Abstract:
A hunting decoy apparatus, wherein the decoy exhibits lifelike movements controlled mechanically by a user. The apparatus comprises an outer sleeve member and a movable slidable member slidably engaged within the outer sleeve member. The outer sleeve member attaches to the ground. The decoy stand is inserted into the movable sliding member and extends perpendicular from the outer sleeve member in an upward direction with a decoy on top. The distal ends of the slidable inner sleeve member and the outer sleeve member are connected by an extension limiting biasing element such as a spring or elastic cord. A tether is attachable to the proximal end of the movable slidable member. To activate movement of the decoy, the tether is pulled and released by the user causing the decoy and decoy stand to move within the slot forward and backwards. Small tugs on the tether by the user causes the decoy to move in lifelike movements creating the appearance the decoy is bobbing and pecking like a wild bird.

Description:
[0001]    This is a regular patent application titled Hunting Decoy Apparatus for Luring Wild Game. 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to a hunting decoy apparatus, namely a decoy, which exhibits lifelike movements controlled mechanically by a hunter. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Hunting decoys are used to lure wild game toward a hunter. Decoys are typically stationary and secured to the ground with stakes. Decoys are often elaborately painted to depict the desired animal. Some decoys are made to move, in an effort to create a more lifelike decoy. Some of these moving decoys use elaborate electronics and robotics, often involving a remote control. However, elaborate electronics and robotics create sounds which deter the wild game from approaching the decoy, and in fact repel the wild game. 
         [0004]    For example, some elaborate decoys contain motors controlled by remote control units to achieve the bobbing and pecking of the decoy. The RC servos that are used to provide actuation for the various mechanical systems are audible, even noisy. Some moving decoys also include electronic winders to make the decoy turn. However, wild birds, such as turkeys, have exceptional hearing and eye sight which makes these noisy decoys unable to successfully attract wild game. Additionally, some decoys include a small antenna. The wild turkey can see the antenna and become leery of the decoy as opposed to attracted to it. 
         [0005]    Some non-battery decoys utilize two lines to mechanically turn the decoy back and forth. In such a case, the hunter is too occupied with operating the decoy movement to be able to take a shot at the wild game. Accordingly, a simple, silent, and effective moving decoy is desired. It is also desired to provide a decoy that has lifelike to and fro movements that include pecking and bobbing, whereby movement is silently and easily created by a user. 
       OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a hunting apparatus for luring wild game wherein the decoy has lifelike movements provided by way of simple mechanical means which are silent. The means of movement overcome the noisy electronic and robotic movements contained in prior moving decoys. 
         [0007]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a decoy that has lifelike backwards and forwards movements that include pecking and bobbing, whereby movement is silently and easily created by a user. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present hunting decoy apparatus is simple, silent, and effective. The hunting decoy apparatus with lifelike movements comprises an outer sleeve member and a movable slidable member slidably engaged within the outer sleeve member. The outer sleeve member which remains stationary, has a slot in the top surface. There is a circular void through the upper surface of the movable slidable member into which the decoy stand is inserted and attached. The decoy stand extends perpendicularly from the outer sleeve member and the movable slidable member in an upward direction. The stationary out sleeve is coupled or further attached to the inner sleeve by a biasing element, such as a spring or elastic or other spring-like element (e.g., a flexible bar element) which permits the movable inner sleeve to return to a “rest position” after being pulled to an alternate position. A decoy of an animal is attachable to an end of the decoy stand. A tether is attachable to the proximal end of the movable slidable member. To activate movement of the decoy, the tether is pulled and released by the user causing the movable slidable member to slide in and out from within the outer sleeve. When the tether is pulled, the spring or elastic cord (the bias element) is stretched allowing the inner sleeve member to slide forward. When tension on the tether is released by the user, the spring or elastic band or cord retracts the inner sleeve member aftward while the outer sleeve member remains stationary. This causes the decoy and decoy stand, which are attached to the movable slidable member, to rock and wobble within the slot forward and backwards. Small tugs on the tether by the user causes the decoy to move in lifelike movements creating the appearance the decoy is bobbing or pecking like a wild bird. 
         [0009]    In an alternate embodiment, the hunting decoy apparatus has lifelike movements and comprises an outer member that allows the decoy to make arcuate movements. A decoy of an animal is attachable to an end of the decoy stand. A biasing member is connected at its distal end to the inside rearward wall of the outer member and connected on the proximal end to the decoy stand or an engagement point on the slidable member. An upper track slot is in the top surface of the outer member receives the decoy stand, wherein the upper track slot contains an arcuate track slot segment. A lower track segment is on the internal bottom side of the outer member and contains an arcuate tract segment. Interior rails may be used for the arcuate track. The decoy stand rests on the bottom interior surface of the outer member, is guided by the lower track segment, and extends perpendicularly from the outer member in an upward direction. A tether is attachable to the decoy stand (or a tether attachment point on the slidable member) and extending out of the proximal face of the outer member toward a user. To activate movement of the decoy, the tether is pulled and released by the user causing the decoy stand to move within the upper track slot and lower track segment forward and backwards. When the tether is pulled, the spring or elastic cord (the bias element) is stretched allowing the inner sleeve member to slide forward. When tension on the tether is released by the user, the spring or elastic band or cord retracts the inner sleeve member aftward while the outer sleeve member remains stationary. Small tugs on the tether by the user causes the decoy to move in lifelike movements creating the appearance the decoy is bobbing and pecking like a wild bird. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the hunting decoy apparatus. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the hunting decoy apparatus showing the tether retracted. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  shows the extended movement of the decoy on the apparatus. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is an embodiment of the hunting decoy apparatus with an arcuate track. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0014]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the hunting decoy apparatus. The base of the hunting decoy apparatus  1  is composed of an outer sleeve member  3 . The outer sleeve member  3  is shown as a rectangular shape, but may be square, round, oval, or semi-circular. Slidably engaged within the outer sleeve member  3  is movable slidable member  5 . The movable slidable member  5  may also be any shape, including rectangular, square, round, oval, or semi-circular, as long as it fits within the outer sleeve member  3 . Decoy  15  is attached to a decoy stand  13 . The stand  13  is generally perpendicular to the top surface of the outer sleeve member  3 . The outer sleeve member  3  includes a slot  7  running about ¾ of the length of the outer sleeve member  3 . The decoy stand  13  is set within the slot  7  and is inserted into a circular void  25  through the upper surface of the movable slidable member  5 . The decoy stand  13  extends through the movable sliding member  5  and the proximal end of the extension and retraction element  9 , and rests on the interior bottom surface of the movable sliding member  5 . 
         [0015]    The hunting decoy apparatus  1  is secured to the ground by appropriate means. In one embodiment, a cross bar  17  extends perpendicularly through the distal end of the outer sleeve member  3 . The cross bar  17  allows for stakes  19  to be attached by one end to the cross bar  17  and the other end of the stake  19  to be driven into the ground. The stakes  19  stabilize the hunting decoy apparatus  1  to the ground. This secures the hunting decoy apparatus  1  from moving position when the decoy  15  movement is activated. Intermediate loops  27  on the outer sleeve member  3  can also serve to prevent the hunting decoy apparatus  1  from moving when the decoy  15  movement is activated by acting as an attachment means for stakes  19 . Likewise, other ground or tree attachments may be used to tie off the distal end of the hunting decoy apparatus  1  to a tree or bush. These attachment means would be best in rocky, hard ground locations as well as wet or very soft dirt areas where stakes are not apt to remain securely in place. 
         [0016]    As further shown in  FIG. 1 , spring  9  biases the movable slidable member  5  forward (towards the distal end of the apparatus) within the outer sleeve member  3 . The spring  9  is attached at its distal end to the cross bar  17  (or attached to a distal point on the outer sleeve  3 ) and at its proximal end to the decoy stand  13 . The spring  9  can be any known biasing element, such as a coiled spring, elastic band, air cylinder or any known element that limits expansion and compression. Stop  11  is at the terminal, distal end of slot  7  in the outer sleeve member  3 . Stop  11  limits the aftward movement of the decoy stand  13 . 
         [0017]    Attachment means  21  is on the proximal facing end of the movable sliding member  5 . Attachment means  21  may be a bale, cotter pin, hook, cross rod, rope, loop, or any attachment means that are attachable to holes in the side of the moveable slidable member  5 . A tether  23  attaches to the attachment means  21 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the tether  23  allows the user of the hunting decoy apparatus  1  to activate the motion of the decoy  15 . The user pulls the tether  23  which causes the movable sliding member  5  to slide out of outer sleeve member  3 . Slide member  5  moves distally forward due to the user, and proximally backward due to the bias force on the spring. The decoy stand  13  is seated in the distal end of the moveable sliding member  5  and, when the tether  23  is pulled, the decoy stand  13  and decoy  15  are moved with the movable sliding member  5  toward the user and sprung back by the spring. The decoy stand  13  is not aptly secured within circular void  25  through the upper surface of the movable slidable member  5  and the decoy  15  size may be substantial. Therefore, there is a bit of play or movement that causes the decoy stand  13  to sway fore and aft with light pulls of the tether  23  from the user. This sway or wobble is also enhanced by the user releasing the tether  23 , causing the spring  9  to draw the decoy stand back into its original position within the outer sleeve member  3 . This slight tugging motion causes the decoy  15  to appear to have lifelike movements. This sway or wobble can cause the decoy  15  to appear to be bobbing and pecking as birds do. 
         [0018]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the tether  23  may include a handle  29  or loop on the proximal end that is held by the user. The tether  23  can be any known material that can serve to pull, such as cord, string, rope, or fishing line. The user may use his hands to pull the tether  23  by holding on to handle or loop  29 . The user may also loop the tether  23  around the toe of his shoe or boot and activate the motion of the decoy  13  by flexing his ankle When a user uses his foot to control the movement of the decoy, it allows both of the user&#39;s hands to be free to hold his gun or rifle. 
         [0019]    The hunting decoy apparatus and its constitute parts can be made of a variety of sturdy materials, such as metal, wood, plastic (pvc, polyethylene, etc.) or a combination thereof. Ideally, the hunting decoy apparatus is weatherproof or weather durable and is able to withstand a variety of weather conditions. In the preferred embodiment, the length of the outer sleeve member  3  is approximately 20-28 inches and the length of the movable slidable member  5  is approximately 14-22 inches in length. In one embodiment, the length of the outer sleeve member  3  is 24 inches and the length of the movable slidable member is 18 inches. 
         [0020]    The decoy  15  is removable from the decoy stand  13 . This will prevent damage to the decoy  15  in transport and storage. This also provides for a hunting decoy apparatus  1  that is compact and easily carried to the desired hunting location. This also allows the user to interchange a variety of decoys  15  with one apparatus  1 . Any attachment means may be used to attach the decoy  15  to the stand  13 . For example, the attachment means could be an inverted cone inside the decoy  15  body which allows a swage fit to decoy stand  13  rods of various diameters, or alternatively, a simple inverted cup receptacle in the decoy  15  body. Once the hunting decoy assembly  1  is completely assembled, the user can attempt to conceal the apparatus and tether  23  with native leaves and brush. This would be in addition to any camouflage design on the outside of the apparatus  1  itself. 
         [0021]    The hunter&#39;s position does not necessarily have to be linear relative to the hunting decoy apparatus  1 , as the tether  23  may first pass around a stationary point which is in line with it, or be threaded thru an attached pulley, or even a stake or a pin or wicket, so long as any turning point of the tether  23  does not offer resistance beyond the retrieval strength of the spring  9 . 
         [0022]    The decoy  15  may be a simple impaled decoy (of cloth, rubber, plastic or urethane foam) as opposed to hard plastic or the like. When the tether  23  is pulled, the decoy  15  may be made to bob forward and back as though pecking. The decoy  15  may even rotate in an uncontrollable direction as birds do. These motions are effectively deceptive to wild game birds causing them to gather in the vicinity of the decoy  15 . 
         [0023]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , in an alternate embodiment, the hunting decoy apparatus  1  could employ an arcuate track slot  55 . An arcuate track slot  55  would further induce rotation of the decoy  15 . In this embodiment, there is one outer member  41  and no sleeve member. The movement of the decoy  15  is controlled directly by the tether  23  moving the decoy stand in the track. The spring  9  or biasing device is attached at its distal end to the inside of the rearward wall of the outer member  41 . The proximal end of the spring  9  is attached directly to the decoy stand  13 . The decoy stand  13  is inserted into a upper track slot  45 , through  55 , which is a defined void in the top side of outer member  41 . The decoy stand  13  is also seated in a lower track segment  43 , through  57 , on the internal bottom side of the outer member  41 . The device may include intermediate track rails between the upper slot and the lower track. The upper track slot  45 ,  55  is comprised of a fore-aft track slot segment  45  and an arcuate track slot segment  55 . The lower track segment  43 ,  57  is comprised of a for-aft track segment  43  and a arcuate tract segment  57 . The lower track segments  43 ,  57  guide the decoy stand  13  and provide additional support for the decoy stand  13  as it is moved within the upper track slot  45 ,  55 . 
         [0024]    The tether  23  is attached directly to the decoy stand  13  by any known attachment means. The tether  23  exits the proximal end of the outer member  41  through cylindrical guide posts  49 . Element  49  may be a grommet. These cylindrical guide posts  49  may be rollers, movably mounted in aft cover box segment. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the outer member  41  contains a cut away view to show the lower arcuate track segment  57 . The cut away view also shows the tether  23 . The hunter holds onto and manipulates the other end of the tether  23 . 
         [0025]    The embodiment in  FIG. 4  may use U-shaped stakes  47  to hold the hunting decoy apparatus  1  in place. Stake position pins  51  are located on the upper surface of the outer member  41  and spaced apart to enable the stake position pins  51  to receive a U-shaped stake  47  and therefore secure the hunting decoy apparatus  1  to the ground when movement of the decoy  13  is activated. The stake position mechanism  51  may be an eyelet through which  47  is retained. A U-shaped stake  47  may also be used to secure the proximal end of the outer member  41  to the ground to prevent any movement of the hunting decoy apparatus  1  when motion is activated. The U-shaped stakes  47  limit fore and aft movement with the stake position pins  51 . The U-shaped stakes  47  limit left and right movement of the decoy hunting apparatus  1  which can be cause by the decoy stand  13  moving left and right in the arcuate slot segment  55 . 
         [0026]    The hunting decoy  15  of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4  moves similarly to the movement shown in the apparatus of  FIG. 3  and described above, except the track slot  55  contains an arcuate track slot  55 . Referring to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the tether  23  allows the user of the hunting decoy apparatus  1  to activate the motion of the decoy  15 . The user pulls the tether  23  toward himself, which causes the decoy stand  13  and decoy  15  to move along the upper track slot  45 ,  55  guided by the lower track  43 ,  57  toward the user and in an arc. There is a bit of play or movement that causes the decoy stand  13  to sway fore and aft with light pulls of the tether  23  from the user. This sway or wobble can cause the decoy  15  to appear to be bobbing and pecking as birds do. This sway or wobble is also enhanced by the user releasing the tether  23 , causing the spring  9  to draw the decoy stand back into its original position within the outer sleeve member  3 . This slight tugging motion causes the decoy  15  to appear to have lifelike movements. This sway or wobble, further enhanced by the curve of the track further, causes the decoy  15  to bob and peck in a realistic fashion. 
         [0027]    The claims appended hereto are meant to cover modifications and changes within the scope and spirit of the present invention.