Patent Publication Number: US-2005132632-A1

Title: Motion-based hunting decoy

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. The Field of the Invention  
      Embodiments of the present invention relate to hunting decoys. More specifically, the present invention relates to systems and methods that allow hunting decoys to simulate the movement of live fowl.  
      2. Background and Relevant Art  
      Fowl that are looking for a place to rest and/or forage will generally prefer locations that other fowls have already chosen. In particular, fowl tend to be attracted to certain ground locations that the fowl sense is one of greater safety and/or nourishment. Accordingly, hunters looking to attract fowl will setup decoys at a certain location, such as a field, marsh, etc. In general, the decoys are chosen for exhibiting a certain quality, such as a look of realism, that gives live fowl a false perception that other fowl have found a place of safety, and/or nourishment. As such, the design quality of the hunter&#39;s decoys can have a significant impact on whether a hunter successfully attracts live fowl. Furthermore, inasmuch as fowl appear to be increasingly adept at spotting decoy artifice, hunters continually seek improved decoy realism.  
      Recently, manufacturers have tried to improve the realism of their decoys by improving the overall decoy appearance, such as by adding flocking to the decoy. Flock, for example, can give a decoy a softer, more realistic appearance, and will not reflect light in the same way that a shiny plastic model would to live fowl. Unfortunately, if a fowl is sitting perfectly still in a single place, live fowl will still detect the decoy artifice, however realistic the color, shape, or flocking initially appears. As such, other ways manufacturers have tried to improve a decoy&#39;s realism is by adding movement to the decoy. In general, one way manufacturers have provided decoys with movement is by implementing motorized systems that make the decoy simulate a bobbing head, fluttering wings, and so forth. While motorized movement systems are generally more realistic than non-motorized counterparts in some cases, unfortunately, however, motorized systems are typically illegal. Furthermore, motorized systems are also fairly expensive, which can be a particular problem for those who have already purchased motionless decoys.  
      For example, a typical hunter may spend upwards of several hundred dollars for a package of 10-12 conventional (i.e., motionless) decoys. By contrast, a single, motion-based decoy can cost as much as several hundreds of dollars alone, and can be even more expensive depending on the degree of realism provided by the intended movement. Since hunters tend to prefer using multiple decoys for simulating a flock of fowl, one can appreciate that purchasing 10-12 motion-based decoys can therefore be prohibitively expensive. Along similar lines, since a hunter already can spend large sums of money for a package of motionless decoys, the hunter may be less inclined to spend a significant additional sum simply to replace his non-motion-based decoys with motion-based decoys. This is particularly true in locales, as stated, in which motorized decoys are illegal.  
      Accordingly, an advantage in the art can be realized with motion-based fowl decoys that provide realistic motion at a relatively low cost. In addition, an advantage in the art can be realized with motion-based mechanisms that can be readily fitted onto conventional decoys.  
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      Embodiments of the present invention solve one or more of the foregoing problems in the prior art with inexpensive, motion-based fowl decoy mechanisms. In particular, a conventional fowl decoy, as described herein, can be configured for natural movement, hence allowing a hunter to use motion-based decoys without incurring considerable costs.  
      A fowl decoy (or “decoy”) stand can be implemented with a conventional decoy to provide the conventional decoy with natural motion. One exemplary implementation includes a stand having a base and a support axis rising substantially through the center of the base, the support axis extending to a distal end. In some embodiments, the support axis can also form a point at the distal end. A mounting assembly includes a planar surface that can be molded or connected to a hollow shaft, the hollow shaft having an inner diameter that can substantially and/or flexibly fit around the support axis&#39; distal end. The mounting assembly can be mounted to the underside of a conventional decoy, and can be rotatably coupled to the base on the other side.  
      In one embodiment, the mounting assembly tilts somewhat about the support axis, particularly when the support axis&#39; distal end forms a point. Thus, when the mounting assembly is connected to a decoy body, the inventive stand can give the decoy body a sense of up, down, side-to-side, and diagonal wobble. In addition, because the mounting assembly can rotate about the support axis, the mounting assembly can also provide the decoy body with a sense of natural side-to-side turning. Aspects of the present invention, therefore, provide a decoy with natural movement at a relatively low manufacturing expense.  
      Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention. The features and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:  
       FIG. 1  illustrates an overview perspective of a fowl decoy implementing aspects of an embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIGS. 2A-2B  illustrate underside perspectives of a decoy stand in various stages of attachment to a decoy; and  
       FIGS. 3A-3B  illustrate top view depictions of decoy movement when implementing an embodiment of a decoy stand with a fowl decoy.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
      Embodiments of the present invention include inexpensive, motion-based fowl decoy stands that can be implanted with conventional fowl decoys. Thus, a conventional fowl decoy, as described herein, can be configured for natural movement, hence allowing a hunter to use motion-based decoys without incurring considerable costs.  
       FIG. 1  illustrates an overview perspective of a fowl decoy that is configured to implement aspects of live fowl. In particular, the figure shows an exemplary implementation in which a fowl decoy  100  is mounted to a motion-based decoy stand  110 . As will be discussed in greater detail herein, since the stand  110  is configured to give the decoy a certain amount of wobble and rotation, the stand  110  allows an otherwise motionless decoy to intimate live fowl movement.  
      As a preliminary matter, decoy  100  can be any conventional fowl decoy such as one that resembles a waterfowl, such as a duck or, goose, and any other type of fowl, such as a turkey, and so forth. Generally, decoys such as these often have detachable legs and/or feet. For example, the BIG FOOT goose decoy (not shown), which can be found through the 2003 Cabela&#39;s Inc. catalog (Sidney, Neb.), typically includes a set of legs and/or feet that can be easily separated from the base of the BIG FOOT body. The cavity (not shown) from which the legs of the BIG FOOT decoy (as well as similar cavities from other similar decoys) are removed provides an appropriate mounting point for receiving a motion-based stand as described herein. One of ordinary skill will also appreciate after reading this disclosure and claims, however, that any fowl decoy can be easily configured to accommodate aspects of the present invention. For example, floatation based decoys (not shown) that are typically sold without legs or feet can also be configured in a similar manner.  
      Continuing with  FIG. 1 , fowl decoy stand  110  includes a base support means, such as base  105 . In at least one embodiment, base support means  105  comprises a single metal bar that is formed so that it is bent in at least three or more points to form one of a circular base, a square base, and a rectangular base for stabilizing the decoy  100  when mounted to the stand  110 . The base  105  can also comprise injection molded plastics formed in the circular (as well as square, triangle, and rectangle, etc.) shape illustrated that is formed with an extension support, or support axis  102  that extends upwardly through a center portion of the base  105 . Within the scope of the invention, a manufacturer of the inventive stand  110  can choose any of the foregoing materials to make the base  105 , as well as any similar materials that can provide comparable stabilizing properties at a relatively low cost.  
      As also shown in  FIG. 1 , stand  110  can include a plurality of thread-through attachments  112 , or eyelets, into which a user or manufacturer can secure flexible restraint means, such as restraining member  115 . Generally, at least two attachments  112  are coupled to the mounting assembly  120 , and at least one attachment  112  is coupled to the base  105 . Alternatively, two or more attachments  112  are coupled to the base  105 , and one or more attachments  112  are coupled to the mounting assembly  120 . The arrangement of the attachments  112  on the decoy stand  110 , therefore, is not limiting.  
      In any case, although the attachments  112  are shown as threading eyelets for the purposes of convenience, it is appreciated that other attachment means are possible within the scope of the invention. For example, other attachment means can include hooks, such as an s-hook, clamps, cotter pin assemblies, and so forth, each of which allow the restraining member  115  to rotatably couple the base  105  and mounting assembly  120 . Still, however a manufacturer secures the restraining member  115  to two or more of the attachment means  112 , it is important that the restraining member  115  remain relatively secured to the stand  110 . That is, the restraining member  115  is secured to the arms  117  extending from the mounting assembly  120 , but slidably-threaded through the attachment  112  that is connected to the base  105 . Securing the restraining member  115  in this manner can be particularly important when the decoy is used in rough weather conditions.  
       FIG. 1  also shows that a plurality of arm extensions  117  can aid securing the restraining member  115  to the decoy stand  110 . In at least one embodiment, arm extensions  117  extend directly from the mounting assembly  120 . One will appreciate, however, that arm extensions  117  can also be attached from the base  105  in addition to, or in lieu of, any arm extensions  117  that have been attached to the mounting assembly  120 . In any case, arm extensions  117  can be mounted to the decoy stand  110  through common welding techniques in the case of metals, or similar securing means in a plastics manufacturing process. One will appreciate that the arm extensions  117  should be attached at least in such a way that the arm extensions  117  remain secured to the stand  110  in rough weather conditions.  
      The use of the arm extensions  117 , attachments  112 , and restraining member  115  allow the decoy to rotate in a limited manner such that the decoy does not rotate a full 360°. For example, a manufacturer can space the arm extensions so that the decoy  100  can only rotate between 0° and 180°, when threaded with restraining member  115 . In particular, greater spacing between the arm extensions  117  allows for greater decoy  100  rotation, at least in part since greater spacing requires a longer length of restraining member  115 . Hence, the manufacturer can also expand or minimize the decoy&#39;s rotation angle based on the composition of the restraining member, or flexible restraint means  115 . For example, a more flexible restraining member  115  can comprise a flexible bungee cord that accommodates a greater rotation angle than a more restraining restraining member  115  that comprises relatively inflexible materials, such as nylon rope. Hence, a manufacturer can adjust both the arm extension spacing  117  and the restraint means  115  composition to ensure a realistic amount of rotation angle.  
       FIG. 2A  illustrates an underside perspective of the decoy and decoy stand prior to mounting the mounting means of the decoy stand  210  to the decoy  200 . As in  FIG. 1A , a decoy stand  210  includes a base support means, such as base  205  and a support axis  202 , the base  205  and support axis  202  being rotatably coupled to mounting means, such as mounting assembly  220 .  FIG. 2A  also shows, however, that an extension support, such as support axis  202 , can be slidably positioned within pivot reception means, such as a hollow shaft of the mounting means, or mounting assembly  220 . In such an embodiment, support axis  202  can be manufactured separately from the mounting assembly  220 . Hence, mounting assembly  220  can also comprise materials, such as plastics, that are distinct from the materials of which the base  205  and support axis  202  comprise, such as metals, and vice versa. The composition of each specific material for each stand  210  component can be based on a variety of factors, including whatever sufficiently strong materials are available to the manufacturer at the lowest cost.  
       FIG. 2A  also shows that the support axis  202  can form a point at a distal end upon which the mounting assembly  220  rests. In such a case, the support axis  202  is configured so that it pivots against the mounting assembly  220  when the mounting assembly  220  can include attachment interface means, such as a primarily planar portion  225 . In at least one embodiment, a pivoting arrangement such as this between the support axis  202  and planar mounting surface  225  allows the mounting assembly  220  to have a certain amount of side-to-side, front-to-back, and diagonal wobble, as well as wobble based on random combinations of the foregoing. Furthermore, pivotal abutment between the mounting surface  225  and the support axis  202 , which has been formed to a point at the distal end, allows more fluid rotation of the mounting assembly  220  about the axis  202 . Fluid rotation can allow the decoy stand  210  to exhibit natural fowl movements with only the slightest of stimuli, such as a gentle wind. As such portion  225  can also aid these movements by being configured with other imperfect geometric shapes, such as a surface having a central apex (not shown).  
      Although there are many acceptable methods for mounting the stand  210  to a decoy  200 , one method is described herein for the purposes of convenience. In addition, one will also appreciate after reading the disclosure and claims that the described order of mounting the decoy stand  210  to the decoy  200  is not important. Accordingly, implementing the stand  210  to a decoy  200  comprises a number of acts that can be performed in any order. For example, in one step, the user will remove any decoy  200  legs, if applicable, such as detachable legs (not shown) on a standard BIG FOOT decoy (not shown).  
      In some conventional decoys, leg removal leaves an inner mounting surface  240 , which is generally on an underside area of the decoy  200 , and in some cases also leaves an additional mounting cavity  250  within the mounting surface  240 . One will appreciate, therefore, that the mounting assembly  220  can be configured for any decoy  200  so that the mounting assembly  220  can be slidably positioned within the cavity  250 . Alternatively, the mounting assembly  220  can be manufactured so that it has a planar surface  225  that easily accommodates a mounting surface  240  of any conventional decoy  200 .  
      In at least one embodiment, a user also places the mounting assembly  220  against the decoy at a decoy mounting surface  240  (or  250 , if applicable) so that perforations  227  in the attachment interface means  225  correspond to previously prepared perforations on the decoy  200 . Corresponding perforations in the decoy are not, however, required, though they may be present after the removal of decoy legs from a conventional decoy. In any case, once the user has positioned the mounting plate  225  against the decoy  200  in an appropriate position, the user can then fasten the mounting plate  225  to the decoy using one or more fasteners  230 , such as screws, adhesives, glues, etc.  
      Generally, one will appreciate that any type of fastener  230  will suffice to attach the stand  210  to a decoy  200 , so long as the mounting assembly  220  rests securely against the decoy. Ideal fasteners in accordance with the present invention, however, allow the user to repeatedly add and remove the mounting assembly  220  as appropriate, with only minimal effect on the decoy  200 . For example, fasteners  230  that are more readily suited for repeated adding and removing can comprise standard screw and washer assemblies. The ability to add and remove in this manner can be important in implementations such as when a fowl hunter desires to use the decoy alternatively as a floating decoy when not in use for standing in a field.  
      A user or manufacturer can also secure the stand  210  to the decoy by coupling the base support means, such as base  205 , to the mounting assembly  220 , which can include an act of inserting the support axis  202  into a hollow shaft in the mounting assembly  220 . At any time prior to or after securing the mounting assembly  220  to the decoy mounting surface  240  (or  250  if applicable), the user or manufacturer threads a restraining member  215  into attachments  212 , such as corresponding attachments  212  on the base  205 , and on the arm extensions  217 . As previously described, the restraining member  212  can be secured to one or more of the attachments through a simple knot, a cotter pin assembly, and so forth.  FIG. 2B  illustrates an alternative underside perspective view of  FIG. 2A  in which the decoy stand  210  has been mounted to the decoy  200 .  
      Generally, a motion-based stand  210  in accordance with aspects of the present invention can be manufactured by an industrial metals manufacturer or even a user at home with appropriate tools by performing any number of the following acts. One will also appreciate after reading the disclosure and claims, however, that although the following description includes certain acts for manufacturing a motion based stand, the following acts do not need to be performed in any particular order, and can be added to or substituted with other acts not described, as appropriate. Furthermore, although the following acts are not illustrated specifically in the Figures of this application, it is understood that the following acts are suitable for manufacturing a decoy stand  110 ,  210 , or  310 , as previously described, and hence is described with reference to  FIGS. 2A-2B  for convenience.  
      Accordingly, a method for manufacturing a motion-based decoy stand (e.g.,  210 ) includes an act of forming a base. In at least one embodiment, a manufacturer forms a rod to incorporate a plurality of bends, wherein the rod comprises a base  205  that substantially forms one of a circular base, a square base, a triangular base, and a rectangular base. This can be done using a series of appropriate tools, such as one or more clamps, and, in some cases of metals, can involve use of welding equipment to momentarily soften the rod.  
      In some embodiments, the method for manufacturing the stand can also include an act of forming a support axis that extends upwardly through a central position of the base. This can be done by bending another portion of a rod toward a central portion of the base portion  205 , and so that the rod extends upwardly from the base  205  to create a central axis, or support axis  202 . The manufacturer can then shave the distal end of the support axis  202 , as desired, so that it forms a point.  
      The stand  210  also includes a mounting assembly that will be mounted over the base  205 . Manufacturing the mounting assembly  202  can include forming a mounting assembly having a hollow shaft and pivot reception means, the mounting assembly configured to mount against an underside portion of a fowl decoy. For example, the manufacturer may select hollow shaft materials that have dimensions sufficient to fit around support axis  202 . The manufacturer can then secure the hollow shaft to a pivot reception means than can include a substantially planar surface, such as mounting interface  225 . In some cases, the manufacturer will secure the pivot reception means  225  to the support axis  202  using conventional welding techniques, and will perforate portions of the mounting interface  225  so that fasteners can couple the mounting assembly  220  to a decoy  200 .  
      Attachments  212  at various points on the mounting assembly  220  and base  205  help couple the base  205  and mounting assembly  220  together. Thus, a method for creating the decoy stand  210  also includes assembling a plurality of attachments  212  to one or more of the base  205  and the mounting assembly  220 . For example, a manufacturer can weld metal attachments  212  to metal arm extensions  217 , and can also weld one or more attachments  212  directly to the base  205 . Similar steps, other than welding, can be taken with injection-molding processes. As previously described, the attachments  212  can include metallic eyelets, as depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 A- 2 B, as well as other types of attachment means.  
      With the attachments  212  in place, the method of manufacturing the decoy stand  210  also includes coupling the base  205  and mounting assembly  220  such that a restraining member  215  that has been threaded through at least one of the attachments limits the mounting assembly from rotating 360° with respect to the base. In particular, a manufacturer can thread a restraining member  215 , such as flexible or inflexible restraint  215  (e.g., bungee cord or nylon rope, respectively) through the attachments  212 , and then secure the restraining member  215  to one or more of the attachments  212 . In more simple cases, the manufacturer can implement securing means on the restraining member  215  such as tying a knot at the end of the restraining member  215  after it has been threaded through an attachment  212 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 , and  2 A- 2 B. One will appreciate, however, that more complicated securing means can be implemented, such as the use of cotter pin assemblies, and so forth.  
       FIGS. 3A-3B  illustrate top view depictions of decoy movement when implementing an embodiment of a decoy stand as described herein. For example,  FIG. 3A  shows a decoy  300  connected to the motion-based stand  310  when in a standard position. One of ordinary skill will note that, in at least one exemplary embodiment, the arm extensions  317  are spaced such that they cannot be seen extending outside a width or length dimension of the fowl  300 , when viewed from above. This can be particularly helpful in simulating live fowl it can obscure obvious artifice from fowl flying overhead.  
       FIG. 3B  shows that the base allows minimal rotation capability of the fowl decoy  300  about an axis provided by support axis  202 . In particular, the elastomeric member  315  and attachments  212  generally prohibit the decoy  300  from complete 360° rotation about the axis provided by support axis  202 . In particular, since the decoy  300  rotates at an angle that is typically much less than 360° rotation, the stand  310  allows the decoy  300  to intimate the natural bobs and side-to-side glances of a fowl that is foraging on the ground.  
      Accordingly, aspects of the described embodiments allow hunters to implement natural movement with decoys. In particular, aspects of the present invention allow hunters to implement natural movement with their previously-purchased conventional, otherwise-motionless decoys, as well as previously purchased decoys that implement less-than-natural movement.  
      The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.