Abstract:
A waterfowl decoy which can be used in water and on land. The waterfowl decoy requires no additional components to be removed or added to convert the decoy from use in water to use on land. The decoy includes stakes which rotate about axles fitted to a keel on the decoy. The stakes can be rotated or unfolded from the keel so that they point generally downward. The stakes may then be pushed into the ground to secure the decoy on land. Alternatively, if it is desired to use the decoy in the water, the stakes may be rotated or folded up into the keel where they are stored. The decoy can then be placed in the water where it can float without interference from the stakes.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/357,139, filed Jun. 30, 2016 which is hereby incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein in its entirety, including any figures, tables, and drawings. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The disclosure relates to a waterfowl decoy to attract waterfowl such as ducks, geese, etc. and, more particularly, to a waterfowl decoy which be used on water and land. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Typical waterfowl decoys are either made for use on water or for use on land, but cannot be used on both water and land. Therefore, users of such decoys (e.g., hunters, photographers, etc.) must purchase two types of decoys—water decoys and land decoys—if they wish to attract waterfowl to both water and land. An attachable stand can be purchased for water decoys to allow for their use on land; however these are two separate components and two separate purchases which complicate the use of such decoys. Typically, when in use, multiple decoys are set or spread out to simulate natural waterfowl. Accordingly, users often own and utilize large numbers of both water decoys and land decoys. It is an object of the disclosure to eliminate the need to purchase separate water and land decoys, by providing a decoy that can be utilized in water and on land. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0004]    It is an object of the disclosure to provide a waterfowl decoy which can be used in water and on land. The waterfowl decoy requires no additional components to be removed or added to convert the decoy from use in water to use on land. The decoy includes stakes which rotate about axles fitted to a keel on the decoy. The stakes can be rotated or unfolded from the keel so that they point generally downward. One of the stakes may rotate on the left side of the keel and one will be on the right side so that the stakes do not hit each other when being rotated. The stakes may then be pushed into the ground to secure the decoy on land. Alternatively, if it is desired to use the decoy in the water, the stakes may be rotated or folded up into the keel where they are stored. The decoy can then be placed in the water where it can float without interference from the stakes. Therefore, the motion of the decoy in the water is not affected by the stakes. 
         [0005]    Briefly therefore, one aspect of the disclosure is directed to a decoy comprising a decoy body, a keel attached to the decoy body, a first stake rotatably affixed to the keel, and a second stake rotatably affixed to the keel. The first and second stakes are adapted to be in a first position for use of the decoy on land, and are adapted to be in a second position for use of the decoy in water. 
         [0006]    Another aspect of the disclosure is directed to a decoy comprising a decoy body, an elongate keel attached to the decoy body, the keel extending a length from a first end to a second end, and a first stake rotatably affixed to the keel. The first stake is adapted to be in a first position for use of the decoy on land, and is adapted to be in a second position for use of the decoy in water. 
         [0007]    Yet another aspect of the disclosure is directed to a decoy comprising a decoy body, an elongate keel attached to the decoy body, the keel extending a length from a first end to a second end, a first stake rotatably affixed to the keel and a second stake rotatably affixed to the keel. The first stake is adapted to rotate from a first position for use of the decoy on land to a second position for use of the decoy in water. When the first stake is in the first position, the first stake is perpendicular to the length of the keel, and when the first stake is in the second position, the first stake is parallel to the length of the keel. The second stake is adapted to rotate from a first position for use of the decoy on land to a second position for use of the decoy in water. When the second stake is in the first position, the second stake is perpendicular to the length of the keel, and when the second stake is in the second position, the second stake is parallel to the length of the keel. 
         [0008]    In other aspects of the disclosure, the keel may include stake retaining elements for releasably retaining the first and second stakes in the second or stowed position. 
         [0009]    In other aspects of the disclosure, the keel may include stake retaining elements for releasably retaining the first and second stakes in the first or un-stowed position. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    These and other aspects, features, details, utilities, and advantages of the disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings, wherein the drawings illustrate features in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, and wherein: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a convertible waterfowl decoy with first and second stakes in the first position according to a first embodiment of the disclosure; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a side view of a convertible waterfowl decoy with first and second stakes in the second position according to the first embodiment of the disclosure; and 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a bottom view of a keel of a convertible waterfowl decoy with first and second stakes in the second position according to the first embodiment of the disclosure; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a bottom view of a convertible waterfowl decoy with first and second stakes in the second position and according to a second embodiment of the disclosure; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the convertible waterfowl decoy of  FIG. 4 , taken along line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a bottom view of a convertible waterfowl decoy with a first stake in the first position and the second stake in the second position and according to a third embodiment of the disclosure; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6A  is a cross-sectional view of the convertible waterfowl decoy of  FIG. 6 , taken along line  6 A- 6 A in  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a bottom view of a convertible waterfowl decoy with first and second stakes in the second position and according to a fourth embodiment of the disclosure; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7A  is a cross-sectional view of the convertible waterfowl decoy of  FIG. 7 , taken along line  7 A- 7 A in  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a bottom view of a convertible waterfowl decoy with first and second stakes in the first position and according to a fifth embodiment of the disclosure; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a side view of a convertible waterfowl decoy with a single stake in the first position according to a sixth embodiment of the disclosure; 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the stake of  FIG. 9 , taken along line  9 - 9  in  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is similar to  FIG. 9 , but is a cross-sectional view of a stake according to a seventh embodiment of the disclosure; 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is similar to  FIG. 9 , but is a cross-sectional view of a stake according to an eighth embodiment of the disclosure; 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is similar to  FIG. 9 , but is a cross-sectional view of a stake according to a ninth embodiment of the disclosure; 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  is similar to  FIG. 9 , but is a cross-sectional view of a stake according to a tenth embodiment of the disclosure; 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  is similar to  FIG. 9 , but is a cross-sectional view of a stake according to an eleventh embodiment of the disclosure; 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  is similar to  FIG. 9 , but is a cross-sectional view of a stake according to a twelfth embodiment of the disclosure; and 
           [0029]      FIG. 17  is a side view of a keel of a convertible waterfowl decoy according to a thirteenth embodiment of the disclosure. 
       
    
    
       [0030]    Like reference numbers refer to like or equivalent parts in the several views. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0031]    Various embodiments are described herein to various apparatuses. Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, however, that the embodiments may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described in the specification. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments, the scope of which is defined solely by the appended claims. 
         [0032]    Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “one embodiment,” or “an embodiment,” or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment,” or the like, in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined, in whole or in part, with the features, structures, or characteristics of one or more other embodiments without limitation given that such combination is not illogical or non-functional. 
         [0033]    It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. 
         [0034]    The terms “first,” “second,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the disclosure described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms “include,” “have,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. 
         [0035]    The terms “left,” “right,” “front,” “rear,” “top,” “bottom,” “over,” “under,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the disclosure described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. 
         [0036]    All numbers expressing measurements and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” 
         [0037]      FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of the convertible waterfowl decoy  10 . Decoy  10  includes a decoy body  12   a  having a top portion  14  and a bottom  15 . Decoy body  12   a  may be designed to simulate the appearance of a waterfowl such as a duck or goose. Decoy body  12   a  is constructed so that it may float when placed in water. Decoy body  12   a  may be constructed from a variety of materials, including but not limited to, for example, plastic (e.g., polyethylene), wood, foam, and/or combinations of the same, as well as some other suitable material as is known in the art. Bottom  15  of decoy body  12   a  is generally flat. 
         [0038]    A keel  16  is attached to bottom  15  of decoy body  12   a . Keel  16  provides stability to decoy body  12   a , so that when decoy  10  is placed in the water, decoy  10  does not capsize. Keel  16  is elongate and generally rectangular in cross section, having a length from its front or first end  16   f  to its back or second end  16   b . Keel  16  runs parallel to the length of decoy body  12   a  (from head to tail). For example only and without limitation, keel  16  may generally be about 25.4 cm long by about 2.54 cm wide by about 2.54 cm tall (about ten (10) inches long by about one (1) inch wide by about one (1) inch tall). It will be understood however that keel  16  may have different dimensions without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Keel  16  may be hollow or include one or more hollow sections (not shown) as is known in the art. The hollow sections may be externally accessible via a port with a cap and may be filled with various weighting substances such as lead shot, sand, or water. Keel  16  may be constructed from a variety of materials, including but not limited to, for example, plastic (e.g., polyethylene), wood, foam, and/or combinations of the same. In some embodiments, for example, keel  16  may be molded of plastic such as polyethylene or some other suitable material as is known in the art. 
         [0039]    Keel  16  includes a first stake  18   a  and a second stake  18   b  which are both rotatably affixed to keel  16 . That is, first stake  18   a  is rotatable on a first axle  20   a  located proximate the front or first end of keel  16   f  and the second stake  18   b  is rotatable on a second axle  20   b  located proximate the back or second end of keel  16   b . Axles  20   a ,  20   b  may be axles extending through stakes  18   a ,  18   b . Axles  20   a ,  20   b  each have an axis A (see  FIG. 3 ) which is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the length of the keel  16 . The axes of axles  20   a ,  20   b  are also oriented horizontally. Therefore, first and second stakes  18   a ,  18   b  can be rotated between a first (downward or unfolded) position and a second (stowed or folded) position (see  FIG. 2 ) depending on whether the user wishes to place decoy  10  on land or in water. The first and second axles  20   a ,  20   b  may be located above the bottom of keel  16  so that when first and second stakes  18   a ,  18   b  are in the second position they stay above the bottom of keel  16 . That is, first and second stakes  18   a ,  18   b  are recessed in keel  16  in the second position. For example only and without limitation, the centers of axles  20   a ,  20   b  may be about 0.925 cm (about three-eighths (⅜) of an inch) from the bottom of keel  16 . Additionally, for example only and without limitation, the centers of first and second axles  20   a ,  20   b  may be about 0.635 cm (about one quarter (¼) of an inch) inside keel  16 . This may reduce or prevent first and second stakes  18   a ,  18   b  from becoming hung up on decoy bags in which decoy  10  may be stored and/or on any decoy line which may be attached to decoy  10 . In various embodiments, keel  16  may be molded to decoy body  12   a  so that decoy  10  does not need to be assembled by the user. In some embodiments, first and second stakes  18   a ,  18   b  may be affixed to decoy  10  by the user or decoy  10  may be assembled and/or sold with first and second stakes  18   a ,  18   b  affixed to decoy  10 . 
         [0040]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , first and second stakes  18   a ,  18   b  may be located in a first or un-stowed position when it is desired to use decoy  10  on land (represented by ground line G). First and second stakes  18   a ,  18   b  are oriented such that they generally point downward away from bottom  16  of decoy body  12   a . Thus in various embodiments, first and second stakes  18   a ,  18   b  may be substantially perpendicular to the length of keel  16 . The user may then stick first and second stakes  18   a ,  18   b  into the ground (represented by ground line G). Stakes prevent decoy  10  from falling over to either side and allow secure placement of decoy  10  on land. Stakes  18   a ,  18   b  may include a pointed end  19  (e.g., conical point, chamfered point, etc.) to make pushing stakes  18   a ,  18   b  into hard ground easier and more time efficient. First and second stakes  18   a ,  18   b  may be constructed of a variety of materials, including but not limited to, metals, plastics, and composites. If stakes  18   a ,  18   b  are made of metal a rust-resistant metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, etc.) or coating (e.g., galvanized, rubber, plastic, etc.) may be desired to prevent corrosion of stakes  18   a ,  18   b . In various embodiments, stakes  18   a ,  18   b  may be fiberglass or glass reinforced plastic. 
         [0041]    When it is desired to use decoy  10  in the water (represented by water line W), the user simply rotates or folds stakes  18   a ,  18   b  up into keel  16 .  FIG. 2  illustrates first and second stakes  18   a ,  18   b  in the second or stowed position. In the second position, first and second stakes  18   a ,  18   b  are substantially parallel to the length of keel  16 . By rotating first and second stakes  18   a ,  18   b  so that they are stowed into keel  16 , decoy  10  may freely float in the water. Decoy  10  is shown floating in water with keel  16  below the water line W. 
         [0042]    With reference now to  FIG. 3 , a bottom view of keel  16  is shown. Keel  16  may further include stake retaining elements  22  for releasably retaining first and second stakes  18   a ,  18   b  in the second or stowed position. Thus, stake retaining elements  22  may keep stakes  18   a ,  18   b  folded up until the user wishes to use decoy  10  on land. In various embodiments, for example, a stake retaining element  22  may comprise a pair of clamp members  24  which are leaf-spring shaped and which are normally tensioned toward one another. When stakes  18   a ,  18   b  are folded into the second position, stakes  18   a ,  18   b  push apart clamp members  24 . The spring force from clamp members  24  pushes against stakes  18   a ,  18   b  from each side of the stakes  18   a ,  18   b , thereby retaining stakes  18   a ,  18   b  in stake retaining elements  22  and in the second or stowed position. Stake retaining elements  22  may be constructed of a variety of materials, including but not limited to, metals, plastics, and composites. If stake retaining elements  22  are made of metal a rust-resistant metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, etc.) or coating (e.g., galvanized, rubber, plastic, etc.) may be desired to prevent corrosion of stake retaining elements  22 . In various embodiments, stake retaining elements  22  may be fiberglass or glass reinforced plastic. As shown, for example, in various embodiments, stake retaining elements  22  may be centrally located along the length of keel  16 . In other embodiments, however, stake retaining elements  22  may be located at any point along the length of keel  16 . 
         [0043]    Another embodiment of decoy  110  of the disclosure is illustrated in  FIGS. 5, 5A  and is described below. Some features of one or more of decoys  10  and  110 , including keels  16  and  116 , are common to one another and, accordingly, descriptions of such features in one embodiment should be understood to apply to other embodiments. Furthermore, particular characteristics and aspects of one embodiment may be used in combination with, or instead of, particular characteristics and aspects of another embodiment. 
         [0044]    Decoy  110  comprises a decoy body  12   b , a keel  116  attached to the decoy body  12   b , a first stake  18   a ′ rotatably affixed to the keel  116 , and a second stake  18   b ′ rotatably affixed to the keel. As described above, the first and second stakes  18   a ′,  18   b ′ are adapted to be in a first position for use of the decoy  110  on land, and are adapted to be in a second position for use of the decoy  110  in water. 
         [0045]    As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 5A , decoy  110  further includes one or more stake retaining elements  122  which may be integrally molded with keel  116 . That is, stake retaining elements  122  may be molded from the same material as keel  116 , such as, for example, polyethylene. In such case, one or more stake retaining elements  122  may be sufficiently flexible to permit movement when stakes  18   a ′,  18   b ′ are placed in the second or stowed position and sufficiently rigid to retain stakes  18   a ′,  18   b ′ in the second or stowed position. That is, stakes  18   a ′,  18   b ′ may snap into one or more stake retaining elements  122 . Stake retaining elements  122  may further include protrusions  124  which assist in retaining stakes  18   a ′,  18   b ′ in the second or stowed position. Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 5 , keel  116  may include recessed areas  130  into which a user may insert their fingers or some other object to grasp stakes  18   a ′,  18   b ′. Recessed areas  130  may more easily permit a user to pull stakes  18   a ′,  18   b ′ out of keel  116  and rotate stakes  18   a ′,  18   b ′ to the first or un-stowed position. 
         [0046]    Another embodiment of decoy  210  of the disclosure is illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 6A  and is described below. Some features of one or more of decoys  10 ,  110 , and  210 , including stakes  18   a ,  18   b  and  218   a ,  218   b , are common to one another and, accordingly, descriptions of such features in one embodiment should be understood to apply to other embodiments. Furthermore, particular characteristics and aspects of one embodiment may be used in combination with, or instead of, particular characteristics and aspects of another embodiment. 
         [0047]    Decoy  210  comprises a decoy body  12   c , a keel  216  attached to the decoy body  12   c , a first stake  218   a  rotatably affixed to the keel  216 , and a second stake  218   b  rotatably affixed to the keel  216 . As described above, the first and second stakes  218   a ,  218   b  are adapted to be in a first position for use of the decoy  210  on land, and are adapted to be in a second position for use of the decoy  210  in water. 
         [0048]    As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 6A , axles  220  extend from stakes  218   a ,  218   b  and are inserted into corresponding holes  240  within keel  216 . Axles  220  may be integrally formed with stakes  218   a ,  218   b  or affixed to stakes  218   a ,  218   b . In this embodiment, axles  220  rotate with respect to keel  216  and are fixed with respect to stakes  218   a ,  218   b , such that the axles  220  of each stake  218   a ,  218   b  do not rotate with respect to their respective stake  218   a  or  218   b . Therefore, the rotation of each axle  220  is coincident and coextensive with the rotation of the stake  218   a  or  218   b  to which each axle  220  is affixed. Stake  218   a  is shown in first (downward or unfolded) position and stake  218   b  is shown in the second (stowed or folded) position. 
         [0049]    Another embodiment of decoy  310  of the disclosure is illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 7A  and is described below. Some features of one or more of decoys  10 ,  110 ,  210 , and  310 , are common to one another and, accordingly, descriptions of such features in one embodiment should be understood to apply to other embodiments. Furthermore, particular characteristics and aspects of one embodiment may be used in combination with, or instead of, particular characteristics and aspects of another embodiment. 
         [0050]    Decoy  310  comprises a decoy body  12   d , a keel  316  attached to the decoy body  12   d , a first stake  18   a ″ rotatably affixed to the keel  316 , and a second stake  18   b ″ rotatably affixed to the keel  316 . As described above, the first and second stakes  18   a ″,  18   b ″ are adapted to be in a first position for use of the decoy  310  on land, and are adapted to be in a second position for use of the decoy  310  in water. 
         [0051]    As shown in  FIGS. 7 and 7A , one or more stake retaining elements  322  for releasably retaining first and second stakes  18   a ″,  18   b ″ in the second or stowed position may be affixed to or housed within keel  316 . Thus, stake retaining elements  322  may keep stakes  18   a ″,  18   b ″ folded up until the user wishes to use decoy  310  on land. In various embodiments, for example, a stake retaining element  322  may comprise a spring clamp  324  which includes two semi-circular fingers which are normally tensioned toward one another. When stakes  18   a ″,  18   b ″ are folded into the second position, stakes  18   a ″,  18   b ″ push apart the two semi-circular fingers of the spring clamps  324 . The spring force from spring clamps  324  pushes against stakes  18   a ″,  18   b ″ from each side of the stakes  18   a ″,  18   b ″, thereby retaining stakes  18   a ″,  18   b ″ between the two semi-circular fingers of the spring clamps  324  and in the second or stowed position. Stake retaining elements  322  may be constructed of a variety of materials, including but not limited to, metals, plastics, and composites. If stake retaining elements  322  are made of metal a rust-resistant metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, etc.) or coating (e.g., galvanized, rubber, plastic, etc.) may be desired to prevent corrosion of stake retaining elements  322 . As shown, for example, in various embodiments, stake retaining elements  322  may be centrally located along the length of keel  316 . In other embodiments, however, stake retaining elements  322  may be located at any point along the length of keel  316 . 
         [0052]    Another embodiment of decoy  410  of the disclosure is illustrated in  FIG. 8  and is described below. Some features of one or more of decoys  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  310 , and  410 , including keels  16 ,  116 ,  216 ,  316  and  416 , are common to one another and, accordingly, descriptions of such features in one embodiment should be understood to apply to other embodiments. Furthermore, particular characteristics and aspects of one embodiment may be used in combination with, or instead of, particular characteristics and aspects of another embodiment. 
         [0053]    Decoy  410  comprises a decoy body  12   e , a keel  416  attached to the decoy body  12   e , a first stake  18   a ′″ rotatably affixed to the keel  416 , and a second stake  18   b ′″ rotatably affixed to the keel  416 . As described above, the first and second stakes  18   a ′″,  18   b ′″ are adapted to be in a first position for use of the decoy  410  on land, and are adapted to be in a second position for use of the decoy  410  in water. 
         [0054]    As shown in  FIG. 8 , keel  416  may include one or more stake retaining elements  422  which may aid in keeping stakes  18   a ′″,  18   b ′″ in the first position so that stakes  18   a ′″,  18   b ′″ do not move from the first position when stakes  18   a ′″,  18   b ′″ are inserted into the ground. In various embodiments, for example only and without limitation, stake retaining elements  422  may be integrally molded with keel  416 . That is, stake retaining elements  422  may be molded from the same material as keel  416 , such as, for example, polyethylene. In such case, one or more stake retaining elements  422  may be sufficiently flexible to permit movement when stakes  18   a ′″,  18   b ′″ are placed in the first or un-stowed position and sufficiently rigid to retain stakes  18   a ′″,  18   b ′″ in the first position. That is, stakes  18   a ′″,  18   b ′″ may snap into one or more stake retaining elements  422  when placed in the first position. Stake retaining elements  422  may further include protrusions  424  which assist in retaining stakes  18   a ′″,  18   b ′″ in the first position. When user wishes to place stakes  18   a ′″,  18   b ′″ in the second position, the user can gently rotate stakes  18   a ′″,  18   b ′″ so that they unsnap from stake retaining elements  422 . 
         [0055]    It will be understood by one in the art that stake retaining elements  422  may also be included on a keel which also includes stake retaining elements  22 ,  122 , and/or  322 . In other embodiments, for example only and without limitation, stake retaining elements  422  may be may be constructed of a variety of materials, including but not limited to, metals, plastics, and composites. If stake retaining elements  422  are made of metal a rust-resistant metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, etc.) or coating (e.g., galvanized, rubber, plastic, etc.) may be desired to prevent corrosion of stake retaining elements  422 . 
         [0056]    In yet other embodiments, stake retaining elements  422  may comprise a pair of clamp members similar to clamp members  24  (see  FIG. 3 ) which are leaf-spring shaped and which are normally tensioned toward one another. When stakes  18   a ′″,  18   b ′″ are folded into the first position, stakes  18   a ′″,  18   b ′″ push apart the clamp members. The spring force from the clamp members pushes against stakes  18   a ′″,  18   b ′″ from each side of the stakes  18   a ′″,  18   b ′″, thereby retaining stakes  18   a ′″,  18   b ′″ in stake retaining elements  422  and in the first or un-stowed position. In yet other embodiments, stake retaining elements  422  may comprise a spring clamp similar to spring claim  324  (see  FIGS. 7 and 7A ) which includes two semi-circular fingers which are normally tensioned toward one another. When stakes  18   a ′″,  18   b ′″ are folded into the second position, stakes  18   a ′″,  18   b ′″ push apart the two semi-circular fingers of the spring clamps. The spring force from spring clamps pushes against stakes  18   a ′″,  18   b ′″ from each side of the stakes  18   a ′″,  18   b ′″, thereby retaining stakes  18   a ′″,  18   b ′″ between the two semi-circular fingers of the spring clamps and in the second or stowed position. 
         [0057]    Another embodiment of decoy  510  of the disclosure is illustrated in  FIG. 9  and is described below. Some features of one or more of decoys  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  310 , and  410  are common to one another and, accordingly, descriptions of such features in one embodiment should be understood to apply to other embodiments. Furthermore, particular characteristics and aspects of one embodiment may be used in combination with, or instead of, particular characteristics and aspects of another embodiment. 
         [0058]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , decoy  510  comprises a decoy body  12   f , a keel  516  attached to the decoy body  12   f , a single stake  18  rotatably affixed to the keel  516 . Thus, decoy  510  only has a single stake  18 . As described above, the stake  18  is adapted to be in a first position for use of the decoy  510  on land, and is adapted to be in a second position for use of the decoy  510  in water. Decoy  510  may include stake retaining elements for releasably retaining stake  18  in the first position and/or stake retaining elements for releasably retaining stake  18  in the second position, as described in greater detail elsewhere herein. With further reference to  FIG. 9 , stake  18  has a stake axis B along the length of stake  18 . 
         [0059]    Now with reference to  FIGS. 10-16 , various embodiments of the cross-sectional shapes of the stakes which may be used in the embodiments of decoys described herein are illustrated.  FIG. 10  depicts stake  18  having a circular shaped cross-section.  FIG. 11  depicts stake  1118  having an L-shaped cross-section.  FIG. 12  depicts stake  1218  having an X- or plus-sign-shaped cross-section.  FIG. 13  depicts stake  1318  having a T-shaped cross-section.  FIG. 14  depicts stake  1418  having a Y-shaped cross-section.  FIG. 15  depicts stake  1518  having an I-shaped cross-section.  FIG. 16  depicts stake  1618  having a rectangular shaped cross-section. It will be understood that the stakes described herein may have any shape (e.g., oval shape, diamond shape, parallelogram shape, triangular shape, U-shape, etc.) and is not limited to the shapes shown and described herein. The cross-sectional shapes of stakes shown in  FIGS. 11-16  may substantially reduce or eliminate the ability of the stakes to rotate about the stake axis (see axis B in  FIG. 9 ). 
         [0060]    Another embodiment of keel  616  of the disclosure is illustrated in  FIG. 17  and is described below. Some features of one or more of keels  16 ,  116 ,  216 ,  316 ,  416 , and  516 , are common to one another and, accordingly, descriptions of such features in one embodiment should be understood to apply to other embodiments. Furthermore, particular characteristics and aspects of one embodiment may be used in combination with, or instead of, particular characteristics and aspects of another embodiment. 
         [0061]      FIG. 17  illustrates a side view of keel  616  wherein first and second stakes  618   a ,  618   b  are rotatably affixed to first and second axles  20   a ,  20   b , respectively, by being wrapped around first and second axles  20   a ,  20   b . That is, first and second stakes  618   a ,  618   b  may be, for example only and without limitation, made from a heavy gauge wire or a rod material which has been bent to make at least a partial loop around first and second axles  20   a ,  20   b . The loop of the first and second stakes  618   a ,  618   b  retains first and second stakes  618   a ,  618   b  on first and second axles  20   a ,  20   b , respectively. 
         [0062]    In closing, it should be noted that the disclosure is not limited to the above mentioned embodiments and exemplary working examples. Further developments, modifications and combinations are also within the scope of the patent claims and are placed in the possession of the person skilled in the art from the above disclosure. Accordingly, the techniques and structures described and illustrated herein should be understood to be illustrative and exemplary, and not limiting upon the scope of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims, including known equivalents and unforeseeable equivalents at the time of filing of this application.