Abstract:
A game call assembly for attracting wild game comprises a game call configured for emitting a call when rotated to an inverted position. A motor when energized rotates a shaft. The game call is coupled to the shaft. A switch selectively electrically connects a power source to the motor. The game call assembly is configured for being mounted to a weapon, and also functions as a stabilizer.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 11/118,128, filed Apr. 29, 2005, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to a game call assembly that emits sound for attracting wildlife.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Numerous devices are known in the relevant art for use by hunters and others, such as photographers, for producing game sounds intended to be heard by wild game for the purpose of attracting the wild game to the source of the game sound. Such devices are collectively known as game calls and are available in various configurations. Some game calls, for example, are actuated by air and include a reed or other sound-producing member. In order to issue a call, a hunter must blow or otherwise force air into and/or through such an air-actuated game call device. Other types of calls may, for example, require a hunter to strike an object against the calling device or to strike the calling device against an object. Each of these prior art calls has certain disadvantageous features and/or aspects.  
         [0004]     Producing a realistic game call by blowing air through an air-actuated or reed-type game call device is an art, and is not a particularly repeatable process. Thus, since the amount and velocity of air traveling through a reed-type game call device determines at least in part the characteristics and sound level of the call, a user must be well practiced in order to produce calls having realistic characteristics, such as the proper duration and sound level. The volume produced by such calls can vary widely and from user to user, and an excited hunter may inadvertently produce a call that is too loud or not loud enough. Too loud of a call may scare away the game the call was intended to attract. A call that requires one or more hands to actuate may result in a hunter or photographer missing a rare opportunity to photograph or take aim at the attracted game as a result of having to move his or her hands from the game call to the camera or weapon. Further, a user is typically forced to keep track of where the call device is kept, such as, for example, in which pocket, and may fumble and/or drop the call device when retrieving it for use.  
         [0005]     Some game call devices have been developed that address, to a certain extent, the above-mentioned disadvantageous characteristics. Some call devices have been developed that do not require a user to hold the device and/or actuate the device by hand. For example, some air-actuated calls are configured for having a mouthpiece attached or otherwise held proximate to or within the mouth of a user, and thus do not require a user to raise and hold the call tip to his or her mouth by hand. However, such calls still require the user to force air through the device and thus retain the above-described associated disadvantages. Other calls have been developed which do not require a user to force air through the device and, therefore, produce more repeatable and realistic calls. For example, electronic calls have been developed which produce the call via electronic and/or amplified means. However, many states have by law declared the use of such electronic and/or amplified call devices illegal, particularly when used by hunters.  
         [0006]     Therefore, what is needed in the art is a game call device which does not require handling and/or hand actuation by a user.  
         [0007]     Furthermore, what is needed in the art is a game call device which is configured for being readily available to a user.  
         [0008]     Moreover, what is needed in the art is a game call device which produces calls at consistent and/or repeatable sound levels but which is not an amplified call device.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     The present invention provides a game call assembly for attracting wild animals and game.  
         [0010]     The present invention comprises, in one form thereof, a game call operable to emit a call by reorienting the game call from an upright position to an inverted position. The game call is coupled to the shaft of a motor. A switch selectively electrically connects a power source to the motor thereby energizing the motor, rotating the shaft, and inverting the game call. The game call assembly is configured for being mounted to a weapon, and also functions as a stabilizer.  
         [0011]     An advantage of the present invention is that a user can actuate the game call without moving from a ready-to-fire position.  
         [0012]     A further advantage of the present invention is that the call is issued at a relatively consistent sound level.  
         [0013]     A still further advantage of the present invention is that it is not an amplified call and thus does not run afoul of laws precluding the use of such amplified calls. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]     The present invention is disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is an exploded view of one embodiment of a game call assembly of the present invention;  
         [0016]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of another embodiment of a game call assembly of the present invention;  
         [0017]      FIGS. 3A, 3B  and  3 C are perspective views of the game call assembly of  FIGS. 1 and 2  mounted to an archery bow, cross bow, and rifle, respectively;  
         [0018]      FIG. 4  is a side view of a bracket for mounting the game call assembly to a second object such as a rifle;  
         [0019]      5 A and  5 B are, respectively, a side view and an end view of an embodiment of the game call assembly having a game call mounting bracket;  
         [0020]      FIG. 5C  is a cross-sectional view of the game call assembly of  FIG. 5A  taken at line  5 C- 5 C; and  
         [0021]      FIG. 6  is an isometric view of an embodiment of the game call assembly having an interchangeable wired switch and wireless switch. 
     
    
       [0022]     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The examples set out herein illustrate several embodiments of the invention but should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0023]     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , one embodiment of a game call assembly of the present invention is shown. Game call assembly  10  includes housing  12 , power source  14 , motor  16 , switch  18 , controller  20 , and game call  22 .  
         [0024]     Housing  12  is a compact generally cylindrical housing that defines an interior space (not referenced) in which power source  14 , motor  16  and controller  20  are disposed. The interior of housing  12  is preferably sealed against intrusion by the elements and constructed of a material that is relatively lightweight yet durable. Housing  12  also encloses, receives, or has affixed thereto one or more weights or weighted sections which as will be more particularly described hereinafter, enable game call assembly  10  to additionally function as a stabilizing element.  
         [0025]     Still referring to  FIG. 1 , housing  12  includes a first housing feature  26 , such as, for example, a threaded stud, configured for engaging either of: 1) a first weighted-section feature  28 , such as, for example, a threaded bore, of one or more weighted sections  30 ; or 2) a similar accessory-mounting feature of a second object, such as, for example, a weapon, (neither of which are shown in  FIG. 1 ) as is more particularly described hereinafter. The weighted sections  30  further include a second weighted-section feature  32 , such as, for example, a threaded stud, configured for engaging a first weighted-section feature  28  of another weighted section  30  or the accessory-mounting feature of a weapon.  
         [0026]     Power source  14 , such as, for example, a conventional battery, provides power to controller  20  and motor  16 . Motor  16  is, preferably, an electrical motor, such as, for example, a direct current motor, stepper motor, or other similar motor, which when energized is configured to rotate shaft  34  thereof in a predetermined direction. Switch  18  is a conventional switch that actuates, via controller  20 , motor  16 . Switch  18  is physically positioned in a location that allows convenient actuation and requires minimum movement by a user, as will be more particularly explained hereinafter.  
         [0027]     Controller  20  controls the amount or degree to which shaft  34  is rotated for each actuation of switch  18 . Thus, for each actuation of switch  18  shaft  34  is rotated a predetermined amount or number of degrees, such as, for example, 180 degrees (one-hundred eighty degrees). Controller  20  is, for example, an electronic controller that issues to motor  16  an electrical signal or pulse having a fixed duration or a predetermined number of pulses that cause shaft  34  to rotate by the predetermined amount or degree. Such controllers are well known in the art. Controller  20  can be alternately configured, such as, for example, as a simple mechanical resettable stop or other suitable means that limits rotation of shaft  34 .  
         [0028]     Came call  22  is similar to an estrus or can-type bleat call or other similar call. The bleat mimics a female deer in heat. Bow hunters use this device to stop a male deer. Often a bow hunter comes upon a make deer that is moving. When a male deer hears the bleat of the deer call, he often stops moving to investigate the sound. Other audible calls are used to attract different game. For example, a coyote is often attracted by a call that mimics a rabbit in distress. Wild turkeys are attracted by artificial mating calls. Conventional estrus-type calls emit a call when a hole in the bottom thereof is plugged, typically by a user covering the hole with a finger, and the can is inverted or turned end-to-end by the user. Game call  22  is modified, relative to a conventional estrus or can-type bleat call, so as to not have a bottom hole or with any bottom hole being either permanently sealed or selectively sealed by a sealing member when ready for use (to thereby avoid inadvertent calls). Game call  22  includes a mounting feature  36 , such as, for example, a threaded socket integral with and/or affixed thereto, configured to attach to shaft  34 .  
         [0029]     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a second embodiment of a game call assembly of the present invention is shown. Game call assembly  100  includes housing  112  having a first housing feature  126 , such as, for example, a threaded stud, configured for engaging a similar feature of a second object, such as, for example, a weapon, (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) as is more particularly described hereinafter. Housing  112  further includes weight-receiving housing features  128 , such as, for example, molded plastic slots or receptacles, for securely receiving and removably retaining weights or weight sections  130 . Weight-receiving housing features  128  are configured to hold weight sections  130  in a substantially stationary maimer, thereby substantially reducing if not eliminating noise-producing movement or rattling of weight sections  130  when disposed within weight-receiving housing features  128 . Optionally, weight-receiving housing features  128  are lined with a gasket-type member  140 , such as, for example, a rubber or felt material.  
         [0030]     Referring now generally to  FIGS. 3A-3C , game call assembly  10  is shown affixed to various weapons to function as a game call assembly and, optionally, a stabilizer. Stabilizers are used on weapons, particularly by archers on their bows, and are intended to reduce torque and shock. Stabilizers also help to level out the weapon and hold the weapon steady while aiming, and may reduce noise produced by the weapon.  
         [0031]     Referring now to  FIG. 3A , game call assembly  10  is shown mounted and/or affixed to an archery bow  140  to thereby form weapon assembly  300 . More particularly, game call device  22  is affixed to housing  12  via the engagement of shaft  34  of motor  16  with mounting feature  36  of game call device  22 . One or more weighted sections  30  (only one shown in  FIG. 3A ) are coupled to housing  12  via the engagement of first housing feature  26  and first weighted-section feature  28 .  
         [0032]     Switch  18  is preferably mounted proximate the ready-to-fire hand position of the user of bow  140 , cross bow  150  and/or firearm  160  such that the user can actuate switch  18  without moving his or her hand from that position. Preferably, switch  18  is a low-profile switch, such as, for example, a membrane or micro switch. Wires  44  that electrically connect switch  18  between power source  14  and motor  16  are routed along and periodically affixed to structural members of bow  40 .  
         [0033]      FIGS. 3B and 3C  show game call assembly  10  and/or  100  mounted and/or installed, in a substantially similar manner to that described above in regard to bow  140 , to cross bow  150  and firearm  160  to form weapon assemblies  400  and  500 , respectively. For the cross bow  400  and the rifle  500 , a bracket  142  clips or otherwise attaches to the stock  155   a,    155   b  of the cross bow or the rifle, respectively. The bracket  142  is disposed at a location convenient for the hunter to operate the switch  18 . The bracket has a threaded receiver bore (not shown) that receives the threaded stud on the end of the call apparatus. The bracket may be positioned anywhere along the length of the stock, preferably at a location where the switch  18  can be conveniently actuated with the user&#39;s index finger on the user&#39;s hand that supports the stock  155   a,    155   b.  Hunting rifle  500  has a similar bracket  142  for mounting the call on the stock  155   b  below the barrel  160 .  
         [0034]     Alternatively, the game call assembly  10  or  100  is affixed to a rifle or other weapon by bracket  142 ′, shown in  FIG. 4 . The bracket  142 ′ includes a weapon receiving end  70 , a game call assembly receiving end  72 , and a clamping means  74 . The weapon receiving end  70  slides onto the barrel or other cylindrical component of a weapon and the game call assembly receiving end  72  engages the game call assembly. The clamping means  74  may include a screw threaded between two walls of the bracket  142 ′ to be operable to pull the walls together upon tightening of the screw to thereby clamp the weapon receiving end  70  onto the weapon and the game call assembly receiving end  72  onto the housing of the game call assembly. A break in the wall in the weapon receiving end  70 , the game call assembly receiving end  72 , or both allows the walls to be pulled closer together and clamp onto the weapon and the game call assembly.  
         [0035]     It should be particularly noted that in weapon assemblies  400  and  500  shaft  34  of game call assembly  10  is oriented generally parallel to a central axis (not shown) thereof, so that it maintains the same relative orientation as the call on the weapon assembly  300 , to thereby orient game call device  22  for proper operation. The particular game call requires such orientation, but those skilled in the art understand that other embodiments of the game calls could be made if different orientations are desired.  
         [0036]     In a particular embodiment shown in  FIGS. 5A-5C , the game call assembly  10  includes a game call mounting bracket  80  affixed to and rotatable with the shaft  34 . The bracket  80  includes a curved portion  82 , which is shaped to receive a variety of different game calls. Particularly, game calls will generally have a cylindrical shape; however, game calls may vary in size and shape. The curved portion  82  will accommodate a variety of different sizes and shapes. The game call mounting bracket  80  further includes a pair of opposing hooks  84 , which allow the game call to be secured or strapped to the bracket simply by hooking an elastic band, string, or the like onto hooks  84  around the game call.  
         [0037]     In the embodiment shown, wires  44 , which electrically connect switch  18  between power source  14  and motor  16 , are routed along and periodically affixed to structural members of the weapon with which game call assembly  10  is used. However, it is to be understood that the game call assembly of the present invention can be alternately configured, such as, for example, with wires embedded and/or integrated into the structural members of the weapon. Similarly, switch  18  can be alternately configured as a radio-frequency, infra-red, or other type of actuation device which does not require a direct connection by wire, so long as controller  20  is also correspondingly alternately configured.  
         [0038]     In a particular embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , the game call assembly  10  (or  100 ) includes a modified wired switch  18 ′ that is electrically connected to the controller  20  via a switch connector  90 . The switch connector  90  extends from the housing  12  so that the connector is easily accessible. The switch  18 ′ is interchangeable with a wireless receiver  92  that cooperates with a wireless remote switch  94 . The wireless remote may be operated to emit a wireless signal, such as infrared or radio. Upon detection of the signal, the wireless receiver actuates the motor  16  via controller  20 . Each of the wired switch  18 ′ and the wireless receiver  92  includes a bayonet  96  or other type of connector that cooperates with the switch connector  90  to place the wired switch  18 ′ or the wireless receiver  92  in electrical communication with the controller  20 . Thus, the user has the option of using the wired switch or the wireless switch according to the user&#39;s convenience.  
         [0039]     In the embodiment shown, housing  12  is described as having a first housing feature  26  configured for engaging mating threaded bores  28  of one or more weighted sections  24  and/or threaded socket  42  of bow  40 . It is to be understood, however, that the present invention can be alternately and variously configured by interchanging threaded sockets with studs, and vice versa, so long as the various sections and components are able to engage and be coupled together as described.  
         [0040]     In the embodiment shown, game call assembly  10  is coupled to a weapon via an intervening weight section  30 . However, it is to be understood each of game call assemblies  10  and  100  are configured to be directly coupled to and/or received within the sockets of various weapons without requiring the use of the intervening weighted sections.  
         [0041]     In the embodiment shown, motor  16  is configured as an electrical motor, such as, for example, a direct current motor, stepper motor, or other similar motor, which when energized is configured to rotate shaft  34  thereof in a predetermined direction. However, it is to be understood that the present invention can be alternately configured with a different type of motor, such as, for example, a spring-driven motor or pneumatic-driven motor. In the former, a user winds or tensions a spring. Actuation of switch  18  releases the spring tension which is transformed into rotational movement of the motor shaft. In the latter, a source of pressurized air, such as, for example, a carbon dioxide cartridge, air provided (i.e., blown) by a user, or other source, is supplied and provides the force to rotate the shaft.  
         [0042]     In the embodiment shown, controller  20  is configured as an electronic controller. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention can be alternately configured with a different type of controller, such as, for example, a mechanical resettable stop, ratchet stop, other suitable means that limits rotation of the shaft. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, the type of motor and/or actuation means used is considered when selecting which type of controller is to be used.  
         [0043]     While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present invention using the general principles disclosed herein. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within the known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.