Abstract:
A decoy trolling apparatus includes a frame assembly floatable on a water surface, a plurality of decoys connected to the frame assembly and floatable on the water surface, a trolling assembly rigidly connected to a first location of the frame assembly, and an anchor assembly rotatably connected to a second location of the frame assembly and anchored to a ground surface below the water surface. The second location is opposed to the first location. The trolling assembly drives the frame assembly in a generally circular motion about the anchor assembly.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/944,288, filed Feb. 25, 2014, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to hunting decoys and, more particularly, to a decoy trolling apparatus configured to simulate a natural swimming motion of a plurality of decoys. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Over the years, modern advances in hunting equipment have enhanced the sport, providing hunters with increased success. Among these products, hunting decoys have become more realistic in design, easier to use, and typically provide for a more successful hunting outing. 
     However, most hunting decoys fail in realism due to their lack of movement. While many hunted animals will initially respond to a hunting decoy, their artificial nature becomes very obvious as the hunted game moves closer. In fact, the un-natural nature of decoys causes many hunted animals to become spooked, and run off. Ideally, if the decoy was capable of movement, not only would the hunted animal pay more interest to the decoy, but their attention would be drawn away from other elements in the environment, including the hunter, allowing for a greater chance of an accurate shot. 
     Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which hunting decoys can be provided with realistic movement. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The inventor has recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and lack in the art and observed that there is a need for a decoy trolling apparatus that allows for increased realism from hunting decoys. The development of the present invention, which will be described in greater detail herein, substantially departs from conventional solutions to fulfill this need. 
     In one embodiment, the disclosed decoy trolling apparatus includes a frame assembly configured to float on a water surface, a trolling assembly connected to a first location of the frame assembly, an anchor assembly connected to a second location of the frame assembly and anchored to a ground surface below the water surface. The second location is opposed to the first location. The frame assembly is configured for attachment of a plurality of decoys. The trolling assembly drives the frame assembly in a generally circular motion about the anchor assembly. 
     In another embodiment, the disclosed decoy trolling apparatus includes a frame assembly floatable on a water surface, a plurality of decoys connected to the frame assembly and floatable on the water surface, a trolling assembly rigidly connected to a first location of the frame assembly, and an anchor assembly rotatably connected to a second location of the frame assembly and anchored to a ground surface below the water surface. The second location is opposed to the first location. The trolling assembly drives the frame assembly in a generally circular motion about the anchor assembly. 
     In another embodiment, the disclosed decoy trolling apparatus includes a rectangular frame assembly including a first end having at least one (1) first corner and an opposed second end having at least one (1) second corner. The second corner is diagonally opposed to the first corner. The frame assembly includes a plurality of piping members removably interconnected by a plurality of fittings to form a rectangular grid pattern defining a plurality of rectangular openings between the plurality of piping members, a buoyant material coupled to at least the plurality of piping members to float the frame assembly directly below the water surface, and a frame appendage extending outwardly and upwardly from the first corner. The decoy trolling apparatus includes a plurality of decoys being floatable on the water surface. The plurality of decoys including an appearance of a water fowl. The plurality of decoys are releasably connected to the plurality of piping members in the grid pattern upon the water surface. The decoy trolling apparatus includes a plurality of tether cords releasably interconnected between the plurality of decoys and the plurality of piping members. The decoy trolling apparatus includes a trolling assembly. The trolling assembly includes a base assembly rigidly connected to the frame appendage. The base assembly including a foam upper section defining an upper surface and a rigid lower section defining a lower surface. The trolling assembly includes a mounting tube extending downwardly from the lower surface of the lower section of the base assembly. The trolling assembly includes a trolling motor connected to the mounting tube. The trolling motor includes an exterior motor housing, a motor disposed within the motor housing, and a propeller operatively connected to the motor. The trolling assembly includes a decoy cover hingedly connected to the upper surface of the upper section of the base assembly. The decoy cover includes an exterior shell defining a hollow interior. The exterior shell includes an appearance of the water fowl. The trolling assembly includes an internal power supply disposed within the interior of the decoy cover. The power supply is electrically connected to the motor. The trolling assembly includes a selector switch electrically interconnected between the power supply and the motor. The decoy trolling apparatus includes an anchor assembly. The anchor assembly includes a cylindrical post including a first end and an opposed second end. The second end of the post includes a pointed end configured to penetrate a ground surface below the water surface. The anchoring assembly includes a cylindrical collar stationarily connected around the post between the first end and the second end of the post and a circular pivot plate rotatably connected to the post and supported by the collar. The pivot plate includes a central aperture suitably sized to receive the post. The anchoring assembly includes a ring connector movably connected to a peripheral edge of the pivot plate and a swivel clasp. The swivel clasp includes a first end connected to the ring connector and an opposed second end releasably connected to a piping member of the plurality of piping members at the second corner of the frame assembly. The trolling assembly drives the frame assembly in a generally circular motion about the anchor assembly to simulate a swimming motion of the plurality of decoys. 
     Furthermore, the described features and advantages of the disclosure may be combined in various manners and embodiments as one skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The disclosure can be practiced without one (1) or more of the features and advantages described in a particular embodiment. 
     Further advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a top view of one (1) embodiment of the disclosed decoy trolling apparatus; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of one (1) embodiment of the anchoring assembly of the decoy trolling apparatus; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of one (1) embodiment of the waterfowl decoy of the decoy trolling apparatus; 
         FIG. 4  is a top perspective view of one (1) embodiment of the trolling assembly of the decoy trolling apparatus; 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom perspective view of the trolling assembly of  FIG. 4 ; and, 
         FIG. 6  is a sectional view of the trolling assembly taken along section line A-A of  FIG. 4 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  decoy trolling apparatus 
               20  frame assembly 
               22  piping 
               24  fitting 
               27  hairpin cotter 
               28  decoy 
               30  cord 
               32  frame aperture 
               40  anchoring assembly 
               42  post 
               43  pointed end 
               44  collar 
               45  fastener 
               46  pivot plate 
               47  ring connector 
               48  swivel clasp 
               50  screw eyelet 
               70  trolling assembly 
               72  base 
               73   a  upper section 
               73   b  lower section 
               74  decoy cover 
               75  hinge 
               76  base aperture 
               78  frame appendage 
               80  trolling motor 
               82  propeller 
               84  mounting tube 
               85  mounting flange 
               87  wiring 
               88  base cavity 
               90  battery 
               91  battery terminal 
               93  selector switch 
               100  water surface 
               102  ground surface 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In accordance with the invention, the best mode is presented in terms of a one or more of the disclosed embodiments, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 4 . However, the disclosure is not limited to a single described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the disclosure and that any such work around will also fall under its scope. 
     Further, those skilled in the art will recognize that other styles and configurations can be incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure, and that the example configurations shown and described herein are for the purpose of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation. 
     As used herein, the singular terms “a”, “an”, and “the” do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one (1), as well as a plurality of, the referenced items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 
     As used herein, the terms “first”, “second”, “third”, etc. are used as labels to describe various elements, features, and/or components, and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the referenced items, unless other indicated. For example, such terms may be used to distinguish one (1) element from another element. 
     As used herein, relative terms such as “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, “top”, “bottom”, “below”, “above”, “upper”, “lower”, “horizontal”, or “vertical” are used to describe a relationship of one (1) element, feature and/or region to another element, feature and/or region as illustrated in the figures. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-6 , disclosing a decoy trolling apparatus (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , where like reference numerals represent similar or like parts. Generally, the apparatus  10  provides for holding multiple waterfowl hunting decoys  28  while moving them upon a water surface  100  (e.g., in a circular pattern) to simulate a swimming motion to attract flying waterfowl, such as ducks and geese. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the apparatus  10  includes a large frame assembly  20 . The frame assembly  20  includes a plurality of interconnected lengths of (e.g., PVC) piping (also referred to herein as pipes or piping members)  22 . The plurality of lengths of piping  22  are interconnected by a plurality of interconnecting fittings  24 . The frame assembly  20  provides for attachment of a plurality of tethered decoys  28 . As one (1) example construction, the plurality of decoys  28  are arranged in a grid pattern. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , an anchoring assembly  40  is connected or affixed to one corner of the frame assembly  20 . A trolling assembly  70  is connected or affixed to the frame assembly  20 , for example, at a corner opposite the anchoring assembly  40 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 5 , the trolling assembly  70  includes a small submerged trolling motor  80  and a battery  90  electrically connected to the motor  80 . The trolling motor  80  pivots the entire frame assembly  20  along with the decoys  28  about the anchoring assembly  40  in a slow circular pattern on the water surface  100 . Thus, the apparatus  10  produces an arrangement and/or motion of the decoys  28  that is much more realistic in appearance than randomly floating decoys. As such, a greater number of flying waterfowl are more likely to investigate the apparatus  10 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , in one example construction, the frame assembly  20  includes piping  22  and interconnecting fittings  24  that are interconnected to form a right-angle matrix to produce a plurality of rectangular openings. As one (1) example, each opening can be sized to be approximately five feet by five feet (5×5 ft.). However, an overall size of the frame assembly  20  and, thus, the size of the individual openings can vary depending on the length, number, and/or configuration of the plurality of piping  22 . 
     Some of the plurality of connections between the piping  22  and the fittings  24  can be affixed together using a waterproof adhesive or the like. Other connections between the piping  22  and the fittings  24  can be removably attached, for example, using hairpin cotters  27  received through frame apertures  32  disposed through the piping  22 . Thus, at least certain portions or sections of the frame assembly  20  (e.g., piping  22  and/or fittings  24 ) can be reconfiguring to expand or reduce the size and/or shape of the frame assembly  20 , for example, based upon a user&#39;s preference, available size of the water surface  100 , and/or a particular hunting scenario. 
     Use of the hairpin cotters  27  or similar removable fasteners enables easy disassembly and reconfiguring of the frame assembly  20 , allows the apparatus  10  to be introduced in various overall sizes, and provides convenient compact storage and packaging of the apparatus  10 . 
     In another example construction, the frame assembly  20  can be coated with color that blends into background colors as to not be noticed by approaching waterfowl, such as dark green, black, camouflage, or the like. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the plurality of frame apertures  32  can drilled or otherwise formed along the pipes  22  to enable tethered attachment of decoys  28 , for example, by tethering cords  30 . In another example construction, the piping  22  can be hollow and can be filled internally with a buoyant material that provides an appropriate amount of buoyancy to enable the frame assembly  20  to float slightly below the water surface  100 . In another example construction, the piping  22  can be wrapped externally with a buoyant material that provides an appropriate amount of buoyancy to enable the frame assembly  20  to float slightly below the water surface  100 . For example, the buoyant material can include, but is not limited to, polystyrene beads, spray foam, tubular foam rubber sections, and the like. Sand can also be added to the buoyant material. 
     The frame assembly  20  is designed to rotate continually about an anchoring assembly  40  attached at one (1) corner portion, being propelled thereabout via a trolling assembly  70  which is affixed to a diagonally opposing corner portion (see  FIGS. 2 and 4   a ). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the frame assembly  20  is motioned in a generally circular pattern by the trolling assembly  70  while corner or corner portion of the frame assembly  20  opposite the trolling assembly  70  is connected to and rotates about the stationary anchoring assembly  40 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the anchoring assembly  40  includes a vertical post  42 . The post  42  includes a length of (e.g., metal or plastic) pipe having a pointed end  43 . The pointed end  43  penetrates a ground surface  102  along a bottom of the body of water, resulting in a stable positioning of the anchoring assembly  40  and the corner portion of the frame assembly  20 . The anchoring assembly  40  includes components that provide rotating attachment to the frame assembly  20 . 
     In an example construction, the anchoring assembly  40  includes a clamping collar  44 , a pivot plate  46 , a ring connector  47 , and a swivel clasp  48 . The collar  44  includes a circular or “C”-shaped clamp construction that is slidingly positioned in a vertical direction along the post  42 . The position of the collar  44  relative to the post  42  depends upon the height of the water surface  100  (e.g., depth of the body of water). The collar  44  can be clamped (e.g., tightened) around the post  42  at the appropriate position by tightening a fastener  45 . 
     The pivot plate  46  includes a relatively large central aperture (not shown) that is suitably sized to receive the post  42 . For example, the pivot plate  46  can include a similar construction to that of a large metal washer. The post  42  is inserted through the pivot plate  46 . The pivot plate  46  rests upon the collar  44 . The connecting ring  47  is movably attached to an edge of the pivot plate  46 , for example, through a small peripheral aperture. The swivel clasp  48  is movably connected to the connecting ring  47 . 
     The frame assembly  20  includes a screw eyelet  50  extending from a corner. For example, the screw eyelet  50  can be threadingly installed (e.g., connected) into a corner fitting  24  of the frame assembly  20 , such as an elbow fitting. The swivel clasp  48  is removably connected to the screw inlet  50 . Accordingly, the frame assembly  20 , pivot plate  46 , and connecting hardware (e.g., connecting ring  47  and swivel clasp  48 ) can to rotate freely around the post  42 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , each decoy  28  can be constructed to provide a lifelike representation of a waterfowl, such as a duck, goose, or the like. For example, the decoy  28  can be made of a flotation material, such as dense polystyrene. In an example commercial embodiment, the apparatus  10  can be purchased together with a plurality of decoys  28  of a desired type and appearance based upon a user&#39;s preference. In another commercial embodiment, the apparatus  10  can be utilized with any pre-existing decoys  28  already owned by the user. 
     Each decoy  28  includes a screw eyelet  50  threadingly or otherwise connected along a (e.g., forward) bottom surface. The screw eyelet  50  enables tethering of the decoy  28  to the frame assembly  20  via removably attached interconnecting members. For example, the decoy  28  can be connected to the frame assembly  20  by a length of flexible cord  30  and a swivel clasp  48 . The cord  30  can be made using a strong, thin material, such as monofilament, stainless steel cable, or the like. In an example construction, the cord  30  can be tied, crimped, or otherwise fastened at one (1) end to the screw eyelet  50  of the decoy  28  and at the other end to a frame aperture  32  of the frame assembly  20  (e.g., piping  22  or fitting  24 ). In an example embodiment, the cord  30  can be approximately twenty inches (20 in.) in length to enable the decoy  28  to present a natural swimming motion. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1  and.  4 , the apparatus  10  is motioned in a circular pattern via removable attachment of the trolling assembly  70  to the frame assembly  20 . The frame assembly  20  provides for attachment to the trolling assembly  70  via a pair of parallel frame appendages  78  that protrude along a leading edge of the frame assembly  20 . The frame appendages  78  can be made using similar materials as the frame assembly  20  (e.g., the piping  22 ). The frame appendages  78  are incorporated into a portion (e.g., corner portion) of the frame assembly  20  opposite of the anchoring assembly  40  and extend perpendicularly forward and upward. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the trolling assembly  70  includes a circular or oval-shaped base  72 . The base  72  includes a pair of vertical and parallel base apertures  76  disposed along a rear portion of the base  72 . The base apertures  76  are suitably sized and positioned to slidingly receive the frame appendages  78 . Following insertion of the frame appendages  78  within the base apertures  76 , respective frame apertures  32  located at an upper end of each frame appendage  78  provide for insertion of respective hairpin cotters  27  to securely fasten the frame assembly  20  to the trolling assembly  70 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4-6 , the base  72  includes a decoy cover  74  connected along a top surface of the base  72 , for example, using a rear-mounted hinge  75 . The decoy cover  74  has an appearance of a waterfowl decoy and defines a hollow space therewithin to contain equipment necessary to propel the trolling assembly  70  and attached frame assembly  20  along the water surface  100 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the base  72  also includes a base cavity  88 , which together with the decoy cover  74 , act to discreetly enclose the equipment that propels the apparatus  10 . The propelling equipment includes a trolling motor  80 , a battery  90 , and a selector switch  93 . 
     The base  72  includes a buoyant hard foam upper section  73   a  and a rigid lower section  73   b  being bonded or otherwise affixed to each other. The lower section  73   b  covers an entire bottom surface of the base  72  and provides a secure structural surface onto which the trolling motor  80  can be mounted. The trolling motor  80  includes an internal DC motor, a horizontal cylindrical housing, and an integral mounting tube  84  having a mounting flange  85 . The trolling motor  80  includes a rearwardly directed propeller  82  and internal wiring  87  that passes up through the mounting tube  84  and into the base cavity  88  of the base  72  where it is connected to the battery  90 . For example, the trolling motor  80  can be a commercially-available product, which provides normal and expected features. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the mounting tube  84  and mounting flange  85  extend perpendicularly upward from the motor  80  or exterior motor housing and can be connected or affixed to the bottom surface of the lower section  73   b , for example, using a plurality of fasteners  45 . The base cavity  88  contains the battery  90  and the selector switch  93 . The battery  90  can be a rechargeable deep-cycle type having positive and negative terminals  91 , for example, similar to those used in marine applications, or may utilize an equivalent battery technology that provides durability over repeated discharge cycles. The selector switch  93  is wired in series between the battery  90  and the trolling motor  80 . For example, the selector switch  93  can be a toggle or dial type switching device that provides selection of operational functions such as ON/OFF and/or a plurality of variable motor speeds. 
     The trolling motor  80  can be mounted to the base  72  in any orientation to motion the trolling assembly  70  to give the appearance of the decoy cover  74  traveling in a specific direction. 
     Those skilled in the art will recognize that other styles and configurations of the disclosed apparatus  10  can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure, and only particular configurations have been shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The disclosed embodiments of the apparatus  10  can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 . 
     One embodiment of the disclosed method for installing and utilizing the apparatus  10  includes the following steps: 1). procuring a model of the apparatus  10  having a particular number of pipes  22  and fittings  24  to produce a desired overall size and a desired number and type of decoys  28 ; 2). assembling the frame assembly  20  by inserting and/or connecting the piping  22  and fittings  24  together and securing appropriate locations with the hairpin cotter&#39;s  24 ; 3). charging and installing the battery  90  into the base cavity  88  of the trolling assembly  70 ; 4). connecting the wiring  87  to the battery terminals  91 ; 5). attaching the trolling assembly  70  to the frame assembly  20  by inserting the frame appendages  78  through the base apertures  76 ; 6). securing the frame appendages  78  using hairpin cotters  24 ; 7). installing the anchoring assembly  40  into the body of water by forcing the pointed end  43  of the post  42  into the ground surface  102 ; 8). inserting the post  42  of the anchoring assembly  40  through the pivot plate  46 ; 9). placing the frame assembly  20  onto the water surface  100 ; 10). attaching the anchoring assembly  40  to the frame assembly  20  by attaching the swivel clasp  48  of the anchoring assembly  40  to the screw eyelet  50  of the frame assembly  20 ; 11). tying or crimping a desired number of cords  30  to frame apertures  32  of the frame assembly  20 , if not previously installed; 12). attaching a desired number of decoys  28  to the cords  30  using the swivel latch  48  and screw eyelet  50 ; 13). tilting the decoy cover  74  upward about the hinge  75 ; 14). switching the selector switch  93  from the “OFF” position to a desired motor speed setting; 15). replacing the decoy cover  74 ; 16). allowing the frame assembly  20 , decoys  28 , and the trolling assembly  70  to assume a slow steady circular motion about the anchoring assembly  40 ; and 17). assuming a hunting or wildlife observation position. 
     Accordingly, the disclosed apparatus  10  benefits the user by providing a more realistic arrangement of decoys  28 , which provides an effective attractant to flying waterfowl. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit to the precise forms disclosed and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain principles and practical application to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.