Weather-resistant sleeve and mitt

Abstract

A protective sleeve for use with a firearm which protects a user's hands from the elements, especially at very cold temperatures. The sleeve fits over a firearm or other operable object and provides access to the controls, such as a firearm trigger, through a branch sleeve or mitt protrusion. The primary portion of the sleeve which fits over a firearm or other operable object may be uninsulated to prevent loss of sight-lines. The mitt protrusion or branch portion is insulated to protect the operator's hands when operating the firearm or other object. The sleeve may be secured to the object using straps, elastic bands, hook-and-loop closures, or by other suitable means.

1 . A wearable protective cover for a user holding an object, the protective cover comprising:
 a primary sleeve comprising a sidewall, a proximal end having a first sleeve opening, and a distal end having a second sleeve opening;   said primary sleeve adapted to receive at least a portion of the object;   a branch sleeve comprising a sidewall, a first branch opening, and a second branch opening, and wherein said branch sleeve second opening is affixed to said first sleeve side-wall;   said branch sleeve adapted to encompass a human hand;   wherein said object is a firearm including a stock, a muzzle, and a trigger section;   wherein said primary sleeve generally covers said rifle stock past said trigger section;   wherein said branch sleeve provides access to said trigger section; and   an adjustable strap adapted to secure said primary sleeve second sleeve opening around a rear end of said firearm stock.   
     
     
         2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . The wearable protective cover of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a plurality of pockets capable of storing firearm ammunition.   
     
     
         4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . The wearable protective cover of  claim 1 , wherein said primary sleeve first opening includes an elastic band capable of securing said protective cover against said firearm past said firearm trigger section. 
     
     
         6 . The wearable protective cover of  claim 1 , wherein said firearm is a rifle. 
     
     
         7 . The wearable protective cover of  claim 1 , wherein said firearm is a shotgun. 
     
     
         8 . The wearable protective cover of  claim 1 , wherein said protective cover is comprised of a thermally insulating material. 
     
     
         9 . The wearable protective cover of  claim 8 , wherein said branch sleeve includes a pocket adapted to receive a chemical heat packet. 
     
     
         10 . The wearable protective cover of  claim 8 , wherein said protective cover is further comprised of polychloroprene. 
     
     
         11 . The wearable protective cover of  claim 8 , wherein said primary sleeve is comprised of an insulated material, and said branch sleeve is comprised of said thermally insulating material. 
     
     
         12 . A wearable protective cover, for a user holding a firearm including a stock, a muzzle, and a trigger section, the protective cover comprising a thermally insulating material and further comprising:
 a primary sleeve comprising a sidewall, a proximal end having a first sleeve opening, and a distal end having a second sleeve opening;   wherein said primary sleeve generally covers said rifle stock past the trigger section;   a branch sleeve comprising a sidewall, a first branch opening, and a second branch opening, wherein said branch sleeve second opening is affixed to said first sleeve side-wall, and wherein said branch sleeve comprises an additional layer of insulation;   said branch sleeve adapted to encompass a human hand and provides access to said firearm trigger section;   a plurality of pockets capable of storing firearm ammunition;   an adjustable strap adapted to secure said primary sleeve second sleeve opening around a rear end of said firearm stock; and   wherein said branch sleeve includes a pocket adapted to receive a chemical heat packet.   
     
     
         13 . The wearable protective cover of  claim 12 , wherein said firearm is a rifle. 
     
     
         14 . The wearable protective cover of  claim 12 , wherein said firearm is a shotgun. 
     
     
         15 . The wearable protective cover of  claim 12 , wherein said protective cover is further comprised of polychloroprene. 
     
     
         16 . A method of protecting a user operating a firearm including a stock, a muzzle, and a trigger section, the method comprising the steps:
 providing a wearable protective cover including a primary sleeve adapted for receiving at least a portion of the firearm, and a branch sleeve adapted to receive a human hand and to provide access to said firearm trigger section;   providing an adjustable strap affixed to a first end of said primary sleeve;   placing the primary sleeve over the muzzle of said firearm;   sliding said primary sleeve into position over said firearm stock, such that said primary sleeve covers said trigger portion;   securing said adjustable strap about an end of said firearm stock; and   accessing said firearm trigger portion through said branch sleeve.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising the steps:
 providing a pocket within said branch sleeve;   providing a chemical heat packet;   activating said chemical heat packet; and   placing said chemical heat packet into said pocket within said branch sleeve.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising the steps:
 providing a plurality of pockets located on said primary sleeve; and   filling said plurality of pockets with firearm ammunition.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein said protective cover does not hinder a sightline of the firearm.