Not applicable.
Not applicable.
It is well known that some animals have keen vision and can recognize a human being at a distance, even when the human is wearing camouflaged clothing. Also, some human beings who are trained in the art of warfare can often detect at a distance the outlines of another human being wearing camouflaged clothing. As a consequence, many hunters, photographers and soldiers prefer to use hunting blinds and avoid reliance solely on the use of camouflage outfits.
A hunting blind is an erected structure or placement constructed on location to conceal one or two people from view. It is covered with natural materials or natural-looking artificial material that allow it to blend into the surroundings. Only small openings in the blind permit the occupants to peer out in search of suitable targets.
While a hunting blind may be preferred for better concealment, it does have a significant drawback, namely, it is not portable like camouflaged clothing. Although some blinds may be taken down and reconstructed elsewhere, others are constructed in part by excavation of a portion of the terrain and inevitably must remain in place. Camouflaged clothing, on the other hand, goes with the wearer.
Thus there remains a need for a way to camouflage a hunter or a sniper that has the advantages of the greater concealment provided by a conventional hunting blind and the advantages of the easy portability of camouflaged clothing.
According to its major aspects and briefly recited, the present invention is a xe2x80x9cpersonalxe2x80x9d hunting blind, that is, it is a hunting blind dimensioned for one user and is carried on the shoulders of the user. The blind is generally in the form of an oversized poncho, oriented to hang more toward the front of the wearer, plus a head cover. The head cover doubles as a carry bag for the blind. The fabric of which the blind is made is camouflage fabric, and is most preferably fabric that includes simulated foliage and not merely a printed foliage pattern.
A feature of the present invention is that its dimensions are sufficiently generous so that it can be draped over the ground and adjacent surfaces when worn. The fact that it can be draped enables the user to conceal his shape. This feature avoids the possibility that the user will be detected by the animal or target from his shape. Even the head cover and sleeves are generous in dimensions so that they conceal the head and arms of the wearer.
Another feature of the present invention is that it is easily supported by the shoulders and head of the wearer so it can be moved when the user walks. It is thus fully portable, transportable, and reusable.
Still another feature of the present invention is the use of the head cover as a carry bag. This feature minimizes the amount of equipment that must be carried.
Another feature of the present invention is the pattern from which the personal hunting blind is made. The pattern reduces material waste and sewing operations.