Abstract:
A remote controlled game decoy is provided that includes a number of functional components allowing an operator to control the game decoy for varied operations. The gamed decoy is self-propelled. Propulsion may be achieved either by a motor driven propeller or by a jet propulsion system. A rudder may be provided with the propeller to enhance mobility of the decoy. The jet propulsion system incorporates a pump which forces a flow of liquid to exit the decoy. The flow of liquid can be accelerated and directionally controlled by a nozzle placed in-line with the exiting flow of liquid. A retrievable anchor may be employed to station the decoy at a desired location. A gamed retrieval device may also be provided to retrieve downed game. In one arrangement, a retrievable snare or hook is used to retrieve downed game. In another arrangement, a plurality of retractable/extendable tines are used to retrieve downed game.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a remote controlled game decoy. More particularly, the present invention relates to a remote controlled game decoy having a number of functional components which can all be remotely operated. The game decoy is self-propelled and has some integral means to retrieve downed game. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Game decoys of many varieties are used as lures for hunting, and are employed to emulate water fowl or a group of water fowl at a location suitable for water fowl habitat. Ideally, water fowl are attracted to a group of decoys, and the water fowl come within range of shooting by the hunter. The hunter may personally retrieve the downed game, or use a working dog to retrieve the downed game. To a lesser extent, decoys are used as lures to attract wild animals for observation, or to capture an animal for tagging, study, or other biological purposes. Whether it be hunting or other activities, it is most desirable to provide a game decoy which not only lures the animal, but also captivates it and keeps it occupied in a designated location. 
     A number of prior art devices exist which include improvements to game decoys. A number of these devices are focused upon providing internal propulsion for the game decoy, thus making it more lifelike and natural. Furthermore, these self-propelled decoys allow a hunter/observer to more precisely position the game decoy, as well as change the position of the decoy without necessarily having to physically move to position the game decoy. Accordingly, many of the prior art devices are remote controlled, allowing the hunter/observer much flexibility in employment of the game decoy. 
     In addition to providing means for propelling the game decoy and a radio transmitter/receiver for remote control, some of the prior art devices include remote controlled anchors, and devices which are designed to retrieve the downed game by snaring or otherwise attaching the downed game to the game decoy, and then retrieving the game decoy. 
     While the prior art devices may be adequate for their intended purposes, there are some inherent drawbacks with many of the designs incorporated in such prior art devices. One common problem related to use of providing self-propulsion for the game decoy is that the propulsive mechanism may become fouled with weeds, algae, pond scum, or other obstacles as the decoy is being propelled through a particular area. This may result in stalling or complete loss of the decoy, or at a minimum can result in erratic motion atypical of the animal which is simulated by the decoy. 
     Another common problem associated with many prior art devices is that they are unnecessarily complex in employment of the various functioning components of the device, as well as the overall basic design of these components. 
     Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a game decoy with multiple functions, but simplify its construction and design. Another object of the invention is provide options for propulsion of the game decoy, which includes a jet powered system or arrangement which minimizes fouling of the propulsion device in austere water environments. It is yet another object of the invention to provide a game retrieval mechanism which simply yet reliably can retrieve downed game. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a floatable container which houses the functional elements of the decoy, and a separable body or shell attached to the floatable container wherein the particular shape of the game being simulated can be easily interchanged by using a different shell. 
     It is still another object of the invention to provide methods which employ the functional components of the apparatus, thus constituting overall improvements in the methods of propelling the decoy, retrieving game, simulating game, and controlling the game decoy. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, a remotely controlled decoy is provided comprising a buoyant shell or body portion, and a buoyant boat-like container which houses the functional components of the decoy therein. The decoy is controlled by wireless communications. A common hand held radio transmitter generates control signals, and a radio receiver which is housed within the decoy receives the radio signals. The receiver then generates electric control signals in conjunction with onboard circuitry within the decoy to control the various functional components of the decoy. The components of the decoy include a propulsive device, either in the form of a traditional propeller, or in the form of jet propulsion which incorporates a directional nozzle generating accelerated liquid flow for propulsion and for steering. A weight may be used in the bottom of the decoy to aid in stabilizing the decoy. Alternately, a rudder is provided to stabilize the decoy and increase maneuverability. The propulsive device in either form provides precisely directed movement of the decoy in response to commands transmitted by the transmitter. 
     The remotely controlled decoy also includes an optional anchor having a spool and a length of line or cable wound around the spool. The spool is controlled by an anchor motor coupled to the spool. The anchor motor unwinds the spool enabling the anchor to be dropped, and the motor rewinds the spool in order to raise the anchor. 
     A game retrieval mechanism is also incorporated within the decoy. In a first arrangement of the game retrieval mechanism, a treble hook or other snaring implement is attached to a retractable line or cable, which is secured upon a spool. Like the anchor, the game retrieval mechanism in the first arrangement also includes a motor coupled to the spool which allows winding and unwinding of the spool in order to release or retract the game retrieval hook. In addition to retrieving game, the game retrieval hook can also be used for towing slave decoys. Thus, the spool is simply unwound to extend the line to a desired distance from the decoy, and the slave decoys are secured to the game retrieval hook. In a second arrangement of the game retrieval mechanism, an extendable/retractable set of tines are provided which have hooked ends for snaring downed game. A retrieval motor is also provided for actuating the tines to an extended or retracted position. In the retracted position, the tines are withdrawn into a holding sleeve. The tines are pushed or displaced out of the holding sleeve in the extended position, the tines being normally biased to spread or separate from one another while in the extended position. 
     In order to provide nearly instantaneous forward or reverse locomotion, a dual three-way valve is used in conjunction with the jet propulsion arrangement. A pump provides a flow of liquid through the decoy, and the nozzle accelerates the exiting fluid to provide effective jet propulsion to the decoy. The dual three-way valve may be controlled to reverse the flow of liquid through the decoy, thus resulting in reversal in the direction of movement of the decoy. The dual three-way valve has two control sections or chambers with rotatable drums/cylinders operated by corresponding solenoids which set the drums for either forward or reverse movement of the decoy. It is also contemplated within the spirit and scope of this invention to alternatively use a reversible pump motor which would in turn reverse the direction of the pump, and subsequently the flow of liquid through the decoy. However, the preferred arrangement is the use of the dual three-way valve which more instantaneously reverses direction of flow through the decoy. 
     The transmitter is designed to have separate controls for each of the different decoy functions. These controls can be in the form of toggle switches which enables an operator to quickly, efficiently, and independently control each of the functioning elements. 
     Further and more specific advantages and features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the game decoy of the present invention, and a transmitter which may be used to transmit control signals to the game decoy; 
     FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the shell or body portion of the game decoy separated from the base unit which houses the functional components of the decoy, and further showing the removable access cover; 
     FIG. 2A is a greatly enlarged sectional view of the manner in which the access cover is attached and sealed with respect to the shell of the game decoy; 
     FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the functional components of the game decoy, this schematic view being for purposes of illustrating functional relationships and capabilities; 
     FIG. 4 is a fragmentary side view of a second embodiment of the game decoy of this invention, illustrating some of the functional components of the embodiment, and a modified transmitter which may be used to transmit the control signals to accommodate the components in the second embodiment; 
     FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the functional components of the second embodiment; 
     FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of liquid through the propulsive device of the second embodiment; 
     FIG. 7 is a combined schematic and greatly enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the internal construction of a part of the dual three-way valve incorporated within the second embodiment; 
     FIG. 8 is another schematic diagram illustrating reverse flow of liquid through the propulsive device of the second embodiment; 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the nozzle assembly used in the second embodiment to generate the accelerated exiting liquid; and 
     FIG. 10 is a horizontal section, taken along line  10 — 10  of FIG. 9 illustrating the operation of the nozzle assembly which can be rotated for directional control of the decoy. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Turning now to the drawings, in which like reference characters indicate corresponding elements throughout the several views, the description is first directed to FIG. 1 which illustrates a remotely controlled game decoy  10 , and a transmitter  12  which generates control signals. As further discussed below, a receiver mounted within the decoy receives the transmitted signals, and conditions the received signals in conjunction with control circuitry also mounted within the duck decoy for control of the various functional components. The transmitter  12  may be a conventional radio control transmitter such as that used with model airplanes and model automobile racers. 
     A receiving antenna  32  is mounted on the body  14 , and is electrically coupled to the radio receiver within the body. As shown in FIG. 4, receiving antenna  32  is preferably positioned adjacent head portion  16  in order to aid hiding antenna  32 . A user or operator controls the decoy by manipulating one or more of the toggle switches of the transmitter. The signals are received by antenna  32 , and then the receiver decodes and distributes the received control signals to the corresponding functional components within the decoy  10 . While radio signals are the preferred means of communication between the transmitter and receiver, it would also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other remote transmission protocols may be used including, but not limited to, infrared links, sonic or ultrasonic links. 
     Turning now to FIG. 2, the body or shell  14  of the decoy includes a head portion  16 ; thus the decoy may resemble water fowl such as a duck or goose. A number of commercially available decoys may be modified for use as the shell/body  14 . Preferably, the shell  14  is a relatively dense stiff material, which overlies an interior foam layer  18 . The foam layer results in the shell  14  being buoyant. An access cover  20  is provided to allow the user/operator to access the internal working components of the decoy for repair and troubleshooting. The access cover  20  is preferably disposed on an upper portion or surface of the shell  14 , and includes an overhanging edge  22  which effectively hides the joint between the cover  20  and the shell  14 . 
     As shown in FIG. 2A, an inner flange  24  is formed integrally along the opening, and a compressible gasket  26  overlies the lower surface the interior flange  24  along the entire periphery of the flange  24 . At one or more selected locations along the flange  24 , a screw  28  may be used to join the access cover  20  to the shell  14 . In order to hide the head of the screw, a recess or countersink  30  may be formed in the edge  22 . Compressible gasket  26  provides a water tight seal once the screws  28  are in place. 
     A base unit is provided which includes a hull  34  and a container. As shown in FIG. 2, the hull  34  resembles a single-hull boat. Alternately, a catamaran-shaped hull  34  may be used where there are two skids or separated sections of the hull  34 . For a multiple-piece shell  14  construction decoy, the container includes a lower wall portion that is interconnected to sidewalls  38  which are mounted over the hull  34 . The container houses the functional components of the game decoy therein. The under side of the shell  14  is large enough to receive the container therein. Preferably, there is a tight conforming fit between the foam layer  18  and the exterior sides of walls  38 . Furthermore, a compressible gasket or other sealing material (not shown) may be used, either mounted on the interior surface of foam layer  18  or on the exterior surface of walls  38  in order to provide an effective water tight seal. Complimentary securing means  39  are provided on the shell  14  and on the hull  34  which allows the shell  14  to be removably secured to the base unit. These securing means may include buckles, snaps or other well-known securing means. More preferably, a single- or one-piece type of sealed body construction is employed to limit the potential for water to enter the body of the decoy. In this case, an access cover  20  would still be employed above the water line of the decoy to allow access to the various decoy components 
     Optionally, an anchor assembly may be used to anchor the decoy at a desired location. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the anchor assembly includes an anchor weight  40  attached to the free end of a cable/line  42  which is wound upon spool  44 . Anchor spool  44  is preferably positioned within a hull opening  45  formed within the hull  34  of decoy  10 . Spool  44  may be selectively wound or unwound to retract/drop the anchor  40 . Shaft  72  interconnects spool  44  with gear box  70 . Anchor motor  68  drives the shaft  72  via gear box  70 . Although FIG. 3 illustrates gear box  70  as a separate element from anchor motor  68 , it shall be understood that gear box  70  simply represents the desired gearing or output from anchor motor  68  which is advantageous for operating shaft  72 . As well understood by those skilled in the art, a particular anchor motor  68  could be selected which has the desired speed and torque for shaft  72 , or a separate gear box  70  may be mechanically linked to the output of anchor motor  68  to adjust or modify the torque and speed of shaft  72 . Anchor motor  68  is reversible which allows spool  44  to be wound or unwound. In addition, a limit or control switch is preferably incorporated into the anchor spooling mechanism to prevent too much winding or unwinding of the spool  44 . 
     Referring back to FIG. 1, a weighted keel  46  may be positioned at the underside of the decoy  10 . The weighted keel  46  provides needed weight and stability, thus ensuring that the game decoy maintains its upright position. Depending upon the weight of the game decoy, weighted keel  46  is optional and can be eliminated if found unnecessary. As shown in FIG. 4, the weighted keel  46  may also be recessed within the hull  34  thus providing a more streamlined arrangement. Therefore, a weighted keel  46  may take the form of an exterior projection, or alternately, it may take the form of a weight added to the bottom interior and/or exterior surfaces of the hull  34   
     In order to propel the game decoy in the first embodiment, a propeller  48  is utilized which extends into the water, and is centrally located with respect to the hull  34 . Directional control (left and right) may be achieved by use of a rudder  50  which is mounted adjacent the propeller  48  and also extends into the water. 
     A game retrieval mechanism may be incorporated to retrieve downed game, or to tow slave decoys. In a first arrangement, the game retrieval mechanism includes a treble hook, snare, or other hook like implement  52  which is attached to a length of cable or line  54 . The hook  52  snares a downed game G as shown in FIG.  1 . The line  54  is routed over an exterior pulley  56  which is mounted or otherwise recessed underneath the tail portion of the shell  14 , as shown in FIG.  2 . The line is then secured around spool  58  which is recessed within the container. As with the anchor spool  44 , the retrieval mechanism spool  58  is rotatable in either direction to wind or unwind line  54 . In a manner similar to the anchor spool  44 , a limit or control switch is preferably integrated into the retrieval mechanism spool  58  to prevent too much winding or unwinding. As shown in FIG.  2  and schematically within FIG. 3, a shaft  64  interconnects spool  58  with gear box  62 . Retrieval motor  60  drives shaft  64  via gear box  62 . As with gear box  70 , gear box  62  is optional and is illustrated for purposes of acknowledging that the output of retrieval motor  62  may be varied to achieve the desired speed and torque upon shaft  64 . The positions of the anchor spool  44  and the game retrieval spool  58  may be located at either the front or back of decoy  10 . 
     One or more sources of power may be provided in the form of battery packs  66  and  78 . Battery packs  66  and  78  may be conventional lithium-ion batteries, or other well-known dry-cell batteries which provide adequate amperage and voltage to power the components of the decoy. Preferably, these battery packs are rechargeable and are easily replaced by the operator opening access cover  20 . As illustrated, electrical lines  112  interconnect the battery pack with the particular functional components requiring electrical power. 
     Now returning to a description of propulsion via propeller  48 , a propeller motor  74  is provided which drives the propeller  48  via shaft  76 . As with the anchor motor  68  and retrieval motor  60 , the propeller motor  74  may optionally include a gear box (not illustrated), or other traditional gearing means which can control the speed and torque of the shaft  76 . Preferably, propeller motor  74  is reversible, enabling the operator to select either forward or reverse movement. 
     Means are also provided to control the rudder  50 . As shown schematically in FIG. 3, a rudder control  80  is provided which rotates shaft  81  through a desired arc in order to position rudder  50  in the desired angular orientation. Rudder control  80  may simply be another motor which provides selective rotation of shaft  81 . 
     Referring again to FIG. 3, a circuit control board  82  with accompanying RF receiver  83  electrically communicates with each of the motors/controls. Communication lines  113  simply illustrate that appropriate electrical control signals are sent to each of the motors/controls based upon input from the operator via transmitter  12 . As discussed above, RF receiver  83  receives the command signals via antenna  32 , and then circuitry within board  82  conditions and distributes the control signals to the appropriate component to be controlled. 
     Now providing an explanation of basic operation, the user/operator places the decoy  10  in the desired body of water. The user/operator manipulates the control unit  12  and transmits radio signals via antenna  84  to the decoy. A number of toggle switches/controls are provided with the control unit  12  to independently operate each of the components. As shown in FIG. 1, control  86  is a toggle switch for controlling forward and reverse movement of the decoy by corresponding forward/reverse rotation of the propeller  48 . Toggle switch  88  allows extension or retrieval of the retrieval implement  52 , by rotation or counter rotation of spool  58 . Toggle switch  90  controls the up or down movement of anchor  40 , by corresponding rotation/counter-rotation of spool  44 . Horizontally oriented toggle switch  92  allows left/right rudder control for manipulating the angular position of the rudder  50 . 
     Now referring to a second embodiment of the invention, illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, in lieu of a propeller propulsion means and a spool controlled hook for game retrieval, the second embodiment incorporates jet power for propulsion, and retractable grasping tines for game retrieval. Pump  108  may be any well known bilge pump which has an inlet for receiving a flow of liquid, and an outlet which provides a pressurized flow of liquid. Pump  108  communicates with nozzle  114  through dual three-way valve  122 . Nozzle  114  provides additional acceleration of liquid for locomotive force, and dual three-way valve  122  enables forward or reverse flow of fluid through the decoy, as further discussed below. For forward movement of the decoy, water is allowed to enter inlet  118 , which is located preferably toward the lower front edge of the hull  34 . Of course, inlet  118  is placed at a level below the water line to ensure a constant stream of liquid is available. Now also referring to FIG. 6, inlet  118  communicates with inlet line  120 , which provides a flow of fluid into valve  122 . Liquid exits valve  122  through line  128 . Line  128 , in turn, provides a flow of liquid through nozzle  114 . Fluid then exits the nozzle at an accelerated rate, providing the forward locomotive motion for the decoy. Optionally, a ball valve  130  may selectively restrict the amount of flow through the jet propulsion system. 
     Referring now specifically to FIG. 6, the flow of liquid through the jet propulsion system will be described. Fluid enters the valve through line  120 . Line  120  then splits into branch line  133  and branch line  135 . For forward movement, branch line  135  is open wherein entrance/exit port  134  allows fluid to flow into the first control assembly  136 . Branch line  133  is blocked at entrance/exit port  132 , because the second control assembly  139  is positioned to prevent flow through port  132 . After entering first control assembly  136 , liquid then flows out of this control assembly through intermediate line  126 , through pump  108 , through second intermediate line  124 , and into the second control assembly  139  through entrance/exit port  138 . Flow then exits the second control assembly  139  through entrance/exit port  143 , and then travels through line  140  and into line  128 . Liquid also has the option of flowing into branch line  142 ; however, entrance/exit port  144  is blocked preventing further flow of fluid into the first control assembly  136 . Directional arrows are provided illustrating the flow of liquid. If it is desired to reverse the direction of the decoy, the operator manipulates the toggle switch  94  to cause reverse flow of liquid through the jet propulsion system. Specifically, the first and second control assemblies are rotated to a second position which reverses flow through the system. As shown in FIG. 7, the first and second control assemblies  136  and  139  each include a rotatable drum or cylinder  172  with passageways formed therein which align with the desired entrance/exit ports. More specifically, the valve  122  includes two rounded internal surfaces or casings  170  which each receive therein a corresponding rotatable cylinder  172 . As an example, FIG. 7 illustrates one of the cylinders  172  wherein inlet/exit port  138  is aligned with internal passageway  174  which is formed on the rotatable cylinder  172 . The internal passageways  174  for each cylinder are L-shaped passageways. Each cylinder  172  includes an operating shaft  176  which communicates with a corresponding solenoid  178 . Power and control wires  112  and  113  electrically communicate with solenoids  178 . Electrical command signals generated through the control circuitry cause the solenoids to rotate the corresponding cylinders  172  to the desired position. 
     Now referring to FIG. 8, reverse flow is illustrated wherein solenoids operating the shafts  176  rotate the shafts to cause the cylinders  172  to align their respective passageways  174  for reverse flow. The directional arrows in FIG. 8 illustrate the specific path in which fluid takes through the propulsion system. Thus, for reverse movement, fluid exits the decoy through opening  118 , and fluid enters the game decoy through the nozzle  114 . Of course, there is some reduced capacity in locomotive force provided when the operator selects the reverse position. The flow of fluid through the system is inherently reduced because of the constriction created by nozzle  114 , and there is no additional acceleration of fluid because it simply exits through the opening  118 . 
     Thus, there are simply two positions for the cylinders. For cylinder  139 , one position allows liquid to enter through port  138  and exit through port  143  (FIG. 6, forward movement), and the other position allows liquid to enter port  138 , and exit through port  132  (FIG. 8 reverse movement). For cylinder  136 , one position allows liquid to enter through port  134  and exit through port  141  (FIG. 6, forward movement), and the other position allows liquid to enter port  144  and exit through port  141  (FIG. 8, reverse movement). 
     It is also contemplated that a pump motor mounted within the container may drive a shaft via a pump gear box. The shaft would be mechanically linked to the pump. Here, the torque and speed of the shaft could be varied by either a separate gear box, or a particular motor having an output of the desired torque and speed. 
     Referring back to FIG. 4, the alternative arrangement of the game retrieval mechanism in the second embodiment involves the use of flexible grasping tines/prongs  156  which are retracted within sleeve  154  when not in use, and may be extended as shown in the phantom lines to allow grasping or contact with downed game. The proximal end of the grasping tines  156  connect to control rod  152 , which in turn, rotatably connects to cam  150  at pinned connection  160 . As shown schematically in FIG. 5, control shaft  158  from gear box  62  allows rotation of cam  150  to extend or retract the tines  156 . Prior to use, the tines are preferably retracted so that they do not inadvertently become entangled with objects on the water. As the tines are drawn into the sleeve  154 , the tines will close towards one another in a tight group. In the retracted position, the tines are preferably completely withdrawn into sleeve  154 . In the extended position, the tines spread apart from one another in an arc-like or circular pattern and are prepared to engage the downed game. The operator manipulates the controls of the transmitter to place the tines in contact with the downed game. The curved ends  162  of the tines can be configured to snare or hook the game. Additionally, the operator may partially retract the tines which helps the tips  162  to engage the downed game. Although FIG. 4 illustrates the grasping tines  156  positioned at the rear of the decoy  10 , it shall be understood that the grasping tines  156  may be positioned at the front of the decoy  10 . 
     Now referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the construction and operation of nozzle  114  will be further explained. As shown, nozzle  114  includes a housing  180 . Housing  180  includes a chamber  188  for receiving a flow of liquid through line  128 . Nozzle element  184  is mounted in the end of the housing  180 , and is rotatable as shown in FIG. 10 to direct the flow of fluid in a desired angled direction. The upper surface of nozzle  184  is connected to control rod  182 . Control rod  182  is operated by magnetic switch/motor  110 . Switch/motor  110  provides the desired angular rotation of control rod  182 , based upon transmitted signals from the operator. Alternately, a solenoid or multiple position mechanism may be employed to manipulate the desired angular rotation of control rod  182  based on transmitted signals from the operator. In order to increase the acceleration of liquid exiting the nozzle  184 , a plurality of orifices  186  are provided, thus collectively constituting a smaller cross-sectional area for the liquid to exit. These orifices  186  may be sized and numbered to provide the desired amount of increased liquid acceleration. As well understood by those skilled in the art, a constriction produced by a nozzle results in accelerated flow of fluid through the nozzle to enhance the jet propulsive effect. Also, the plurality of orifices provide a screened intake for the reverse operation which prevents objects from becoming entrapped in the lines. In order to prevent contaminants from entering the lines during forward operation, a screen (not shown) is placed over opening  118 . 
     For the second embodiment, additional toggle switches are provided on transmitter  112  to control the jet propulsion. Forward/reverse toggle  94  controls the solenoids operating the valve  122  for forward or reverse flow of liquid; toggle  96  controls the extended or retracted position of tines  156 ; toggle switch  98  controls the up/down position of the anchor; toggle switch  100  controls the on or off position for the pump; and horizontally oriented toggle switch  102  controls the left/right pivoting action of the nozzle  114 . 
     The following invention has been described with respect to preferred embodiments; however, other changes and modifications to the invention may be made which are still contemplated within the spirit and scope of the invention.