US011399535B2
`
`a2) United States Patent
`US 11,399,535 B2
`(0) Patent No.:
`*Aug. 2, 2022
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Seaton et al.
`
`(54)
`
`CAMOUFLAGE MATERIAL, FOR A
`HUNTING BLIND
`
`(71)
`
`(72)
`
`Applicant: RUGGED CROSS HUNTING
`BLINDS LLC, Tampa, FL (US)
`
`Inventors: Christopher M. Seaton, Tampa, FL
`(US); Timothy R. Seaton, Tampa, FL
`(US)
`
`(73)
`
`Assignee: RUGGED CROSS HUNTING
`BLINDS LLC, Tampa, FL (US)
`
`(*)
`
`Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`This patent is subject to a terminal dis-
`claimer.
`
`(21)
`
`Appl. No.: 17/345,981
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Jun. 11, 2021
`
`(65)
`
`(63)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2021/0298288 Al
`
`Sep. 30, 2021
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`Continuation of application No. 16/998,843, filed on
`Aug. 20, 2020, which is a continuation of application
`(Continued)
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`
`AOIM 31/02
`E04H 15/00
`
`(52)
`
`USS. Cl.
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(Continued)
`
`CPC ...... AOIM 31/025 (2013.01); EO4H 15/001
`(2013.01); EO4H 15/008 (2013.01);
`(Continued)
`Field of Classification Search
`CPC voce cceeescnerecescaeescnecensesseeeenaeaes F41H 3/02
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(58)
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4,308,882 A
`4,425,959 A
`
`1/1982 Pusch
`1/1984 Von Mosshaim
`
`(Continued)
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`JP
`WO
`
`09321485 A
`2017074394 Al
`
`* 12/1997
`5/2017
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`ECHODGraphics Vinyl Mesh Printing—Vinyl Mesh Banner 37%
`Air Flow (https://web.archive.org/web/201401 17130123/https://
`www.echodgraphics.com- /category | .asp?cid=101&iid=12103) (Year:
`2014).
`
`(Continued)
`
`Primary Examiner — David R Dunn
`Assistant Examiner — Danielle Jackson
`
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Robert L. Wolter;
`Wolter, Van Dyke, Davis, PLLC
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`is presented for a hunting blind with a
`Mesh material
`camouflage pattern printed on a first side and a secondside
`with a color coating. The mesh material is partially trans-
`missive such that a portion of incident radiation from an
`exterior of the hunting blind is reflected back into the
`exterior, a portion of incident radiation from an interior of
`the hunting blind is transmitted through the mesh materialto
`the exterior and an intensity ratio of the reflected portion to
`the transmitted portion during daylight conditions is above
`a threshold value such that the exterior of the hunting blind
`is visible from the interior and the interior of the hunting
`blind is not visible from an exterior of the hunting blind. A
`hunting blind is also provided that includes a frame includ-
`ing frame members and panels of the mesh material attached
`to the frame members.
`
`19 Claims, 8 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
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`Page 1 of 16
`Page 1 of 16
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`US 11,399,535 B2
`Page 2
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`No. 15/444,909, filed on Feb. 28, 2017, now Pat. No.
`10,765,108.
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 62/301,007,filed on Feb.
`29, 2016.
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`EO4H 15/34
`F41H 3/02
`EO4H 15/54
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`CPC wees E04H 15/34 (2013.01); EO4H 15/54
`(2013.01); F41H 3/02 (2013.01)
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
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`4,443,516 A
`5,261,978 A
`5,565,265 A
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`6,009,673 A
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`6,942,065 Bl
`7,040,333 Bl
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`7,427,433 B2
`7,565,909 B2
`
`4/1984 Rogers
`11/1993 Reynolds
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`12/1999 Nagata
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`9/2005 Price
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`
`7,568,492 Bl
`9,163,451 Bl
`2003/0096546 Al
`2003/0207629 Al
`2005/0048230 Al
`2007/0006909 Al
`2008/0005987 Al*
`
`2008/0006375 Al*
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`2008/0083443 Al
`2009/0277094 Al
`2010/0031423 Al
`2010/0232029 Al
`2012/0128890 Al
`2017/0156340 Al
`2017/0245491 Al
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`8/2009 Helmer
`10/2015 Curry
`5/2003 Strength et al.
`11/2003 Sobieski et al.
`3/2005 Dalveyet al.
`1/2007 Lewis
`1/2008 Meadows .........6.4. E06B 9/52
`52/311.1
`1/2008 Meadows ...........0. E06B 9/52
`160/371
`
`4/2008 Eastman
`11/2009 Ward
`2/2010 Cincotti et al.
`9/2010 Lewisetal.
`5/2012 Mirchev
`6/2017 Torekiet al.
`8/2017 Seaton et al.
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Akovali, Advances in Polymer Coated Textiles, 2012, Smithers
`Rapra Technology Ltd, UK.
`Singha, A Review on Coating & Lamination in Textiles: Processes
`and Applications, American Journal of Polymer Science, 2012,
`39-49, 2(3), Scientific & Academic Publishing Co., Rosemead, CA,
`USA.
`Chilton, Tensile structures—textiles for architecture and design,
`Textiles, Polymers and Composites for Buildings, Woodhead Pub-
`lishing Series in Textiles: No. 95, 2010, 229-257, Woodhead Pub-
`lishing Limited, UK.
`Saatifil Polyester Technical Data Sheet, SAATI S.p.A,Italy.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Page 2 of 16
`Page 2 of 16
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug
`
`2
`
`, 2022
`
`Sheet 1 of 8
`
`US 11
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`2
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`399,535 B2
`
`26
`
`FIG. 1A
`FIG. 1B
`
`Page 3 of 16
`Page 3 of 16
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`U.S. Patent
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`Aug.2, 2022
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`Sheet 2 of8
`
`US 11,399,535 B2
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`FIG. 1C
`
`
`~Tia qu“i
`
`eer“ 102
`
`-iila
`
`
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`Page 4 of 16
`Page 4 of 16
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`U.S. Patent
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`Aug. 2, 2022
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`Sheet 3 of 8
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`US 11,399,535 B2
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`Page 5 of 16
`Page 5 of 16
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`U.S. Patent
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`US 11,399,535 B2
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`Aug.2, 2022
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`Sheet 4 of8
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`FIG. 3A
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`Page 6 of 16
`Page 6 of 16
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`U.S. Patent
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`Aug.2, 2022
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`Sheet 5 of8
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`US 11,399,535 B2
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`U.S. Patent
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`Aug. 2, 2022
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`Sheet 6 of 8
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`US 11,399,535 B2
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`FG. 6
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`ISINBSETISGeSicisatst
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`relarsoS
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`pekerere
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`plolsici@alspaataineslolojolalcala{a}
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`U.S. Patent
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`Aug.2, 2022
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`Sheet 7 of8
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`US 11,399,535 B2
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`U.S. Patent
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`US 11,399,535 B2
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`Aug. 2, 2022
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`Sheet 8 of 8
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`US 11,399,535 B2
`
`1
`CAMOUFLAGE MATERIAL, FOR A
`HUNTING BLIND
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Hunting blinds are used to conceal a hunter’s location as
`game approaches. Although conventional hunting blinds
`have been developed,
`they have several drawbacks. For
`example, conventional hunting blinds have limited structural
`integrity and thus are not capable of withstanding elements
`of the outdoors. Additionally, conventional hunting blinds
`feature structures with closed panels that provide limited
`ventilation. Thus, these hunting blinds have limited use in
`high humidity hunting climates.
`
`15
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`2
`FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a hollow extruded
`aluminum memberused to form the frame of the hunting
`blind of FIG. 2;
`FIG.4 is a view of an interconnection between extruded
`
`members and mesh material in the hunting blind of FIG.2;
`FIG. 5 is a back view of the hunting blind of FIG.2;
`FIG.6 is a perspective front view of the hunting blind of
`FIG. 2 with an open bow window;
`FIG.7 is a perspective back view of the hunting blind of
`FIG.2;
`FIG.8 is a view of an exterior of the hunting blind through
`mesh material from an interior of the hunting blind of FIG.
`2; and
`FIG.9 is a side view of a hunting blind in accordance with
`aspects of embodiments of the invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`In one embodiment of the invention, mesh material of
`interwoven fabric is provided for a hunting blind including
`a camouflage pattern printed on a first side and a secondside
`with a dark color coating, the second side opposite to the first
`side. The mesh material is partially transmissive such that a
`portion of incident radiation from an exterior of the hunting
`blind is reflected off the camouflage pattern on the first side
`back into the exterior, a portion of incident radiation from an
`interior of the hunting blind is transmitted through the mesh
`material to the exterior and wherein a ratio of an intensity of
`the reflected portion to an intensity of the transmitted portion
`during daylight conditions is above a threshold value such
`that the exterior of the hunting blind is visible through the
`mesh material from the interior of the hunting blind and the
`interior of the hunting blind is not visible through the mesh
`material
`from the exterior of the hunting blind during
`daylight conditions.
`In another embodiment of the invention, a hunting blind
`is provided including a frame with a plurality of frame
`members and panels of mesh material attached to the frame
`members that cover an area between the frame members to
`
`A more particular description of the invention briefly
`described above will be rendered by reference to specific
`embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended
`drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only
`typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore
`to be consideredto be limiting of its scope, the invention will
`be described and explained.
`invention designed an
`The inventors of the present
`improved hunting blind that overcomes the above noted
`drawbacks of conventional hunting blinds. In one example,
`the inventors of the present invention recognized that con-
`ventional hunting blinds have limited structural integrity and
`thus are not capable of withstanding elements of the out-
`doors. To overcome this noted drawback, the inventors of
`the present invention designed a hunting blind with a frame
`that features interconnected extruded aluminum members
`
`35
`
`40
`
`that provide structural integrity to withstand elements of the
`outdoors. While some embodiments of the present invention
`disclose a hunting blind with a frame includingrigid inter-
`connected members, the present invention is not limited to
`define an interior of the hunting blind.
`In another embodiment of the invention, a mesh material
`this arrangement and also features a hunting blind with a
`frame including flexible
`frame members.
`In another
`is provided that is capable of being secured to a frame of a
`hunting blind. The mesh material includes a camouflage
`example, the inventors of the present invention recognized
`45
`
`pattern printed onafirst side of the mesh material that faces that conventional hunting blinds are formed with closed
`an exterior of the hunting blind and a single color coating on
`panels that provide limited ventilation and thus have limited
`a second side of the mesh material that faces an interior of
`use in high humidity hunting climates. To overcome this
`noted drawback,
`the inventors of the present
`invention
`designed a hunting blind with panels of mesh material that
`simultaneously provide ventilation to an interior of the
`hunting blind and camouflage the interior of the hunting
`blind.
`
`the hunting blind.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`50
`
`FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a first side of mesh
`material in accordance with aspects of embodiments of the
`invention;
`FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a second side of mesh
`material of FIG. 1A;
`FIG. 1C is a side cutaway view of the hunting blind of
`FIG. 2 depicting a ray diagram of light incident on the
`hunting blind from an interior of the hunting blind;
`FIG. 1D is a side cutaway view of the hunting blind of
`FIG. 2 depicting a ray diagram of light incident on the
`hunting blind from an exterior of the hunting blind;
`FIG.2 is a side view of a hunting blind in accordance with
`aspects of embodiments of the invention;
`FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an open back extruded
`aluminum memberused to form a frame of the hunting blind
`of FIG. 2;
`Page 11 of 16
`Page 11 of 16
`
`55
`
`In selecting an appropriate mesh material to form the
`improved hunting blind, the inventors of the present inven-
`tion recognized that conventional mesh material used in
`connection with hunting has notable drawbacks. For
`example, the inventors recognized that such conventional
`mesh material easily catches and tears on branches as an
`individual wearing the mesh material moves through dense
`woods. In another example, the inventors recognized that
`such conventional mesh material
`is relatively light and
`transparent and thus would not effectively camouflage the
`interior of the hunting blind. To overcome these noted
`drawbacks, the inventors of the present invention selected a
`mesh material that is heavier and/or more durable than the
`conventional mesh material used in connection with hunt-
`
`ing. This mesh material advantageously provides an effec-
`DBR Finance, Inc., Ex. 1001
`DBR Finance, Inc., Ex. 1001
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`US 11,399,535 B2
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`3
`tive camouflage to the interior of the hunting blind and is
`more durable thereby extending a projected lifetime of the
`hunting blind.
`Although some embodiments of the present invention
`discuss the use of mesh material in the context of hunting
`blinds, the present invention is not limited to this context and
`includes all uses of camouflage material in the context of
`hunting. In other embodiments,
`the camouflage material
`(e.g. mesh material 26) can be used to form a ground blind
`or stake out blind that is mounted in the ground to conceal
`an individual positioned behind the blind. In still other
`embodiments, the camouflage material can be used to form
`windowsortree sand skirts. For purposes of this invention,
`“camouflage material” means material that is used to cover
`people, equipment and/or installations, such as the hunting
`blinds discussed herein, to make them blend in with their
`surroundings.
`FIG. 1A is a perspective view ofa first side 27 of mesh
`material 26 in accordance with aspects of embodiments of
`the invention. FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a second side
`31 of mesh material 26 of FIG. 1A that is opposite to the first
`side 27. Panels of mesh material 26 are used to form an
`improved hunting blind, as discussed below. As shown in
`FIG. 1A,the first side 27 of the mesh material 26 features a
`camouflage pattern 29. In an example embodiment,
`the
`camouflage pattern 29 is based on an exterior environment
`where the hunting blind will be positioned.
`In an example embodiment, the camouflage pattern 29 is
`based on a photograph of the exterior environment of the
`hunting blind, and the camouflage pattern 29 can be printed
`on the first side 27 using ink. As shown in FIG. 1B, the
`second side 31 of the mesh material 26 includes a dark color
`coating, such as dark colored ink 33. However, in other
`embodiments, any color coating, such as any colored ink can
`be coated on the second side 31, including white colored
`coating, blue colored coating, red colored coating, yellow
`colored coating, green colored coating, orange colored coat-
`ing and purple colored coating. In some embodiments, an
`exterior surface of the second side 31 is coated with the dark
`colored ink 33. In other embodiments, dark colored mesh
`material 26 is used and thus the secondside 31 does not need
`to be coated with dark colored ink 33. In this embodiment,
`only the first side 27 of the mesh material 26 needs to be
`printed with the camouflage pattern 29. In some embodi-
`ments, for purposes of this description, “dark colored ink”
`meansa colored ink that absorbs a substantial portion of
`incident visible light. In an example embodiment, the dark
`colored ink absorbs 50% or more of incidentvisible light. In
`another example embodiment, the dark colored ink absorbs
`80% or more of incidentvisible light, for example. In other
`embodiments, for purposesofthis description, “dark colored
`ink” meansoneor more of black colored ink, brown colored
`ink, grey colored ink, dark black colored ink, dark brown
`colored ink, dark grey colored ink, light brown colored ink,
`light grey colored ink, dark red colored ink, dark green
`colored ink, dark blue colored ink, dark purple colored ink,
`dark orange colored ink, dark yellow colored ink, or any
`combination thereof. In still other embodiments, “dark col-
`ored ink” means one or more color coded inks provided by
`ink manufacturers, as discussed below.
`In an example embodiment, panels of the mesh material
`26 are oriented on the hunting blind such thatthe first side
`27 is directed toward the exterior of the hunting blind and
`the second side 31 is directed toward the interior of the
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`40
`
`45
`
`55
`
`60
`
`hunting blind. During daylight conditions, the exterior of the
`hunting blindis visible from the interior of the hunting blind,
`but the interior of the hunting blind is not visible from the
`Page 12 of 16
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`4
`exterior of the hunting blind. FIG. 1C is a side cutaway view
`of the hunting blind 10 of FIG. 2 depicting a ray diagram of
`visible light incident on the hunting blind 10 from an interior
`50 of the hunting blind 10. A hunter 102 is positioned in the
`interior 50 of the hunting blind 10 and game104 (e.g. deer)
`is positioned in an exterior 48 of the hunting blind 10. In
`some embodiments,
`the hunting blind 10 is used during
`daylight conditions, when the sun 106 emits radiation 116.
`The hunter 102, game 104 and sun 106 are not part of the
`hunting blind 10. As depicted in FIG. 1C, incident radiation
`110a from the hunter 102 is incident on the second side 31
`of the mesh material 26. A first portion 111a of the incident
`radiation 110a is absorbed by the coating of the second side
`31. In some embodiments, the dark colored ink of the second
`side 31 is selected to maximize the absorbed portion 111a of
`the incident radiation 110a. In other embodiments, an inten-
`sity ratio of the absorbed portion 11la to the incident
`radiation 110a for the second side 31 is greater than an
`intensity ratio of the absorbed portion 1114 to the incident
`radiation 1108 for thefirst side 27. A second portion 112a of
`the incidentradiation 110ais reflected off the second side 31
`
`back into the hunting blind interior 50. A third portion 114a
`of the incident radiation 110a@ is transmitted through the
`mesh material 26 to the game 104. As further depicted in
`FIG. 1C, radiation 116 from the sun 106 is incident on the
`camouflage pattern 29 on the first side 27 of the mesh
`material 26. A portion 118 of the incident radiation 116 is
`reflected off the camouflage pattern 29 to the game 104. In
`some embodiments, an intensity ofthe reflected portion 118
`of light from the camouflage pattern 29 is much greater than
`an intensity of the transmitted portion 114oflight from the
`interior 50 (e.g. hunter 102). Since the intensity of the light
`from the camouflage pattern 29 is much greater than the
`intensity of the light from the interior 50 (e.g. hunter 102),
`the interior 50 of the hunting blind 10 is not visible from the
`exterior 48 of the hunting blind 10. For purposes of this
`description, “much greater” is based on the threshold value
`of the intensity ratio discussed below. Instead, the camou-
`flage pattern 29 is visible from the exterior 48 and conceals
`the interior 50 of the hunting blind 10.
`In an example
`embodiment, the radiation discussed aboveis in one or more
`regions of the visible portion (e.g. 400-700 nm) of the
`optical spectrum that overlaps with a detection spectrum of
`game 104. In other embodiments, the radiation discussed
`aboveis in a detection spectrum of game 104, including one
`or more regions ofthe visible portion and ultra-violet (UV)
`portions of the spectrum. In one embodiment, the camou-
`flage pattern 29 on the first side 27 and colored coating on
`the second side 31 are selected such that a ratio of the
`
`intensity of the reflected portion 118 to the intensity of the
`transmitted portion 114a@ during daylight conditions is more
`than a threshold value suchthat the interior 50 of the hunting
`blind 10 is not visible from the exterior 48 of the hunting
`blind 10. In one embodiment, the threshold value is 1. In
`other embodiments, the threshold value is 2. In still other
`embodiments, the threshold valueis 5. In still other embodi-
`ments, the threshold value is 10. In still other embodiments,
`the threshold value is 100.
`FIG. 1D is a side cutaway view ofthe hunting blind 10 of
`FIG. 2 depicting a ray diagram of visible light incident on
`the hunting blind 10 from the exterior 48 of the hunting blind
`10. As depicted in FIG. 1D,incident radiation 1106 from the
`game 104 is incidentonthefirst side 27 of the mesh material
`26. A first portion 1115 of the incident radiation 1105 is
`absorbed by the camouflage pattern 29 on the first side 27.
`A second portion 1125 of the incident radiation 1106 is
`reflected off the first side 27 back to the exterior 48. A third
`
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`US 11,399,535 B2
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`5
`portion 1146 of the incident radiation 1105 is transmitted
`through the mesh material 26 to the interior 50 (e.g. hunter
`102). As further depicted in FIG. 1D, radiation 115 from an
`object 122 (e.g. tree) in the exterior 48 is incident on the
`camouflage pattern 29 on the first side 27 of the mesh
`material 26. A portion 120 of the incident radiation 115 is
`transmitted through the mesh material 26 to the interior 50
`(e.g. hunter 102). In some embodiments, an intensity of the
`transmitted portion 1145 of light from the game 104 is
`approximately equal to an intensity of the transmitted por-
`tion 120 from the object 122. For purposes of this descrip-
`tion, “approximately equal” is based on a range ofintensity
`ratio, as discussed below. Since the intensity of the light
`from the game 104 is approximately equalto the intensity of
`the light from the object 122, the exterior 48 of the hunting
`blind 10 is visible from the interior 50 of the hunting blind
`10. In an example embodiment, distinct forms (e.g. game
`104, object 122, etc.) in the exterior 48 are visibly distin-
`guishable, as viewed from the interior 50 of the hunting
`blind 10. In this embodiment, the hunter 102 can visibly
`distinguish the game 104 from otherparts of the exterior 48
`(e.g. object 122) since the intensity of the light from the
`game 104 is approximately equal to the intensity of light
`from other parts of the exterior 48 (e.g. object 122). In one
`embodiment, the camouflage pattern 29 on the first side 27
`and colored coating on the secondside 31 are selected such
`that a ratio of the intensity of the transmitted portion 1146 to
`the intensity of the transmitted portion 120 during daylight
`conditions is approximately equal to 1. In other embodi-
`ments, the ratio is in a range from 0.9-1.1. In still other
`embodiments, the ratio is in a range from 0.8-1.2. In still
`other embodiments, the ratio is in a range from 0.5-2. Instill
`other embodiments, the ratio is in a range from 0.2-5. Instill
`other embodiments, the ratio is in a range from 0.1-10.
`Different types of ink and printing techniques can be used
`to print the camouflage pattern 29 on thefirst side 27 and the
`dark colored ink 33 on the second side 31. Each ink includes
`a colorant (e.g. dye or pigment) and a carrier liquid (e.g.
`solvent). A defining quality of each ink is the process used
`to adhere the colorant to the mesh material 26.
`
`In some embodiments, a solvent based ink is used to print
`the camouflage pattern 29 on the first side 27 and the dark
`colored ink 33 on the second side 31. Solvent ink refers to
`
`an oil-based solution that holds a colorant (e.g. pigment),
`and is advantageously fade-resistant, waterproof andresis-
`tant to abrasion. During a printing process of the solvent-
`based ink,
`the solvent
`ink (i.e. colorant and solvent) is
`printed on the mesh material 26, after which the solvent
`evaporates or is flashed off with heaters on the printer,
`leaving the colorant behind. In an embodiment, the solvent
`based ink resists fading for five to seven years. In one
`embodiment, a region where the printing is performed is
`vented to exhaust volatile organic compounds (VOC) that
`are present during the solvent printing process.
`In other embodiments, an eco-solvent based ink is used to
`print the camouflage pattern 29 on the first side 27 and the
`dark colored ink 33 on the second side 31. In an example
`embodiment, eco solvent ink is used that is sold under the
`ECO SOL MAX® brand name. Eco-solvent ink is made
`
`using ether extracts taken from refined mineral oil. The
`eco-solvent ink printing process is similar to solvent ink
`printing, with the exception that eco-solvent ink takes longer
`to dry and venting is not required since VOCare not present
`during the printing process. The eco-solvent ink can be
`removed by alcohol and glass cleaner and accordingly, the
`durability of eco-solvent
`ink is reduced as compared to
`solvent ink. In some embodiments, eco-solvent ink resists
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`6
`fading for two to three years, which is reduced from the
`period of solvent ink. In an embodiment, manufacturers
`offer eco-solvent inks in various color sets. In an example
`embodiment, manufacturers offer color coded inks using
`letters, including cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), black
`(K), light cyan (LC), light magenta (LM), light black (LK),
`white, silver and metallic. In an example embodiment, one
`or more of the black (K),
`light black (LK), silver and
`metallic colored inks can be used to print the dark colored
`ink 33 on the second side 31.
`
`In other embodiments, a latex based ink is used to print
`the camouflage pattern 29 on the first side 27 and the dark
`colored ink 33 on the second side 31. Latex ink is a
`pigmented, water-based ink that uses an aqueous-dispersed
`polymer. As with the eco-solvent based ink,there is no VOC
`and accordingly, no venting is required during the latex ink
`printing process. In one embodiment, the camouflage pattern
`29 on the first side 27 and dark colored ink 33 on the second
`side 31 comes out of the printer completely cured. In some
`embodiments, radiant heaters with airflow are incorporated
`into the printer to evaporate the latex ink liquid, which
`causes the latex polymer particles to coalesce, forming a
`polymer layer that adheres to the mesh material 26 and
`encapsulates the pigment. In other embodiments, the printer
`uses ceramic radiated plates for a constant and even heat
`source.
`
`In other embodiments, an ultra-violet (UV) based ink is
`used to print the camouflage pattern 29 on the first side 27
`and the dark colored ink 33 on the second side 31. UV based
`ink includes oligomer and monomer acrylate resins and
`photo initiators. During the printing process, after the ink is
`applied to the mesh material 26, the ink is exposed to UV
`radiation such that free radicals are released that cause the
`
`polymerization of the compoundto hardento a dry ink film.
`The pigmentis then encapsulated within this film. In some
`embodiments,
`the UV radiation is applied with a light
`emitting diode (LED) source (i.e. low-heat, long-life) or a
`mercury are lamp(i.e. higher heat, shorterlife). Unlike the
`solvent based ink, the UV based ink does not evaporate and
`instead is “cured” when the UV light system of the printer
`passes overhead. Due to a low viscosity of the UV based
`inks and since UV based inks do not penetrate the mesh
`material 26, the camouflage pattern 29 on the first side 27
`and dark colored ink 33 on the second side 31 can be
`advantageously printed using a reduced volume of UV based
`ink, as compared to solvent based ink.
`In some embodiments, the mesh material 26 is a mesh
`banner material, for example. In one embodiment, the mesh
`material 26 is made of polyester. In an example embodi-
`ment, the mesh material 26 is made of polyester material that
`is coated with a PVC (polyvinyl chloride) film or backing.
`In an example embodiment, the mesh material 26 is a vinyl
`coated polyester made of polyester scrim, a bonding or
`adhesive agent and an exterior PVC coating or backing. The
`scrim supports the coating and provides tensile strength,
`elongation, tear strength and dimensional stability of the
`resulting fabric. In some embodiments, vinyl-coated poly-
`ester is manufactured in large panels by heat-sealing an
`over-lap seam with either a radio-frequency welder or a
`hot-air sealer. In other embodiments, the mesh material 26 is
`made from a textile or cloth material
`that
`is a flexible
`material and includes a network of natural orartificial fibers
`(e.g. yarn or thread). In an example embodiment, the mesh
`material 26 is formed by yarn that is produced by spinning
`raw fibers of wool, flax, cotton or other material producing
`long strands. In other embodiments, the mesh material 26 is
`formed bytextiles that are formed by weaving, knitting,
`DBR Finance, Inc., Ex. 1001
`DBR Finance, Inc., Ex. 1001
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`US 11,399,535 B2
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`crocheting, knotting or felting. In still other embodiments, 20 securesafirst side of the panel 24 within a spline groove
`the mesh material 26 is formed using synthetic textile
`18 of a first extruded member 14, 16 and the spline 20
`material, including one or more of polyester, aramid fiber,
`further secures a second side of the panel 24 within a spline
`acrylic fiber, nylon, spandex, olefin fiber, ingeo, lurex and
`groove 18 of a second extruded member 14, 16, where the
`carbon fiber. In another embodiment, the mesh material 26
`first and second extruded members 14, 16 are interconnected
`features a PVC (polyvinyl chloride) backing. The PVC
`to form the frame 12. In further embodiments, the spline 20
`backing creates an air-tight print surface to prevent ink
`securesa third side of the panel 24 within a spline groove 18
`spraying through the mesh material 26 and helps to feed the
`ofa third extruded member14, 16 and the spline 20 secures
`mesh material 26 through the printer during the printing
`a fourth side of the panel 24 within a spline groove 18 of a
`fourth extruded member14, 16, wherethefirst, second, third
`process. The PVC backing is removed from the mesh
`and fourth extruded members 14, 16 are interconnected to
`material after printing, such as by peeling the PVC backing
`off the polyester material. In another example embodiment,
`form the frame 12. In other embodiments, a respective spline
`the mesh material 26 has a weight density of approximately
`20 is used to secure each side of the panel 24 within a
`8 ounce (oz) per square yard (yd?). In another example
`respective spline groove of the extruded member.
`embodiment, the mesh material 26 is a coated polyester
`FIG. 5 is a back view of the hunting blind 10 of FIG.2.
`scrim mesh banner material. In an example embodiment, the
`A roof 28 of the hunting blind 10 includes roof panels 30. In
`mesh material 26 allows airflow in a range of 30-40%, such
`an example embodiment, the roof panels 30 have a high-
`as 37%, for example, where airflow is defined as a ratio of
`density polystyrene core and are laminated on both sides by
`a velocity of outgoing air from the mesh material 26 to a
`stucco textured aluminum. In an example embodiment, the
`velocity of incident air onto the mesh material 26. In another
`roof panels 30 are 2" Elite® aluminum panels. Anchorbolts
`example embodiment, the mesh material 26 has a tensile
`60 are secured through an extruded member 14 andthe roof
`strength of approximately 160x160 pounds/inch and/or a
`panels 30 at each corner 62 of the hunting blind 10. In an
`tear strength of approximately 34x34 pounds/inch.
`In
`example embodiment, the anchorbolts 60 include a stainless
`another example embodiment, the mesh material 26 has a
`steel eyebolt that is attached with a pair of washers and a hex
`low temperature crack threshold of approximately -22
`nut. In an example embodiment, 3" bronze sheet screws (not
`degrees Fahrenheit (F). In another example embodiment, the
`shown) with neoprene washers are used to attach the roof
`mesh material 26 is fungus resistant and flame resistant,
`panels 30 to the extruded members 14 that extend around a
`NFPA701, title 19, CSFM, ASTM E84.
`perimeter of an undersurface of the roof panels 30.
`FIG.2 is a side view of a first side 32 of a hunting blind
`The hunting blind 10 includes one or more doors and
`windows. Each door and window includes one or more
`10 in accordance with aspects of embodiments of the
`invention. The hunting blind 10 includes a frame 12 with one
`or more frame members, such as aluminum extruded mem-
`bers 14, 16 that are interconnected together. In an example
`embodiment, the aluminum extruded member 14 is a 2"x2"
`closed hollow memberand the aluminum extruded member
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`16 is a 1"x2" open back member. FIG. 3A is a perspective
`view of an open back extruded aluminum member 16 that
`forms the frame 12 of the hunting blind 10 of FIG. 2. As
`shown in FIG. 3A,
`the extruded aluminum member 16
`includes one spline groove 18 to receive a spline, as dis-
`cussed below. FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a hollow
`extruded aluminum member 14 that forms the frame 12 of
`
`the hunting blind 10 of FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3B, the
`extruded aluminum member 14 includes a pair of spline
`grooves 18 to receive respective