049]    In various exemplary embodiments, frame  110  is generally rectangular shaped and helps define a lower, outer perimeter of hunting blind  100 . That is, in various exemplary embodiments, frame  110  helps define the perimeter of hunting blind  100  at or near ground level. In various embodiments, frame  110  helps provide a foundation for hunting blind  100 . In various exemplary embodiments, frame  110  includes one or more projections  112  (e.g., posts, pegs, or the like) extending from a top surface of frame  110 . Each rib  120  may interact with one or more projection  112  to couple that rib  120  to frame  110 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , in various exemplary embodiments, in place of or in addition to projections  112 , frame  110  may include projecting sleeves  116 . In such exemplary embodiments, each rib  120  may be inserted into one or more sleeves  116  to couple that rib  120  to frame  110 . Likewise, in various exemplary embodiments, in place or in addition to projections  112  and/or sleeves  116 , frame  110  may include depressions, pockets, cutouts, and/or the like to receive a portion of one or more ribs  120 , thereby coupling ribs  120  to frame  110 . 
         [0050]    In various exemplary embodiments, as illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 7 , the frame may comprise panels  117  and  119  containing rib sections  121  and barrier sections  131 .  FIG. 4  shows one exemplary embodiment of a side panel  117  and  FIG. 7  shows one exemplary embodiment of a top panel  119 . 
         [0051]    As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , according to various exemplary embodiments, the frame  110  is formed by attaching side panels  117  to each side of the base  118 . As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , additional side panels  117  are attached to the side panels  117  previously attached to the base  118 . In various exemplary embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the frame  110  is completed by attaching top panel  119  to the side panels. In various exemplary embodiments, the panels  117  and  119  are attached to the frame and one another with a projection  112  and sleeve  116 , but it should be appreciated that any means for attaching the panels  117  and  119 . In various exemplary embodiments, side panels  117  may have different curvatures (e.g., the lowest section may have a larger radius than higher sections in order to increase the angle between the base and the lowest panels). In various exemplary embodiments, the lowest rib sections have a radius of 72 inches and the remaining rib sections have a radius of 36 inches. 
         [0052]      FIG. 11  shows a screw and a bracket or clip usable to attach barrier  130  to one or more ribs  120  according to an exemplary embodiment. In various exemplary embodiments, the screw is thread cutting, self-guiding, or self-tapping to help facilitate the screw entering the ribs.  FIG. 12  shows use of a screw and a bracket or clip for coupling the barrier to a rib according to an exemplary embodiment. It should be appreciated that any suitable known or later-developed connection method or device, or combinations thereof, may be used to attach or couple barrier  130  to one or more ribs  120 . For example, the barrier may be tied to the ribs, welded to the ribs, glued to the ribs, etc. 
         [0053]    In various other exemplary embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 9 , blind  100  is assembled by attaching ribs  120  to the base  118 . Ribs  120  may comprise one or more segments. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the barrier  130  is coupled to the ribs  120 . Barrier  130  may comprise one or more sections. In various exemplary embodiments, the barrier  130  is coupled to the ribs  120  with clip  132 , as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . The disclosed clip is particularly useful when the ribs  120  and barrier  130  are made of dissimilar metals that are not readily welded or soldered. Although the barrier is shown and described as coupled to the ribs with clip  132 , it should be appreciated that any means for coupling (e.g., welding) may be used within the scope of this disclosure. 
         [0054]      FIGS. 8 and 10  shows schematic representations of a portion of hunting blind  100  according to a second exemplary embodiment. As shown in the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS. 8 and 10 , hunting blind  100  includes a frame  110  and three ribs  120  connected to frame  110 . Frame  110  has a generally rectangular planar shape and each rib  120  has an arched or roughly circular shape. As such, frame  110  and ribs  120  collectively provide a roughly cylindrical or tubular shape. In various exemplary embodiments, frame  110  includes one or more legs  114 , which may help stabilize hunting blind  100  (e.g., by helping prevent hunting blind  100  from tipping or rolling over). 
         [0055]    It should be appreciated that rib  120  may include any number of sections or portions, which are interconnected to provide the general shape shown in  FIGS. 1-10 . In various exemplary embodiments, the portions of each rib  120  can be packaged and shipped using conventional shipping methods, as opposed to, for example, relying on specialty (e.g., freight) shipping. It should be appreciated that each rib  120  may be constructed from any desirable material and have any desired dimensions. In various exemplary embodiments, each rib  120  is constructed of hollow tubing (e.g., square tubing, rectangular tubing, circular tubing, etc) of metal (e.g., aluminum). Using aluminum tubing, for example, may help lower the total weight of the fully constructed hunting blind  100 . Additionally, hollow tubing may be easier to penetrate with fasteners (e.g., self-tapping or thread cutting screws) used to secure barrier  130  to each rib  120 . 
         [0056]    As shown in  FIGS. 8-10 , in various exemplary embodiments, one or more ribs  120  (e.g., a terminal or end rib) may include one or more horizontal struts (not shown) and/or one or more vertical struts  128 . As shown in  FIGS. 8-10 , vertical struts  128  help provide support for a door or other entry. It should be appreciated that hunting blind  100  may include any number of doors. In various exemplary embodiments, a single door is provided between horizontal strut  126 , vertical strut  128 , portions of frame  110 , and portions of rib  120 . It should also be appreciated that, in various exemplary embodiments, either or both of horizontal strut  126  and vertical strut  128  may be omitted. That is, vertical strut  128 , and thus the door, may extend from a bottom portion of hunting blind  100 , where it may be coupled to frame  110 , to semi-circular portion  122  and horizontal strut  126  may be omitted. Likewise, the door may extend between each elbow portion  124  and vertical strut  128  may be omitted. 
         [0057]    It should be appreciated that, vertical strut, if present, may be located at any desirable position. For example, vertical strut  128  may be located to one side in order to provide a larger door. In various exemplary embodiments, two vertical struts  128  may be provided and the door may be provided between the two vertical struts  128 . In various exemplary embodiments, the door is wide enough for a standard wheel chair to pass through the door. Likewise, in various exemplary embodiments, the door is wide enough for an all-terrain-vehicle (e.g., an ATV, a “four-wheeler”, etc.) to pass through the door. In various exemplary embodiments, hunting blind  100  (e.g., frame  110 ) includes a ramp or a similar structure to facilitate entrance into hunting blind  100  by a wheelchair, an all-terrain-vehicle, or other wheeled apparatus. 
         [0058]    In various exemplary embodiments, hunting blind  100  is provided as a kit for assembly. The kit, in various exemplary embodiments, includes a frame base  118  in one or more pieces, panels  117  and  119  (in any desired number and size) having rib sections and barrier sections, fibrous cover, and end covers (the end panels may comprise a fibrous cover). In various exemplary embodiments, the kit includes ribs a frame base  118  in one or more pieces, ribs in one or more segments, a bather in one or more sections, a fibrous cover, and end covers. 
         [0059]    In various exemplary embodiments, the parts of the kit are assembled to provide hunting blind  100 . In an exemplary method of assembling the kit, the one or more base members are coupled together to provide roughly rectangular base  110 . Each elbow or support portion  124  of each rib  120  is then coupled to base  110  (e.g., by sliding a first generally straight portion or a curved portion of each elbow or support portion  124  onto or around posts  112  or into sleeves  116  of base  110 ). Each semi-circular portion  122  is then coupled to the corresponding elbow or support portions  124  (e.g., by sliding semi-circular member  122  onto or around post structures of the two corresponding elbow or support portions  124 ) to provide ribs  120 . Barrier  130  is then coupled to ribs  120  to complete a skeletal structure of hunting blind  100 . Fibrous covering  102  is then coupled to an outer surface of the skeletal structure. 
         [0060]    In various exemplary embodiments, baling string, netting and/or the like may be utilized to help couple fibrous covering  102  to the skeletal structure. In various exemplary embodiments, bailing string, netting and/or the like, and/or structures that give the appearance of bailing string, netting, and/or the like, may be provided as part of fibrous covering  102 . 
         [0061]    It should be appreciated that the above-outlined method of assembling a kit of hunting blind  100  may additionally include steps usable to provide windows, doors, and/or other openings in hunting blind  100 . In various exemplary embodiments, such additional steps may include providing an opening in barrier  130  (e.g., by cutting, tearing, ripping, or the like) in locations of desired openings. For example, a generally u-shaped tear or cut in barrier  130  may be provided in a desired location of a window such that the portion of barrier  130  within the u-shape tear or cut may be usable as a portion of the above-outlined coverings of windows (e.g., cover  106  of window  104 ). Likewise, similar actions may be taken with regard to fibrous covering  102 . 
         [0062]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in various exemplary embodiments, hunting blind  100  includes at least one window  104 . Window  104  may be utilized by a user located within hunting blind  100  to see outside of hunting blind  100 . Window  104  may also be useful to fire projectiles, such as, for example, pellets, bullets, arrows, darts, and the like, at objects (e.g., animals) located in an area around hunting blind  100  and/or to photograph objects (e.g., animals) located in the area around hunting blind  100 . 
         [0063]    Additionally, in various exemplary embodiments, each window  104  may include a cover  106 . Cover  106  may be utilized to close a window when that window is not in use. For example, cover  106  may be used to help prevent or inhibit an animal or other observer from seeing into the interior of hunting blind  100 . Likewise, cover  106  may be used, at least in part, to conceal, mask, or hide other sensory indicators, such as, for example, the appearance, heat, smell, sounds, and/or the like coming from any occupants or other contents of hunting blind  100 . In various exemplary embodiments, the cover  106  includes two elastic straps between which a sheet of material is suspended. The straps are capable of connecting to the interior of the hunting blind so that the sheet of cover material obstructs a window. In various exemplary embodiments, the straps are longer than the cover, which makes it easier to uncover a window. In various exemplary embodiments, the curvature of the hunting blind (e.g., for a round bale) will create a gap between the window and the cover. In some such embodiments, a rod is attached to the frame to push the cover toward the window. 
         [0064]    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.