Patent Abstract:
A stake which can be screwed into the ground to hold a device such as a water fowl decoy or a trail camera in position primarily for use out doors. The stake includes a helical coil at one end for fixedly and removably attaching that end of the stake into the ground by screwing the helical coil into the ground. The other end of the stake includes a receiver for removably and fixedly attaching a water fowl decoy such as a duck decoy or other elements such as a camera in cooperative engagement with the receiver on the top end of the stake. The stake includes an integral handle configured to manually turn the stake in order to screw the coiled end into the ground. One embodiment includes three outrigger legs for further stability.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/848,248 filed on Dec. 29, 2012 and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/848,252 filed on Dec. 29, 2012 and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/848,253 filed on Dec. 29, 2012 and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/855,583 filed on May 28, 2013 all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to the field of stakes used to hold a water fowl decoy in position to attract ducks or geese or to hold a trail camera in position for use on an outdoor trail. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Duck hunters often use decoys for attracting ducks during a duck hunt. The decoys are typically displayed near or in the water and many are animated, that is, many decoys are provided with movable wings and heads which may or may not be motorized. Often times, decoys are attached to a pole or stake which holds the decoy in a preferred position which is likely to attract ducks. The decoy may be held above the water so that the motion of the wings gives the appearance of a duck landing on the water. Therefore, it is a requirement that the stake which holds the duck be firmly connected to the ground. Some decoy stakes have only one spiked end. Other decoy stakes have two or more parallel spikes which are shoved into the ground: a stout primary spike and lighter secondary parallel spikes which are simultaneously shoved into the ground. The stout spike gives the stake strength and rigidity and the lighter spikes provide further stability and prevent the stake from spinning in the ground. 
         [0004]    Turkey hunters often use decoys for attracting turkeys. Often times, decoys are attached to a pole or stake which holds the decoy in a preferred position which is likely to attract turkeys. Moreover, the turkey decoy is moved via a jerk line to establish movement. Therefore, it is a requirement that the stake which holds the turkey decoy be firmly connected to the ground. Some decoy stakes have only one spiked end. Other decoy stakes have two spikes which are shoved into the ground: a stout primary spike and a lighter secondary parallel spike, the two spikes being simultaneously shoved into the ground. The double spikes gives the stake strength and rigidity and the lighter spike prevents the stake from spinning in the ground; however, depending upon whether the ground is hard and rocky it can be difficult to set the single or double prong stakes. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
       [0005]    Stakes or poles for holding decoys, cameras and the like are available from numerous sporting goods outlets which are similar in form to the stakes described above. However, the applicant is unaware of any decoy stakes or trail camera holders which are available or any patents which include all of the elements and limitations of the herein described invention. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a decoy/camera stake comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of an elongated rod having a helical coil formed at a bottom end thereof and an integral S-shaped crank handle formed therein above the helical coil. The rod is adjustable in length and male threads at a top end thereof. The threads have a diameter of one quarter inch and a pitch of 20 threads per inch. When compared to a stake with one or more spikes to be driven into the ground for support, a helical coil is a superior form of attachment to the ground for a decoy stake. A stake screwed into soil provides a more stable anchor than a straight shaft of the same length engaging the ground. Moreover, the area around a duck blind used by hunters is likely to be swampy or in a shallow lake or pond where the ground is muddy and soft. Sticking a spike into mud does not provide as secure support as a connection made by screwing in a helical coil, even in the mud. It is an object of this invention to provide a duck decoy stake which includes a helical coil at one end which can be screwed into the ground. It is an object of this invention to provide a duck decoy stake which includes a integral crank handle for the purpose of screwing the stake into the ground. It is an object of this invention to provide a duck decoy stake with helical coiled threads at one end and an opposite end which is square for receiving a duck decoy. It is an object of this invention to provide a duck decoy stake with a helical coil at one end and a crank handle which can be used to thread the coil into the ground, thus forming a rigid connection with the ground and providing secure support for a decoy. It is an object of this invention to provide a duck decoy stake which also includes a loop for attaching a jerk line to the upper end of the decoy stake. It is an object of this invention to provide a duck decoy stake or pole with ¼ inch by 20 threads at the top end for holding a standard camera. It is an object of this invention to provide a duck decoy stake or pole with a receiver at the top end for holding a standard camera wherein the receiver includes rod portion with ¼ inch by 20 threads and the rod portion is adjustably attached to the top end of the stake so that the camera may be held at any desired angle. 
         [0007]    In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a device comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of an elongated rod having a helical coil formed at a first end thereof and a lug at the second end thereof. The lug is capable of cooperatively engaging a lug receiver in a turkey decoy. The rod has a U-shaped handle formed therein within about five inches of the lug. The U-shaped handle is formed by bending the rod at a right angle and then, at a location about three inches from the right angle bend, bending the rod one hundred eighty degrees back onto itself, thus forming a U-shape, and then bending the rod at a right angle so that the axis of the rod above the U-shape and the axis of the rod below the U-shape are coaxial. 
         [0000]    Moreover, there is provided a device comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of an elongated rod having a helical coil formed at a bottom end thereof and an end cap at a top distal end thereof The rod includes a crank handle formed therein by formation of a “U-shaped handle” near the top end of the decoy stake providing for a holding means to rotate the rod. The top end of the rod includes at least one transverse aperture formed therein about one inch below the top end of the stake and a second transverse aperture formed therein about two inches below the top end, a second transverse aperture contains a ring which is capable of holding a jerk line. It is contemplated that a plurality of transverse apertures can be drilled or formed within the stake to provide adjustable attachment of the decoy which are generally mounted onto a base comprising a round aperture member which fits in cooperative relationship with the top end cap of the rod. When compared to a stake with one or two spikes, a helical coil is a superior form of attachment to the ground for a decoy stake. A stake screwed into soil is more secure than a straight rod, particularly when a user is trying to fix a decoy stake to soil which may be muddy and soft. Sticking a spike into mud is not as secure as a connection made by screwing in a helical coil, even in the mud. 
         [0008]    It is an object of this invention to provide a turkey decoy stake which includes a helical coil at one end which can be screwed into the ground. It is an object of this invention to provide a turkey decoy stake which includes a U-shaped integral handle for the purpose of screwing the stake into the ground. It is an object of this invention to provide a turkey decoy stake with helical coiled threads at one end and a lug at the opposite end for receiving a turkey decoy. It is an object of this invention to provide a turkey decoy stake with a helical coil at one end and an integral handle which can be used to thread the coil into the ground, thus forming a rigid connection with the ground and providing secure support for a decoy. 
         [0009]    Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent with the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings showing a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    A better understanding of the present invention will be had upon reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals refer to like parts throughout the views wherein: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a front view of a one piece integral decoy stake including a crank handle; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a front view of a disassembled three piece decoy stake kit; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a front view of an assembled three piece decoy stake kit; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a front view of decoy fitted with a square receiver for mounting the decoy on a square ended decoy stake of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is front view of a decoy stake spinning wing adjustable pole including a square decoy receiver on the top end with an integrated horizontally disposed w-shaped handle disposed near the top end of the stake immediately beneath the decoy receiver supported by a steel rod having a coiled spiral auger on the distal end, wherein the longitudinal shaft comprises at least one outer section of tubing including holes corresponding with a corresponding sized an shaped inner section of the rod having holes and being slidably adjustable within the outer section; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a front view of a one piece decoy/camera stake “low profile turkey stake” including a threaded or smooth portion at the top end and a horizontal disposed S-shaped crank handle at the bottom of the stake above the helical coiled bottom end spiral auger; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a front view of a one piece decoy/camera stake having a trail camera attached to a threaded top end and an S-shaped crank handle located about half way up the length of the stake; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a front view of a two piece decoy/camera stake with a the crank handle located about half way up the stake; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a decoy/camera stake apparatus; 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a front view of a top portion of a decoy/camera stake including an camera holding fixture; 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an adjustable decoy/camera stake; 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  is a front view of a decoy/camera stake including a decoy rest in the form of a sleeve with a disc stop means and a square conduit on the top distal end including a t-shaped member, an integrated horizontally disposed S-shaped handle, a steel support rod and a spiral auger on the distal end; 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a decoy anchor stake; 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a turkey decoy anchor stake; 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a turkey decoy mounted on the decoy anchor stake of  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  is a front view of the one piece integral decoy stake; 
           [0027]      FIG. 17  is a front view of a disassembled three piece decoy stake kit; 
           [0028]      FIG. 18  is a front view of an assembled three piece decoy stake kit; 
           [0029]      FIG. 19  is a front view of decoy fitted with a square receiver for mounting the decoy on a square ended decoy stake of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 20  is a side view of a fowl decoy stake; 
           [0031]      FIG. 21  is a front plan view of the fowl decoy stake of  FIG. 20  including a handle and a mounting cap; 
           [0032]      FIG. 22  is an enlarged perspective view of the cap of  FIG. 21 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 23  is a perspective view o the fowl decoy stake and cap; 
           [0034]      FIG. 24  is a side view of the camera adapter mounting on a stake; 
           [0035]      FIG. 25  is an enlarged view of the camera adapter of  FIG. 24 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 26  is a front view of the camera adapter and stake of  FIG. 24 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 27  is a perspective view of the camera adapter and stake of  FIG. 24 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 28  is a side view of the locking cam mechanism and stake; 
           [0039]      FIG. 29  is a front view of the locking cam mechanism and stake of  FIG. 28 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 30  is an enlarged view of the locking cam mechanism of  FIG. 28 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 31  is perspective view of the locking cam mechanism and stake of  FIG. 28 ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 32  is a side view of the locking cam mechanism; 
           [0043]      FIG. 33  is top view of the locking cam mechanism of  FIG. 32 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 34  is front view of the locking cam mechanism of  FIG. 32 ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 35  is sectional rear view of the locking cam mechanism of  FIG. 32 ; 
           [0046]      FIG. 36  is a perspective view of the locking tube of the cam mechanism of  FIG. 32 ; and 
           [0047]      FIG. 37  is a perspective view of the cam mechanism of  FIG. 32 . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0048]    In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a decoy stake which holds a duck decoy in position for attracting ducks during a duck hunt. 
         [0049]      FIG. 1  shows a decoy stake  10  which includes an elongated shaft  11  which terminates at one end with a length of helical coil  12  and includes an elongated squared off shape  16  at the opposite distal end. The helical coil can be welded onto the end of a rod or fabricated by twisting the rod. The distal end of the rod typically includes a sharpened point  51  for piecing the ground. The medial portion of the stake  11  can be of any desired length; however, the stake is typically 1-3 feet long. An integral crank portion  14  is positioned above a selected length of the lower straight shank section  53 . The crank  55  is formed by bending the rod at generally 90 degree angles (right angles), wherein a selected length of the rod or first crank section  55  is bent at outwardly horizontal to the ground at an angle from about 80 to 90 degrees, a second crank section  56  is bent upwardly vertical at an angle of between 80-90 degrees forming the handle portion. The rod is then bent inwardly at from 80-90 degrees horizontal with and parallel to the first crank section  55  forming a third crank section  58  with the outwardly bent portion in alignment therewith. The rod is then bent upwardly vertical to the ground at an angle of from 80-90 degrees in axial alignment with the lower portion of the rod  53  forming a top section  60 . The top distal end of the top section  60  of the rod includes a squared off cross-section end  16  having a first transverse aperture  18  formed therein about one inch below the top end of the stake and a second transverse aperture formed therein about two inches below the top end, the second transverse aperture contains a ring which is capable of holding a jerk line. It is contemplated that a plurality of transverse apertures can be drilled or formed within the stake to provide adjustable attachment of the decoy which is generally mounted onto a base with a tubular square shaped member which fits in cooperative relationship with the top end  16  of the rod. As shown in  FIGS. 28-37 , a cam lock is shown which secures the rod or male fitting of a decoy, camera, or other mounted item within the female coupling at the distal end of the stake. The cam lock is shown having a square cross sectional area; however, it is contemplated that the cam lock is adaptable to cylindrical coupling units. 
         [0050]    The transverse hole  18  near the tip  15  of the squared off end  16  is provided for insertion of a pin or keeper when the square hollow receiver  54  of the decoy  50  is installed on the squared end  16 . Another transverse hole  19  contains a ring  20  for connection of a jerk line which a user may pull or jerk to cause the decoy stake to move. 
         [0051]    After the stake  10  is screwed into the ground, the square hollow receiver  54  of a decoy  50 , as shown in  FIG. 4 , is slipped over the square end  16  of the stake  10 . The hole  52  in receiver  54  is aligned with the hole  18  in the square end  16  of the stake  10 , and a lynch pin , such as shown in lynch pin  40  in  FIG. 2 , is slipped through to lock the decoy  50  into place on the stake  10 . Thus a jerk line may be attached to a ring, such as a D-ring extending through the aperture or the line may be threaded through an aperture. 
         [0052]    Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 . The decoy stake  30  is contains a three part shaft including two round rods  33  and  34  and a tube  36  into which the rods  33  and  34  are slipped. The transverse hole  31  in rod  33  is aligned with the transverse hole  37  in the tube  36  and a lynch pin  40  is inserted therein. Likewise, the transverse hole  35  in rod  34  is brought into alignment with the transverse hole  38  of tube  36  and a lynch pin  40  is inserted therein. Thus assembled as shown in  FIG. 3 , the stake  30  can be used in the same way as the stake  10  is used. The disassembled three part shaft enables more compact storage of the stake  30  and also the capability of having an even longer assembled stake  30  depending on the size and number of rods and tubes and a plurality of transverse holes  38  located incrementally from a bottom end of tube  36 . The three part nature of the stake  30  also facilitates transport in a back pack, or small case which is space saving. 
         [0053]    The decoy stake can be formed in one integral piece by bending a single length of rod or can be formed by welding, brazing or using other means of securing the individual members together. 
         [0054]    It is also contemplated that portions of the kit comprising the decoy stake may be fabricated from carbon fiber, fiberglass, or even molded from high density plastic in an integral form or individual sections. 
         [0055]    It is further contemplated that a sleeve may be utilized in combination with the handle section  56 . 
         [0056]    Further embodiments of the decoy/camera stake are shown in  FIGS. 5-11  and include a variety of decoy/camera receiving fixtures at the top of the stake and an S-shaped crank handle located at various vertical positions between the tope end and the helical coiled bottom end. 
         [0057]    A one piece decoy stake  13  shown in  FIG. 5  includes a helical coil  12  at the bottom end, an upward extending longitudinal shaft  22 , an integral S-shaped crank handle near the top end, and a square decoy receiver. 
         [0058]    A one piece decoy/camera stake  21  shown in  FIG. 6  includes a helical coil  12  at the bottom end, an integral S-shaped crank handle just above the helical coil, and an upward extending longitudinal shaft ending with a one quarter inch diameter end with threads spaced at 20 per inch or in other words, ‘quarter  20 ’ threads. This thread arrangement is capable of removably holding cameras with female quarter  20  threads integrated on the bottom of the camera. Decoys supplied with such threads can also be mounted on this threaded rod. 
         [0059]    Another one piece decoy/camera stake  23  shown in  FIG. 7  is the same as stake  21  in FIG.  6  except that the S-shaped crank handle is located in a central position along the length of the stake. Stake  23  is shown with a trail camera installed thereon. 
         [0060]    An adjustable two piece decoy/camera stake  57 , shown in  FIG. 8  includes an upper portion having a threaded top end  25  and a hollow pipe section  36  fixedly attached at the lower end with a plurality of transverse holes, one above another, for attaching a lower portion  48  of the stake, and a lower portion  48  which includes a helical coil, an S-shaped crank handle and a longitudinal top portion which is inserted into the hollow pipe section. The longitudinal top portion includes a transverse hole which is brought into alignment with a selected one of the plurality of transverse holes in the hollow pipe section. A lynch pin  40  is inserted into the aligned holes to hold the top portion to the lower portion. The selection of a particular one of the plurality of transverse holes in the hollow pipe section determines the length of the adjustable decoy/camera stake. 
         [0061]    As best illustrated in  FIG. 9 , one preferred three piece adjustable decoy/camera stake apparatus  59  includes an upper longitudinal hollow pipe or sleeve portion  82  which is rotatably and supported by the distal end of upper rod section  83  and secured in a selected position by a wing nut set screw arrangement  62 . The decoy/camera mounting fixture includes a pair of opposing horizontal T-shaped plates  68  for holding a camera thereon, mounted to the sleeve portion  82  by welding or other fastening means such as a second wing nut set screw arrangement  63 . A horizontal disposed s-shaped crank handle  26  is integrally formed in the a lower portion of the upper rod section  83  which is removably and rotatably connected with a lower rod section  65  by an adjustable trail cam mount coupling device  64 . It is contemplated that a receiver  66  for a decoy could be placed on the top of the sleeve  82 . The lower rod portion  65  includes a integral spiral auger  69  extending from its distal end for anchoring the stake into the ground. A tripod assembly  74  includes a tripod adjustment means comprising a sliding and rotating sleeve or collar  67  slipped over the lower rod and secured with holding means such as a set screw arrangement at a selected position. A plurality of legs  75  extend downward at a selected acute angle from the collar to rest upon a supporting surface. 
         [0062]    Another three piece adjustable decoy/camera stake  60  is shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . The stake  60  includes upper portion  84  with a longitudinal hollow pipe member  85  including an S-shaped crank handle  26 , a clamp with thumbscrew  62  at the lower end and a spherical ball  78  at the upper end on which a decoy/camera mounting fixture  80  is adjustably held tight by thumbscrew  62 . A lower portion  86  includes a longitudinal rod  69  held within an adjustable tripod  74  with a locking thumbscrew  73  and three legs  75 . The longitudinal rod  69  has a helical coil (not shown in  FIG. 11 ) at the lower end thereof. The decoy/camera mounting fixture includes a horizontal T-shaped plate  68  with an aperture  70  into which can be placed a quarter  20  screw which will then hold a camera or a decoy. A spherical ball and socket arrangement or clamp  78  camera mounting fixture  80  and thumbscrew  62  form a fixable or lockable ball joint which allows the camera mount  80  and therefore, the camera to be tilted at a wide range of vertical and horizontal angles with respect to the ground. 
         [0063]    As shown in  FIG. 13 , a decoy stake  110  which includes an elongated shaft  111  which terminates at one end in the shape of a helical coil  112  and includes an elongated squared off shape  116  at the opposite distal end. The helical coil can be welded onto the end of a rod or fabricated by twisting the rod. The distal end of the rod typically includes a point  150  for piecing the ground. The medial portion  152  of the stake  111  can be of any desired length; however, it is typically  1 - 3  feet long. Decoy stake  110  also includes a T-handle  114  located near the square end  116  whereby a user can use the T-handle  114  while pressing the end of the helical coil  112  into the soil and can turn the T-handle  114  to cause the helical coil  112  to be threaded into the ground. Another transverse hole  119  contains a ring  120  for connection of a jerk line which a user may pull or jerk to cause the decoy stake to move, thus imparting motion to the decoy  150 . After the stake  110  is screwed into the ground, the square hollow receiver  154  of a decoy  150  is slipped over the square end  116  of the stake  110 . The hole  152  in receiver  154  is aligned with the hole  118  in the square end  116  of the stake  110 , and a lynch pin is slipped through to lock the decoy  150  into place on the stake  110 . The decoy stake can be formed in one integral piece by bending a single length of rod or it can be formed by welding, brazing or using other means of securing the individual members together. Another preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a decoy stake including a three part shaft including two rods and a tube into which the rods are cooperatively engaged. The transverse holes formed in the in rods are aligned with the transverse hole in the tube and a lynch pin is inserted therein. The transverse hole in the rod can be brought into alignment with the transverse hole of tube and a lynch pin inserted therein. The disassembled three part shaft enables more compact storage of the stake and also the capability of having and even longer assembled stake depending on the size and number of rods and tubes. It also facilitates transport in a back pack, or case which will fit into a luggage compartment. It is also contemplated that portions of the kit comprising the decoy stake may be fabricated from carbon fiber, fiberglass, or even molded from high density plastic in an integral form or individual sections. It is contemplated that the T-handle may be formed by hinged members which may be folded up and/or folded down against the longitudinal rod for storage or transportation. 
         [0064]      FIGS. 14-15  show a decoy stake  210  which includes an elongated shaft  211  which terminates at a point at the lower distal end and forms a spiral in the shape of a helical coil  212  which supports a turkey decoy holding lug at the other end cap. One preferred embodiment of the turkey decoy anchor  210  includes an integral U-shaped handle  214  at a selected location near the top of the end cap whereby a user can hold the rod with one hand and rotate the U-shaped handle  214  causing the end of the helical coil  212  to penetrate the soil rotating the helical coil  212  into the ground. After the stake  210  is screwed into the ground, the mounting lug receiver of a decoy  250  cooperatively engages the end cap  216  of the stake  210 . In an alternate embodiment, the turkey decoy anchor includes an elongated shaft which terminates at one end in the shape of a helical coil and includes an annular end cap at the opposite distal end. The helical coil can be welded onto the end of a rod or fabricated by twisting the rod. The distal end of the rod typically includes a point for piecing the ground. The medial portion of the stake can be of any desired length; however, it is typically 1-3 feet long. An integral crank portion is positioned above a selected length of the lower straight shank section. The crank is formed by bending the rod at generally 90 degree angles (right angles), wherein a selected length of the rod or first crank section is bent at outwardly horizontal to the ground at an angle from about 80 to 90 degrees, a second crank section is bent upwardly vertical at an angle of between 80-90 degrees forming the handle portion. The rod is then bent inwardly at from 80-90 degrees horizontal with and parallel to the first crank section forming a third crank section with the outwardly bent portion in alignment therewith. The rod is then bent upwardly vertical to the ground at an angle of from 80-90 degrees in axial alignment with the lower portion of the rod forming a top section. The top distal end of the top section of the rod includes an annular end cap having a first transverse aperture formed therein about one inch below the top end of the stake and a second transverse aperture formed therein about two inches below the top end, the second transverse aperture contains a ring which is capable of holding a jerk line. It is contemplated that a plurality of transverse apertures can be drilled or formed within the stake to provide adjustable attachment of the decoy which are generally mounted onto a base with a tubular square shaped member which fits in cooperative relationship with the top end  16  of the rod. The transverse hole near the end cap is provided for insertion of a pin or keeper when the square hollow receiver of the decoy is installed on the end cap. Another transverse hole contains a ring for connection of a jerk line which a user may pull or jerk to cause the decoy stake to move. Another alternate embodiment of the present invention contains a three part shaft including a bottom spiral section, an intermediate section with the handle and a top section with the mounting end cap. The disassembled three part shaft enables more compact storage of the stake and also the capability of having and even longer assembled stake depending on the size and number of rods and tubes. It also facilitates transport in a back pack, or case which will fit into a luggage compartment. The decoy stake can be formed in one integral piece by bending a single length of rod or it can be formed by welding, brazing or using other means of securing the individual members together. It is contemplated that a sleeve may be utilized in combination with the handle section  56 . 
         [0065]      FIGS. 16-19  show a decoy stake  10  which includes an elongated shaft  311  which terminates at one end in the shape of a helical coil  312  and includes an elongated squared off shape  316  at the opposite distal end. The helical coil can be welded onto the end of a rod or fabricated by twisting the rod. The distal end of the rod typically includes a point  350  for piecing the ground. The medial portion  352  of the stake  311  can be of any desired length; however, it is typically 1-3 feet long. An integral crank portion  314  is positioned above a selected length of the lower straight shank section  352 . The crank  354  is formed by bending the rod at generally 90 degree angles (right angles), wherein a selected length of the rod or first crank section  354  is bent at outwardly horizontal to the ground at an angle from about 80 to 90 degrees, a second crank section  356  is bent upwardly vertical at an angle of between 80-90 degrees forming the handle portion. The rod is then bent inwardly at from 80-90 degrees horizontal with and parallel to the first crank section  354  forming a third crank section  358  with the outwardly bent portion in alignment therewith. The rod is then bent upwardly vertical to the ground at an angle of from 80-90 degrees in axial alignment with the lower portion of the rod  333  forming a top section  360 . The top distal end of the top section  360  of the rod includes a squared off cross-section end  316  having a first transverse aperture  318  formed therein about one inch below the top end of the stake and a second transverse aperture formed therein about two inches below the top end, the second transverse aperture contains a ring which is capable of holding a jerk line. It is contemplated that a plurality of transverse apertures can be drilled or formed within the stake to provide adjustable attachment of the decoy which are generally mounted onto a base with a tubular square shaped member which fits in cooperative relationship with the top end  316  of the rod. The transverse hole  318  near the tip  315  of the squared off end  316  is provided for insertion of a pin or keeper when the square hollow receiver  354  of the decoy  350  is installed on the squared end  316 . Another transverse hole  319  contains a ring  320  for connection of a jerk line which a user may pull or jerk to cause the decoy stake to move. The crank handle  314  is located near the square end  316  whereby a user can loosely hold the squared end  316  in one hand and the crank handle  314  in the other hand while pressing the end of the helical coil  312  into the soil and can turn the crank handle  314  with respect to the square end  316  to cause the helical coil  312  to be threaded into the ground. The crank handle is formed by bending rod  311  ninety degrees about 5 inches below the top end to form a horizontal portion. About four inches past the first ninety degree bend, make a second ninety degree bend vertically downward. About four inches from the second ninety degree bend, make a third ninety degree bend so that the rod now forms a U shape. Finally, about four inches from the third ninety degree bend, bend rod  311  vertically downward so that the top portion of rod  311  above the U shape, is coaxial with the bottom portion of rod  311  below the U shape. After the stake  310  is screwed into the ground, the square hollow receiver  354  of a decoy  350  is slipped over the square end  316  of the stake  310 . The hole  352  in receiver  354  is aligned with the hole  318  in the square end  316  of the stake  310 , and a lynch pin , such as shown in lynch pin  340  is slipped through to lock the decoy  350  into place on the stake  310 . Thus a jerk line may be attached to a ring, such as a D-ring extending through the aperture or the line may be threaded through an aperture. In an alternate embodiment, the decoy stake  330  is contains a three part shaft including two round rods  333  and  334  and a tube  336  into which the rods  333  and  334  are slipped. The transverse hole  331  in rod  333  is aligned with the transverse hole  337  in the tube  336  and a lynch pin  340  is inserted therein. Likewise, the transverse hole  335  in rod  334  is brought into alignment with the transverse hole  338  of tube  336  and a lynch pin  340  is inserted therein. Thus, the stake  330  can be used in the same way as the stake  310  is used. The disassembled three part shaft enables more compact storage of the stake  330  and also the capability of having and even longer assembled stake  330  depending on the size and number of rods and tubes. It also facilitates transport in a back pack, or case which will fit into a luggage compartment. 
         [0066]    The foregoing detailed description is given primarily for clearness of understanding and no unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom, for modification will become obvious to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure and may be made upon departing from the spirit of the invention and scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, this invention is not intended to be limited by the specific exemplification presented herein above. Rather, what is intended to be covered is within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5