Scope covering systems

Abstract

A scope cover can include a flexible fabric shell, a strap coupled to the flexible fabric shell that can secure the flexible fabric shell to the scope. An area of the interior surface of the flexible fabric shell can minimize or eliminate scratching of the objected lens of the scope. A method of minimizing abrasion to a scratch-sensitive surface of the scope is also described.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A scope cover, comprising:
 a flexible fabric shell having an interior surface defining an interior cavity, and an exterior surface opposite the interior surface, the flexible fabric shell being adapted for placement of a scope within the interior cavity via an expandable and contractible opening in the flexible fabric shell;   a strap coupled to the flexible fabric shell, said strap being configured to secure the flexible fabric shell to the scope; and   an area of the interior surface of the flexible fabric shell that minimizes or eliminates scratching of an objective lens of the scope.   
     
     
         2 . The scope cover of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible fabric shell comprises a material selected from the group consisting of neoprene, neogreen, lycra, thermocline, rubber, polyesters, polyamides, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, cotton, silk, wool, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The scope cover of  claim 1 , further comprising an area of the interior surface of the flexible fabric shell that minimizes or eliminates scratching of the eyepiece of the scope. 
     
     
         4 . The scope cover of  claim 1 , wherein the area of the interior surface of the flexible fabric shell that minimizes or eliminates scratching of the objective lens of the scope comprises a material selected from the group consisting of cotton, chamois, polyvinyl alcohol, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         5 . The scope cover of  claim 4 , wherein the material is a microfiber material. 
     
     
         6 . The scope cover of  claim 1 , wherein the area of the interior surface of the flexible fabric shell that minimizes or eliminates scratching of the objective lens of the scope covers the entire inner surface. 
     
     
         7 . The scope cover of  claim 1 , wherein the area of the interior surface of the flexible fabric shell that minimizes or eliminates scratching of the objective lens of the scope covers a portion of the interior surface configured to interface with the objective lens of the scope. 
     
     
         8 . The scope cover of  claim 1 , further comprising a tab coupled to the exterior surface, said tab being disposed proximate to the objective lens of the scope and opposite the area of the interior surface of the flexible fabric shell that minimizes or eliminates scratching of the objective lens of the scope. 
     
     
         9 . The scope cover of  claim 8 , wherein the tab comprises a material selected from the group consisting of neoprene, neogreen, lycra, thermocline, rubber, polyesters, polyamides, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, cotton, silk, wool, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         10 . The scope cover of  claim 1 , wherein the expandable and contractible opening comprises at least one of an elastomeric band, a drawstring, a cinch, a strap, and a zipper. 
     
     
         11 . The scope cover of  claim 1 , wherein the strap comprises a plurality of straps. 
     
     
         12 . The scope cover of  claim 1 , wherein the strap comprises a material selected from the group consisting of leather, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, ethylene vinyl acetate, rubber, neoprene, neogreen, lycra, thermocline, cotton, silk, wool, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         13 . The scope cover of  claim 1 , wherein the strap comprises two strap segments that are connectable via a buckle, a snap, a hook and loop fastener, a button, a magnet, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         14 . The scope cover of  claim 1 , further comprising a closeable storage pouch attached to the flexible fabric shell, said closeable storage pouch comprising a soft cleaning material attached to an interior surface of the closeable storage pouch, and an attachment feature configured to attach the closeable storage pouch to a user's gear. 
     
     
         15 . The scope cover of  claim 14 , wherein the closeable storage pouch is storable against either the interior surface or the exterior surface of the flexible fabric shell via at least one of a pouch, a pocket, a clasp, a snap, a hook and loop fastener, a button, a clip, a clamp, a buckle, and a magnet. 
     
     
         16 . A method of minimizing abrasion to a scratch-sensitive surface of a scope, comprising:
 inserting the scope into an interior cavity of a flexible fabric shell via an expandable and contractible opening, said interior cavity being defined by an interior surface of the flexible fabric shell, the interior surface comprising an area that minimizes or eliminates scratching of the scratch-sensitive surface.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the area that minimizes or eliminates scratching of the scratch-sensitive surface covers the entire interior surface. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the area that minimizes or eliminates scratching of the scratch-sensitive surface covers a portion of the interior surface that is configured to interface with the scratch-sensitive surface. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the scratch-sensitive surface comprises at least one of an objective lens of the scope or an eyepiece of the scope.