Firearm casing

This application is a continuation-in-part application of application Ser. No. 09/082,591, filed May 21, 1998 entitled Improved Firearm Casing Device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to the art of firearm casings. More particularly, this invention is related to a protective cover for a firearm which permits the firearm to be sighted, discharged and transported while remaining protected from the elements.

2. Description of Prior Art

There are various devices which can be employed to encase a firearm, however many are limited as they do not permit use of a firearm sight or discharge of shells while the firearm is enclosed in such casing. Various gun casings, covers and methods of construction are prevalent in the prior art and referenced below.

The U.S. patent issued to Gantress, U.S. Pat. No. 3,437,247, discloses a cover for protecting a rifle from the elements while permitting the firearm, enclosed in the cover, to be fired. The invention of Gantress does allow access to the rifle through the bottom of the cover. However, Gantress's apparatus does not permit use of a sight while the rifle is enclosed in the cover.

The U.S. patent issued to Stackhouse, U.S. Pat. No. 3,701,371, is directed to a gun case that is capable of being folded up to fit in a person's shirt pocket when not in use. The case, when being used, has openings permitting the access to the trigger of a gun. However, Stackhouse's apparatus does not permit a firearm to be aimed utilizing its sight while so encased.

The patent to Pedro, U.S. Pat. No. 3,865,166 discloses a weapon case having handles and used for storing and carrying the weapon, but does not allow the weapon to be used while in the protective covering.

The Kunevicius patent, U.S. Pat. No. 4,433,500, shows a gun glove consisting of two separate pieces. The front piece being a sleeve which slides over the front portion of a firearm to protect it and the rear piece being a zippered sleeve with a VELCRO® type fastening means on the rear end which helps to encompass the stock of the firearm. This gun glove does allow access and use of the firearm while in use, but does not fully encase or protect the entire firearm.

The U.S. patent issued to Stinemates, U.S. Pat. No. 4,754,498, is directed to a gun mitten which is a protective cover for the stock portion of a firearm. While the Stinemates apparatus allows access to the firearm while in used, it also only covers the stock portion of the firearm and does not allow for an ammunition clip to be used with the firearm while the mitten is in place.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,756,456 issued to Schauer shows a gun case for protecting a firearm from the elements while being carried in the field. Schauer's apparatus does not allow for use of the firearm while it is within the case.

The Jones et al. patent, U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,344, entitled “Firearm Casing Device” and incorporated herein by reference, shows a protective firearm casing which allows the firearm to be discharged while the cover is in place and it also allows for a sight to be used while on the firearm. The Jones et al. casing does not form fit the firearm or have a lower flap mechanism which allows for maximum coverage and protection as well as easy accessibility and the use of an ammunition clip all while the cover is in place.

The patent issued to Kiang, U.S. Pat. No. Re 32,752, discloses a long barreled firearm protective covering comprised of two separate elements. The first element being a sleeve which slides onto the middle portion of the firearm. The second element being a zippered pouch that slides over the rear portion of the firearm and covers the butt of the gun while also holding extra ammunition. A shortcoming of the Kiang device is that the ammunition can easily fall out of the ammunition holder and also must always be used in conjunction with the butt of the firearm.

The Warnier patent, U.S. Pat. No. 4,249,687, discloses a weapon casing that is contoured to fit the shape of the firearm, even including a sight, and includes a carrying strap but does not allow access to operate the firearm while it is encased in the cover.

Also, the application issued to Rowe, U.S. Des. 372,121, shows a gun case having a somewhat contoured fit and carrying strap but also does not allow the firearm to be operated while within the carrying case.

While the above stated devices are a fair representation of the current prior art, there remains room for improvement as defined by the currently claimed invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is thus an objective of the present invention to provide a means for protecting a firearm from the elements while accessing a sight in aiming and discharging the firearm.

It is a further objective of the invention to provide such protection adaptable to various kinds and sizes of firearms.

It is yet another objective of the invention to provide such protection which is easily transportable.

It is an additional objective of the invention to provide a firearm cover that can be used in conjunction with the sighting means on the firearm.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a protective cover which allows for shell casings to be discharged from the firearm while the cover is in use.

A further objective of the present invention is to have a protective casing which is lightweight, waterproof, and folds to a reduced size for storage when not in use.

Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a protective casing for a firearm which has either foldable or removable flaps that cover and uncover the firearm sight, portion of the firearm where the shells are inserted and discharged as well as the portion of the firearm where a magazine is inserted.

And still a further objective of the present invention is to make a protective firearm cover which extends out past the front barrel of the firearm and can be closed off so as to prevent dirt and debris from entering the barrel of the firearm through the front opening.

An objective of the this firearm casing and ammunition pouch is also to allow for shoulder straps to be attached to the firearm while the casing is in place and being used.

And another objective of this invention is to allow for a protective covering for a magazine and the magazine to be used in conjunction with the firearm while the casing is in use on the firearm.

The aforementioned objectives will be accomplished as well as other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of a firearm casing having an elongated cover contoured to fit the shape of a firearm. The casing or cover (both terms used interchangeably) having opposing panels forming an upper longitudinal edge, a lower longitudinal edge, a stock end and a terminal aperture. The lower longitudinal edge having an access opening permitting insertion of a firearm and access to a firearm trigger. The access opening having a first fastener for closing the access opening. The upper longitudinal edge defining an upper aperture for accessing a sight and the insertion and ejection of shells. The upper aperture having a second fastener for closing the upper aperture. The second fastener being of any conventional means such as but not limited to a zipper, snaps, buttons or hook and loop fasteners such as VELCRO®. The cover may also have a flap folded over the upper aperture and secured to the cover by a third fastener of convention means as stated above. The terminal aperture having a fourth fastener for closing the terminal aperture. The description of the present invention discloses, in conjunction with the drawings which illustrate by way of example, the principles and objectives of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1

is a front perspective view showing a first embodiment of the firearm casing with the upper flap and the lower flap in the closed position.

FIG. 2

is a front perspective view thereof showing the upper flap removed from the casing and the lower flap opened to expose the firearm and magazine with cover.

FIG. 3

is a rear elevation view thereof showing both the upper flap and lower flap in closed positions.

FIG. 4

is a top perspective view of the upper flap itself, as removed from the firearm casing.

FIG. 5

is a bottom perspective view thereof.

FIG. 6

is a front perspective view of the magazine casing.

FIG. 7

is a broken-away side elevation view of the lower portion of the inside of the firearm casing.

FIG. 8

is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the firearm casing having only an upper flap in the closed position thereby covering the firearm.

FIG. 9

is a perspective view thereof showing the upper flap in a partially opened position and illustrating how the upper flap is used when shells are discharged from the firearm.

FIG. 10

is a perspective view showing a third embodiment of the firearm casing having both an upper flap and a lower flap shown in partially opened positions exposing the firearm.

FIG. 11

is a perspective view thereof with both the upper flap and the lower flap in closed positions covering the firearm.

FIG. 12

is a rear elevation view thereof showing both the upper flap and the lower flap in closed positions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In accordance with this invention, it has been found that a firearm casing can be provided to enclose and protect a firearm from the elements while enabling the user to access the firearm sight, trigger, opening for inserting and ejecting ammunition, magazine connection, carrying and strap. The protective cover, shaped to match the contours of the firearm, allow for the firearm to be maintained in a state of readiness and to be discharged while enclosed in the cover. All flap portions of the cover are constructed with numerous connecting means such as hook and loop fasteners like VELCRO®, snaps, buttons, hooks or zippers so that the flaps can be maintained in a variety of positions. For example, when the upper flap is in an open position, it can either form a roof-like structure over the top portion of the firearm, where the sight is located or where shells are discharged, and protect the firearm from the elements or if so desired, the flap can be folded or rolled down and attached at the side of the firearm so that is out of the user's way, the upper flap can also be completely removed from the casing should it be necessary. On the lower portion of the cover is the lower flap which is similar in structure to the upper flap and is used to mask and unmask the trigger portion or magazine portion of a firearm depending upon the actual style of firearm upon which the cover is being used. This lower flap can also be rolled or folded down, away from the firearm and secured to the side of the firearm or it can be allowed to simply hang loosely in an unobtrusive fashion. The casing may also allow for a sighting bead which is located at the end of the firearm wherein the casing terminates just prior to the sight bead thus leaving the sight bead exposed and unobstructed. An alternative version of the cover may also extend over the sight bead at the end of the barrel portion of the firearm, so that the sight bead protrudes up through an opening in the protective cover hence maintaining its accessibility when aiming the firearm and protecting the end of the firearm.

FIG. 1

is a front perspective view showing a first embodiment of the firearm casing

10

with the upper flap

50

and lower flap

60

fully covering the firearm

250

.

FIG. 1

illustrates the firearm casing

10

has a body

20

that is comprised of a front portion

30

, a middle portion

34

and a rear portion

40

. The firearm casing

10

may be fabricated from a suitable water resistant or waterproof material, which is preferably camouflaged, such as GORTEX® fabric, vinyl or sturdy canvas treated with a water repellant finish. The material can also be of solids and various types of patterns, prints and colors, however the preferred embodiment is camouflage which is particularly applicable if the firearm being covered is used in hunting certain animals that can differentiate objects of solid colors. Firearm

250

is enclosed in casing

10

. Firearm casing

10

has an upper longitudinal edge

260

(

FIG. 2

) having an upper aperture

300

formed therein for a handle or sight

150

as well as a sight opening

310

near the front portion

30

of the body

20

for the sight bead

120

. Firearm casing

10

also has lower longitudinal edge

270

which has an access opening

280

that is selectively sealed along portions of it (

FIG. 2

) which permits insertion of a firearm

250

. Once a firearm

250

is inserted into the firearm casing

10

, the unsealed portions of lower longitudinal edge

270

permit access and use of the firearm's trigger

290

(

FIG. 2

) and also to the attached carrying strap

70

, if any.

Contiguous with the lower longitudinal edge

270

at the rear portion

40

of the body

20

is the stock flap

110

that covers the stock end of the firearm

250

and the barrel flap

90

that covers the barrel end of the firearm

250

. The end flap

110

is located at the rear portion

40

of said body

20

and between the upper longitudinal edge

260

and the lower longitudinal edge

270

and is oriented latitudinally. Terminal aperture

210

at the front portion

30

, opposite the stock flap

100

, permits the firearm

250

to be discharged while encased in the firearm casing

10

. Terminal aperture

210

may be selectively closed around the barrel of firearm

250

by a fastening means

160

, such as a hook and loop fastener like VELCRO®, a snap, button, hook or other conventional fasteners.

FIG. 2

is a front perspective view of the firearm casing

10

showing the top flap

50

removed from the body

20

and the lower flap

60

opened to expose the firearm

250

and firearm magazine with cover

170

.

FIG. 2

shows the protrusion of handle

150

from the upper aperture

300

. An extended portion of the body

20

forms the lower flap

60

which can be opened to allow access to the trigger

290

and also to attach the magazine. Lower flap

60

is comprised of a flexible, water resistant material and has a grip flap

200

which is used to wrap around the grip

140

of the firearm

250

so as to more completely cover the majority of the firearm

250

. When the upper flap

50

is in an open position, it can be position in an arching position over the handle so as to protect it from the elements, or from the glare of the sun, thus providing the user an enhanced line of sight. The upper flap

50

can also be folded back or rolled back upon itself and fastened with fastening means

160

as previously describe so as to keep the upper flap

50

in a secure position and out of the way. In addition, the upper flap

50

comprises a forward edge

52

and a rear edge

54

formed by pleats

220

sewn in the fabric so as to form a tent-like structure which extends over the handle

150

. When the upper flap

50

is in a partially closed position, the forward edge

52

of the upper flap

50

extends beyond the front of the handle

150

thus protecting the handle from becoming obscured by foreign objects and elements such as rain, snow or debris that might fall from the surrounding environment. The forward edge

52

may also provide some shading over the handle or sight

150

in times of bright sunlight. The upper flap

50

is fastened to firearm casing

10

by fastening means

160

which is preferably a hook and loop fastener such as Velcro®. Other fastening methods such as zippers, buttons, hooks and snaps may be employed. Also in

FIG. 2

, firearm casing

10

may include a sight opening

310

at the front portion

30

of the firearm casing

10

near the terminal aperture

210

. This sight opening

310

is positioned near the terminal aperture

210

to allow the user to properly aim the firearm

250

by using any sight thereon. The sight opening

310

may be used with firearms

250

equipped with sights and also with firearms

250

without sights or with removable sights. Furthermore, firearm casing

10

may be easily folded and carried in the field in an accompanying case (not shown) preferably made of the same water resistant material, thus making the cover accessible, transportable and storable.

FIG. 3

is a rear elevation view of the firearm casing

10

showing the upper flap

50

and lower flap

60

in closed positions. The lower flap

60

wraps around the grip

140

of the firearm

250

and fastens to itself on the opposite side of the firearm casing

10

. The upper flap

50

has an outer fastening means

162

on each side of the upper flap

50

which are used to secure the upper flap

50

in place when it is attached to the firearm casing

10

and when the upper flap

50

is folded down or rolled down on itself. There is also a middle fastening means

164

located in the middle of the inside of the upper flap

50

that will attach to an outer fastening means

162

shown in FIG.

3

. As the edge of the upper flap

50

is rolled or folded down, the middle fastening means

164

will become exposed and then attached to the outer fastening means

162

so as to prevent the upper flap

50

from moving freely about. This detail will also be discussed in more detail in reference to

FIGS. 4 & 5

.

FIGS. 4

is a bottom perspective view of the upper flap

50

itself, as removed from the firearm casing

10

and

FIG. 5

is a top perspective view thereof. The upper flap

50

is generally a polygonal shape, in this preferred embodiment rectangular or square, and has a decorative and finishing border or trim

180

around the entire perimeter. There are at least two darts

220

sown in the upper flap

50

which cause it to angle slightly forming a tent-like structure which allows it to more closely fit over the handle

150

of the firearm when in place on the firearm casing

10

.

FIG. 4

is the bottom or inside of the upper flap

50

and has at least three fastening means

160

attached thereto by any conventional attachments means such as sewing or gluing. There are at least two outer fastening means

162

and at least one middle fastening means

164

.

FIG. 5

shows the top or outside of the upper flap

50

which also has at least one outer fastening means

162

. When in the closed position on the firearm casing

10

, the upper flap

50

is attached to a fastening means

160

in the middle portion

34

of the body

20

of the firearm casing

10

with outer fastening means

164

, the upper flap

50

extends over the handle

150

of the firearm

250

and is attached to a another fastening means

160

on the firearm casing

10

on the opposite side of the firearm

250

with outer fastening means

162

. In this position, the outer fastening means

168

is exposed to the elements. When the upper flap

50

is placed in an open position, the outer fastening means

162

is disconnected and either allowed to dangle freely or is rolled down upon itself. When the upper flap

50

is rolled or folded down upon itself, the middle fastening means

166

is exposed and connected to the outer fastening means

168

on the outside of the upper flap

50

securing the upper flap

50

into a specific position.

FIG. 6

is a front perspective view of the magazine casing

230

. Certain firearms

250

require a separate, external magazine to be used to insert ammunition into the firearm

250

. When a firearm

250

of this type is used, a magazine casing

230

can be used in conjunction with the firearm casing

10

so as to keep a majority of the firearm

250

covered. The magazine casing

230

is made of the same water-proof material as the firearm casing

10

and both the upper and lower flaps

50

,

60

. The magazine casing

230

is a box-like structure having an opening

240

within which the magazine is inserted and removed. The magazine casing

230

can have an elastic band or drawstring

320

around the outer perimeter of the opening

240

which will help to keep the magazine casing

230

in place on the magazine and prevent slippage while being used.

FIG. 7

is a broken-away side elevation view of the lower portion of the inside of the firearm casing

10

. This figure discloses the fastening means

160

located in various positions throughout the firearm casing

10

. The firearm casing

10

is sleeve-like in that it wraps around the firearm

250

and encloses it with fastening means

160

located primarily along the lower longitudinal edge

270

. When the firearm

250

is placed within the firearm casing

10

, it is inserted through the lower longitudinal edge

270

and the fastening means

160

are then attached to mating fastening means

160

on the opposite side of the firearm casing

10

. After the firearm is inserted into the firearm casing

10

, the stock flap

100

is folded up and connected with a mating fastening means

160

. The end flap

110

is folded around the butt end of the firearm

250

and mating attached with a fastening means

160

located on the rear portion

40

of the firearm casing

10

. The barrel flap

90

is also folded up and mating connected with a fastening means

160

on the front portion

30

of the body

20

. The lower flap

60

is folded up and matingly connected to a fastening means located on the middle portion

34

of the body and the grip flap

200

is then wrapped around the grip

140

of the firearm

250

and matingly connected with a fastening means on the lower flap

60

. The strap attachment device

80

(shown in

FIG. 1

) is allowed to protrude out from the firearm casing

10

and the firearm casing

10

is matingly connected with strap attachment fastening means

130

. From the strap attachment fastening means

130

to the terminal aperture

210

(shown in FIG.

1

), the firearm casing can either be removably connected along the lower longitudinal edge or, as in the preferred embodiment, it can be permanently connected by being sewn or glued, thus providing for a long, narrow sleeve portion within which the barrel of the firearm

250

is inserted until the end of the barrel is at or near the terminal aperture

210

of the firearm casing

10

. To disassemble and remove the firearm casing

10

from the firearm

250

, the various fastening means

160

,

130

are merely disconnected and the firearm casing

10

is slipped off the firearm

250

at which time it can easily be folded and washed, or placed into a storage pouch or pocket until needed again.

FIGS. 8 and 9

are perspective views of a second embodiment of the firearm casing

10

having only an upper flap

50

.

FIG. 8

shows the upper flap

50

in the closed position and

FIG. 9

shows the upper flap

50

in a partially opened position and illustrating how the upper flap

50

is used when shell casings

330

are being discharged from the firearm

250

. This embodiment of the present invention is similar to the first embodiment but differs in the following ways: the firearm casing

10

is not as closely contoured to snugly encase the firearm

250

, but instead loosely surrounds the firearm

250

. This is important as it allows the same firearm casing

10

to be adapted to fit various types, sizes and shapes of firearms

250

. Also, in this embodiment there is not an aperture through which the knob

350

can protrude.

FIG. 9

shows the upper flap

50

shielding the top portion of the firearm

250

as the shell casings

330

are discharged from the firearm

250

. In this position, the upper flap

50

can protect the user from being struck by the shell casings

330

and also help to maintain the shell casings

330

for easy retrieval. This position also allows the firearm

250

to be operated in inclement weather such as rain or snow without being completely exposed to the elements. This firearm casing

10

, as well as the other embodiments hereof, can also be used in conjunction with an ammunition pouch

340

. A fastening means

160

is located along the lower longitudinal edge

270

to allow the firearm to be accessed from below and to allow the firearm to be placed within and removed from the firearm casing

10

. Also, there is a fastening means located at the terminal aperture

210

which can be fastened to prevent foreign objects such as dirt and debris from entering the barrel of the firearm

250

.

FIGS. 10 and 11

are both perspective views showing a third embodiment of the firearm casing

10

having both an upper flap

50

and a lower flap

60

shown in various positions.

FIG. 10

shows the firearm casing

10

with both the upper flap

50

and the lower flap

60

in open positions.

FIG. 11

shows the firearm casing

10

with both the upper flap

50

and the lower flap

60

in closed positions covering the firearm

250

. This embodiment of the firearm casing has an end flap

110

at the rear portion

40

of the body

20

that wraps around the butt end of the stock end of the firearm

250

. It also has a stock flap

100

that wraps around the lower end of the stock end of the firearm

250

. As in other embodiments, the strap attachment devices

80

are allowed to protrude out through the firearm casing

10

, hence allowing a strap

70

(not shown) to be attached to the firearm

250

for easy transportation. Also, a trim

180

finishes off the various edges of the firearm casing

10

. At the front portion

30

of the body

20

of the firearm casing

10

, there is a series of bands

190

, preferably made of elastic or drawstrings, leading up to and at the terminal aperture

210

. These bands

190

help to hold the firearm casing

10

close to the barrel of the firearm

250

and prevent it from sliding around while on the firearm

250

. Also in this embodiment, the knob

350

protrudes out through the firearm casing

10

thus allowing the user to access the knob

350

without having to remove the entire firearm casing

10

. The lower flap

60

has at least two fastening means

160

located on the outside thereof. Such fastening means are attached to both the upper and lower flaps

50

,

60

by stitching

161

which shows through on the opposite side of the flaps

50

,

60

than the fastening means

160

is actually located. The upper flap

50

also has at least two fastening means

160

located on the inside portion thereof. When the lower flap

60

is wrapped around the middle of the firearm

250

, the fastening means

160

are then exposed to the outside of the firearm casing

10

. As the upper flap

50

is wrapped around the middle of the firearm

250

, the fastening means

160

located on the inside of the upper flap

50

then mating connects with the fastening means

160

located on the outside of the lower flap

60

securing both flaps

50

,

60

tightly and in place. The upper flap

50

also has at least one fastening means

160

located on the outside portion so that if the user desires, the upper flap

50

can be folded or rolled up and fastened to itself with in a similar manner as described above with regard to the first embodiment of the present invention. The lower flap

60

also has at least one fastening means located on the outside portion so as to enable the lower flap

60

to be folded or rolled up in a similar manner and held tightly in place.

FIG. 12

is a rear elevation view of the firearm casing

10

showing both the upper flap

50

and the lower flap

60

in closed positions. The firearm casing

10

of

FIG. 12

has at least two fastening means

160

located within the middle portion

34

of the body

20

in alignment with the upper and lower flaps

50

,

60

. These fastening means

160

are also used to attach either or both the upper flap

50

and the lower flap

60

when they are in the open position by rolling or folding the flaps

50

,

60

and removably, matingly attaching them to the fastening means

160

on the back side of the firearm casing

10

.

The firearm casing

10

described herein and illustrated in the drawings is subject to other advantages and modifications that may be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the invention is to be limited only by the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.