Abstract: A camouflage cover for equipping an outdoor enclosure with three-dimensional nature effects includes a plurality of elongated nature-effect strands that drape over the enclosure in a substantially vertical arrangement. The vine-like nature-effect strands help conceal hard lines and corners of the enclosure structure. The cover may include adjustment straps that allow a single cover to adapt to a number of enclosure structures. The adjustment straps, where used, may include interwoven cords and cord locks for adjusting tension of the straps. The nature-effect strands may have different camouflage patterns so that an enclosure can have an appropriate camouflage scheme no matter what season or environment. Tiebacks may optionally be used to permit horizontal adjustment of the nature-effect strands, in order to prevent allow free access to windows and doorways. Auxiliary loops may also be provided to allow attachment of additional nature effects by a user.

Abstract: A reinforced archery arrow shaft includes a tubular core, with an attached two-part sleeve either covering the core, or disposed inside the core as a liner. The core may include carbon therein. The sleeve includes at least one higher-density front section formed from a fabric material, which is wrapped around and affixed to the core. The sleeve also includes a lower-density rear section wrapped around and affixed to the core behind the front section. The sleeve fabric may have a decorative design or pattern on the exterior surface thereof. The higher density of the front section provides front-of-center weight distribution in the finished arrow shaft. Optionally, accessories may be attached to the arrow shaft to form an arrow.

Abstract: A concealment system includes one or more independently positionable masking panels. Each of the panels is independently supported by a hub and strut frame, and employs various interchangeable camouflage sheet materials. A polygonal perimeter strip has strut-engaging pockets thereon with a pocket located at each corner of the panel, and structure for mounting a masking panel thereon. Dual ball mount are attached to a platform and to a base portion of the frame hub, respectively. A positioning arm, having independently adjustable socket clamps, extends between the two ball mount to support the panel frame. An improved hub design eliminates guide channels therein, and employs cabling to attach the struts. The positioning arm has a single span with socket clamps permanently attached to each end so that each clamp can be independently adjusted.

Abstract: A portable outdoor enclosure includes a support frame and a three dimensional camouflage cover having a bi-layer construction that provides a high degree of unidirectional visibility. The cover includes an outer layer and an inner layer, the outer layer comprising a plurality of partial cutouts, the cutouts formed with a curvilinear incision pattern which are partially separable from the inner layer, the outer layer is attached to the inner layer at a plurality of spaced locations, and wherein the exterior-facing surfaces of both the outer layer and the inner layer are printed in a camouflage pattern and coloration. The inner layer of the cover includes a mesh upper portion permitting a high degree of outward visibility therethrough over a 360 degree horizontal visual field, and an opaque lower portion.

Abstract: A reinforced archery arrow shaft includes a tubular core, with an attached two-part sleeve either covering the core, or disposed inside the core as a liner. The core may include carbon therein. The sleeve includes at least one higher-density front section formed from a fabric material, which is wrapped around and affixed to the core. The sleeve also includes a lower-density rear section wrapped around and affixed to the core behind the front section. The sleeve fabric may have a decorative design or pattern on the exterior surface thereof. The higher density of the front section provides front-of-center weight distribution in the finished arrow shaft. Optionally, accessories may be attached to the arrow shaft to form an arrow.

Abstract: A portable ice fishing enclosure includes a flexible covering cooperatively engaged with a frame, and secured to an ice surface using a plurality of threaded anchor stakes. The frame may include a plurality of sub-frames, each of which includes a central hub and a plurality of semi-rigid poles extending radially outwardly from the central hub. The lower edge of the covering includes a skirt portion having reinforced through holes at outer edges thereof, which receive the anchor stakes therein. Ends of the skirt portions extend beyond the edges of side walls of the covering, so that the skirt portion ends may be placed in an aligned overlapping configuration. A kit is described for providing components of the enclosure, and a method of assembling the enclosure is described. The portable ice fishing enclosure is lightweight, easily assembled and disassembled, and constructed to withstand, and provide protection from, the harsh winter environment.

Abstract: A portable concealment apparatus for providing outdoor camouflage cover to a user thereof includes a flexible fabric panel member and a plurality of support members operatively attached to the fabric panel member. Each of said support members includes a hollow lower tube, a connector attached to a top portion of the lower tube, and an upper pole that passes through the connector and fits slidably and telescopically within the lower tube. The upper pole is independently adjustable by a user relative to the lower tube for each support member, so that in an installed configuration of the apparatus, the effective height of the panel member is independently adjustable at each support member.

Abstract: A stretchable protective cover for footwear, formed from a natural rubber or elastomeric material. Small particles of activated carbon are interspersed in the material making up the cover, in order to suppress the scent of a wearer. The footwear cover may have a textured bottom surface to resist slippage. The cover is configured to completely cover and surround at least a portion of the footwear below the ankle area thereof.

Abstract: A concealment system includes one or more independently positionable masking panels. Each of the panels is independently supported by a hub and strut frame, and employs various interchangeable camouflage sheet materials. A polygonal perimeter strip has strut-engaging pockets thereon with a pocket located at each corner of the panel, and structure for mounting a masking panel thereon. Dual ball mount are attached to a platform and to a base portion of the frame hub, respectively. A positioning arm, having independently adjustable socket clamps, extends between the two ball mount to support the panel frame. An improved hub design eliminates guide channels therein, and employs cabling to attach the struts. The positioning arm has a single span with socket clamps permanently attached to each end so that each clamp can be independently adjusted.

Abstract: In a method of making an arrow shaft, a fabric section is placed around a hollow tubular core, and is affixed thereto. The core may include carbon therein. An adhesive or protective composition, associated with the fabric, is cured to adhere the fabric to the core. The adhesive may be impregnated into the fabric prior to its placement on the core, or may be applied to the fabric by methods such as spraying, dipping, brushing, or powder coating. The shaft may be treated to make the exterior surface smooth after curing. A reinforced archery arrow shaft made by the method includes a tubular core and an attached fabric sleeve covering the core. The fabric is wrapped around and affixed to the core. The sleeve fabric may have a decorative design or pattern on the exterior surface thereof. Optionally, accessories may be attached to the arrow shaft to form an arrow.

Abstract: A portable and concealable chair and backpack apparatus includes a frame, a frame cover, a backpack attached to the frame cover, a seat, and a concealment cover. The apparatus also includes shoulder straps attached to the frame cover for use in transporting the apparatus. The concealment cover includes a cover frame and a cover supported by the cover frame so as to substantially surround and cover a user seated on the seat. The cover frame includes a plurality of support ribs which support the cover even in strong wind conditions. The number and shape of ribs used will vary the shape and volume of the enclosed area. The cover is formed of 3-D camouflage and includes at least one opening for unobstructed viewing and shooting therethrough.

Abstract: A foldable chair that includes shoulder straps for transporting the chair, pockets of various sizes and shapes for storage of hunting gear and a thick seat cushion for improved comfort is disclosed. The seat cushion is made of thick, dense foam for improved comfort and includes a strap on the bottom edge to attach the seat cushion to the backpack when the cushion is not being used as a seat. The present invention further includes a pivotable frame capable of forming an angled structure when self-support is desired and capable of pivoting into a flat frame for resting against a tree or other vertical support when desired. The invention also includes a cover, mesh or otherwise, surrounding the frame that acts as a back support while the chair is in-use.

Abstract: A portable outdoor enclosure includes a support frame and a three dimensional camouflage cover having a bi-layer construction that provides a high degree of unidirectional visibility. The cover includes an outer layer and an inner layer, the outer layer comprising a plurality of partial cutouts, the cutouts formed with a curvilinear incision pattern which are partially separable from the inner layer, the outer layer is attached to the inner layer at a plurality of spaced locations, and wherein the exterior-facing surfaces of both the outer layer and the inner layer are printed in a camouflage pattern and coloration. The inner layer of the cover includes a mesh upper portion permitting a high degree of outward visibility therethrough over a 360 degree horizontal visual field, and an opaque lower portion.

Abstract: A leveling apparatus, for use with a tree stand, allows a user to angularly adjust a position of the tree stand on an inclined tree, to bring platforms of the tree stand into a horizontal orientation. The apparatus includes a fork member having a shaft portion with a threaded bore formed therein and a working end opposite the shaft portion. The working end of the fork member has a toothed structure for contacting a tree trunk. The apparatus also includes a mounting member including a sleeve having an open end which slidably receives the shaft portion of the fork member therein. The apparatus also includes a mechanism for moving the fork member in relation to the sleeve member, to facilitate leveling of a tree stand attached to the mounting member. A tree stand incorporating the leveling apparatus, and a method of using the apparatus are also described.

Abstract: A portable hunting blind includes side walls having door and window openings formed therein. The hunting blind provides at least one magnetic member to enable a user to releasably fasten window or door covers to the side walls of the blind in a substantially noiseless manner. Noiseless fastening of a cover over an opening is accomplished by providing a magnetic member at a peripheral edge of the cover, and providing the periphery of the opening with a cooperating material such as a second magnetic strip or a metallic strip. When the edge of the cover is placed adjacent to the periphery of the opening, the magnetic member is releasably secured to the cooperating material within the periphery of the opening by the magnetic attraction of the two components. Quiet opening of the closed cover is also made possible by the magnetic connection between the components.

Abstract: A convertible dual use bag is usable as a carrying member for a folded portable enclosure. When the enclosure is opened and set up, the bag may be opened up flat, and used as a floor. The bag includes a large multi-layered fabric sheet. The outer face of the sheet is provided with binding straps and carrying straps, for use when the bag is used as a carrying member. The inner surface of the sheet is free from straps and fasteners, and may be used as the upward facing floor surface. In its first use mode, the bag is used to enclose a collapsed portable enclosure such as a tent or ice shanty, including struts or frame sections and a fabric shell. The binding straps may be used to house and surround the components of the enclosure, so that these components are securely stowed within the bag. The dual use bag also includes carrying straps which permit the bag to be carried by the user.