Patent Publication Number: US-2021186004-A1

Title: Peripherally buoyant collapsible decoy mounting device

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a new and improved mounting device for decoys used for hunting. Specifically, the invention relates to a peripherally buoyant and collapsible mounting platform for decoys. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Evidence has shown that man used decoys while hunting waterfall as early as 2000 years ago. Early decoys were made from the available materials of the day and could be found in two dimensional and three dimensional configurations depending on the skill of the person making the decoy. They were often woven from dried vegetation and mounted on reeds which were then stuck into the mud while the birdlike decoy stayed above the water. While being somewhat effective at deceiving ducks and geese flying high overhead, their crude appearance was less than fully convincing in closer proximity. Weaponry was limited to crude bows and arrows having limited range and questionable accuracy. In addition, the rigid mounting method prevented the decoys from naturally bobbing upon the surface of the water as real ducks or geese would do. The need to draw birds in closer and in greater numbers would drive innovation. 
     Improvements to decoy design execution would include the use of buoyant materials that could be carved into realistic profiles, painted to look like species that would migrate through the area, and configured for flexible anchorage while maintaining floatation on the surface of the water. Modern decoys are often injection molded from various polymers with details that can fool the hunter as well as the hunted. They are often painted or otherwise decorated to reproduce the coloration and overall appearance of natural feathers while providing durability for continued reuse. 
     Often these decoys are configured to duplicate the appearance of a duck or goose floating on the surface of the water, or alternately the duck or goose standing on land and posed to look like it is eating, sleeping, or alert and looking for a mate. Decoys configured for standing are often used in fields that are freshly plowed. They can be deployed in significant numbers and are typically not buoyant. Waterfowl passing over in flight may observe the decoys, believe that they are live birds feeding on the grain that has fallen on the ground as a result of harvesting, and land to feed as well. Modern decoys of this type are often constructed so that they may generate life-like motion as the result of wind blowing against them. This motion helps make the decoys appear to be more realistic. The more realistic appearance is likely to attract greater numbers of birds. In contrast, water based floating decoys are often used to attract waterfowl that is looking for a place to rest safely on the water and away from predators. 
     During fall migration, is very common to see significant numbers of ducks and or geese floating upon the surface of the water. The depth of the water in a lake, pond, creek, or river often protects waterfowl from many predators, such as fox, coyotes, dogs, badgers, etc. Therefore, waterfowl decoys that float upon the water are used to attract birds that need a safe place to rest. An ideal habitat for waterfowl may be a body of water having a depth suitable for flotation around its periphery and shallower portions a safe distance from shore suitable for the collection of water-borne insects or other desirable nourishment by waterfowl that could support its own weight while standing. Unfortunately, ponds and rivers seldom have these combined features. 
     The known prior art relies upon the use of buoyant decoys or otherwise utilizes folding “V” shaped boards such as those described and shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,655,071. A problem with prior technology is that it is not peripherally buoyant, which makes it unsuitable for use with non-buoyant decoys. What is needed is a need for a decoy buoy that allows non-buoyant decoys to be used in the absence of land or shallow water. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a decoy buoy that may allow non-buoyant decoys to be deployed upon the surface of the water for any purpose including the visual simulation of birds feeding in shallow water or on small islands. It is another object of this invention to provide adjustable buoyancy so that a standing type decoy may be positioned entirely above the water or partially submerged according to the desire of the hunter. It is yet a further object of this invention to provide means for collapsing, stowing, and transporting the decoy buoy without disassembly. It is yet another object of this invention to provide a decoy buoy that is peripherally buoyant. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric top view of a circular decoy buoy in a flat or open configuration with a decoy. 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric bottom view of a circular decoy buoy in a flat or open configuration with a decoy showing hinges. 
         FIG. 3  is an isometric exploded top view of a circular decoy buoy in a flat or open configuration with a decoy. 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom view of a half-ring section of a circular decoy buoy. 
         FIG. 5  is an isometric view of a half-ring section of a circular decoy buoy. 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of a half-ring section of a decoy buoy. 
         FIG. 7  is an isometric top view of an oval shaped decoy buoy in a flat or open configuration. 
         FIG. 8  is an isometric top view of a rectangular shaped decoy buoy in a flat or open configuration. 
         FIG. 9  is an isometric top view of a non-symmetrically shaped decoy buoy in a flat or open configuration. 
         FIG. 10  is an isometric view of a two piece hinge in a flat or open configuration. 
         FIG. 11  is an isometric exploded view of a two piece hinge in a flat or open configuration. 
         FIG. 12  is an end view of a two piece hinge in a flat or open configuration. 
         FIG. 13  is an exploded end view of a two piece hinge in a flat or open configuration. 
         FIG. 14  is an isometric view of a three piece hinge in a flat or open configuration. 
         FIG. 15  is an isometric exploded view of a three piece hinge in a flat or open configuration. 
         FIG. 16  is a top view of a circular shaped decoy buoy in a folded or closed configuration. 
         FIG. 17  is an isometric top view of a circular shaped decoy buoy in a folded or closed configuration. 
         FIG. 18  is an end view of a circular shaped decoy buoy in a folded or closed configuration. 
         FIG. 19  is a side view of a circular shaped decoy buoy in a folded or closed configuration. 
         FIG. 20  is a detail end view of the decoy buoy in a folded or closed configuration. 
         FIG. 21  is a side view of the decoy buoy in a flat or open configuration. 
         FIG. 22  is an end view of the decoy buoy in a flat or open configuration. 
         FIG. 23  is a detail side view of the decoy buoy in a flat or open configuration. 
         FIG. 24  is a top view of a half-ring embodiment of the decoy buoy that employs an internal netting design as opposed to a solid design or an open design. 
         FIG. 25  is an isometric top view of an X-shaped decoy retainer in a flat or open configuration with a decoy. 
         FIG. 26  is an isometric bottom view of an X-shaped decoy retainer in a flat or open configuration with a decoy showing living hinges. 
         FIG. 27  is an isometric exploded top view of an X-shaped decoy retainer in a flat or open configuration with a decoy and hinges. 
         FIG. 28  is a isometric view of an arm of a Y-shaped decoy retainer. 
         FIG. 29  is a top view of an arm of a decoy retainer. 
         FIG. 30  is a side view of an arm of a decoy retainer. 
         FIG. 31  is a bottom view of an arm of a decoy retainer. 
         FIG. 32  is a sliced section view of an arm of a decoy retainer. 
         FIG. 33  is a top view of an arm of a decoy retainer with sliced section views. 
         FIG. 33A  is a cross-sectional view of the arm of the decoy retainer shown in  FIG. 33  along line  33 A. 
         FIG. 33B  is a cross-sectional view of the arm of the decoy retainer shown in  FIG. 33  along line  33 B. 
         FIG. 33C  is a cross-sectional view of the arm of the decoy retainer shown in  FIG. 33  along line  33 C. 
         FIG. 33D  is a cross-sectional view of the arm of the decoy retainer shown in  FIG. 33  along line  33 D. 
         FIG. 33E  is a cross-sectional view of the arm of the decoy retainer shown in  FIG. 33  along line  33 E. 
         FIG. 34  is a top view of a central hub having four sides. 
         FIG. 35  is a side view of a central hub. 
         FIG. 36  is a bottom view of a central hub 
         FIG. 37  is an isometric view of a two-piece hinge in a flat or open configuration. 
         FIG. 38  is an exploded isometric view of a two-piece hinge in a flat or open configuration. 
         FIG. 39  is an end view of a two-piece hinge in a flat or open configuration. 
         FIG. 40  is an exploded end view of a two-piece hinge in a flat or open configuration. 
         FIG. 41  is an isometric view of a three piece hinge in a flat or open configuration. 
         FIG. 42  is an isometric exploded view of a three piece hinge in a flat or open configuration. 
         FIG. 43  is a side view of an X-shaped decoy retainer in an open configuration with two arms hidden for clarity. 
         FIG. 44  is a detail view of a mounted hinge on an X-shaped decoy retainer in a folded or closed configuration. 
         FIG. 45  is a top view of an X-shaped decoy retainer in a folded or closed configuration. 
         FIG. 46  is an isometric view of an X-shaped decoy retainer in a folded or closed configuration. 
         FIG. 47  is a bottom view of an X-shaped decoy retainer in a folded or closed configuration. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout,  FIGS. 1-3  show a first embodiment of the claimed invention. More specifically, referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , the decoy buoy  1  is formed by a first generally “C” shaped symmetrical half ring decoy buoy section  2 , and a second generally “C” shaped symmetrical half ring decoy buoy section  3 . Decoy buoy sections  2 ,  3  are joined using an offset hinge member  6  as shown in  FIG. 2 . A decoy  4  comprising a stake  5  and a stake stopper  5 A are mounted through one of the mounting bores  7  in the decoy buoy  1 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 , each “C” shaped decoy buoy section  2 ,  3  may comprise half of a round circle. Alternately, decoy buoy sections  2 ,  3  may be shaped like the letter “U” having elongated straight portions or may form half of an oval as shown in  FIG. 7 . Additionally, decoy buoy sections  2 ,  3  can be any suitable rounded or sided shape that has a leg that starts in a first direction  7 A and ends in a substantially opposite direction  7 B. It is expressly understood that decoy buoy sections could include non-circular shapes like the half rectangles shown in  FIG. 8 . Half squares, half diamonds, half hexagons etc. are also understood to be alternate acceptable shapes for the decoy buoy sections. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , decoy buoy section  2  and decoy buoy section  3  are non-symmetrical. It is understood that it may be desirable to configure the decoy buoy with non-symmetrical decoy buoy sections. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4, 5, and 6  each decoy buoy section  2 ,  3  may be constructed so that it has a first opposing face  3 A and a second opposing face  3 B, each face each having a width  10  that is generally greater than or equal to the height of the decoy buoy section. Each first  3 A and second face  3 B may be generally planar in nature, concave, convex, or some combination thereof. A plurality of bores  7  extending transversely from said first face  3 A to said second face  3 B may be biased towards the outside of each decoy buoy section. A second plurality of bores  8  extending transversely from one face to the other may be biased towards the inside of each decoy buoy section. 
     Referring now to Figs.,  25 ,  26 ,  27 , and  28  in a first preferred embodiment, the retainer  31  is formed by a central hub  32  and a plurality of arms  33  and are joined by an offset hinge member  34  mounted with respect to bottom face  43  of arm  33  and bottom face  46  of central hub  32 , and decoy  35  having a stake  36  are mounted with respect to one of the mounting bores  37  integral to mounting arm  33 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 29, 30, 31, and 32  each arm  43  may have a projecting width  38 , an extending length  39 , a first vertically projecting length  40 , a second vertically projecting length  41 , a mounting end  44 , and a distal end  45 . Top face of arm  33  may have an irregular surface  42  or may be planar or generally flat. Bottom face  43  of arm may have a planar generally flat surface or in other preferred embodiments an irregular surface. Bottom face  43  may preferably incorporate one or more recessed stiffening ribs  47 . In at least one preferred embodiment, stiffening ribs  47  incorporate taper  48  such that the depth of the rib is greatest towards mounting end  44  and diminishes towards distal end  45 . First vertically projecting length  40  extends upward from bottom  13  and second vertically projecting length  41  extends downward from bottom  13 . Second vertically projecting length  41  is generally disposed at or towards distal end  45 . Arm  33  may include one or more bores  37  configured to accept decoy stakes  36 . 
     In an additional embodiment, arm  33  is hollow as shown in  FIG. 32  and sealed airtight. As shown in  FIGS. 33, 33A, 33B, 33C, 33D, and 33E , the volume generally increases from the mounting base end  44  towards the distal end  45 . In a second preferred embodiment arm  33  may be solid and constructed from a buoyant material such as expanded foam or a combination of hollow and solid construction. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 34, 35, and 36 , central hub  32  has a top face  50 , sides  51 , and bottom  46 . In one preferred embodiment, number of sides may correspond to number of arms. Central hub  32  may be of hollow construction and sealed airtight, or alternately may be constructed from a solid buoyant or non-buoyant material. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 2, 25 and 27  bores  7 ,  8  and  37  are sized to receive a stake  5 ,  36  from a two dimensional or three dimensional decoy  4 ,  35  an offsetting stabilizing weight, or an anchoring means. Said stake  5 ,  36  may be provided with means to adjust the height of the decoy of the stake. Adjustment means may comprise a press-fit bushing, a length of hose, a flat piece having a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the stake or any other suitable means. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2, 3, 26, 27, 43 and 44  the hinge  6 ,  34  may be constructed as a single piece  47 . Such hinges  6 ,  34  are often referred to as living hinges, self-hinges, and integral hinges. The hinge  6 ,  34  may be fixed to the decoy buoy sections  2 ,  3  by mechanical fasteners, bonding, ultrasonic welding, central hub  32  and arms  33  or any other suitable means. Referring now to  FIGS. 10-13 and 37-40 , the hinge may also be integrally molded to the decoy buoy sections  2 ,  3  with the “C” shaped elements  18  from the same thermoplastic material. 
     In another preferred embodiment, each arm is joined to the central hub by a hinge constructed in two pieces as shown in  FIGS. 37, 38, 39 and 40  by a pin portion  55  and a complimentary receiving portion  54 . In this embodiment, either the mounting end of an arm  44  or a side of the mounting hub may terminate in a hinge having a pin portion  55  and the opposite member may terminate in a receiving portion  54  that rotatably mates with a pin portion. 
     In another preferred embodiment, each arm joined to the central hub by a hinge constructed in three pieces as shown in  FIGS. 41, and 42  by a pin  58  and complimentary receiving portions  57 . In this embodiment, either a face of the central hub or the mounting end of an arm may terminate in a hinge having complimentary receiving portion  57  that rotatably mates with pin  58 . Pin  58  may mate with the receiving portions  57  of the arm and central hub. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 23 , when placed in the water, the hinge portion  20  may be placed face down into the water so that the decoy buoy section  2 ,  3  end portions  19 ,  21  abut each other and prevent the formed ring from collapsing under the weight of the decoys. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 16-20 and 44-46  it is further understood that the assembly may be folded about the hinges into a closed configuration. As shown in  FIG. 47 , the second vertical portion  41  of at least two arms  33  abut each other in the closed configuration. The arms  33  and central hub may be formed from materials such as lightweight polymer materials such as polyethylene, LDPE, HDPE, and expanded polystyrene foam as well as a host of other buoyant materials. The decoy buoy sections  2 ,  3  may be formed by injection molding, blow molding, thermoforming as well as a host of other preferred methods. They decoy buoy sections  2 ,  3  may be of solid construction throughout or may be formed to have hollow sections that trap air and facilitate buoyancy. 
     In another preferred embodiment, each decoy buoy section is joined by a hinge constructed in two pieces as shown in  FIGS. 10, 11, 12 and 13 : a pin portion  17  and a complimentary receiving portion  18 . In this embodiment, one end of the decoy buoy section may terminate in a hinge having a pin portion  15  and the opposite end of the half ring may terminate in a complimentary portion  16  that rotatably mates with a pin portion. Due to the symmetrical placement of the hinge pieces on the ends of the decoy buoy section, the pin portion  15  of one end may mate with the receiving portion  18  of the opposite decoy buoy section. 
     In yet another preferred embodiment, each decoy buoy section  2 ,  3  is joined by a hinge constructed in three pieces as shown in  FIGS. 14, and 15 , a pin  21  and complimentary receiving portions  20 . In this embodiment, one end each decoy buoy section  2 ,  3  may terminate in a hinge having complimentary receiving portion  20  that rotatably mates with pin portion  21 . Due to the symmetrical placement of the hinge pieces on the ends of the decoy buoy sections, the pin  21  may mate with the receiving portions  21  of each opposite decoy buoy section.