Abstract:
The present invention addresses an improved method of animating a waterfowl decoy or bird sculpture. An offset support assembly supports wing and paddle appendages that attach to a rotating or oscillating output shaft extending from the body of a waterfowl decoy or bird sculpture. The rotation or oscillation of the offset wing appendages produces a visual quality replicating the flapping of wings. The paddle appendages propel a floating decoy on the surface of the water and impart a side-to-side movement. The invention can be used to impart a more realistic motion and appearance to either floating or pole-mounted decoys, or can be used with decorative sculptures or models.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     A waterfowl decoy device producing a realistic visual quality. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is an improved method for animating a waterfowl decoy for attracting ducks or other waterfowl to a particular body of water or location in a body of water. Traditionally, hunters have used unanimated devices that resemble waterfowl with varying degrees of realism. These traditional designs did nothing more than float passively in the water or stand statically on a pole-mounted assembly. Such a traditional design is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,450,642 to DeKezel. 
     More recently, there have been attempts to give decoys some type and degree of motion in order to better simulate live waterfowl. One such moving waterfowl decoy is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,809,683 to Solomon. The ability to effect movement on the decoy disclosed and claimed in Solomon, however, was limited by the motor assembly and the wing design. 
     Overall, prior efforts to create a realistic form of motion in a waterfowl decoy have fallen short of producing lifelike motion and a realistic appearance. Further, many of the prior art designs have been complex, expensive to produce, and/or difficult to use. The present invention addresses a waterfowl decoy that produces a more realistic visual image with tremendous flexibility in the movements and visual effects. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention enhances the performance of a moving decoy by using an offset support assembly attached to a driver motor&#39;s shaft assembly. The driver motor provides the necessary power to rotate the shaft assembly and the offset support assembly. Appendages, such as a wing structures, are attached to the offset support assembly by an attachment bracket. This design offsets the attachment point of the appendage a radial distance from the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly to move the appendage in a circular rotation around the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly. The circular rotation of the shaft assembly with the rotating offset support assembly imparts a unique visual quality to the rotating wing appendages. Foot paddles may also be attached to the offset assembly to cause the decoy to move in the water. Wing types and foot paddles are interchangible, and different combinations of the appendages can produce different visual effects. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The objects and features of the invention will become more readily understood from the following detailed description and appended claims when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent-like elements and in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a side-view depiction of a waterfowl decoy with a output shaft; 
     FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a waterfowl decoy with an offset support assembly having two attachment brackets; 
     FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a waterfowl decoy with an offset support assembly-having two attachment brackets and two wings attached; 
     FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a waterfowl decoy with an offset support assembly having four attachment brackets; 
     FIG. 5 shows bottom view of the waterfowl decoy with driver motors installed; 
     FIG. 6 shows a sectional profile view of one embodiment of the offset support assembly with two long attachment brackets set at a 90° inclination angle; 
     FIG. 7 shows a top view of one embodiment of the offset support assembly with two long attachment brackets set at a 90° inclination angle; 
     FIG. 8 shows a sectional profile view of one embodiment of the offset support assembly with two short attachment brackets set at a 90° inclination angle 
     FIG. 9 shows a top view of one embodiment of the offset support assembly with two short attachment brackets set at a 90° inclination angle; 
     FIG. 10 shows a sectional profile view of one embodiment of the offset support assembly with two long attachment brackets set at a 135° inclination angle; 
     FIG. 11 shows a top view of one embodiment of the offset support assembly with two long attachment brackets set at a 135° inclination angle; 
     FIG. 12 shows a top view of one embodiment of the offset support assembly with four attachment brackets, two short ones set at a 90° inclination angle, ad two long ones set at a 135° inclination angle; 
     FIG. 13 show&#39;s a top view of a wing appendage of the invention; and 
     FIG. 14 shows a top view of a foot appendage. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The invention can be used to impart a more realistic appearance to either floating or pole-mounted decoys, or could be used with decorative sculptures, models, or other bird or bird appearing devices. As shown in FIG. 1, the decoy shell  1  is generally a hollow structure in the shape, form, and coloration of a duck or other waterfowl in which a drive mechanism can be easily mounted. The waterfowl decoy  1  has a head end  5 , a tail end  7 , and an anchor point  8 . The decoy  1  has a driver motor internally mounted, and the driver motor has an output shaft  16  extending from a hole  9  in the side of decoy  1 . 
     The bottom of the decoy  1  is comprised of a plastic foam bottom section  3  providing buoyancy for use in the water. A hole is also located in the bottom section so the decoy  1  can also be mounted on a pole assembly. A retaining hook  4  fastens the bottom section  3  into the decoy. 
     The invention operates through the use of an offset support assembly attached to the output shaft. As shown in FIG. 2, the decoy  101  includes the offset support assembly  110 . The decoy  105  is a standard type decoy with a head end  105 , tail end  107 , and base  103 . 
     The offset support assembly  110  is installed on the left side of the decoy  101 . The left side of the decoy has an offset support assembly  110  without any appendages attached, while the right side is depicted with two wing appendages  130  attached. This offset support assembly  110  has two attachment brackets, and this offset support assembly could also depict the offset support assembly shown in FIG.  8  and FIG.  9 . 
     The offset support assembly  110  is attached to the output shaft of a driver motor (not shown). As the driver motor rotates the output shaft (not shown), the offset support assembly  110  will rotate around a longitudinal axis defined along the length of the output shaft. The two attachment brackets on offset support assembly  110  allows for one or more appendages to be attached to the offset support assembly. When wings or other appendages are attached to the offset support assembly  110 , these appendages will also rotate in a circular direction around the longitudinal axis defined by the output shaft. 
     FIG. 3 shows a decoy  201  with an offset support assembly  210  much like the offset support assembly shown in FIG.  2 . The decoy  201  also has a head end  205 , a tail end  207 , and a base  203 . The offset support assembly  210  has two attachment brackets with wing appendages  230   a  and  230   b  attached thereto. 
     The offset support assembly  210  is attached to the output shaft of a driver motor (not shown). As the driver motor rotates the output shaft (not shown), the offset support assembly  210  will rotate around a longitudinal axis defined along the length of the output shaft. The two attachment brackets on offset support assembly  210  allows for one or more appendages to be attached to the offset support assembly. Because wings  230   a  and  230   b  are attached to the offset support assembly  210 , these appendages will rotate in a circular direction around the longitudinal axis defined by the output shaft. As shown in FIG. 3, wing appendages are installed on both sides of the decoy  201 . 
     FIG. 4 shows a decoy  301  with a different type of offset support assembly  310  installed on its left side. The decoy  301  has a head end  305 , a tail end  307 , and a base  303 . This offset support assembly  310  has four attachment brackets, and this offset support assembly  310  is similar to the offset support assembly shown in FIG.  12 . 
     The offset support assembly  310  is attached to the output shaft of a driver motor (not shown). As the driver motor rotates the output shaft (not shown), the offset support assembly  310  will rotate around a longitudinal axis defined along the length of the output shaft. The four attachment brackets on offset support assembly  310  allows for one or more appendages to be attached to the offset support assembly. When wing appendages (or other appendages) are attached to the offset support assembly  310 , these appendages will rotate in a circular direction around the longitudinal axis defined by the output shaft. Wing appendages or other appendages may be installed on both sides of the decoy  301 . 
     FIG. 5 shows one embodiment for a drive mechanism as installed in a waterfowl decoy  50 . Decoy  50  has a head end  54 , and two driver motor assemblies  55  and  57  attached to the sides of decoy  50 . The driver motors can be any type of driver motor assembly that will rotate an output shaft on a decoy  50 . The driver motor assemblies  55  and  57  should be oriented to rotate in opposing directions on either side of a decoy  50 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, there are two electric driver motor assemblies  55  and  57 . The left motor assembly  57  will rotate output shaft  58  in a counter-clockwise motion. The right motor assembly  55  will rotate output shaft  59  in a clockwise motion. The driver motor assemblies ( 55  and  57 ) are linked to a power source  51 . An on-off switch  52  controls delivery of power to the driver motors  55  and  57 . 
     The power source  51  and on-off switch are mounted to the interior of the decoy  50  with a mounting bracket  53 . The power source  51  comprises two standard 1.5-volt size D batteries. Variations in the number and type of power source is within the scope of this invention. Further, a radio-controlled on-off switch could also be used with this invention. The driver motors could also vary the speed of the driver motors, together or individually, which would give the user greater control and flexibility over the visual effects and motion. It is also possible to use the invention with an oscillating action rather than continuous rotation. 
     As shown on FIG. 5, the offset support assembly (not shown) would be attached to the output shafts  58  and  59  of driver motors  57  and  55 , respectively. As the driver motors  57  and  58  rotates the output shafts  58  and  59 , the offset support assembly attached to the output shafts will rotate around a longitudinal axis defined along the length of the output shaft. The attachment brackets on offset support assembly (not shown) allows for one or more appendages to be attached to the offset support assembly. When wing appendages (or other appendages) are attached to the offset support assembly, these appendages will rotate in a circular direction around the longitudinal axis defined by the output shaft. 
     Offset Support Assembly 
     The offset support assembly  10  is shown in FIG.  6  and FIG.  7 . In FIG.  6  and FIG. 7, the offset support assembly  10  generally consists of a hub  11  for connection to an output shaft  16 , an attachment bracket  12  for attaching one or more wing appendages  430  and/or foot appendages  440 . The hub  11  preferably includes a cylindrical collar  14  with a central aperture  15  to receive an output shaft  16  of the driver motor. A planar disk  18  is coaxially aligned with and interconnected to collar  14 . Hub  11  includes a connector, such as an adjustable setscrew  17 , extending through the wall of the collar  14 , to securely retain the collar  14  on an output shaft  16 . The hub  11  is centered on disk  18 , in the preferred embodiment, but the attachment brackets  12 , or some other attachment structure or equivalent structure may directly attach to hub  11 . 
     The disk  18  in the preferred embodiment is a flat metal or plastic disk approximately 1½″ in diameter. The size of disk  18  may be varied, but the disk  18  should be large enough to fit two or more attachment brackets  12 . The embodiment depicted in FIG. 6 and 7 in offset assembly  10  has two attachment brackets  12 , but more than two attachment bracket can be placed on offset assembly  10 . 
     Each attachment bracket  12  is formed as a generally L-shaped member attached to the disk  18 . The attachment bracket  12  is a flat, narrow strip of a stiff material formed into an L-shaped structure. In the preferred embodiment, this is a metal strip approximately ½″ wide and 2″ long. Each attachment bracket  12  has an opposing attachment bracket located directly across from it so that the two opposing brackets  12 , the hub  11 , and the disk  18  form a U-shaped member of the offset assembly. The distance separating the ends  19  of the offset assembly  10  is approximately 2¼″ in diameter. In offset assembly  10 , the angle of inclination formed by the bracket&#39;s bend  25  is between 90° (e.g. attachment bracket  12 ) and 135° (e.g. attachment bracket  212 ). The inclination angle  25  depicted in FIG. 6 is 90°. The extended ends  19  of the attachment brackets  12  are where the appendages are attached to the offset assembly  10 . The attachment brackets  12  are attached to the disk  18  using rivets  13 , but any form of screws or nuts/bolts/washers combination may be acceptable. 
     The wing appendage  430  or foot paddle appendage  440  are attached to the end of the attachment bracket  19 . The attachment bracket  19  has a sleeve  21  formed from the loop portion of a hook and loop connecting material (e.g. Velcro®). This material is permanently attached to the attachment bracket end  19  and entirely covers the end  19  of the attachment bracket  12 . The sleeve  21  covers both sides of the end  19 , so that appendages can be attached on either side, and two appendages  430  and  440  can be affixed on the same attachment bracket  12  at the same time (e.g. a wing  430  on one side and a paddle  440  on the other side) or at different times. 
     Varying factors such as attachment bracket length and inclination angle can produce variations in the appearance of the rotating assembly. In a typical embodiment for a decoy approximately 20″ in length, the distance between the attachment bracket ends  19  is approximately 2¼″. The length of attachment bracket  12  is approximately 2″ with the length of the leg of the bracket  12  of approximately 1″. The disk  18  will have a diameter of approximately 1½″. 
     As an alternate embodiment, rather than being a fixed distance or length, the wing attachment bracket  12  can be made adjustable in either respect by, for example, using overlapping slotted components with screws to attach the brackets  12  to the disk  18 . Different attachment points could also be made in disk  18  to vary the length of the leg of attachment bracket  12  in relation to the hub  11 . Further, the offset assembly  10  can be composed of single or multiple machined or single or multiple molded parts. Additionally, the appendages may be molded or permanently attached to the offset assembly  10 . 
     FIG.  8  and FIG. 9 depict another preferred embodiment of an offset support assembly  110 . In FIG.  8  and FIG. 9, the offset support assembly  110  generally consists of a hub  111  for connection to a output shaft  116 , an attachment bracket  112  for attaching one or more wing appendages  430  and/or foot appendages  440 . The hub  111  preferably includes a cylindrical collar  114  with a central aperture  115  to receive a output shaft  116  of the driver motor. A planar disk  118  is coaxially aligned with and interconnected to collar  114 . Hub  111  includes a connector, such as an adjustable setscrew  117 , extending through, the wall of the collar  114 , to securely retain the collar  114  on a output shaft  116 . The hub  111  is the center of a disk  118 , in the preferred embodiment, but the attachment brackets  112 , or some other attachment structure or equivalent structure may directly attached to hub  111 . 
     The disk  118  in the embodiment is a flat metal or plastic disk approximately 1½″ in diameter. The size of disk  118  may be varied, but the disk  118  should be large enough to fit two or more attachment brackets  112 . The embodiment depicted in FIG. 8 and 9 has two attachment brackets  112 , but one or more than two attachment brackets is possible. 
     Each attachment bracket  112  is formed as a generally L-shaped member attached to the disk  118 . The attachment bracket  112  is a flat, narrow strip of a stiff material formed into an L-shaped structure. In the embodiment, this is a metal strip approximately ½″ wide and 1½″ long. Each attachment bracket  112  has an opposing attachment bracket located directly across from it so that the two opposing brackets  112 , the hub  111 , and the disk  118  form a U-shaped member of the offset assembly  110 . The distance separating the ends  119  of the offset assembly  110  are approximately 1½″. In offset assembly  110 , the angle of inclination formed by the bracket&#39;s bend  125  is between 90° and 135°. The angle  125  depicted in FIG. 8 is 90°. The extended ends  119  of the attachment brackets  112  are where the appendages are attached to the offset assembly  110 . The attachment brackets  112  are attached to the disk  118  using rivets  113 , but any form of screws or nuts/bolts/washers combination may be acceptable. 
     The wing appendage  430  or paddle appendage  440  are attached to the end of the attachment bracket  119 . The attachment bracket  119  has a sleeve  121  formed from the loop portion of a hook and loop connecting material (e.g. Velcro®). This material is permanently attached to the attachment bracket end  119  and entirely covers the end  119  of the attachment bracket  112 . The sleeve  121  covers both sides of the end  119 , so that appendages can be attached on either side, and two appendages  430  and  440  can be affixed on the same attachment bracket  112  at the same time (e.g. a wing  430  on one side and a paddle  440  on the other) or at different times. Varying factors such as attachment bracket length and inclination angle can produce variations in the appearance of the rotating assembly. In a typical embodiment for a decoy approximately 20″ in length, the distance between the attachment bracket ends  119  is approximately 1½″, and the length of attachment bracket  112  is approximately 1½″ with the length of the leg of the bracket  112  of approximately ¾″, with the disk  118  having a diameter of approximately 1½″. 
     As an alternate embodiment, rather than being a fixed distance or length, the wing attachment bracket&#39;s  112  can be made adjustable in either respect by, for example, using overlapping slotted components with screws to attach the brackets  112  to the disk  118 . Different attachment points could also be in disk  118  to vary the length of the leg of attachment bracket  112  in relation to the hub  111 . Further, the offset assembly  110  can be composed of single or multiple machined or single or multiple molded parts. Additionally, the appendages may be molded or permanently attached to the offset assembly  110 . 
     FIG.  10  and FIG. 11 depict another preferred embodiment of an offset support assembly  210 . In FIG.  10  and FIG. 11, the offset support assembly  210  generally consists of a hub  211  for connection to an output shaft  216 , an attachment bracket  212  for attaching one or more wing appendages  430  and/or foot appendages  440 . The hub  211  preferably includes a cylindrical collar  214  with a central aperture  215  to receive an output shaft  216  of a driver motor. A planar disk  218  is coaxially aligned with and interconnected to collar  214 . Hub  211  includes a connector, such as an adjustable setscrew  217 , extending through the wall of the collar  214 , to securely retain the collar  214  on a output shaft  216 . The hub  211  is the center of a disk  218 , in the preferred embodiment, but the attachment brackets  212 , or some other attachment structure or equivalent structure may directly attached to hub  211 . 
     The disk  218  in the embodiment is a flat metal or plastic disk approximately 1{fraction (1/2/)}″ in diameter. The size of disk  218  may be varied, but the disk  218 , should be large enough to fit two or more attachment brackets  212 . The embodiment depicted in FIGS. 10 and 11 has two attachment brackets  212 , but one or more than two is possible. 
     Each attachment bracket  212  is formed as a generally L-shaped member attached to the disk  218  of hub  211 . The attachment bracket  212  is a flat, narrow strip of a stiff material formed into an L-shaped structure. In the preferred embodiment, this is a metal strip approximately ½″ wide and 2″ long. In this preferred embodiment, each attachment bracket  212  has an opposing attachment bracket located directly across from it so that the two opposing brackets  212 , the hub  211 , and the disk  218  form a U-shaped member of an offset assembly  210 . The distance separating the ends  219  is approximately 3½″. In offset assembly  210 , the angle of inclination is between 90° and 135°. The angle  225  depicted in FIG. 10 is 135°. The extended ends  219  of the attachment brackets  212  are where the appendages are attached. The attachment brackets  212  are attached to the disk  218  using rivets  213 , but any form of screws or nuts/bolts/washers combination may be acceptable. 
     The wing appendage  430  or paddle appendage  440  are attached to the end of the attachment bracket  219 . The attachment bracket  219  has a sleeve  221  formed from the loop portion of a hook and loop connecting material (e.g. Velcro®). This material is permanently attached to the attachment bracket end  219  and entirely covers the end  219  of the attachment bracket  212 . The sleeve  221  covers both sides of the end  219 , so that appendages can be attached on either side, and two appendages  430  and  440  can be affixed on the same attachment bracket  212  at the same time (e.g. a wing  430  on one side and a paddle  440  on the other) or at different times. 
     Varying factors such as attachment bracket length and inclination can produce variations in the appearance of the rotating assembly. In a typical embodiment for a decoy approximately 20″ in length, the distance between the attachment bracket ends  219  is approximately 3½″, and the length of attachment bracket  212  is approximately 2″ with the length of the leg of the bracket  212  of approximately 1″. The disk  218  has a diameter of approximately 1½″. 
     As an alternate embodiment, rather than being a fixed distance or length, the wing attachment bracket&#39;s  212  can be made adjustable in either respect by, for example, using overlapping slotted components with screws to attach the brackets  212  to the disk  218 . Different attachment points could also be in disk  218  to vary the length of the leg of attachment bracket  212  in relation to the hub  211 . Further, the offset assembly  210  can be composed of single or multiple machined or single or multiple molded parts. Additionally, the appendages may be molded or permanently attached to the offset assembly  210 . 
     FIG. 12 depicts another preferred embodiment of an offset support assembly  310 . In FIG. 12, the offset support assembly  310  has four attachment brackets, and it generally consists of a hub  311  for connection to a output shaft  316 , and attachment brackets  312  and  322  for attaching one or more of elongated wing appendages  430  and/or foot appendages  440 . The hub  311  preferably includes a cylindrical collar  314  with a central aperture  315  to an output shaft  316  of a driver motor. A planar disk  318  is coaxially aligned with and interconnected to collar  314 . Hub  311  includes a connector, such as an adjustable setscrew  317 , extending through the wall of the collar  314 , to securely retain the collar  314 , on output shaft  316 . The hub  311  is the center of a disk  318 , in the embodiment, but the attachment brackets  312  and  322 , or some other attachment structure or equivalent structure may directly attached to hub  311 . 
     The disk  318  in the embodiment is a flat metal or plastic disk approximately 1½″ in diameter. The size of disk  318  may be varied, but the disk  318  should be large enough to fit two or more attachment brackets  312  or  322 . The embodiment depicted in FIG. 12 has two attachment brackets  312 , but one or more than two is possible. The embodiment also has two attachment brackets  322  attached, but one or more than two is possible. 
     Each attachment bracket  312  and  322  is formed as a generally L-shaped member attached to the disk  318  of hub  311 . The attachment bracket  312  and  322  is a flat, narrow strip of a stiff material formed into an L-shaped structure. For attachment bracket  312 , this is a metal strip approximately {fraction ( 1 / 2 )}″ wide and approximately 2¼″ long, and for attachment bracket  322 , this is a metal strip approximately {fraction ( 1 / 2 )}″ wide and 1½″ long. Each attachment bracket  312  and  322  has an opposing attachment bracket  312  or  322  located directly across from it so that the two opposing brackets  312  and  322 , the hub  311 , and the disk  318  form a U-shaped member of the offset assembly  310 . The distance separating the ends  319  of the offset assembly  310  is approximately 2½″. In the offset assembly  310 , the inclination angle  325  and  326  is between 90° and 135°. The angle  325  depicted in FIG. 12 is 90°, and the angle  326  depicted in FIG. 12 is 135°. The extended ends  319  of the attachment brackets  312  and  322  are where the appendages are attached. The attachment brackets  312  and  322  are attached to the disk  318  using rivets  313 , but any form of screws or nuts/bolts/washers combination may be acceptable. 
     The wing appendage  430  or paddle appendage  440  are attached to the end of the attachment bracket  319 . The attachment bracket  319  has a sleeve  321  formed from the loop portion of a hook and loop connecting material (e.g. Velcro®). This material is permanently attached to the attachment bracket end  319  and entirely covers the end  319  of the attachment bracket  312  and  322 . The sleeve  321  covers both sides of the end  319 , so that appendages can be attached on either side, and two appendages  430  and  440  can be affixed on the same attachment bracket  312  and  322  at the same time (e.g. a wing  430  on one side and a paddle  440  on the other) or at different times. 
     Varying factors such as attachment bracket length and inclination angle can produce variations in the appearance of the rotating assembly. In a typical embodiment for a decoy approximately 20″ in length, the distance between the attachment bracket ends  319  of attachment brackets  312  is approximately 2½″, and the length of attachment bracket  312  is approximately 2¼″ with the length of the leg of the bracket  312  of approximately 1¼″, with the disk  318  having a diameter of approximately 1½″. In a typical embodiment for a decoy approximately 20″ in length, the distance between the attachment bracket ends  319  of attachment brackets  322  is approximately 2½″, and the length of attachment bracket  322  is approximately 1¾″ with the length of the leg of the bracket  322  of approximately ½″, with the disk  318  having a diameter of approximately 1½″. 
     As an alternate embodiment, rather than being a fixed distance or length, the wing attachment bracket&#39;s  312  and  322  can be made adjustable in either respect by, for example, using overlapping slotted components with screws to attach the brackets  312  to the disk  318 . Different attachment points could also be in disk  318  to vary the length of the leg of attachment bracket  312  and  322  in relation to the hub  311 . Further, the offset assembly  310  can be composed of single or multiple machined or single or multiple molded parts. Additionally, the appendages may be molded or permanently attached to the offset assembly  310 . 
     The inclination angle  25 ,  125 ,  225 ,  325  and  326  formed by the bend at the base of “L” of the attachment bracket  12 ,  112 ,  212 ,  312 , and  322  may be varied. In the preferred embodiment, the angle  25 ,  125 ,  225 ,  325 , and  326  will range between 90° and 135° relative to the base of the disk  18 ,  118 ,  218 , and  318 . However, although these angles produces what is considered the most realistic visual quality of flapping wings, the angle  25 ,  125 ,  225 ,  325 , and  326  may be less than 90° or more than 135°. The inclination angle  25 ,  125 ,  225 ,  325 , and  326  formed by the attachment brackets  12 ,  112 ,  212 ,  312 , and  322  on the offset support assembly  10 ,  110 ,  210 , and  310  may also be different on the same offset assembly. Opposing brackets  12 ,  112 ,  212 ,  312 , and  322  may be of equal or different angles or lengths on the same offset support assembly  10 ,  110 ,  210 , and  310 . 
     Structurally, the disk  18 ,  118 ,  218 , and  318  may be eliminated from the hub  11 ,  111 ,  211 , and  311 , and the attachment brackets  12 ,  112 ,  212 ,  312 , and  322  connected directly to the collar  14 ,  114 ,  214 , and  314  or integrally formed with the collar  14 ,  114 ,  214 , and  314  in a fashion similar to a windmill or spokes on a wagon wheel. In another structural variation, the appendages could be attached directly to the collar  14 ,  114 ,  214 , and  314 , hub  11 ,  111 ,  211 , and  311 , or disk  18 ,  118 ,  218 ,  318  with the attachment bracket  12 ,  112 ,  212 ,  312 , and  322  eliminated from the design. In yet another variation, rather than having an even number of attachment brackets  12 ,  112 ,  212 ,  312 , and  322  with an opposing attachment bracket  12 ,  112 ,  212 ,  312 , and  322  there may be an odd number of attachment brackets  12 ,  112 ,  212 ,  312 , and  322  (e.g.  3  or  5 ). In yet another variation, a U-shaped cup with a hub or other attachment structure at the base of the “U” may be substituted for the disk  18 ,  118 ,  218 , and  318  with the appendages attached to the lips or sides of the cup, such that the cup replaces and performs the same function as the attachment brackets  12 ,  112 ,  212 ,  312 , and  322 . In yet another variation, the offset support assembly could be molded such that the hub  11 ,  111 ,  211 ,  311 , collar  14 ,  114 ,  214 , and  314 , and disk  18 ,  118 ,  218 , and  318  and support brackets  12 ,  112 ,  212 ,  312 , and  322  are a one-piece structure. In another variation, one or more wing appendages  430  and/or foot appendages  440  could be molded in some fashion with an offset assembly in a single structure. One aspect of the invention—the offset rotating wing and/or paddle appendage —would be supported in these alternative embodiments. 
     Wings 
     The wing appendages  430  shown in FIG. 13 are preferably formed as an elongated planar body contoured to mimic the general shape of a bird&#39;s wing. The base of the wing can be firmly affixed to the attachment bracket  12  (FIG.  6  and FIG.  7 ),  112  (FIG.  8  and FIG.  9 ),  212  (FIG.  10  and FIG.  11 ), and  312  and  322  (FIG.  12 ). In the preferred embodiment, the wing  430  would have a pair of disks  431  (or strips) of the hook portion of hook and loop material matching the loop portion of the material used to form sleeve  21  (FIG.  6  and FIG.  7 ),  121  (FIG.  8  and FIG.  9 ),  221  (FIG.  10  and FIG.  11 ), and  321  (FIG. 12) (e.g. Velcro®). A similar disk  431  can also be attached to each side of the wing appendage  430 . 
     When a disk  431  is pressed against sleeve  21  (FIG.  6  and FIG.  7 ),  121  (FIG.  8  and FIG.  9 ),  221  (FIG.  10  and FIG.  11 ), and  321  (FIG. 12) the hooks engage the loops to securely, but easily removably, attach the wing appendage  430  to the attachment bracket  12  (FIG.  6  and FIG.  7 ),  112  (FIG.  8  and FIG.  9 ),  212  (FIG.  10  and FIG.  11 ), and  312  and  322  (FIG.  12 ). The wing appendages  430  are attached generally extending along the same longitudinal axis as the output shaft  16  (FIG.  6  and FIG.  7 ),  116  (FIG.  8  and FIG.  9 ),  216  (FIG.  10  and FIG.  11 ), and  316  (FIG. 12) of the associated offset bracket  12  (FIG.  6  and FIG.  7 ),  112  (FIG.  8  and FIG.  9 ),  212  (FIG.  10  and FIG.  11 ), and  312  and  322  (FIG.  12 ). 
     The wing appendage  430  may be attached in an extended manner directly outward from the attachment bracket  12  (FIG.  6  and FIG.  7 ),  112  (FIG.  8  and FIG.  9 ),  212  (FIG.  10  and FIG.  11 ), and  312  and  322  (FIG. 12) or it may be attached at an angle outward from the attachment bracket (for example 45° from the plane of rotation). The wing appendage  430  may also be attached to the inner or outer side of sleeve  21  (FIG.  6  and FIG.  7 ),  121  (FIG.  8  and FIG.  9 ),  221  (FIG.  10  and FIG.  11 ), and  321  (FIG.  12 ). 
     When used with a decoy, a pair of output shafts  58  and  59  extend outward from the body of the decoy  50 . The offset assembly  10  (FIG.  6  and FIG.  7 ),  110  (FIG.  8  and FIG.  9 ),  210  (FIG.  10  and FIG.  11 ), and  310  (FIG. 12) is mounted upon the output shafts  58  and  59  by means of the hub  11  (FIG.  6  and FIG.  7 ),  111  (FIG.  8  and FIG.  9 ),  211  (FIG.  10  and FIG.  11 ), and  311  (FIG. 12) and collar  14  (FIG.  6  and FIG.  7 ),  114  (FIG.  8  and FIG.  9 ),  214  (FIG.  10  and FIG.  11 ), and  314  (FIG.  12 ). When the output shaft  58  and  59  rotates, the wing appendages  430  on the offset assemblies revolve around the longitudinal axis of the output shafts  58  and  59 . The right side shaft  59  rotates clockwise, and the left side shaft  58  rotates counterclockwise, so that the offset assemblies  10  (FIG.  6  and FIG.  7 ),  110  (FIG.  8  and FIG.  9 ),  210  (FIG.  10  and FIG.  11 ), and  310  (FIG. 12) rotate down in the front and up in the back of the decoy  50 . 
     The wing appendages  430  extend outward from the respective sides of the decoy  50  and rotate around the longitudinal axis of shafts  58  and  59  in this circular fashion. When viewed at an angle to the longitudinal axis, the rotating wing appendages  430  appear to move back and forth across the axis of the output shafts  58  and  59 . When viewed by an observer, the wing appendages  430  appear to move “up and down” and “back and forth.” The apparent “axis crossing” motion of the wing appendages  430  simulate the flapping movements by live birds, and imparts a unique and lifelike appearance to the decoy from a distance. 
     It is preferred that the wing appendages  430  be formed with a basic wing shape and constructed of a resilient, shape-retentive material that temporarily deforms from a planar configuration in response to the centrifugal force of the revolving wing assembly  10  (FIG.  6  and FIG.  7 ),  110  (FIG.  8  and FIG.  9 ),  210  (FIG.  10  and FIG.  11 ), and  310  (FIG.  12 ). As the wing assembly rotates, the wing appendages tend to “flare-out” from the axis of rotation from the centrifugal force. This causes the tips of the wings to generally flare outward more than the inner ends and enhances the appearance of flapping wings. In the preferred embodiment for a decoy about 20″ long, the size is approximately 7½″ long by 2½″ wide, but the size may be varied. 
     The wing appendage  430  need not be uniform in size, but can be shorter or longer and narrower or wider than the other wing appendages. Different lengths may be used on opposing or adjacent brackets to produce slightly different optical qualities or movement effects. Although the preferred embodiment is a roughly wing-shaped structure, the wings can be simple, elongated strips of material. Moreover, the wings can be constructed of a stiff rather than flexible material. 
     The number of wing appendages  430  attached to the brackets may also be varied. In the preferred embodiment, two wing appendages  430  are attached to each offset support assembly  10  (FIG.  6  and FIG.  7 ),  110  (FIG.  8  and FIG.  9 ),  210  (FIG.  10  and FIG.  11 ), and  310  (FIG.  12 ). One wing appendage is attached to each of two opposing attachment brackets  12  (FIG.  6  and FIG.  7 ),  112  (FIG.  8  and FIG.  9 ),  212  (FIG.  10  and FIG.  11 ), and  312  and  322  (FIG.  12 ). One or more wing appendages will give an acceptable optical effect, though the preferred number is two. 
     The number of wing appendages  430  that can be mounted on an offset support assembly  10  (FIG.  6  and FIG.  7 ),  110  (FIG.  8  and FIG.  9 ),  210  (FIG.  10  and FIG.  11 ), and  310  (FIG. 12) is only limited by the number of attachment points on the attachment brackets  12  (FIG.  6  and FIG.  7 ),  112  (FIG.  8  and FIG.  9 ),  212  (FIG.  10  and FIG.  11 ), and  312  and  322  (FIG.  12 ). By attachment points, the appendage can be place on either side of sleeve  21  (FIG.  6  and FIG.  7 ),  121  (FIG.  8  and FIG.  9 ),  221  (FIG.  10  and FIG.  11 ), and  321  (FIG.  12 ). Further attachment points include the attachment bracket ends  19  (FIG.  6  and FIG.  7 ),  119  (FIG.  8  and FIG.  9 ),  219  (FIG.  10  and FIG.  11 ), and  319  (FIG.  12 ). 
     The color of the wing appendages  430  can also be used to create different visual effects. The wing appendages  430  may be any color. A single color may be used, such as black, gray, white, brown, blue, green, or some other color, or combination of colors may be had for the wing appendage  430 . The wing appendage  430  may even be “painted” to more closely represent a wing in appearance from an artistic viewpoint, and each side of the wing appendage  430  may have different coloration. 
     As previously discussed, unique visual qualities are imparted by the use of a single wing appendage  430  mounted on an offset support assembly  10  (FIG.  6  and FIG.  7 ),  110  (FIG.  8  and FIG.  9 ),  210  (FIG.  10  and FIG.  11 ), and  310  (FIG.  12 ). However, the use of two wing appendages  430  in contrasting colors (e.g. black/white, brown/gray, brown/white, green/gray, etc.) on the offset support assembly  10  (FIG.  6  and FIG.  7 ),  110  (FIG.  8  and FIG.  9 ),  210  (FIG.  10  and FIG.  11 ), and  310  (FIG. 12) enhances the optical appearance of flapping wings. This effect can be further enhanced if the contrasting colored wing appendages  430  are of different lengths. 
     In one embodiment, a white wing appendage  430  approximately 7½″ long is used in concert with a black 6″ long wing appendage  430 . The visual effect of the alternating, contrasting colored wings of differing lengths rotating about the axis of a drive motor is different when compared with a single or even two wing appendages  430  of the same color mounted on the offset support assembly  10  (FIG.  6  and FIG.  7 ),  110  (FIG.  8  and FIG.  9 ),  210  (FIG.  10  and FIG.  11 ), and  310  (FIG. 12) or two wing appendages  430  of the same length and contrasting color. This ability to easily vary the optical qualities by varying the wing appendage&#39;s size, color, shape, flexibility, attachment point, or angle is another unique aspect of the invention. 
     Paddle Feet 
     FIG. 14 depicts an embodiment for the paddle appendage  440  which can be attached to the attachment brackets  12  (FIG.  6  and FIG.  7 ),  112  (FIG.  8  and FIG.  9 ),  212  (FIG.  10  and FIG.  11 ), and  312  and  322  (FIG.  12 ). The paddle appendage  440  is an oval or rectangular shaped structure about 2½″ long and 2″ in diameter, and is attached to the attachment bracket  12  (FIG.  6  and FIG.  7 ),  112  (FIG.  8  and FIG.  9 ),  212  (FIG.  10  and FIG.  11 ), and  312  and  322  (FIG. 12) so as to extend down into the water. 
     The paddle appendages  440  provide both propulsion to the decoy and a splashing effect that also enhances the lifelike appearance of the decoy. The paddle appendages  440  can be attached to the attachment brackets in the same manner as the wing appendages. In the preferred embodiment, the appendage may be attached to the offset assembly by a pair of disks  441  or strips of the hook portion of hook and loop material matching the loop portion of the material used to form sleeve  21  (FIG.  6  and FIG.  7 ),  121  (FIG.  8  and FIG.  9 ),  221  (FIG.  10  and FIG.  11 ), and  321  (FIG.  12 ). 
     When a disk  41  is pressed against sleeve  21  (FIG.  6  and FIG.  7 ),  121  (FIG.  8  and FIG.  9 ),  221  (FIG.  10  and FIG.  11 ), and  321  (FIG. 12) the hooks engage the loops to securely, but easily removably, attach the paddle appendage  440  to the attachment bracket  12  (FIG.  6  and FIG.  7 ),  112  (FIG.  8  and FIG.  9 ),  212  (FIG.  10  and FIG.  11 ), and  312  and  322 . The paddle appendages  440  are attached extending roughly 90° from the longitudinal axis of the associated bracket  12  (FIG.  6  and FIG.  7 ),  112  (FIG.  8  and FIG.  9 ),  212  (FIG.  10  and FIG.  11 ), and  312  and  322  (FIG.  12 ). 
     The paddle appendage  440  may be extended directly outward from the bracket  12  (FIG.  6  and FIG.  7 ),  112  (FIG.  8  and FIG.  9 ),  212  (FIG.  10  and FIG.  11 ), and  312  and  322  (FIG. 12) (e.g. 90°) or at an angle (ex. 45°) from the bracket. The angle of placement can vary the extent that the paddle appendage  440  enters the water, and the propulsion force and associated splashing effect. 
     The modular aspect of the invention is obvious when considering the number of paddle and wing appendages that may be attached. Only one paddle and one wing may be used on a side, or two or more may be attached. The number of appendages on each side can be the same or varied, depending on the visual affects and movement the user desires. In one embodiment, two wing appendages  430  of contrasting colors and lengths and one paddle appendage  440  are attached to each offset attachment assembly  10  (FIG.  6  and FIG.  7 ),  1   10  (FIG.  8  and FIG.  9 ),  210  (FIG.  10  and FIG.  11 ), and  310  (FIG.  12 ). 
     While the invention has been particularly shown and described with respect to preferred embodiments, it will be readily understood that minor changes in the details of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.