Abstract:
The present disclosure is directed to a system, method and apparatus for imparting a traversing motion and a rotation motion to a decoy. The system includes a first track portion, a second track portion securable to the first track portion and a sled for traversing along the tracks. A decoy is mounted on a pole rotatably secured to the sled. Two cables that are manually retractable by winding apparatus are each connected to a laterally extending arm of the pole so that the decoy is rotated to face the direction of traversal along the track. Retracting the first cable rotates the decoy in a first direction and to moves the sled in a first direction along the track section. Retracting the second cable rotates the decoy in an opposing direction and to moves the sled in the opposing direction along the track.

Description:
PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/477,219, filed Apr. 20, 2011 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/576,611, filed Dec. 16, 2011, both of which are hereby fully incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to hunting decoy movement systems, devices and methods. More particularly, the present invention relates to fowl decoy movement systems, devices and methods imparting linear translating movement and rotational movement to the decoy, such as a turkey decoy. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Using decoys when hunting fowl assists the hunter in gaining the attention of or attracting the target fowl. It is advantageous to create the most realistic decoy scene possible to enhance effectiveness. For example, mock noises of the target fowl are combined with the use of the decoy. It is also desirable that the movement of the decoy be realistic. This is particularly desirable with regard to wild turkeys because of their characteristic back and forth intermittent traversing motion when feeding. Thus devices have been developed to impart a motion to a turkey decoy. 
         [0004]    In U.S. Pat. No. 6,408,558, for example, a linear track is provided wherein the turkey decoy is mounted on a sliding member that traverses along the track. In one variation, the hunter pulls a cord attached to one side of the sliding member to move the decoy in a first direction. Such movement elongates a tension spring. Releasing the string causes the turkey to move in the opposite direction. Alternatively, the sliding member is motorized. However, in both embodiments, the decoy maintains the same azimuth orientation (i.e. no rotation about the vertical axis), which lacks realism. Also, motorized decoys are typically illegal for use in hunting. Moreover, the practical length of the track is limited by the use of a spring or a motor. Such system would be relatively heavy and difficult to set up as well. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,574,902 discloses the addition of a rotational mechanism to the decoy&#39;s movement. However, the apparatus is again actuated by springs or motors, and therefore, is disadvantageous as discussed above. Therefore, there remains a need for an improved decoy movement system, method and apparatus. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    The present disclosure is directed to a decoy movement system, device and method, wherein the decoy is manually moved in a linearly translating motion and in a rotational motion along a track. The system according to certain aspects includes a first track portion, a second track portion securable to the first track portion and a sled for traversing along the tracks. A decoy is mounted on a pole rotatably secured to the sled. Two cables that are manually retractable by winding apparatus are each connected to a laterally extending arm of the pole so that the decoy is rotated to face the direction of traversal along the track. 
         [0007]    The decoy motion apparatus according to certain aspects includes a first track portion having a first channel and a second track portion configured to mate with the first track portion. The second track portion has a second channel that is aligned with the first channel when the track portions are mated. A sled is disposable in the first channel and the second channel. The sled includes a vertically extending decoy mounting pole rotatably secured to the sled. An arm extends laterally from the mounting pole. A dual spool winding apparatus comprises a first cable securable to the arm and a second cable attachable to the arm. Each of the cables is independently manually retractable into the winding apparatus to impart both a rotation motion and a traversing motion to a decoy fastened to the mounting pole. 
         [0008]    The method of manually providing traversing and rotational movement to a decoy according to certain aspects includes horizontally securing a section of track to the ground. A sled is disposed on the track section. A decoy is disposed on a vertically extending mounting pole rotataby mounted to the sled. A first cable and a second cable are each from a winding apparatus are both threaded through a first guide loop on a proximal end of the track section. The first cable is connected to an arm extending horizontally outward from the pole. The second cable is threaded through a second guide loop on a distal end of the track section and then connected to the arm. Retracting the first cable via the winding apparatus rotates the decoy in a first direction and moves the sled in a first direction along the track section. Retracting the second cable via the winding apparatus rotates the decoy in an opposing direction and moves the sled in the opposing direction. 
         [0009]    Additional aspects and embodiments are explained in the detailed description and recited in the claims. The above summary is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, or describe each embodiment, aspect, example, implementation, feature or advantage of the invention. The detailed technology and preferred embodiments for the subject invention are described in the following paragraphs accompanying the appended drawings for people skilled in this field to well appreciate the features of the claimed invention. It is understood that the features mentioned hereinbefore and those to be commented on hereinafter may be used not only in the specified combinations, but also in other combinations or in isolation, without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is an assembly view of a decoy movement system according to an example embodiment. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is an assembly view of the winding mechanism of a decoy movement system according to an example embodiment. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a carrying harness for a a decoy movement system according to an example embodiment. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is an assembly view of a decoy movement system according to an example embodiment. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is an assembly view of the winding mechanism of a decoy movement system according to an example embodiment. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is an assembly view of the winding mechanism of a decoy movement system according to an example embodiment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a partial detail assembly view of a decoy movement system according to an example embodiment. 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is an end view of a collapsed decoy movement system according to an example embodiment. 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a top plan view of a decoy movement system according to an example embodiment. 
           [0019]      FIG. 9A  is a detail view of a portion of the decoy movement system in  FIG. 9 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a side view of a decoy movement system according to an example embodiment. 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a decoy movement system according to an example embodiment. 
           [0022]      FIG. 11A  is a detail view of a portion of the decoy movement system in  FIG. 11 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a top plan view of a collapsed decoy movement system according to an example embodiment. 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is a side view of a collapsed decoy movement system according to an example embodiment. 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a collapsed decoy movement system with carrying harness according to an example embodiment. 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  is a top view of a collapsed decoy movement system with carrying harness according to an example embodiment. 
           [0027]      FIG. 16  is an end view of a collapsed decoy movement system with carrying harness according to an example embodiment. 
           [0028]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a collapsed decoy movement system with carrying harness according to an example embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0029]    In the following descriptions, the present invention will be explained with reference to various example embodiments; nevertheless, these example embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention to any specific example, embodiment, environment, application, or particular implementation described herein. Therefore, descriptions of these example embodiments are only provided for purpose of illustration rather than to limit the present invention. The invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a decoy traversing and rotating system  100  is shown. The system comprises a first track portion  102 , a second track portion  104  and a sled  106  configured to slide within the track portions. The system  100  can comprise additional or fewer track portions without departing from the scope of the invention. 
         [0031]    Each track section  102  and  104  are longitudinally elongated members with a generally flat sliding surface and side rails  103  to retain the sled in the lateral and vertical directions. Each end of each track portion is provided with connecting features, for example, a male protrusion that is insertable into the recessed female portion of an adjacent track portion. End stops can be provided to the opposing ends of the assembled track portions to define travel limits of the sled. 
         [0032]    The sled  106  is provided with features to rotatably receive a decoy, such as a turkey decoy. The disclosure in this application will be made with regard to the decoy being a turkey decoy, but other types of decoys can be utilized without departing from the scope of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the decoy receiving features comprise a vertically extending post  108  rotatably secured to the sled. A cap nut  110  or other fastener is used to secure the decoy to the pole  108 . The pole or post  108  is secured on its lower end to a post receptacle. A post receptacle nut  114  is disposed on the opposing side of the sled to rotatably secure the post  108  to the sled  106 . 
         [0033]    A post arm  116  extends horizontally outward from the post  108 . An arm elbow  118  is disposed on and extends outwardly from the post arm  116 . The outer end of the elbow  118  receives a ring member  120 . The arm  116  is secured to the post  108  by a fastener  122  such as a bolt, or other suitable fastening means such as welding. The arm can also be integrally formed with the post. The details of the above-described arrangement can be seen in greater detail with regard to  FIG. 7 . 
         [0034]    The post  108  can be provided with a vertically telescoping portion  109  in order to accommodate a wide range of decoys. 
         [0035]    A stake  124  can be used at the endpoints or other points along the track portions  102 ,  104  to secure the system  100  to the ground so that it does not easily move in a horizontal direction. The stake  124  can be inserted though apertures defined in the horizontal surface of the track or through eyelets extending from portions of the track. In the former arrangement, the stakes can serve as travel limiters for the sled. The end of the stake opposite of that for piercing the ground is provided with a guide eyelet  127  for guiding cables as will be discussed below. 
         [0036]    A plurality of snaps  126  and rivets  128  can be provided to the outer sides of the track portions adjacent their ends for securement of a carry strap as will be discussed later in this disclosure. 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the winder assembly  130  is shown. The winder is operatively coupled to the post arm  116  via a cable attached to the ring member  120 . The winder  130  comprises a mounting stake  132  for mounting the winder housing  134  thereto. Inside of the housing, dual winding spools  136  are disposed. A handle protrudes outwardly of each spool and is operatively coupled to its respective spool so that the user can selectively wind the spool. The cable is would around each spool and then attached to the ring  120  form two opposing directions as will be discussed later in this disclosure. A plurality of fasteners  138 , such as screws, are used to fasten the housing to the stake and to secure the spools in rotatable position within the housing. 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , a carry strap  140  is shown for carrying the system  100  in a collapsed state. The strap snaps to opposing ends of the collapsed system and a carrying handle extends there between. the carry strap facilitates carrying over the user&#39;s shoulder or carrying in on hand. 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , an alternative embodiment of the system  100  is shown. Many of the aspects of this embodiment are the same as shown in  FIG. 1  and will not be repeated. The stakes  124  can be inserted through an eye ring  125  when securing the track to the ground. The track portions  102 ,  104  are pivotally secured together by a plurality of hinges  105 . The sled is also fitted with a plurality of horizontal wheels  142  to minimize lateral friction against the sidewalls in the channel of the tracks. A plurality of vertical wheels  144  allow the sled  106  to more easily roll along the horizontal surface inside of the tracks. A plurality of fasteners  146 , such as bolts, rotatably secure the wheels  142 ,  144  to the sled. Vertically extending stop posts  148  can be disposed on the sled to define travel limits of the rotation of the decoy mounting post  108 . Fasteners  149 , such as bolts, can be used to secure the posts  148  to the top surface of the sled  106 . A post cam  150  is secured to the decoy mounting post  108  with a fastener  152 . The cam  150  extends laterally outwardly from the post  108  and is configured to be secured to a cable on its outermost end. 
         [0040]    The winder assembly  130  shown in  FIG. 5  is the same as previously described with regard to  FIG. 2 . However, in  FIG. 5 , the winding handles  133  are more easily seen.  FIG. 6  shows an exploded parts view of the winder assembly  130  consistent with that described above. 
         [0041]    Referring now to  FIGS. 9 ,  9 A,  10 ,  11  and  11 A, the system and apparatus  100  will now be described with respect to its use and a method of providing motion to a decoy. The track portions  102  and  104  are assembled and secured to the ground in the position desired for movement of the decoy. The winder  130  is secured to the ground at a position remote from the tracks and where the user will be located to actuate the system. Preferably, the winder will be longitudinally aligned, or only slightly offset form the same, in order to minimize the potential for binding of the cables. Each spool is would with a length of cable. The end of the cable is provided with a fastener  156 ,  158 , such as a clip to facilitate attachment of the ring  120 . 
         [0042]    Both cables  160  and  162  are threaded through the proximal eyelet. Then a first cable  160  is fastened to the ring  120  of the post arm  116 . The second cable  162 , however, is threaded through the distal stake eyelet and then traverses back along itself until it too is fastened to the ring  120 . The decoy is then disposed on the post  108  and fastened thereto so that rotation of the post causes respective rotation of the decoy. 
         [0043]    The user&#39;s actuation of the first spool handle  161  to retract the first cable  160  as shown in the figures, causes the decoy to longitudinally translate along the track in a proximal direction (i.e. toward the user) by retracting the cable  160  to pull the sled  106  in that direction. Such pulling action on the first cable  160  causes torque to be applied to the post  108  via the arm  116 , thereby causing the post  108  to rotate in a first direction. This movement causes the decoy to rotate to a forward-facing direction in the direction of movement. Conversely, actuating the second spool handle  163  to retract the second cable  162  causes the decoy to rotate towards the distal direction. Further winding of the second cable  162  completes the 180 degree rotation of the decoy and pulls the sled in a distal direction (i.e. away from the user). Thus the decoy is re-oriented for each direction so that it always appears to be moving in a forward orientation as it traverses along the track. 
         [0044]    The user is thus able to vary the application of each cable via its respective spool handle  161 ,  163  in order to generate a variety of lifelike movements for a given decoy. For example, both rapid and slow movements, halting movements and direction reversals can be effectuated. The decoy can also be rotated back and forth while stationary. Combining such movements with realistic calls for the given decoy aids the hunter in attracting the desired prey. In one example application, a gobbler turkey decoy is mounted on the movement system and a stationary laying hen turkey decoy is placed adjacent one end of the track. 
         [0045]    In one example embodiment, a turkey decoy can traverse the length of the track while always facing forward in the direction of traversing motion. The user can initiate and control speed of the traversing motion of the turkey decoy in one direction and stop and/or turn the turkey decoy to face the opposing direction and initiate traversing motion in the opposing direction. In addition, the user may at any point cause the turkey decoy to change direction and/or turn to face any rotational position that is desired. Generally speaking, the user will want to orient the turkey decoy to face forward along the traversing direction. However, when the turkey decoy is not traversing, the user may cause the turkey decoy to rotate while stationary, i.e., not traversing the track. 
         [0046]    Hunting often requires considerable hiking or other access to remote areas, such as fields and woods. Thus, it is advantageous to provide for a means and method of easily transporting the decoy motion system according to the various embodiments of the invention. Referring now to FIGS.  8  and  12 - 17 , the system and apparatus  100  will be described with respect to the collapsed state and a method of transport. 
         [0047]    The two track portions can be disposed opposing one another as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 13-14  to define a storage space therein to house the other system components. As can be seen in  FIGS. 8 and 12 , the winding apparatus  130 , vertical decoy post  108 , stakes  124  and sled  106  are disposed in the channel of a first section  102  of the track. Then the second section  104  is disposed on top of the first with its channel opening facing downwards. Hook and loop fasteners (item  164  as shown in  FIG. 1 ) can be used to secure the various system components within the defined storage space. Additionally or alternatively, an insert can be placed in the channel to form-fittingly secure the various components. The inner surfaces of the track sections can also be provided with depressions or cutouts complimentary in shape to the system components to be stored. Thus, the various components are more securely retained and missing parts are more readily identified. 
         [0048]    A carry strap  140  can be secured over the stacked housings adjacent each end as shown in  FIGS. 14-17 . The strap can be secured, for example, by respective snap portions on the outside rail surfaces of the track portions and the carry straps. A shoulder portion  166  spans between the ends to allow the user to easily carry the collapsed system in one hand or slung over one shoulder. Additionally, a decoy carrying portion  168  can be provided to assist the user in carrying the decoy to be used with the system. An adjustable buckle or other releasable fastener  170  can be provided the decoy carrying portion to make it easier to carry and release the decoy. 
         [0049]    The various components discussed herein can be fabricated from a variety of materials, or combination of materials, without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the various components can be a metal, such as aluminum, or be molded from plastic. A combination of metal and plastic components can be used. The carry strap can be heavy gauge nylon, leather, vinyl, or other suitable material. The cable can be selected from a wide variety of readily available fishing lines with a pound test rating sufficient to guard against failure for the particular size and weight of the decoy being deployed, or for the expected resistance to which the line will be subjected. The outer surfaces of the track sections can also be painted to covered in suitable colors for hunting such as a camouflage pattern. 
         [0050]    In one example embodiment, the assembled track length is five feet and the total system weighs about 3.5-4.5 pounds. The light weight makes the system easy to carry form location to location. The system is also easy to set up and collapse. Longer movements can be easily accomplished by adding more sections of track. Providing for user-controlled actuation without the use of springs or motors allows for legal operation under the various hunting laws and also simplifies and reduces system weight and reliability. Curved track portions can also be employed within the scope of the invention. 
         [0051]    While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments. It will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and equivalent arrangements can be made thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, such scope to be accorded the broadest interpretation of the appended claims so as to encompass all equivalent structures and products. Moreover, features or aspects of various example embodiments may be mixed and matched (even if such combination is not explicitly described herein) without departing from the scope of the invention. 
         [0052]    For purposes of interpreting the claims for the present invention, it is expressly intended that the provisions of Section 112, sixth paragraph of 35 U.S.C. are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for” or “step for” are recited in a claim.