Abstract:
A moving wing waterfowl or migratory bird decoy including a decoy body constructed of a predetermined material with exterior ornamentation to simulate a live waterfowl or migratory bird, the decoy body being arranged in a predetermined orientation to simulate a waterfowl or migratory bird, the decoy body having a top and a bottom. The decoy has at least one decoy wing connected to the decoy body, the decoy wing being constructed and arranged to simulate the wing of a waterfowl or migratory bird. The decoy body is constructed and arranged of a particular plastic material to hyper-realistically resemble a waterfowl or migratory bird. The control and power module is plug and play software controllable. The decoy is mountable on a male type member post via a female type receptacle on the decoy body. The decoy has a biased stabilizer cord that also mimics the legs of the waterfowl or migratory bird.

Description:
37 C.F.R. §1.71(e) AUTHORIZATION 
       [0001]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the US Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
       CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS, IF ANY 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0003]    Not applicable. 
       REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX, IF ANY 
       [0004]    Not applicable. 
       BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
       [0005]    The present invention relates, generally, to hunting systems, apparatus and methods. More particularly, the invention relates to a decoy apparatus and method. Most particularly, the invention relates to a spinning or flapping wing decoy that is constructed and arranged to realistically resemble a waterfowl or other migrating bird, such as a duck, that has a removable control and power module which is disposed on the bottom of the decoy, which is plug and play electronic controllable, which is mountable on a post via a female type receptacle, and which has a biased stabilizer that also mimics the legs of the duck. 
       2. Background Information 
       [0006]    Decoys have been used for centuries to imitate an animal such as a bird for the purpose of attracting other birds or animals to a particular location for hunting or other purposes. Modern waterfowl decoys come in many types, including floating, ground placed, and stake or base mounted. Decoy bodies may have fixed wings or movable wings. Movable wings may be spinning, flapping or the like. And movable wings may be actuated by motor power, by wind, or by other forces. Many waterfowl decoys are constructed of inexpensive plastic materials. 
         [0007]    Existing decoys are believed to have significant limitations and shortcomings. One problem for motorized moving wing decoys is that the power and motor mechanisms disposed inside decoy bodies are accessed through a cover or door placed on the top of the decoy body. This exposes the power and motor mechanisms to moisture from rain, other precipitation, wave action, and the like, and to dust and dirt in the environment. Another problem with top mounted access panels is that they present break lines that degrade the quality of the imitation body features of the decoy species. This is particularly a problem for bodies constructed of commonly used plastics. Commonly used plastics, although inexpensive to use, limit the quality of imitation ornamentation. Other problems exist with respect to mounting of decoys on stakes or other bases, and to inferior control mechanisms and features, particularly remote control features. 
         [0008]    For these and other reasons, a need exists for the present invention. 
         [0009]    All US patents and patent applications, and all other published documents mentioned anywhere in this application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0010]    The present invention provides a waterfowl or migratory bird decoy for hunting purposes, and methods of manufacture and use therefore, which are practical, effective, reliable, and efficient, and which are believed to fulfill a need and to constitute an improvement over the background technology. 
         [0011]    In one aspect, the invention relates to a spinning or flapping wing decoy including a body constructed and arranged to realistically resemble a waterfowl or migratory bird, such as a duck; that includes a removable control and power module which is disposed on the bottom of the decoy, which is plug and play electronic or software controllable, which is mountable on a post via a female type receptacle, and which has a biased stabilizer that also mimics the legs of the waterfowl or migratory bird. 
         [0012]    In another aspect, the invention provides a decoy set comprising, 
         [0013]    a decoy; and 
         [0014]    a decoy base adapted to be placed on an environmental surface, the decoy base adapted to hold the decoy in a predetermined position, the decoy being connectible and disconnectible from the decoy base; 
         [0015]    the decoy including
       a decoy body constructed of a predetermined material with exterior ornamentation to simulate a live waterfowl or migratory bird, the decoy body being arranged in a predetermined orientation to simulate a such animal, the decoy body having a top and a bottom,   at least one decoy wing connected to the decoy body, the decoy wing being constructed and arranged to simulate the wing of a waterfowl or migratory bird, and   a power and control module, the power and control module being connectible and disconnectible from the bottom of the decoy body.       
 
         [0019]    In a further aspect, the invention provides a water fowl decoy comprising, 
         [0020]    a decoy body, constructed of a predetermined material with exterior ornamentation to simulate a waterfowl or migratory bird, the decoy body being arranged in a predetermined orientation to simulate such animal, the decoy body having a top and a bottom; 
         [0021]    at least one decoy wing connected to the decoy body, the decoy wing being constructed and arranged to simulate the wing of a waterfowl or migratory bird; and 
         [0022]    a power and control module, the power and control module being connectible and disconnectible from the bottom of the decoy body. 
         [0023]    The aspects, features, advantages, benefits and objects of the invention will become clear to those skilled in the art by reference to the following description, claims and drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         [0024]    The present invention, and the manner and process of making and using it, will be better understood by those skilled in the art by reference to the following drawings. 
           [0025]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view, from the top, of an embodiment of the decoy of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  is perspective view, from the bottom, of the decoy, without surface details applied to the decoy body. 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  is a view of the decoy from the bottom with a main module separated from the body of the decoy. 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  is a side view of a center portion of the decoy body. 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  is a top view of the center portion of the decoy body, again without surface details shown applied to the body. 
           [0030]      FIG. 6  is a bottom view of the center portion of the decoy body, wherein the main module is connected to the body. 
           [0031]      FIG. 7  is a lateral crossectional view of the decoy body, taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 8  is a longitudinal crossectional view of the decoy body, taken along line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view, from the top (relative to when it is installed in the decoy) of an embodiment of the main module, separated from the decoy. 
           [0034]      FIG. 10  is another perspective view of the main module. 
           [0035]      FIG. 11  is a side view of the main module. 
           [0036]      FIG. 12  is bottom view of the main module. 
           [0037]      FIG. 13  is a top view (again, relative to when it is installed) of the main module. 
           [0038]      FIG. 14  is a front end (relative to when it is installed in the decoy) of the main module. 
           [0039]      FIG. 15  is rear end of the decoy body. 
           [0040]      FIG. 16  illustrates the placement of an embodiment of the motor assembly in the body of the decoy. 
           [0041]      FIG. 17  illustrates an embodiment of a removable battery cradle and battery. 
           [0042]      FIG. 18  illustrates an embodiment of the main module base. 
           [0043]      FIG. 19  illustrates the main module base. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0044]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , one embodiment of the decoy set  10  of the invention includes a decoy  12  and a mounting base  14 . The decoy  12  embodiment simulates a waterfowl or migratory bird, particularly in this embodiment, a duck (most particularly a mallard). The decoy  12  is coupled to the base  14  by a friction fit type, insert connection (female type in the decoy  12  and male type for the base  14 ) between the top of the base  14  and the bottom of the decoy  12 . Preferably, the set  10  includes a stabilizer  16 , most preferably a biased stabilizer cord. The embodiment of the base  14  is a post or stake which has a vertical member  18  with a top  20  and a bottom  22  and a horizontal member  24  that forms a T type configuration. The bottom end  22  may be configured as a spike to pierce the earth, for example the submerged bottom of a lake, pond, marsh or the like. The T type configuration tonus a handle at the top of the base  24  to facilitate easier manual pushing during placement and pulling during removal by the user. In this embodiment, the vertical member  18  has a length of approximately 42 inches to permit the decoy  12  to extend above the surface of water so that the decoy  12  mimics the landing behavior of a duck on the surface of water. The vertical member may be mated with one or more extension members (not shown) to add length (up to 10 feet) for deeper water placement or otherwise changing the appearance of the landing pattern by the decoy  12 . The horizontal member  24  has a length of about 5 inches in this embodiment and is disposed a predetermined distance from the top  20  of the vertical member to serve to engage the stabilizer  16  by wrapping as shown. The stabilizer  16  is preferably a bungee-type cord (preferably ⅛ th  to inch diameter) extending in a loop approximately 8 inches in length from the bottom of the decoy  12 . In the preferred embodiment, the cord is orange color to simulate the color of the legs of a mallard duck. Other colors can be used depending upon the species and/or sex represented. Thus, the stabilizer  16  functions to hold the decoy  12  securely on the base  16  and also acts as part of the decoy simulation. Although the base  14  is shown and described as a stake type apparatus for mounting in earth, it is within the purview of the invention that the base could be constructed and arranged as a tri-pod or other configuration, provided that it has a T type top end with a male type top  20  connection for the decoy  12 , a horizontal member for engaging the stabilizer  16 . 
         [0045]    The decoy  12  includes a body  26  having a front head section  28  and rear tail section  30 . A pair of wings  32  A and B are coupled, in use, to the body  26  and extend from the sides of the body  26 . In the preferred embodiment, each wing  32  includes a shaft  36  A-B and a wing panel  38 A-B. In this embodiment, the shafts  36  are constructed of steel. The wing panels  38  are preferably flat or planar and have printed ink graphics that simulate the pattern and color of a duck or other bird wing. The panels  38  have a curvilinear periphery of a predetermined configuration to simulate the outline of a duck wing, with a predetermined length (extending away from the body  26 ) and a predetermined width (from front to back). The shafts  36  are connectible and disconnectible to sleeves  72  or other adapters which are disposed in apertures  39  in the side of the body  26  as is shown in  FIGS. 4, 5 and 7 . Preferably, the wing shafts  36  are magnetically connectible to the sleeves  72  so that they are easily connected and disconnected. The sleeves  72  are connected to a motor  64  described below. Alternatively, it is within the purview of the invention that the shafts  36  may be connected to the body  26  (permanently or removably) and the wing panels  38  may be connectible to those shafts  36  directly by various connections. 
         [0046]    The body  26  is preferably a unitary or one piece structure, but may be formed in interconnected parts (fixed or removable). Significantly, the body  26  is preferably constructed of Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) plastic material. This construction permits enhanced, detailed, 3-dimensional surface ornamentation  34  and color. The body  26  is configured in a downwardly arched condition to simulate a live waterfowl or migratory bird, such as a duck, in the act of landing on the surface of a water body such as a lake, pond, marsh, creek or the like. Other configurations are possible utilizing the teachings of the invention. In the embodiment shown, the body  26  has a total longitudinal length of about 28 inches from bill to tail (17 inches from tail to end of torso (beginning of neck)). The thickness or height of the body  26  torso is about 5 inches. The lateral width is about 6 inches at the middle of the back of the torso. 
         [0047]    Referring also to  FIGS. 3 and 6 , the body  26  has a removable main or power and control module  40  that when connected is disposed in lower body cavity  42 . The main module  40  contains power and control elements of the decoy  12  described further below. The body cavity  42  has a predetermined dimensions and depth to accommodate the main module  40  so that its lower, exterior surface panel  44  is flush with the exterior surface of the body  26  when connected. The cavity  42  has four mounting areas  46 A-D for fastening the module  40  preferably by screws. In the embodiment shown, the cavity  42  has a rectilinear front edge  48  and a curvilinear rear edge  50 . The length (longitudinal axis) of the cavity is about 6 inches and the width is about 5 inches. The edges  48  and  50  and mounting areas  46  are inset from the exterior a predetermined distance forming a substantially continuous flange-type ridge  52  around the periphery of the cavity  42  opening. The top edge  54  of the module abuts this inset ridge  52  forming a water resistant connection. Significantly, grouping the power and control feature in a removable group as one unit, and disposing that unit at the bottom of the decoy, shields the features from elements such as water, moisture, dirt, dust, grease and the like so that they last longer, and also permits easy replacement of the features should a failure occur. Mounting the main module  40  on the bottom of the body  26  also permits more realistic surface ornamentation for the upper part of the body, which is the part of the decoy which is most visible to waterfowl such as ducks which are sought to be attracted by the user/hunter. Bottom placement of the module  40  also minimizes the existence of structural connection lines on the top, which again renders the appearance more life like. 
         [0048]      FIGS. 9-11 and 13-15  show the motor assembly  60  of the decoy  26 , which is disposed in the cavity  42  of the body  26 . In the preferred embodiment, the motor assembly  60  is fixedly connected in the cavity  42  separate from the main module  40 . As is shown in  FIG. 11 , and referring also to  FIGS. 4, 8 and 16 , in the preferred embodiment, the motor assembly  60  is fixedly connected to the body  26  via a set (prime and double prime) of two screws  62 A-B on each side. The assembly  60  includes a DC motor (preferably 6 Volt, but alternatively a 12V)  64  supported by a mounting bracket  66 . The mounting bracket  66  has a pair of side plates  68  A and B with apertures  70  A and B through which motor sleeves  72  A and B extend laterally out to the body apertures  39 . Spacers  74  F and R connect the plates  68 . Arms  76  extend laterally from the plates  68  for mating with the screws  62 , preferably through apertures (not shown) in the body  26 . The motor  64  has a pair of positive and negative power wires  78 + and −. It is within the purview of the invention that the motor assembly  60  may be constructed and arranged as part of the power and control module  40  and therefore removable from the body  26   FIGS. 9-11 and 13-15  illustrate the module  40  with the motor assembly  60  removed from its connection with the body  26 . 
         [0049]    Returning to the main module  40 , and referring to  FIGS. 17, 18 and 19 , the module preferably consists of a base member  80  (shown separately in  FIGS. 18 and 19 ), a battery cradle  82  and a battery  84 , (shown separated from the module base in  FIGS. 13-15 ). The battery  84  is a 6 Volt rechargeable battery in this embodiment. It has a pair of connectors  92  for mating with complementary mating wires  94  on the base member  80 . The cradle  82  is a plastic box member with an open top to receive the battery  84 . A pair of hook and loop type straps  86  A-B hold the battery  84  in place. The cradle  82  has snap connectors  88  for connection and disconnection with complementary connectors  90  on the base  80 . The base member  80  includes a floor member  100 , a controller housing  102  with a cover  104 , a printed circuit board (PCB) control circuit (not shown) disposed in the housing  102 , a battery cradle slot  106 , an on/off switch  108 , a recharger connection  110 , a bay  112  for a removable USB plug, and a removable software plug  114  that is communicatively connected to the PCB control circuit. The software plug  114  contains additional software for receiving control signals, for example RF signals, from a remote control device, for example a hand held remote control (not shown). If remote control is not present, the plug  114  may configured as a dummy to simply complete a circuit back to the PCB control circuit. Antenna  116  is also connected to the control circuit PCB for remote control purposes in the presence of the remote control plug  114 . The PCB control circuit contains hardware and software for controlling on/off power, motor control and the like. Aperture  116  is for mating with the top end  20  of the decoy set  10  base  14   
         [0050]    The main module  40  is connectible to the body  26  by aligning with the cavity  42  and actuating screws to complete the dirt and dust tight seal. It may be easily disconnected for cleaning, replacement or other maintenance by reversing these steps. The battery  84  is inserted into the battery cradle  82  using straps  86  and establishing electrical connections with the module  40 . The battery cradle  82  mates with rectangular cradle slot  106  on the base member  80  and making snap connections. Removal of the cradle  82  from the module  40  and/or battery  84  from the cradle is easily and quickly accomplished, including in the field under common adverse hunting weather conditions and low or no light, reversing these steps. The insertable or removable control plug  12  has an electronic control means such as an electronic memory chip with instructions for motor control, remote control, or the like. It preferably has a USB type connection with the bay  112 . The bay connector is then communicatively connected with the main control board disposed in the housing  102 . The control board is communicatively connected to both battery  84  power and to the motor  64 . The battery  84  is also communicatively connected to plug  110  for recharging via a standard AC to DC charger (not shown). 
         [0051]    Although the decoy of the invention is described in terms of vertical, horizontal, transverse (lateral), longitudinal, and the like, it should be understood that variations from the absolute vertical, horizontal, transverse, and longitudinal are also within the scope of the present invention. Although the decoy body  24  has been described as being preferably constructed of EVA, it is possible apply many aspects of the invention to decoy bodies constructed of HDPE or a blend of plastics. Although the decoy  12  has been described in terms of a spinning type decoy, it is within the purview of the invention to construct and arrange a flapping, fixed, or other wing arrangement. The teachings of this invention are believed to be applicable to decoys for waterfowl such as ducks, geese and the like, migratory birds such as doves, pigeons, crows and the like, and to other bird species. 
         [0052]    The embodiments above are chosen, described and illustrated so that persons skilled in the art will be able to understand the invention and the manner and process of making and using it. The descriptions and the accompanying drawings should be interpreted in the illustrative and not the exhaustive or limited sense. The invention is not intended to be limited to the exact forms disclosed. While the application attempts to disclose all of the embodiments of the invention that are reasonably foreseeable, there may be unforeseeable insubstantial modifications that remain as equivalents. It should be understood by persons skilled in the art that there may be other embodiments than those disclosed which fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Where a claim, if any, is expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function it is intended that such claim be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof, including both structural equivalents and equivalent structures, material-based equivalents and equivalent materials, and act-based equivalents and equivalent acts.