Abstract:
A floating decoy system is provided for agitating the surface of a water body on which the device is deployed in a manner that is attractive to live game animals (e.g. live waterfowl). The system includes a frame, which is disposed partially above and partially below the surface of the water and suspended from a plurality of floating means. The device also includes an agitator assembly, which is slidably mounted to the frame above the surface of the water and produces ripples on the water surface and the sound of splashing water. The ripples and sound of splashing water are intended to simulate an active area where wild game are swimming, feeding, and interacting. Additionally, an airborne decoy may be mounted atop the frame to give the device added attractiveness to wild game. An alternative embodiment requires the removal of floating means and the anchoring of the frame to the bottom of the water body. The invention further includes a method for attracting live game animals to a target area by agitating the surface of a water body in a manner that simulates the appearance and sound of swimming, feeding, bathing, and commingling live game.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   Not applicable. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This invention relates, generally, to wild game decoys, and in particular to motorized systems which simulate and attract wild game by agitating the water surface and by indirectly animating decoys in a decoy spread. 
   2. Description of Related Art 
   Outdoor enthusiasts and recreational hunters have long recognized that live game, and particularly live waterfowl, are attracted to areas that appear to be inhabited by similar animals. For this reason, hunters have used decoys to attract live game to within shooting distance of a hunter&#39;s rifle or shotgun. However, in order to attract live game animals to within the proper distance, the decoy must adequately reproduce the appearance, movement, and sound of the animal that they are designed to simulate. 
   Most waterfowl spend significant amounts of time swimming, feeding, resting, sleeping, bathing, and co-mingling with like species, all of which occur on various bodies of water and cause considerable disturbance of the water surface. These natural waterfowl activities also create sounds associated with the disturbance of the water surface. Therefore, most decoy systems are designed to emulate both the movements and sounds of live waterfowl. 
   Past attempts to attract waterfowl to a particular hunting area have proven ineffective due to the exceptionally sharp hearing and eyesight of game birds. The very first decoys appealed only to the visual senses of the waterfowl, as they were merely “static” imitations of a live bird and did not provide any means by which the decoy could be moved or produce life-like sounds. 
   A number of inventions have been developed over the years to deploy static decoy spreads. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,616,200, 2,624,144, and 5,074,071 generally teach devices for deploying a plurality of decoys using a completely submerged frame that is suspended beneath and coupled to each of the plurality of decoys. The disadvantage of each of the above systems is that none provide a means for moving the decoys, nor do any of them appeal to the waterfowl&#39;s auditory sense. 
   While other decoy systems have attempted to overcome the shortcomings of the above static decoy spreaders by imparting motion to a set of floating decoys, most have shortcomings of their own. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,726,469 to Becker discloses a remotely actuated mechanical decoy device comprising a heavy metal frame that is suspended a short distance beneath the water surface using an inflatable float-ring, which is preferably fashioned from rubber or like material. The device is operated by a shore-side hunter, who turns a hand crank, which rotates a long flexible shaft connected to a vertical shaft. The circular rotation of the vertical shaft causes floating decoys to swim in a circle on the water surface. Although Becker accomplishes the movement of duck decoys from a remote hunting location, the device is heavy, difficult to assemble in the field, lacks realistic waterfowl movement, and does not create any splashing or noise comparable to live waterfowl movement. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,375,337 to McCrory discloses a carrousel waterfowl decoy system comprised of a control decoy element fitted with a motor that drives a shaft extension rod. The shaft extension rod projects vertically through the top of the decoy&#39;s back, where it is coupled to a plurality of horizontally arranged suspension rods, which rotate in a circle and drag auxiliary decoys in a circular pattern about the control decoy. Like Becker, the McCrory device is difficult to transport and/or assemble and lacks realistic waterfowl movement. More importantly, McCrory, like Becker, does not create splashing or rippling on the water surface in amounts sufficient to convince live waterfowl that the hunting area is safe for landing or occupation. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,375,337 to Yerger discloses an underwater device for ruffling still water, comprising a completely submerged propeller and waterproof housing. The propeller spins in a direction parallel to the water surface and thereby creates ripples on the water surface. The device is intended to animate a spread of decoys deployed in the vicinity of the device. 
   Yerger has some notable disadvantages. In particular, the Yerger device only allows the user to adjust the amount and degree of ripples by changing the length or position of the stake or anchor cord. Additionally, because the motor remains completely submerged, the device will not likely create the proper amount and type of noise needed to attract waterfowl. Furthermore, the user of the Yerger ruffling system will likely find it difficult to achieve the desired amount of movement of the surrounding decoys, which are deployed independently of the device. Finally, the Yerger device is difficult to deploy and retrieve due to its underwater orientation and because the length of the stake or anchor cord must be reconfigured each time the device is relocated to another section of the pond. 
   The most important drawback of Yerger is that it uses an underwater motor, which is commonly known by those of skill in the art to be susceptible of performance problems and require continual maintenance and adjustment. Additionally, the device would be difficult to locate if it were to break down while underwater. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,138,396 to Capps discloses a waterfowl decoy towing system comprising a plurality of submerged pulleys, each of which engages a flexible line and is attached to a pipe firmly driven into the water bottom. A plurality of decoys are attached to the flexible line via decoy tethers. A capstan engages a series of pulleys, thereby driving the flexible line about the circuitous route and pulling the plurality of decoys in tow. 
   The obvious disadvantage of using the Capps device is that it is not portable. In fact, once the Capps decoy “racetrack” is installed in a given pond, it will unlikely ever be moved. The device is not easily installed or repaired when the water is high, and therefore the user must install or repair the device when the water level in the pond is very low. Additionally, the only noise associated with the device is that associated with the turning of the pulleys and the movement of the decoys through the water, neither of which simulates the sound of ducks feeding or commingling. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,079,140 to Brock discloses a motion system for decoys comprising a frame suspended beneath the surface. The frame is suspended from a plurality of floating decoys by a guide wire or string, one end of which is tied to the front of each decoy and the other of which is tied to the frame. Also attached to the frame is a vertically mounted motor with the propellor oriented towards and parallel with the water surface. When activated, the motor drives the frame in a downward direction, thereby dragging the front portion of the decoys beneath the water surface to simulate a waterfowl in the feeding position. 
   The principal disadvantage of Brock is that the device operates using an underwater motor. Underwater motors such as those used in Yerger and Brock are expensive to purchase and require routine maintenance due to the corrosion caused by long periods of submersion. Additionally, the Brock device is not capable of maintaining a continuous splashing and rippling action on the surface of the water, because once the Brock motor is activated, the frame is pushed away from the water surface and down towards the bottom of the water body. Furthermore, the character and amount of ripples and splashing cannot be controlled using the Brock device because it is difficult to alter the distance between the underwater motor and the water surface once the decoy system is deployed. 
   As can be seen from the above discussion, the prior art has largely failed to capitalize on the visual and auditory stimuli of a flying waterfowl and has failed to develop a decoy system that is inexpensive, yet durable under ordinary hunting conditions. Therefore, what is needed is a device that overcomes the shortfalls of the devices that are currently known in the art. Specifically, what is needed is a device and method that properly cater to both the visual and auditory senses of live waterfowl by providing animated waterfowl movement and realistic waterfowl sound. 
   OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for simulating the movement and sound of live waterfowl. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for agitating the surface of the water body on which the device is deployed, in a manner that simulates the appearance and sound of swimming, feeding, bathing, and commingling live waterfowl. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for agitating the surface of the water body on which the device is deployed, wherein the character and amount of water surface agitation may be varied. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for agitating the surface of the water body on which the device is deployed, wherein the agitating device is supported by a frame disposed partially above and partially below the water surface. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for agitating the surface of the water body on which the device is deployed, wherein the bottom legs of the frame are suspended beneath a waterfowl decoy or other floating object. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for agitating the surface of the water body on which the device is deployed, wherein the legs of the frame may be folded towards the frame for ease of transport. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for agitating the surface of the water body on which the device is deployed, wherein the device is lightweight and easily deployed in the field. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for agitating the surface of the water body on which the device is deployed, wherein the device is durable and holds up well under the rigors presented by ordinary hunting conditions. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for agitating the surface of the water body on which the device is deployed, wherein the top of the frame is designed to accommodate a motorized decoy. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for agitating the surface of the water body on which the device is deployed, wherein the agitating device may be actuated by a remote control mechanism, which may be a multi-cycle remote control. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   A floating decoy system is provided for agitating the surface of a water body on which the device is deployed, in a manner that simulates the appearance and sound of swimming, feeding, bathing, and commingling live waterfowl. The system includes a frame, which is oriented in a substantially vertical direction and disposed partially above and partially below the surface of the water. The frame is comprised of a vertical member, a substantial portion of which projects above the water surface. The portion of the vertical member that projects below the water surface is further comprised of a plurality of legs, which are capable of being folded vertically upward to a position that is substantially parallel with the vertical member. When folded down into the horizontal position, the legs can be locked in place using a locking means. 
   The frame may be floated in a body of water by using a floating means, which may include a plurality of floating decoys. The floating means are attached to the distal ends of the legs, which must first be locked in the horizontal position using the aforementioned locking means. In this manner, the leg members and a portion of the vertical member are suspended beneath the water surface and are prevented from sinking by virtue of the floating means. 
   The portion of the frame above the water surface is further comprised of an agitator assembly, which is mounted on an agitator assembly support. The agitator assembly support is attached by welding or other means to a telescoping member, which fits over or inside the vertical member to allow the position of the agitator assembly to be moved towards or away from the water surface in the vertical direction. 
   The agitator assembly comprises a battery, a motor, and a downwardly extending agitating means, which may be a blade, a propeller, a screw device, a louvered structure, or any other means suitable for agitating the water surface. In use, the battery powers the motor, which drives the agitating means. In one embodiment, the agitating means rotates in the horizontal direction and contacts the water surface, which produces ripples on the water surface and the sound of splashing water. The ripples and sound of splashing water are intended to simulate an active area where waterfowl are swimming, feeding, and interacting. 
   An alternative embodiment of the invention includes the addition of an airborne decoy, and preferably a spinning wing, motorized decoy, to the uppermost portion of the telescoping member. 
   Another embodiment of the invention requires the removal of the radially projecting leg members and floating means and the extension of the vertical member, such that the vertical member can be driven into the water bottom with the agitator assembly above the water surface. 
   Another embodiment of the invention involves the addition of a modulator or a multi-cycle remote control to the motor whereby the user can modify the duration and frequency of operation in order to provide a more realistic simulation of waterfowl activity. 
   Another embodiment of the invention includes a land based battery, such as a twelve (12) volt battery, which is directly connected to the motor via hard wire. 
   Another embodiment of the invention includes a battery that is attached to the vertical member by a battery attachment means. 
   Another embodiment of the invention includes the addition of a remote control apparatus, whereby the motor may be activated at a distance, for example, by a hunter in a nearby hunting blind. 
   These and other objects, advantages, and features of this invention will be apparent from the following description. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the frame and agitator assembly. 
       FIG. 2  is a side view of the floating decoy system in operation in a body of water. 
       FIG. 3   a  is a side view of the agitator assembly and telescoping member. 
       FIG. 3   b  is an additional side view of the agitator assembly and telescoping member as seen from an angle perpendicular to the view presented in  FIG. 3   a.    
       FIG. 3   c  is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the agitator assembly and telescoping member. 
       FIG. 4   a  is a side view of one radially projecting leg in the slightly raised position. 
       FIG. 4   b  is another side view of one radially projecting leg in the locked position. 
       FIG. 4   c  is a plan view of one radially projecting leg in the locked position. 
       FIG. 5  is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the frame and agitator assembly. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   With reference to  FIGS. 1–4   c , a preferred embodiment of the wild game attraction device  1  will now be described. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , device  1  comprises a frame  2 , which is disposed partially above and partially below water surface  3 . Frame  2  is primarily comprised of vertical member  10 , legs  11 , telescoping member  12 , and agitator assembly support  13 . The various elements comprising frame  2  may be fashioned from any sufficiently durable material, including, but not limited to, metal, plastic, or wood. 
   Regardless of the material used to construct frame  2 , the comprising members may have various cross sections, including, but not limited to cross sections that are cylindrical, square, rectangular, triangular or angled (such as a piece of angle iron). 
   Vertical member  10 , which is oriented in a substantially vertical direction, may be perpendicularly attached to base structure  14 , which is generally formed by welding or molding together the proximal ends of three relatively short, base projections  15 . The distal end of each base projection  15  is hingedly connected to legs  11  by virtue of locking means  16 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 3   a — 3   c , locking means  16  is preferably comprised of side plates  17 , hex bolt  18 , apertures  19 , and spring retainer pin  20 . A total of two (2) side plates  17  are secured near their distal ends to opposite sides of each radially projecting leg  11  by welding or means common to those of ordinary skill in the art. The proximal ends of the two side plates are hingedly connected to the distal ends of each base projection  15  using hex bolt  18  or similar means. Each of side plates  17  contain at least one aperture  19 , which is drilled into side plate  17  and adapted to receive spring retainer pin  20 . 
   From the above description and drawings, the operation of locking means  16  may be readily understood. While in transport, legs  11  may be folded upwards and rotated about hex bolt  18  into a position substantially parallel to vertical member  10 . Once the hunter has arrived at the hunting destination, legs  11  may be folded downwards and rotated about hex bolt  18  into a position substantially perpendicular to vertical member  10 . Legs  11  are locked in the perpendicular position by depressing spring retainer pin  20  and rotating legs  11  with side plates  17  over spring retainer pin  20  until apertures  19  align with spring retainer pin  20 . Once the hunter has finished hunting or wishes to move to another hunting location, the hunter simply depresses spring retainer pin  20  and raises legs  11  into the vertical position. In addition to the means described above, locking means  16  may alternatively include removable shear pins, a manual screw configuration, or other means known to those skilled in the art for allowing legs  11  to be locked in a position substantially perpendicular to vertical member  10 . 
   Once legs  11  are folded down in the “locked” position, the hunter may attach floating means  21 , which may be a floating decoy (such as a water fowl decoy), a styrofoam block, a plastic cola bottle, or similar means, to frame  2 . Floating means  21  are attached to each of legs  11  using decoy cord  22 , a small chain, a dog clip, or other means known to those skilled in the art. A single piece of decoy cord  22  is attached to the bottom of floating means  21  and to the terminal end of radially projecting leg  11  by tying or clipping through orifice  28  as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  4   a . After floating means  21  have been attached, device  1  may be placed into water  4 , with legs  11  completely submerged and suspended beneath floating means  21  and with vertical member  10  projecting partially above and below water surface  3 . In order to ensure that device  1  maintains sufficient stability in water  4 , each piece of decoy cord  22  should preferably be of uniform length. 
   Agitator assembly  23  is attached to frame  2  by virtue of agitator assembly support  13  and telescoping member  12 . Agitator assembly support  13 , which projects a relatively short distance from each of opposing sides of telescoping member  12 , is preferably welded to telescoping member  12  near its lower portion. However, other means known to those skilled in the art may also be used to attach agitator assembly support  13  to telescoping member  12 , including the use of bolts or molding. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  3   a , telescoping member  12  slides over vertical member  10 , to which is attached upper spring retainer pin  20 . Similar to side plates  17 , telescoping member  12  contains multiple apertures  19 , all of which are vertically oriented on telescoping member  12  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3   b . By depressing upper spring retainer pin  29  and sliding telescoping member  20  up or down and releasing upper spring retainer pin  29  into the selected aperture  19 , the height of telescoping member  12  and agitator assembly  23  may be varied above water surface  3 . 
   Agitator assembly  23  comprises motor  24 , motor shaft  25 , agitating means  26 , and mount  27 . Motor  24  is attached to agitator assembly support  13  at its uppermost surface using suspension bolts  30 . Motor shaft  25  projects vertically down and out of the lower end of motor  24 . Mount  27 , which has a hollow recess of sufficient diameter to accommodate motor shaft  25 , slides over and is coupled to motor shaft  25  using a set screw (not shown), thumb screw, or other known means. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3   a ,  3   b , and  5 , agitating means  26  is a blade that is secured to mount  27  using two phillips screws  31  or similar means and oriented in a direction such that it will rotate in a horizontal plane about motor shaft  25 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
   Although agitating means  26  is depicted in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3   a ,  3   b , and  5  as a flat, paddle-like blade, agitating means  26  may also include one or more propellers, louvers, or other structures capable of agitating water surface  3 . Additionally, other embodiments allow motor shaft  25  to be angled with respect to water surface  3 .  FIG. 3   c  depicts such an alternative embodiment, wherein a portion of agitator assembly support  13  is angled with respect to water surface  3  and motor shaft  25  is extended at an angle perpendicular to agitator assembly support  13  to contact water surface  3 . In the embodiment shown, agitating means  26  is a propeller  42  attached to propeller mount  43 . This configuration of agitator assembly  23  will allow device  1  to be propelled across water surface  3  while simultaneously tossing water about and simulating the appearance and sound of an active feeding area. If the movement of frame  2  is restricted by lanyard  40  attached to anchor  41 , then device  1  will move about in a circular pattern on water surface  3 . Those skilled in the art will also realize that it would be obvious to provide a means for varying the angles at which motor shaft  25  and propeller  42  contact water surface  3 , including but not limited to an adjustable hinge (not shown) between agitator assembly support  13  and telescoping member  12 . 
   Agitator assembly  23  is powered by battery  32 , which may be a land-based six volt (6 v) or twelve volt (12 v) battery (see  FIG. 5 ), a six volt (6 v) or twelve volt (12 v) battery mounted to frame  2  on top of agitator assembly support  13  (see  FIGS. 2 and 3   a ), or any alternative means of power. Regardless of the size or location of battery  32 , battery  32  delivers power to motor  24  by means of wires  33  appropriately coupled to battery  32  and motor  24 . See, e.g.,  FIGS. 2 ,  3   a , and  5 . 
   In the self-contained embodiment of the invention shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  3   a  and  3   b , battery  32  rests atop agitator assembly support  13 , where it is preferably protected from water displaced by agitating means  26  and hidden from approaching waterfowl by slip cover  34 , which may be fashioned from camouflaged material. In addition, slip cover may house and/or cover remote control receiver  35  or a modulator (not shown), both of which may provide random and/or intermittent operation of motor  24  and agitating means  26 . 
   Remote control receiver  35  responds to on/off signals from a remote control transmitter (not shown). Remote control receiver  35  may also be a multi-cycle remote control receiver, which enables the user to preselect or program the length of time for which motor  24  is turned on and off. If a modulator is used instead of remote control receiver  35 , then the user can also preselect or preprogram the time periods for which motor  24  is turned on and off, but cannot do so from a remote location. 
   Other features of agitator assembly  23  are disclosed in addition to those described above. For example, the speed with which agitating means  26  rotates during operation of motor  24  may be selectively increased or decreased by the hunter by means known to those of skill in the art. This option offers additional flexibility to the hunter, who may modify the character of agitation to closely mimic the movements and sounds of live waterfowl. 
   From the aforementioned description and drawings, the manner of operation of device  1  may be understood. Once the hunter arrives at the desired hunting site, the hunter will grasp device  1  by vertical member  10  and deploy legs  11  into the horizontal position as described above. Once legs  11  are properly locked in place, floating means  21  are tied to legs  11  using decoy cord  22  or similar means. Device  1  may then be placed in water  4  and the height of agitator assembly  23  above water surface  3  adjusted to provide the degree and character of splashing that is sufficient to attract live waterfowl. 
   It will be readily appreciated that a higher position of agitating means  26  relative to water surface  3  will produce more superficial agitation than a lower position of agitating means  26  with respect to water surface  3 . Additionally, the sound produced pursuant to said agitation differs depending upon the amount of contact agitating means  26  has with water  4 , and the speed with which agitating means  26  turns. 
   Once the height of agitator assembly  23  has been adjusted, the hunter may then surreptitiously hide himself or herself at a distance away from device  1  (e.g., in a duck blind) and activate motor  24  and consequently agitating means  26  using a remote control transmitter or wires connected to a land-based battery. If a multi-cycle remote control or modulator is used, the hunter may preselect the periods of activation of motor  24 . For example, motor  24  may operate according to one or more of the following frequencies: 6 seconds on/16 seconds off, 16 seconds on/6 seconds off, 10 seconds on/20 seconds off, 2 seconds on/20 seconds off. The foregoing frequencies of operation are provided for illustrative purposes only. Other periods of activation of motor  24  can be programmed using the multi-cycle remote control or modulator as desired by the user. 
   During operation, wind or waves may occasionally cause device  1  to slowly drift about water surface  3 . In order to limit the degree of drift, the hunter may attach lanyard  40  to frame  2  by ordinary means such as eye hook  39 , which may be attached to the bottom of base structure  14 . The other end of lanyard  40  may be tied or otherwise attached to anchor means  41 , which is shown in  FIG. 2  as a brick. Alternatively, the hunter may wish to simply allow device  1  to meander about the water body depending upon hunting conditions. 
   In order to add another degree of realism to device  1 , airborne decoy  36  may be secured atop telescoping member  12  using attachment means  37  for purposes of emulating a waterfowl descending into or rising from a group of waterborne waterfowl and to further conceal agitator assembly  23  and the upper portions of frame  2 . Preferably, airborne decoy  36  is a motorized, spinning wing “flash” decoy as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . However, airborne decoy  36  may also be any other type of decoy, including a static decoy of the type comprising floating means  21 . Attachment means  37  may include projection  38 , which extends from airborne decoy  36  in the downward direction and is inserted into the uppermost end of telescoping member  12 . Alternatively, attachment means  37  may also include other means commonly known to those of skill in the art for attaching a waterfowl decoy to an extended member. 
   In an alternative embodiment of device  1  represented in  FIG. 5 , frame  2  is modified to be driven into water bottom  5  in a stake-like manner. This embodiment is accomplished by removing horizontally projecting legs  11 , base structure  14 , and locking means  16  and sufficiently lengthening vertical member  10  to allow vertical member  10  to be anchored into water bottom  5 . This latter embodiment may be used when water  4  is not deep enough to accommodate the floating version of device  1 , for greater ease of transport, or when the hunter simply wishes to limit the movement of frame  2  to suit the particular hunting conditions. 
   Although device  1  is shown and described above primarily in connection with agitator assembly  23 , it will also be understood from the description and drawings that a hunter may use the floating version of device  1  without agitator assembly  23  and simply with frame  2 , floating means  21  and optionally with airborne decoy  36 . In this manner, device  1  serves as a useful decoy spreader which deploys decoys both at the surface of the water and above the surface of the water for a convincing three dimensional effect. 
   There are, of course, other alternate embodiments that are obvious from the foregoing descriptions of the invention, which are intended to be included within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.