Abstract:
A game call device including a housing formed having a housing assembly telescopingly movable within a shell assembly, the housing assembly movable between a storage position, to facilitate storage and transport of the device, and a use position, to facilitate use of the device. The device further includes a communications module for communicating between a remote device and the housing, the communications module operable to transmit a signal to the housing via a first audio channel for providing a sound, and a second audio channel, for rotating a decoy.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/104,435, filed Jan. 16, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This disclosure relates to wild game calls, and in particular, to an electronic wild game call. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Hunters oftentimes use of game calls in order to attract an animal being hunted. Such game calls are typically used in rugged environments and are exposed to harsh weather conditions, which increases the likelihood of damage to the units. Furthermore, while the types of wild game calls can vary, many devices are highly customized, costly, and have limited end-user options and control. Thus, there is a need for a wild game call to address these and other issues. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus comprises a Bluetooth communication module for pairing with a Bluetooth capable host. The apparatus comprises a motorized element and speaker system. According to one embodiment, the present system is internally powered by a rechargeable on-board battery. The general mechanical and electronics configuration of the apparatus enhances the device&#39;s communication range, increases the device&#39;s audible range, the visible range of the motorized element, while not becoming an obvious man-made object to fauna. Furthermore, the device&#39;s shape is conducive to improved environmental endurance and ease of transportability. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the wild game call in a retracted position. 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the wild game call of  FIG. 1  in an expanded position. 
           [0007]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a portion of the wild game call of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
           [0008]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of yet another portion of the wild game call of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
           [0009]      FIG. 5  is a view of a portion of the wild game call with a decoy mounted thereon. 
           [0010]      FIG. 6  is a bottom perspective view of a portion of the wild game call of  FIGS. 1-5 , with a portion of the exterior surface of the game call removed. 
           [0011]      FIG. 7  is a bottom perspective view of the wild game call of  FIGS. 1-6  in the expanded position. 
           [0012]      FIG. 8  is a schematic block diagram of the wild game call of  FIGS. 1-7 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 9  is a front view of a smart phone including a user interface to operate the wild game call of  FIGS. 1-7 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 10  is a left side view of the wild game call illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 11  is a front view of the wild game call illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 12  is a right side view of the wild game call illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 13  is a rear view of the wild game call illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 14  is a front view of the wild game in the collapsed position, the rear and side views being in mirror thereof. 
           [0019]      FIG. 15  is a top plan view of the wild game call of  FIGS. 1-14 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 16  is a bottom plan view of the wild game call of  FIGS. 1-15   
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , there is provided a wild game call  10  positionable between a collapsed position ( FIG. 1 ) for transport and/or storage, and an extended/use position ( FIG. 2 ). In  FIGS. 1 and 2 , game call  10  is formed having a housing  11 , the housing  11  including an outer shell  12  and an inner shell  20  telescopingly movable within the outer shell  12 . The housing  11  physically protects internal elements of the game call  10 . For example, the housing  11  provides a primary layer of dirt and water ingress prevention, as well as other possible mechanical interference from outside environment. In one embodiment, the shell  12  is composed of impact resistant polymeric material with ultra-violet treatment so that the polymeric material is impervious to the degrading effects of solar rays. It should be understood, however, that the shell  12  may be formed of any material with or without the ultra-violet treatment. 
         [0022]    Referring specifically to  FIG. 1 , the shell assembly  12  includes a base  16  and the housing assembly  20  includes a top cap  14 . In operation, the top cap  14  is rotatable relative to the shell assembly  12  clockwise and counterclockwise to lock and unlock the caller  10  in the respective expanded or retracted positions. The top cap  14  also houses a motor coupler assembly  30 , as best illustrated in  FIG. 5 . Similar to the shell assembly  12 , the base  16  is made of a polymeric material. Base  16  provides a generally planar surface to support the game call  10  on a support surface and also provides mechanical protection to other elements of the game call  10 . 
         [0023]    Referring specifically to  FIG. 2 , the game call  10  is in the extended position. In this configuration, the top cap  14  and the housing assembly  20  are mechanically shifted vertically above shell assembly  12 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the housing assembly  20  includes a speaker grill  22  formed on the sidewall of the housing assembly  20 . The ability to configure the present game call in the extended configuration increases vertical distance between the speaker grill  22  and a support surface, such as the ground. The vertical distance improves both system acoustical range and system Bluetooth radio frequency range. In one embodiment, the housing assembly  20  is formed of the same polymeric materials as the shell assembly  12 , having similar characteristics. The housing assembly  20  provides a secondary layer of environmental protection to inner elements of the present game call  10 . When in the retracted position, the top cap  14  and the housing assembly  20  are rotatable to facilitate positioning of the game call  10  in the extended/use position. In an important aspect of the present invention, the mechanical assembly of top cap  14  with housing assembly  20  forms a water resistant barrier, protecting elements housed inside said mechanical assembly. 
         [0024]    Looking at  FIG. 3 , there is shown a perspective view of the shell assembly  12  and the base  16 . In an important aspect of the game call  10 , the shell assembly  12  features a pair of locking protrusions  18 . In  FIG. 3 , only one of the locking protrusions  18  is visible; however, it should be understood that a greater or fewer number of locking protrusions  18  may be used. 
         [0025]    Now turning to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a perspective view of mechanical assembly of the top cap  14  with the housing assembly  20 . The housing assembly  20  presents a combination of features consisting of lower locking recess  22 , an upper locking recess  24 , a transitioning rail  26 , and an install ramp  28 . Diametrically opposite combination of features are optionally present on opposite side of the housing assembly  20 , which is not illustrated. When the game call  10  is in its retracted configuration, the upper locking recess  24  is engaged with a locking protrusion  18 , which prevents movement of the housing assembly  20  relative to the shell assembly  12 . Likewise, when the game call  10  is in its extended configuration, the lower locking recess  22  is engaged with the locking protrusion  18  to prevent relative telescoping movement between the shell assembly  12  and the housing  20 . According to some embodiments, the locking protrusion  18  features a step and/or otherwise sloped surface that is generally complementary in shape to a corresponding surface on the lower locking recess  22  and the upper lower recess  24 . The mating of those opposing steps/surfaces provides a resistance to rotation of the housing assembly  20  about its longitudinal axis, effectively forming a locking mechanism. The resistance can be overcome by means of exerting sufficient force, resulting in elastic deformation of the shell assembly  12  allowing release of the locking mechanism. 
         [0026]    In another important aspect, the housing assembly  20  also includes a transition rail  26 , which provides a physical guide or “track” for the locking protrusion  18  to travel within while transitioning the game call  10  between the extended and retracted positions. In some embodiments, an install ramp  28  facilitates initial assembly of the housing assembly  20  with the shell assembly  12 . In particular, when it is desired to secure the housing assembly  20  within the shell assembly  12 , each locking protrusion  18  is aligned with a respective ramp  28 . The housing assembly  20  is then inserted within the shell  12  and the locking protrusions travel along the incline of the ramp  28 . As the protrusions travel along the ramp  28 , they are deflected and/or otherwise retraced so as to be inserted within the respective lower locking recess  22 . Once inserted therein, the locking protrusion remains within the locking recess  22  and/or the transitioning rail  26  since the inclined ramp  28  blocks the protrusion from being removed therefrom. 
         [0027]    As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , housing assembly  20  also features one or more interfering protrusions  29  (only one shown). The interfering protrusions  29  provide a radial interference fit with the shell Assembly  12  aiding the rigidity of assembly between the shell assembly  12  and the housing assembly  20 . 
         [0028]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , there is shown a front partial section view of the present game call  10 . A motorized element  40  is secured to the top cap  14  using one or more screws  42 . In one embodiment, the motorized element  40  is a battery powered motor and includes an output shaft  43 . The shaft  43  frictionally engages a motor coupler  31 . A magnet  32  is secured to the motor coupler  31  using a screw  33 . A screw  34  or other attachment mechanism is secured to a decoy  35 . According to one aspect, the decoy  35  is magnetically coupled with motor coupler  31 . The entire combination of elements described in this section is actuated by the motorized element  40 , as described in greater detail below. A slot  36  disposed at the top of the decoy  35  provides an installation means for decoy materials such as, but not limited to, ribbons, feathers and the like. In operation, the energizing of the motorized element  40  rotates the output shaft  43  to provide visual movement of decoy materials. 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , there is shown a partial perspective view of the game call  10  with a section of the housing assembly  20  removed. A speaker system  50  provides audible range acoustical sound. A user Interface  52  provides a user a mechanical means of interacting with a control module  100 . The user interface includes, for example, a power button, a power port, a USB port and the like. A battery  54  provides energy to the control module  100 ; however, it should be understood that other methods of powering the control module  100  may be used (solar, etc.). The control module  100  provides controlled power to the speaker system  50  and the motorized element  40 , as explained in greater detail below. 
         [0030]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , an extension or spike member  60  is secured to the base  16 . 
         [0031]    According to some embodiments, the spike is secured to the base  16  via a threaded insert  62 ; however, it should be understood that the spike  60  may be otherwise attached (i.e., via an adhesive or otherwise) or may be formed integral with the base  16 . The spike  60  provides a mechanism to secure game call  10  to a penetrable surface such as the ground. In another embodiment, the spike  60  is replaced with a tripod (not illustrated) allowing further additional height to the game call  10  while in use. According to some embodiments, the housing assembly  20  provides a storage recess  21  to stowaway the spike  60  and the decoy  35  when game call  10  is in retracted configuration and/or when the spike  60  is not needed. 
         [0032]    Now turning to  FIG. 8 , there is shown a functional block diagram of Invention  10 . The control module  100  includes a radio frequency antenna  102 , a Bluetooth module  104 , an audio amplifier  106 , and a motor control filter  108 . According to one aspect, a stereo audio signal is transmitted from a host device  200 , such as a cell phone ( FIG. 9 ) whereas the stereo signal is an audible sound on left channel and the stereo signal is a set of specific frequencies on right channel. Note that in another embodiment, this process can be reversed. In operation, the stereo radio signal from host device  200  is detected by the antenna  102  and fed to the Bluetooth module  104 . The Bluetooth module  104  provides audio sound waves to the audio amplifier  106  via the Bluetooth module  104  left channel audio, and the Bluetooth module  104  provides audio sound waves to the motor control filter  108  from the Bluetooth module  104  right channel audio, or vice-versa. The audio amplifier  106  provides amplified audio wave signals to the speaker system  50  or, if connected to an external device, audio wave signals to the auxiliary audio output  56 . 
         [0033]    In an important aspect of the present Invention, motor control filter  108  monitors the frequencies of the right channel audio provided by Bluetooth Module  104 . Motor control filter  108  comprises a low band frequency filter and a high band frequency filter. If audio signal frequency is outside both low and high band filters, no energy is applied to the motorized element  40 . If audio signal frequency is within low band frequency filter, polarized energy is applied to the motorized element  40  to create a motion; if audio signal frequency is within high band filter, reversed polarized energy is applied to motorized element  40  to create a different motion. For example, in some embodiments, when the audio signal frequency is within the low band frequency filter, the polarized energy is applied to the motorized element  40  to rotate in a clockwise direction. Likewise, when the audio signal frequency is within the high band frequency filter, the polarized energy is applied to the motorized element  40  to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction. In other embodiments, however, the motorized element  40  may include a solenoid, a piston, or any other type of mechanical or electromechanical device. 
         [0034]    Other elements of the game call  10  include a user interface  52  for function control of the control module  100 , a battery  54  that provides power to the control module  100 , a battery charger  58  to recharge the battery  54 , when the battery charger  58  is energized by external power  70 . 
         [0035]    Now turning to  FIG. 9 , a front view of a smart phone  200  is illustrated. According to embodiments disclosed herein, the game call utilizes a universally available built-in Bluetooth module present in all marketed smart phones. Specifically, the Invention makes use of either the Bluetooth protocol profile “A2DP” (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) or “GAVDP” (Generic Audio/Video Distribution Profile) because these two Bluetooth profiles are known to be universally available smart phones, thereby ensuring that game call  10  will successfully communicate smart phones no matter what market, model and/or user. In operation of the present game call  10 , the Bluetooth profiles are used not only for actual audible sound transmission and playback over a speaker system, but also to control a the motorized element. 
         [0036]    Now further detailing the software ecosystem interaction between the smart phone  200  and the game call  10 , the smart phone  200  is programmed with an “App” specific to this application. The “App” core functions are detailed in the below paragraph and as shown on  FIG. 9 . 
         [0037]    In use, the “App” provides user with choices of audible sounds to be played over the speaker system of the game call  10 . Audible sounds are selected via a menu and, in this preferred embodiment, consisting of a series of clickable boxes  202 , labeled, for example “CALL 1; CALL 2” and so on. Once an audible sound is selected, the user can begin the broadcast of the sound by tapping button “PLAY”  204  or stop playing selected sound by tapping button “STOP”  206 . According to one embodiment of the present “App”, the user also has the ability to set preset sounds via preset button “P1; P2”  208  and so on. Pressing button “RWD”  210  reverts system to play the previously selected sound. According to other aspect, the “App” includes a decoy button “D”  212 . Tapping “D”  212  toggles the app between transmitting or not transmitting a command sound, in turn energizing or not energizing the motorized element. 
         [0038]    According to yet other aspects, the “App” does not interfere with other functions of the smart phone  200  nor transmit standard voice calls/sounds to the phone  200 .