Decoy device

A decoy device is constructed of a lightweight foam material formed as a planar decoy blank. The decoy body is easily foldable from a flat configuration to a buoyant three-dimensional decoy. The decoy body is releasably secured in the three-dimensional condition via an attachment means. A double-headed element is included having a male gender at one end and a female gender at an opposing end thereof. The body and double-headed element include opposing sides, each adorned with markings such that they resemble a particular wild game species, including gender, desired for exposed representation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to hunting equipment and accessories, and more particularly to buoyant decoys for the attraction of wild fowl game.

Description of the Related Art

Many decoys are stationary, and, accordingly, lack life-like motion. Game may be wary and may not approach a decoy that lacks flotation so that such decoys may be ineffective in attracting game. While various decoys may be available that include flotation, the flotation may be generally one-dimensional and therefore not sufficiently realistic to attract game.

A search of the patent arts did not disclose any references that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related:

U.S. Pat. No. 4,318,240, issued in the name of Hillesland;

U.S. Pat. No. 4,972,620, issued in the name of Boler; and

U.S. Pat. No. 4,753,028, issued in the name of Farmer.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved buoyant decoy apparatus, constructed of a lightweight material and configured to allow numerous decoys to be stacked on top of one another, thereby facilitating compact storage and transport of a high number of decoy devices in a single trip or transport event.

This application presents claims and embodiments that fulfill a need or needs not yet satisfied by the products, inventions and methods previously or presently available. In particular, the claims and embodiments disclosed herein describe a decoy device, the decoy device comprising: a lightweight, flexible body formed or die cut into a planar decoy blank, the body is foldable to a buoyant, three-dimensional configuration representing a wild game species; an attachment means for securely holding the body in the three-dimensional configuration; and a double-headed element releasably attachable to the body, the decoy device of the present invention providing unanticipated and nonobvious combination of features distinguished from the products, devices, apparatuses, inventions and methods preexisting in the art. The applicant is unaware of any product, device, method, disclosure or reference that discloses the features of the claims and embodiments disclosed herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other needs and disadvantages may be overcome by the decoy device and related methods disclosed herein. Additional improvements and advantages may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art upon study of the present disclosure.

A floatable decoy device is disclosed, wherein the decoy device is constructed of a lightweight, flexible, cellular foam material. The decoy device includes a planar body formed as a planar decoy blank. The configuration of the blank allows for a plurality of decoy devices to be stacked for compact storage and transport. The decoy body is easily converted from a flat configuration to a three-dimensional decoy. The decoy body is releasably secured in the three-dimensional condition via an attachment means.

The decoy body has opposing side surfaces, and a two-headed elongated piece being releasably attachable to the body. The two-headed piece includes a male gender species at one end and a female gender species at the opposing end. The respective heads of the piece are disposed with species and gender specific markings and colors, and the side surfaces of the decoy body are disposed with species and gender specific markings and colors, thus allowing either side surface of the body, and two-headed piece, to be selectively exposable to resemble a particularly desired species and gender thereof.

In accordance to one embodiment of the present invention, a decoy device is disclosed for placement on land or a field. The decoy device comprises an anchor assembly.

In accordance to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a combination decoy and life preserver device is disclosed herein.

This summary is presented to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the apparatus and methods disclosed herein as a prelude to the detailed description that follows below.

Accordingly, this summary is not intended to identify key elements of the apparatus and methods disclosed herein or to delineate the scope thereof.

The figures are exemplary only, and the implementations illustrated therein are selected to facilitate explanation. The number, position, relationship and dimensions of the elements shown in the figures to form the various implementations described herein, as well as dimensions and dimensional proportions to conform to specific force, flexibility, weight, strength, flow and similar requirements are explained herein or are understandable to a person of ordinary skill in the art upon study of this disclosure. Where used in the various figures, the same numerals designate the same or similar elements. Furthermore, when the terms “top,” “bottom,” “right,” “left,” “forward,” “rear,” “first,” “second,” “inside,” “outside,” “interior”, “outer”, and similar terms are used, the terms should be understood in reference to the orientation of the implementations shown in the drawings and are utilized to facilitate description thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now toFIGS. 1-8, a decoy device, generally designated at10is disclosed, in accordance to one embodiment of the present invention. The decoy device10comprises a lightweight, flexible panel11formed or die cut into a planar decoy blank15, wherein the planar configuration of the blank15allows for a plurality of decoy devices10to be stacked for compact storage and transport. The blank15comprises an anterior section16, a medial section17, and a posterior section18. The blank15further comprises a bulbous breast portion14in the anterior section16, a tail portion14ain the posterior section18, the tail portion14abeing axially aligned with the breast portion14, a pair of upper tabs145and146, and a pair of lower tabs45and46. The breast portion14is integrally formed intermediate to the pair of upper tabs145and146. The pair of upper tabs145and146each extends integrally and tapers from the medial section17, adjacent the breast portion14of the body12, to the anterior section16of the blank15. The first upper tab145and breast portion14are spaced by a first narrow V-shaped void100, and the second upper tab146and breast portion14are spaced by a second narrow V-shaped void102. The tail portion14ais integrally formed intermediate to the pair of lower tabs45and46. The pair of lower tabs45and46each extends integrally and tapers from the medial section17to the posterior section18of the blank15. The first lower tab45and tail portion14aare spaced by a first wide V-shaped void104, and the second lower tab46and tail portion14are spaced by a second wide V-shaped void106. The blank15is foldable into a body12comprising a three-dimensional configuration representing a wild game species, such as for example, a wood duck of the fowl species, or more specifically, waterfowl species. The body12includes a top12aand a bottom12b.

The blank15is constructed of a flexible, closed-cell expanded foam material M. The foam material selected for constructing the blank15is envisioned to be a polymer foam material which allows the body12to be buoyant. The polymer foam material may be selected from the group which includes, but is not limited to neoprene, closed-cell acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, and polyethylene, and may include polyethylene cross-linked by an irradiation process. The selected foam material is lightweight, returnably-resilient or otherwise comprises “memory”, and impervious to weather conditions, such as water, and extreme temperatures.

The blank15further includes a top side20opposing a bottom side22, and a continuous, peripheral upwardly-depending sidewall23integrally joining the top side20and the bottom side22. The top side20is adorned with markings30and colors so as to represent a male wild game species (e.g., a fowl or bird species), and the bottom side22is adorned with markings30so as to represent a female wild game species (e.g., a fowl or bird species), and vice-versa. Thus, each side20and22is adorned with markings30such that they resemble the particular bird or fowl species, including gender, desired for visibly exposed representation. In accordance to one exemplary embodiment, the body12(blank15) may be adorned with markings30which represent wild game waterfowl species which include, but are not limited to mallards, black ducks, mottled ducks, Mexican ducks, pintails, gadwalls, American wigeons, shovelers, wood ducks, green-winged teal, blue-winged teal, cinnamon teal, fulvous tree duck, black-bellied tree ducks, and American coots.

The outer surface of each side20and22may be configured so as to resemble the body of a game bird or game animal such as a duck, wild turkey, or Canada goose. Accordingly, the outer surface of the sides20and22may be contoured in various ways, painted, textured, disposed with an ornamental canvas, lined, dyed, painted, silk screen sprayed, woven, coated, layered with ornamental media, and so forth to lend the outer surface the desired appearance.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “represent” and variations thereof is intended in a nonlimiting manner to mean “visually depict”, “emulate”, or otherwise “simulate”; thus, for example in the instance where a decoy body12(and a double-headed element50to be described later) is described as being shaped, configured, and disposed with ornamental markings and colors so as to represent a particular game species, including gender, such description is equally interpretable as meaning the decoy simulates a particular game species, including gender, three-dimensionally (i.e., a life-size, scale model of the game animal). In addition, while waterfowl are illustrated in the figures, other game species and animals are clearly envisioned and within the scope and spirit of the present application. For example, other game species and animals may include, but are not limited to, deer, antelope, coyote, turkey, hare, and fox.

The body12is foldable to a three-dimensional configuration representing a fowl species, and releasably secured in such configuration via an attachment device40or means such as including, but not limited to, a hook-and-loop fastening system42(Velcro®), an interengaging connection mechanism44or means, snap-fit mechanisms, mechanical interference or frictional fit connection systems, zippers, magnetic devices, adhesive strips with releasable liners, and other complementary type or matching connector devices and systems, and combinations thereof. In a folded condition, the body12includes a hollow interior13. In accordance to one exemplary embodiment, a waterfowl is represented by the body12inFIG. 1.

In accordance to one embodiment, the interengaging means44releasably secures decoy blank15in a flexed, three-dimensional configuration, as illustrated inFIG. 1. The pair of lower tabs45and46extends integrally and tapers from the medial section17to the posterior section18of the blank15. The pair of tabs45and46each includes a horizontally-oriented slit47and48, respectively. The slit47of the first tab45defines an open end47awhich faces away from the tail portion14aof the body12, and the slit48of the second tab46defines an open end48awhich faces the tail portion14aof the body12. The tabs45and46are flexibly bent towards each other, the slits47and48are axially aligned and then interengaged so that the tabs45and46are mutually engaged via respective slits47and48, thereby releasably securing the tabs45and46to one another in a frictional fit arrangement.

In accordance to one embodiment, the hook-and-loop fastening system42cooperates with interengaging means44for releasably securing decoy blank15in a flexed, three-dimensional configuration, as best illustrated inFIG. 1. The pair of upper tabs145and146each extends integrally and tapers from the medial section17, adjacent the breast portion14of the body12, to the anterior section16of the blank15. Hook devices of the hook-and-loop fastening system42are suitably attached to the top side20of the free ends of the upper tabs145and146, and loop devices of the hook-and-loop fastening system42are suitably attached to the bottom side22of the free ends of upper tabs145and146and to the top and bottom sides20and22of a free end of the breast portion of the body12. It is within the contemplation of the present application that the hook devices may otherwise be attached to the bottom side22of tabs145and146, and the loop devices attached to the top side20of tabs145and146. The hook devices cooperate with the loop devices of the hook-and-loop fastening system42in an overlapping fashion to releasably secure tab145to tab146. When the body12is released from its three-dimensional configuration, the returnably-resilient foam material used to construct the body12allows it to regain its flat, planar shape for quick, easy, and efficient stackable storage and transport.

In accordance to one embodiment, the decoy device10further comprises a double-headed element50defining a male gender52at one end50athereof and a female gender54at an opposing end50bthereof. A neck53integrally connects the male gender52end50aand the female gender54end50b. The double-headed element50is defined as a one-piece unitary structure. The word “unitary”, as used herein, is defined as a continuous, homogeneous mass. The double-headed element50is releasably held by the body12(holding function to be described later in greater detail). Each end50a,50bof the double-headed element50comprises a head portion60,61, a bill62, and a downwardly-sloped crest64. The double-headed element50further comprises a top side56opposing a bottom side58, and a continuous, peripheral upwardly-depending sidewall59integrally joining the top side56and the bottom side58. Each the top side56and bottom side58having an upper half section opposing a lower half section. A neck53joins the upper half section and lower half section. Double-headed element50still further comprises an inwardly-curved interface63contiguously adjoining the bill62and neck53, the interface63being integrally formed by a portion of the continuous, peripheral upwardly-depending sidewall59.

The upper half section of each the top side56and bottom side58of double-headed element50is adorned with markings30and colors so as to represent a male fowl or bird species, and the lower half section of the top side56and bottom side58is adorned with markings so as to represent a female fowl or bird species, and vice-versa, and the sections of the respective sides56and58correspond to and are consistent respectively with the selected species and gender side of the body12selected for exposure. Thus, each side56and58is adorned with markings such that they resemble the particular bird or fowl species, including gender, desired for visibly exposed representation, and which corresponds to and is consistent with the selected species and gender side of the body12selected for exposure. The outer surface of each side56and58may be configured such that the ends of the double-headed element50resemble the head and neck of a game bird or fowl, or game animal such as a duck, wild turkey, or Canada goose. Accordingly, the outer surface of the double-headed element50may be contoured in various ways, painted, textured, disposed with an ornamental canvas, lined, dyed, painted, silk screen sprayed, woven, coated, layered with ornamental media, and so forth to lend outer surface the desired appearance. In reference toFIG. 14, the head portion60,61includes an oval void60a,61a, respectively, wherein each representing and providing a visually-perceptible eye, and each of which further functioning as a means for attaching an end of a tether87or line (to be described later in greater detail). RegardingFIG. 14A, and in accordance to another embodiment, the head portion60,61is ornamented with markings30which includes an eye60b,61b, respectively, disposed thereon.

Referring now more particularly toFIGS. 1-6, and 7, in accordance to one embodiment, the double-headed element50comprises a first end50aopposing a second end50b, the first and second ends integrally joined by a neck53. The first end50adefines a head60being shaped, configured, and adorned with aesthetic and ornamental features, markings, colors, and the like so that the head60substantially resembles a particular wild game species. The second end50bdefines a head61being shaped, configured, and adorned with aesthetic and ornamental features, markings, colors, and the like so as to resemble the head of another type of, or otherwise different wild game species with respect to the species exemplified by the first end50a. In accordance to one exemplary embodiment, one end50aof the double-headed element50may comprise or otherwise resemble a wood duck, and the opposing end50bof the double-headed element50may comprise or otherwise resemble a mallard duck.

In reference toFIGS. 6A and 6B, an alternate double-headed element250embodiment is disclosed, wherein the double-headed element250defines a male gender252at one end250athereof and a female gender254at an opposing end250bthereof. A neck253integrally connects the male gender252end250aand the female gender254end250b. The double-headed element250is defined as a one-piece unitary structure. The double-headed element250is releasably held by the body12. Each end250a,250bof the double-headed element250comprises a head portion260,261a bill262, and a downwardly-depending crest264. The double-headed element250further comprises a top side256opposing a bottom side258, and a continuous, peripheral upwardly-depending sidewall259integrally joining the top side256and the bottom side258. The top side256is adorned with markings30and colors so as to represent a male fowl or bird species, and the bottom side258is adorned with markings30so as to represent a female fowl or bird species, and vice-versa, and the sides256and258correspond to and are consistent respectively with the selected species and gender side of the body12selected for exposure. Thus, each side256and258is adorned with markings30such that they resemble the particular bird or fowl species, including gender, desired for visibly exposed representation, and which corresponds to and is consistent with the selected species and gender side of the body12selected for exposure. The outer surface of each side256and258may be configured such that the ends of the double-headed element250resemble the head and neck of a game bird or fowl, or game animal such as a duck, wild turkey, or Canada goose. Accordingly, the outer surface of the double-headed element250may be contoured in various ways, painted, textured, disposed with an ornamental canvas, lined, dyed, painted, silk screen sprayed, woven, coated, layered with ornamental media, and so forth to lend outer surface the desired appearance.

Referring now more particularly toFIGS. 2, 3, and 5-7, in order to releasably secure the double-headed element50to the body12, an elongated vertically-oriented slit160is defined through the anterior section16of the body12. The slit160includes a forward, upper surface mouth portion162, a forward, lower surface mouth portion162a, and a first vertical wall164integrally joining the forward, upper surface mouth portion162and forward, lower surface mouth portion162aat one end of slit160. The forward, upper surface mouth portion162and the forward, lower surface mouth portion162aare defined by the respective areas inside the dashed lines. Mouth portions162,162aand first vertical wall164conjunctively form a tongue portion171of at least one tongue-and-dado joint170(to be described later in greater detail).

The slit160further includes a rear, upper surface mouth portion163, a rear, lower surface mouth portion163a, and a second vertical wall165integrally joining the rear, upper surface mouth portion163and rear, lower surface mouth portion163aat an opposing end of slit160. The rear, upper surface mouth portion163and the rear, lower surface mouth portion163aare defined by the respective areas inside the dashed lines. Mouth portions163,163aand second vertical wall165conjunctively form a second tongue portion176of a second tongue-and-dado joint175(to be described later in greater detail).

One end of the double-headed element50is inserted through the slit160leaving the desired gender end visually exposed in a generally upright condition. The slit160is sized as to provide a snug, slightly compressed fit by the neck53when inserted therethrough, and thus releasably holds the double-headed element50via mechanical interference and impingement.

In order to prevent unintended or inadvertent withdrawal of the double-headed element50from the slit160during operation of the present invention, at least one tongue-and-dado joint170is disclosed. Two tongue-and-dado joints170and175are shown and described herein; however, more than two such joints170,175may be utilized, and therefore envisioned. Hence, the use of more than two tongue-and-dado joints170are within the spirit and scope of the present application.

As previously described, the first tongue portion171of the first tongue-and-dado joint170comprises the forward, upper surface mouth portion162, the forward, lower surface mouth portion162a, and the first vertical wall164at one end of slit160. The second tongue portion176of the second tongue-and-dado joint175, as previously described, comprises the rear, upper surface mouth portion163, the rear, lower surface mouth portion163a, and the second vertical wall165at the opposing end of slit160.

The dado portion172of the first tongue-and-dado joint170is formed by a first horizontally-oriented slot65formed integrally in the neck53of double-headed element50. The first slot65is positioned between the opposing bills62of double-headed element50. The dado portion177of the second tongue-and-dado joint175is formed by a second horizontally-oriented slot66formed integrally in the neck53of double-headed element50, the second horizontally-oriented slot66opposing the first horizontally-oriented slot65. The second slot66is positioned between the downwardly-sloped crests64.

As one end of the double-headed element50is inserted through the slit160, leaving the desired gender end visually exposed in a generally upright condition, the first tongue portion171of the first tongue-and-dado joint170engages the dado portion172of the first tongue-and-dado joint170in a sliding, friction-interferential, mating fashion, and releasably secures the first tongue portion171to the dado portion172in a frictional fit arrangement. The second tongue portion176of the second tongue-and-dado joint175engages the dado portion177of the second tongue-and-dado joint175in a sliding, friction-interferential, mating fashion, and releasably secures the second tongue portion176to the dado portion177of the second tongue-and-dado joint175in a frictional fit arrangement, and thus secures the double-headed element50to the body12of the decoy device10in a releasably secured manner.

Referring now toFIGS. 2, 3, 6A and 6B, to prevent unintended or inadvertent upward withdrawal of the double-headed element250from the slit160, bottom edges of each the bill262and crest264of the end of the double-headed element250now positioned in the hollow interior of the body12, engage against an underside of the mouth of the slit160in an abutting fashion, thereby preventing further upward movement of double-headed element250. Likewise, to prevent unintended or inadvertent downward withdrawal of the double-headed element250from the slit160, bottom edges of each the bill262and crest264of the desired visually exposed gender end250aor250b, engage against an upper side of the mouth of the slit160in an abutting fashion, thereby preventing further downward movement of double-headed element250.

Referring now more particularly toFIGS. 1, 5, 6, and 12-14A, a means for stabilizing the decoy device10in a floating, upright position on the surface of a body of water W is disclosed. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “stabilize”, and variations thereof, means to maintain equilibrium or resume an original, floating upright position after displacement caused by, for example, strong winds. InFIG. 1, the decoy device10is illustrated in the floating, upright position, hereinafter referred to as the “decoy stabilized position P”.

The means for stabilizing the decoy device10in a floating upright position70comprises a connecting link85and a weight80, wherein the connecting link85interconnects the weight80to the decoy device10. The connecting link85comprises a length of tether87or line, such as a length of fishing line. The weight80may comprise a weight measure in the range of approximately between 0.25 ounces (oz.) to approximately 2.0 pounds. However, weights80of lighter and heavier weight measures are envisioned, as the required weight measure being dependent upon and relative to external forces (e.g., wind) envisioned to be applied against decoy device10during operation of the present invention. In accordance to one exemplary embodiment where the body12of the decoy device10represents a wood duck (excluding uncommon weather and atmospheric conditions occurring in a particular geographic region chosen to operate the present invention), the weight80comprises a weight measure preferably in the range of approximately 1.00 oz. to approximately 8.00 oz., and most preferably approximately 2.00 oz.

In addition, the weight80may comprise a number of various geometric shapes, including but not limited to circular (shown inFIG. 12) and prolate, as well as various symbols and characters, such as H-shaped (shown inFIG. 13). The weight80further includes a connecting eyelet82affixed thereto or a connecting aperture83bored therethrough.

Referring now more particularly toFIG. 14, after releasably securing the double-headed element50to the body12as previously described, one end of the tether87is fixedly connected to the connecting eyelet82(or connecting aperture83) of the weight80, such as via knotting. The opposing or free end of tether87is fixedly connected to the attachment means60bor61bof double-headed element50. Specifically, the opposing end of tether87is passed through the oval void60bor61brepresenting an eye, and thereafter knotted in a manner so as to securely attach the opposing end of tether87to the end50aor50bof the double-headed element50(such as the end50aor50bas would be currently positioned in the hollow interior of the body12). The free end of tether87or line may be attached to the double-headed element50prior to securing said element50to the body12.

Referring now more particularly toFIG. 14A, after releasably securing the double-headed element50to the body12as previously described, one end of the tether87is fixedly connected to the connecting eyelet82(or connecting aperture83) of the weight80, such as via knotting. The opposing or free end of tether87is looped around at least one of the following pairs of elements of the end50aor50bof the double-headed element50positioned in the hollow interior of the body12: 1) the first horizontally-oriented slot65and second horizontally-oriented slot66; and 2) the second horizontally-oriented slot66and the inwardly-curved interface63, and the free end of tether87is fixedly connected therearound (e.g., such as via knotting), thereby connecting the weight80to the decoy device10. The free end of tether87or line may be attached to the double-headed element50prior to securing said element50to the body12. In such event, the selected tether87or line comprises a denier, filament, or gauge measure (or otherwise is not excessively looped and re-looped around element50) which consumes a very small portion of the spatial volume provided by each the first and second horizontally-oriented slots65and66. Otherwise, a tether87or line having a substantial denier, filament, or gauge measure may prevent or significantly limit or impair the ability of the tongue-and-dado joint170to facilitate releasably-secured attachment of double-headed element50to the body12in a frictional fit arrangement.

Referring now toFIGS. 8-13, in accordance to one embodiment, the means for stabilizing the decoy device10in a floating upright position70comprises an elongated, generally rectangular-shaped sleeve71having open opposed ends72,74and an open interior75. The sleeve71may be constructed of the same polymer foam material used to construct blank15. Alternatively, the sleeve71may be constructed of a compressible material capable of being crimped using a suitable crimping tool (not shown) so as to allow the sleeve71to frictionally engage a weight80inserted within the interior75of sleeve71, and thereby coupling the weight80in the interior75of sleeve71.

The sleeve71further comprises a linearly-elongated arm77molded integral thereto about an upper circumferential surface thereof. The arm77comprises a generally rectangular configuration having an upper wall77a, a left side wall77b, and a right side wall77c. The arm77extends parallel to sleeve71. The arm77defines a greater length than sleeve71and has opposed ends78,79each extending a greater length or otherwise protruding laterally a greater distance than the open opposed ends72,74, respectively, of sleeve71, as best illustrated inFIGS. 9 and 10.

The sleeve71may be detachably secured to the bottom12bof the body12of the decoy device10, proximate a center thereof, via a fastening mechanism140selected from the group which includes, but is not limited to, a hook-and-loop fastening system142(Velcro®), and snap-fit mechanisms, mechanical interference or frictional fit connection systems, zippers, magnetic devices, adhesive strips with releasable liners, and other complementary type or matching connector devices and systems, and combinations thereof.

In accordance to one embodiment, the fastening mechanism140comprises a hook-and-loop fastening system142, wherein a first set of hook devices thereof is suitably attached to one sidewall77bor77cat one end78or79of the arm77, and a second set of hook devices is suitably attached to the opposite sidewall77bor77cat the end78or79opposing the first set of hook devices. More specifically, for example, the first set of hook devices may be suitably attached to the left sidewall77bof arm77at end78thereof, and the second set of hook devices may be suitably attached to the right sidewall77bof arm77at end79thereof. By way of another example, the first set of hook devices may be suitably attached to the left sidewall77bof arm77at end79thereof, and the second set of hook devices may be suitably attached to the right sidewall77bof arm77at end78thereof.

A first set of loop devices of the hook-and-loop fastening system142is suitably attached to the bottom side22to one of the upper tabs145or146, below the attachment means40of the body12. A second set of loop devices of the hook-and-loop fastening system142is suitably attached to the bottom side22to one of the lower tabs45or46being diagonal to the upper tab145or146comprising the first set of loop devices of the hook-and-loop fastening system142. By way of example, the first set of loop devices of the hook-and-loop fastening system142may be suitably attached to the bottom side22to upper tab145, and the second set of loop devices of the hook-and-loop fastening system142may be suitably attached to bottom side22to the lower tab46. By way of another example, the first set of loop devices of the hook-and-loop fastening system142may be suitably attached to the bottom side22to upper tab146, and the second set of loop devices of the hook-and-loop fastening system142may be suitably attached to the bottom side22to lower tab45.

The first and second set of hook devices attached to the arm77of sleeve71cooperate with the corresponding first and second set of loop devices attached to the bottom side22of the blank15of decoy device10in an overlapping fashion to releasably secure the stabilizer70thereto.

As previously described, the first and second set of hook devices and the first and second set of loop devices of the hook-and-loop fastening system142may be attached, respectively, to the arm77of stabilizer70and to tabs145,146and45,46. It is within the contemplation of the present application that the first and second set of hook devices and the first and second set of loop devices of the hook-and-loop fastening system142may be attached to the arm77and tabs145,146and45,46in a vice-versa manner.

In accordance to another embodiment, it is envisioned that one end78or79of one side wall77bor77cmay be suitably attached (such as via stitching) to one upper tab145or146. The unattached end78or79and one of the upper tabs145or146and one of the lower tabs45or46include complementary hook or loop material, respectively, for achieving releasably securement of the unattached end78or79of stabilizer70to the blank15of the decoy device10.

It is further envisioned that the blank15may include a base panel or portion to which the stabilizer70is detachably secured, wherein the base being integrally molded to the blank15during the blank15molding process, or suitably attached to blank15or otherwise releasably attached thereto via a suitable coupling mechanism.

Referring now toFIGS. 8-10, the sleeve71further comprises one or more holes270, wherein two spatially-aligned holes271and272are disclosed, in accordance to one embodiment.

The open interior75of sleeve71is configured for snugly receiving a weight80. The weight80is inserted through either end78or79of sleeve71and pushed into the interior75thereof. The weight80defines an area, or more specifically, defines a size and configuration so as to be snugly received within the open interior75of sleeve71. The connecting link85, shown herein as a tether87, interconnects the weight80to the decoy device10via the stabilizer70. One end of tether87is fixedly connected to connecting eyelet82(or connecting aperture83) of the weight80. The opposing or free end of tether87is threaded through the one or more holes270of the arm77of sleeve71and attached thereto, such as via knotting, thereby connecting the weight80to the decoy device10. Prior to positioning weight80into the interior75of sleeve71, excess tether87length is looped around the pair of distally-opposed incurvate recesses92and94, leaving a suitable length of tether87to allow the weight80to be inserted into the interior75of sleeve71.

After connecting the weight80to the decoy device10, the weight80underlies the body12of the decoy device10, generally about a center thereof. In accordance to one embodiment, during operation of the present invention, the decoy device10is positioned in a floating, upright position on the surface of a body of water W, or decoy stabilized position P (as best illustrated inFIG. 1). In the event a physical force in the form of, e.g., wind and/or a waves is applied to the device10causing said device10to topple, roll, or bobble forward, rearward, laterally, and any combination thereof, the weight80supplies a counteracting force which forces decoy device10to return to the decoy stabilized position P. The counteracting force supplied by the weight80is a downward force due to the gravitational attraction of the Earth. Thus, when the decoy device10is oriented in the decoy stabilized position P on the surface of a body of water W, the counteracting force supplied by the weight80is constant. Therefore, when using the decoy device10, the stabilizer70further functions to maintain decoy device10in the decoy stabilized position P.

A means for selectively-adjusting the depth at which the weight80extends downwardly from the stabilizer70into the water W is disclosed. The depth adjustment means90comprises a pair of distally-opposed incurvate recesses92and94. The first incurvate recess92is integrally formed between the first open end72of sleeve71and the first end78of arm77. The second incurvate recess94is integrally formed between the second open end74of sleeve71and the second end79of arm77.

Excess tether87may be looped around the opposed incurvate recesses92and94, thereby allowing the user to adjust the longitudinal length of the tether87as it hangs in a suspended manner downward from the stabilizer70(or double-headed element50), and hence adjust the depth at which tether87hangs therefrom, or from the double-headed element50into the water W. In any event, the connecting link85comprises a length appropriate for the depth of the body of water W upon which the decoy device10is to be utilized. Referring now more particularly toFIGS. 8-10, and 12-14, depth adjustment means90also functions to provide a decoy anchor110.

Referring now more particularly toFIG. 15, in accordance to another embodiment of the present invention, a decoy device120is disclosed for placement on land or a field. The decoy device120is anchored to the ground G by an anchor assembly130. The anchor assembly130comprises a grommet132extending through a hole131defined through the medial section17of blank15, and more specifically, approximate an elongated centerline of the blank15. The grommet132is fixedly seated in the hole131and occupies an entire diameter thereof. The grommet132may include an enlarged head134from which a cylinder136extends integrally downward therefrom. The cylinder136includes an open interior138for slidably receiving an upper end144of a stake140, wherein the stake140is secured to the grommet132via mechanical interference. The cylinder136further includes an open bottom139in direct, open communication with the open interior138. The stake140comprises an elongated body142having an upper end144opposing a sharpened lower end146. By applying downward pressure or force to the head134of grommet132(such as via user's foot), the stake140is driven into the ground, or for example mud, to support the decoy device120in an anchored manner to the ground G. The stakes140are envisioned to be manufactured so as to be available in a number of various lengths to accommodate various terrains of grounds and fields where decoy device120will be placed. In addition, a stake140of considerable length allows the user to support the decoy device120elevationally above the ground G, as opposed to being supported contiguously with the ground G, or otherwise in substantially close contact with the ground G. The decoy device120provides a realistic decoy which effectively attracts other wild game, such as for example ducks, to the vicinity.

Finally, in reference toFIG. 8, in accordance to another embodiment, the present invention may comprise a combination decoy and life preserver device10a.

It is envisioned that the various embodiments, as separately disclosed, are interchangeable in various aspects, so that elements of one embodiment may be incorporated into one or more of the other embodiments, and that specific positioning of individual elements may necessitate other arrangements not specifically disclosed to accommodate performance requirements or spatial considerations.

It is to be understood that the embodiments and claims are not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the description and illustrated in the drawings. Rather, the description and the drawings provide examples of the embodiments envisioned, but the claims are limited to the specific embodiments. The embodiments and claims disclosed herein are further capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting the claims.