Portable outdoor enclosure having windows with one-way mirror effect

Abstract

A collapsible and portable enclosure, for providing covering concealment to a user, includes one or more flexible plastic window panels which function as one-way mirrors during daylight hours. The enclosure includes a fabric cover having at least one side wall, and a support structure for supporting the fabric cover. The support structure may include a plurality of collapsible hub-and-strut assemblies. The fabric cover has at least one window opening formed through the side wall, and a flexible panel extending across the window opening. The flexible panel has a partially reflective exterior surface which partially reflects light and partially transmits light, allowing the flexible panel to effectively function as a one-way mirror. Optionally, the flexible panel may be removable and replaceable, allowing a hunter to shoot through the panel and to replace it later.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application claims priority under 35 USC § 119 based on U.S. provisional application No. 60 / 844,141, filed on Sep. 12, 2006. The entire subject matter of this priority document is herein incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to portable outdoor enclosures, such as hunting blinds. More particularly, the present invention relates to a portable outdoor enclosure having one or more windows, with a flexible panel serving as a one-way mirror in some or all of the windows. [0004] 2. Description of the Background Art [0005] When out in the field for moderate or long periods, hunters often spend time in hunting blinds to disguise themselves from game, and also to protect themselves from inclement weather. However, a problem arises because the hunting blind or shelter is an unnatural object, and its unusual shape and colors tend to make it stand out ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015] The fabric cover has at least one window opening formed through the side wall, and the enclosure also includes a flexible panel extending across the window opening. The flexible panel has a partially reflective exterior surface which partially reflects light and partially transmits light, allowing the flexible panel to effectively function as a one-way mirror.

[0017] Optionally, the flexible panel may be provided as part of a removable and replaceable modular unit, allowing a hunter to shoot through the panel and to conveniently replace it later.

Problems solved by technology

However, a problem arises because the hunting blind or shelter is an unnatural object, and its unusual shape and colors tend to make it stand out when viewed by wild game.

As a result, game generally avoids the blind or shelter, and the hunter's position is compromised.

Although the known devices have some utility for their intended purposes, a need still exists in the art for an improved hunting blind, which will tend to blend in to the surroundings, and thereby tend to escape notice by local animals, particularly game animals.

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