Abstract:
A decoy has outwardly projecting wings rotated by a motor secured by modularized mounting system shrouded within a lifelike plastic shell. The mounting mechanism comprises a resilient internal plate comprising integral bosses for connection to the shell. One boss receives a motor mount and a battery clamp respectively securing the internal battery and the motor that dynamically drives the wings. Shoulders defined in the boss and the motor mount are engaged by downwardly projecting lips projecting from the battery clamp and the motor mount, and the motor is retained within a special rectangular orifice. Axle ends projecting from the motor quick-connect with the wings. A special coupling with angled slots quick connects or quick-disconnects the wings and allows folding. A spring on each axle yieldably maintains the wings in place. The wings rotate about their longitudinal axis. The wings stop moving with their bright white bottoms aimed downwardly.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     I. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to moving or motorized decoys for bird hunters. More particularly, our invention relates to battery-powered, duck decoys with movable, foldable wings, of the type classified in United States Patent Class 43, Subclasses 2 and 3. 
     II. Description of the Prior Art 
     Skilled bird hunters, particularly duck hunters, have long recognized the desirability of employing decoys for attracting game birds. Duck hunters typically deploy a variety of floating decoys colored like mallards, wood ducks, or other game birds. These may be spaced apart in a relatively large area proximate the blind or boat. Typically, a plurality of separate, spaced-apart, and anchored decoys are arranged in a natural pattern resembling a flock of landed ducks. For the scheme to work, it is important that a natural appearance is established. Hopefully the flying ducks will land proximate the hunters, being attracted by the decoys to an advantageous shooting position. Most decoys are carefully painted to closely resemble the target species. Some prior art decoys are deployed on land and some are anchored within water. Such prior art “static” decoys lack moving appendages. 
     Relatively more recently, it has been recognized that moving decoys, or decoys with articulate appendages, offer a significant improvement over the common “fixed” or static decoys. By emulating motion, modern dynamic decoys are more likely to attract game birds than older static designs. Real game birds, particularly migratory waterfowl including common mallards, wood ducks and the like, are constantly moving their bodies, flapping their wings and paddling their feet. It has been found that by emulating such motions in modern decoys, ducks are more likely to be attracted towards the hunter. 
     The advance in battery technology and developments in miniature motor technology has enhanced the opportunity to provide decoys with moving parts and appendages. Some modern decoys comprise battery-powered drive or propulsion systems enabling the decoy to move about in the water, attracting the attention of desirable game birds from afar. Some decoys provide movable wings or movable feet. Sometimes the feet are used for propulsion. Moving appendages can splash the water, and make other game-attractive movements and noises. Normally the battery packs, drive motors, and interconnected linkages are housed neatly within a hollow plastic shell that is ornamentally painted like the target bird. 
     The overall ornamental appearance of suitable dynamic decoys, as visibly externally to targeted birds, must be as close as possible to the real thing, notwithstanding the presence of internal or external motors propulsion drive systems, wing appendages or linkages and the like. At all times a successful dynamic decoy must make lifelike-movements that attract, rather than repel, the desired game birds. If properly generated, decoy movements can readily attract desired game birds, despite the fact that movements often startle or scare away game. Since movement can be perceived by game animals from a relatively distant location, proper game-emulative movements made by a decoy can attract birds from a distance much further away than mere floating or static decoys. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,636,466 issued to Davis illustrates a goose decoy containing a radio controlled motor to produce motion. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,845,873 describes a duck decoy incorporating an electric motor coupled to wing appendages for producing a flapping motion thereof Various other patents have been granted in the past that incorporate either an electric motor or a string mechanism manipulated by the hunter to produce animation, such as wing and/or head movement. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,128,958 discloses a decoy having movable wings mounted on the side of the body that are manipulated from a remote location. The wings can be moved from a retracted position to an operative position in which the wings are made to move up and down in a flapping motion to simulate the actions of a live bird. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,909,859 discloses a decoy having movable wings which are attached through external linkage activation means within the hull. The decoy is remotely controlled by a squeeze bulb connected to a flexible line leading to the concealed hunter. The wings emulate the normal flapping motion of a live bird. 
     U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,896,448 and 5,960,577 show alternative wing designs that produce wing movement through diverse linkages. 
     Solomon in U.S. Pat. No. 5,809,683 discloses a duck decoy with wings projecting in a linear arrangement that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the duck body. Instead of revolving the wings about an the axis of the strut supporting them, the wings are reciprocated towards and away from one side to the other by converting rotary motion to reciprocating motion. 
     In contrast to Solomon above, U.S. Pat. No. 2,545,801 issued Mar. 20, 1951 provides a pair of external, rotatable wings attached to a drive axle penetrating the body transversely through the unit&#39;s longitudinal axis. The latter drive axle configuration is similar in conception to the decoy seen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,930,936, which drives a pair of submerged feet on opposite sides of the body by an axle oriented transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the decoy. 
     Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,620,385 drives a pair of oppositely disposed rotors or drums that are supposed to emulate natural wings. A transverse axle perpendicular to the major length of the decoy penetrates the body sides and supports the rotors. The “wings” are slidably mounted on the axle and project laterally outwardly away from the body. 
     U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,059,368 and 5,274,942 disclose decoys with movable heads 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,752,715 discloses a decoy combining limited body movement with minor wing movements. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,612,722 discloses a decoy comprising a motor-driven propeller that enables locomotion. It is known to combine this type of decoy propulsion design with remote control radio equipment. 
     Although the prior art is literally replete with dynamic decoys with designs that are almost too numerous to mention, certain real world considerations pertaining to the effectiveness of modern dynamic decoys remain for consideration and resolution. A suitable decoy must be adequately powered with a suitable battery that provides enough power for several hours of continuous, substantially uninterrupted operation. The battery must be easily exposed for recharging and servicing. As this implies a rather heavyweight battery, a proper mounting means must be provided within the decoy body. The mounting construction must be properly designed to preserve the proper orientation of the bird. The weight distribution of internal parts must not interfere with the decoy&#39;s ability to readily easily assume a lifelike orientation when deployed. Further, an adequate decoy must assume a lifelike position and appearance, even when the batteries are dead, or the hunter chooses not to actuate the wings. 
     Further, modern hunting decoys are usually packaged in a convenient, plastic carrying case. Bulk and weight needs to be minimized. The wings (or other moving appendages) must be capable of folding or detachment so that minimal container volume is achieved. Once the hunter arrives at the blind, the wings should be easily deployed. Once attached to the drive mechanism, they should remain operational during the hunt without necessitating tedious adjustments or drastic field modifications. Additionally, suitable decoys must be designed for quick packaging at the end of the hunt. Since the laws of most states prohibit the hunter from leaving decoys out overnight, the “clean up” procedure must be repeated each evening, often in conditions of near darkness, so simplicity is the goal. In the early morning hours of predawn darkness, when avid duck hunters are deploying their decoys, the cold, low-light and moist conditions do not favor complex, difficult-to-assemble modular designs with poorly fitting parts and inadequately designed hulls or bodies. 
     It is also to be emphasized that, in order to mass produce decoys with the highly desirable features discussed above, the critical parts must fit together in an orderly and precise fashion. The design must ease the burdens of the assembler. I have found that a truly modular design is desirable, but at the same time, the component parts must be properly balanced and orientated so as to preserve the life-like personae of the decoy. Against that background, typical decoys are inevitably subjected to misuse and diverse stresses in the field, notwithstanding the preferred use of protective plastic carrying cases. Such units must be readily susceptible to field repairs and maintenance. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Our new decoy invention provides an internal modularized, constructions for an orderly arrangement of the critical parts. These are disposed within the interior of the decoy, and access is easily permitted by the folding body of the decoy that can be quickly pivoted to expose the inner workings. The drive motor operates a pair of outwardly projecting, revolving wings to simulate a natural duck. An attractive, lifelike plastic housing emulates the desired duck. 
     Each wing is shaped and colored to resemble the target animal. In the best mode, the wings are colored like those of a mallard duck. Means are provided to maintain the lifelike white bottom of the wings in a natural, orientation pointing downwardly when the drive motor is turned off. When the motor runs, the wings are rotated about their longitudinal axis. 
     We have provided a new “quick-connect” or “quick disconnect” design for the critical wing couplings. Preferably, each wing comprises a uniquely designed terminal fitting that enables it to be quick fitted or quick-disconnected from the motor drive axles, while permitting folding action relative thereto. In other words, the wings may be removed by simply uncoupling them from the drive axles when needed. Alternatively, the wings can remain coupled to the drive axles, and at the same time be gently folded to an approximately ninety degree angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the decoy. This option afforded the hunter facilitates shipping and handling of the decoys, and greatly eases the hunters burdens when deploying one or more decoys near his boat or blind prior to daylight in actual field conditions. 
     Thus a basic object is to provide a portable, dynamic decoy for bird hunters with movable wings that can be easily deployed in the field 
     A similar important object is to provide a decoy whose wings can be readily and conveniently folded for storage and/or transportation without being completely mechanically disconnected. 
     Another basic object is to provide a decoy for bird hunting that reliably attracts game birds from a long distance. 
     A related object is to provide an improved, motor-activated decoy that moves its wings to rapidly attract game birds. 
     A related object is to provide a decoy that can be simply and easily deployed, and that can be quickly and conveniently transported back to camp after a hunt. 
     Another basic object is to provide a dynamic decoy of the character described that is readily capable of economically feasible manufacture. 
     Another object of the present invention to provide rotatable and detachable wings for birds decoys, which neatly fold to an out-of-the way position. 
     Yet another broad object is to provide a reliable, and dynamic duck hunting decoy. 
     Still another basic object is to provide a dynamic decoy of the character described that attracts game birds from long distances. 
     Another object is to provide a decoy of the character described that attracts game birds from long distances. 
     Another object is to provide quick-connecting wings which are easily folded or deployed, or which can be readily removed by the hunter in the field for repair or replacement. 
     These and other objects and advantages of the present invention, along with features of novelty appurtenant thereto, will appear or become apparent in the course of the following descriptive sections. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In the following drawings, which form a part of the specification and which are to be construed in conjunction therewith, and in which like reference numerals have been employed throughout wherever possible to indicate like parts in the various views: 
     FIG. 1 is a frontal isometric view of our new decoy, with portions thereof omitted for brevity; 
     FIG. 2 is fragmentary, pictorial environmental view taken of our new decoy illustrated in use upon an optional pole support system, with the wings omitted for clarity; 
     FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the preferred decoy, with the decoy shell rotated away from the modular motor control unit to expose the decoy interior; 
     FIG. 4 is an enlarged, partially fragmentary, and partially exploded isometric view of the preferred drive system, with portions thereof omitted for brevity; 
     FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view of the preferred drive assembly; 
     FIG. 6 is an enlarged, exploded isometric view of the preferred motor assembly, derived from circled region  6  in FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 7 is an enlarged elevational view of the motor and axle assembly, taken generally along line  7 — 7  of FIG. 4, but showing the wings connected and folded to alternative storage positions; 
     FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7, but showing the wings folded in an alternative, approximately forty-five degree position; 
     FIG. 9 is an enlarged, fragmentary isometric view of circled region  9  seen in FIG. 7, showing the preferred wing coupling system; 
     FIG. 10 is an enlarged, fragmentary isometric view of circled region  10  seen in FIG. 8, showing the preferred wing coupling system; 
     FIG. 11 is an enlarged, fragmentary isometric view of circled region  11  seen in FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 12 is an enlarged, fragmentary isometric view of circled region  12  seen in FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 13 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional view taken generally from a position designated generally by arrow  13  in FIG. 4; and, 
     FIG. 14 is an enlarged, fragmentary, longitudinal sectional view taken generally along line  14 — 14  of FIG.  13 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring initially to FIGS. 1-3 of the appended drawings, our improved, modularized decoy has been generally designated by the reference numeral  20 . Decoy  20 , which has been constructed in accordance with the best mode of our invention, comprises a life-like, colored plastic shell  22  comprising a hollow interior  24  (FIG. 3) in which a wing control system  26  is preferably disposed. Preferably the decoy shell  22  has a pair of spaced apart, opposed notches  28  defined in its opposite sides enabling the shell  22  to be pivoted to the wing control system  26  with fasteners  30 , as will later be explained in detail. 
     Decoy shell  22  comprises a painted head  32  having eyes  33 , a bill  34 , a chest portion  36 , a rear  38 , and a pair of sheet-like plastic feet (not shown). The shell  22  may be painted or decorated in a variety of colorful fashions to emulate the target bird, such as a mallard or wood duck, a goose, etc. The wing control system  26  drives a pair of identical, outwardly projecting wings  40 ,  42  that are painted or colored to emulate the desired game bird. A rigid driveshaft, generally designated by the reference numeral  45 , projecting away from the wing control system  26  (i.e., FIGS. 1-4) drives and engages the rotatable wings  40 ,  42 , as described later. 
     In use, the decoy  20  may optionally be secured by a support pole system  50  (FIG.  2 ). A ball-and-socket coupling  52  at the bottom of the decoy receives a vertical shaft  56  that may be pushed into the ground, through the water, until its lower extension  58  is secured within the sand or mud  60 . Shaft portions  56  and  58  may be extended or coupled together with a suitable, optional conventional coupling  62  (FIG.  2 ). An optional, transverse push bar  59  on shaft  56  enables the hunter to quickly push the pole assembly downwardly and firmly into supporting ground or soil. The decoy may be pivoted or rotated about the ball-and-socket coupling  52  to assume a variety of desired positions. Alternatively the decoy  20  may be attached to a suitable stake driven into the ground, or secured to an available support that is convenient for mounting. Importantly, each of the wings is “quick connected” to the control system  26  as will later be described in detail. 
     As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, the wings  40 ,  42  are shaped substantially identically. Preferred coloration is governed by the type of bird species that is being hunted. Each wing has a longitudinal axis (FIG. 1) designated by the reference numeral  66  that is generally coaxial and coincident with shaft  45 . It is preferred that the quick connect coupling system to be described later is coincident with axis  66 . In other words, the output drive shaft  45  of the control system  26  (FIGS. 4,  5 ) is coaxial with the wing axis  66  when the wings are connected. When the motor (described later) is running, the wings rotate about their longitudinal axis. However, when power to the control system  26  is interrupted, and rotation ceases, the wings stop rotating, with their weighted sides  69  (FIG. 1) positioned towards the ground. For decoys resembling mallard ducks, these wing surfaces are normally painted white, corresponding to the bottom of a natural wing. For attracting mallard ducks it is important to generate a visible flash of white when attracting birds. However, when a mallard naturally lands, this white underside will not be visible. In thee best mode, therefore, the wings  40 ,  42  preferably comprise a weighted portion  72  with a triangular vertical cross section (FIG. 3) that causes them to assume a rest position pointing the white underside downwardly. 
     With primary attention directed now to FIGS. 3-5, the modular wing control system  26  preferably comprises an elongated, generally planar mounting plate  80  that has a longitudinal axis  81  (FIG. 4) normally aligned with and forming the longitudinal axis of the decoy  20 . Wing longitudinal axis  66  is preferably perpendicular to decoy longitudinal axis  81   
     Plate  80  has a rear  82 , a pair of spaced apart sides  83 ,  84 , and a generally tapered front  86  terminating in an upturned nose-like boss  88  that aids assembly. An orifice  90  defined in boss  88  aids assembly. A pair of similar, integral bosses  94  and  96  are integrally formed on plate sides  83  and  84  respectively. Bosses  88 ,  94 , and  96  are generally in the form of a parallelepiped, presenting generally-rectangular, outwardly facing mounting surfaces. The orifices  97  defined in bosses  94 ,  96  receive the fasteners  30  (FIG. 1) described earlier that pivotally mount shell  22 . Front boss  88  aligns with a notch  99  (FIG. 3) cut into shell  22  when the decoy is assembled, for threadably receiving a conventional fastener anchored within orifice  90  (FIG.  4 ). 
     Resilient plate  80  has an exposed upper surface  81  for mounting the motor and other components. Plate  80  (FIG. 5) has a plurality of circular mounting orifices  101 ,  102 , and a generally rectangular clearance orifice  106 . A step-like, generally cubicle, raised boss  103  integral with plate  80  has a mounting orifice  104  aligned with other orifices to be described later for receiving hex-bolt  107 . Boss  103  rises from the middle of upper surface  81  of plate  80 , and comprises a transverse shoulder  111  facing the front. Shoulder  111  is preferably perpendicular to longitudinal axis  81  (FIG. 4,  5 ). In assembly boss  103  receives motor mount  114  which in turn mounts battery clamp  116  (FIG.  5 ). Bolt  107  penetrates boss orifice  104 , orifice  120  in motor mount  114 , washer  126 , bushing  124 , and orifice  122  in battery clamp  116 . The wing nut  139  threadably mates to the exposed end of bolt  107  and tightly maintains the parts together in compression. 
     To insure component alignment, motor mount  114  has a downwardly projecting lip  128  that mates against and registers within shoulder  111  in boss  103 . Arm  130  projecting from mount  114  (FIG. 5) has a concave underside that bears against the generally cylindrical, miniature DC motor  136  (FIG. 4) in assembly. Arm  130  properly urges against motor  136 , which seats within the recess provide by orifice  106 . In other words, motor  136  is aligned within the rectangular orifice  106 , with portions bearing against plate  80 , being aligned substantially perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis  81 . The preferred motor  136  is a conventional DC unit, operating at six volts. 
     To further insure component alignment, a transverse upper shoulder  140  is formed in the upper rear portion of motor mount  114  (FIG.  5 ). In assembly it is engaged by a downwardly projecting lip  142  formed beneath battery clamp  116 . Lip  142  registers within shoulder  140  in assembly. A reduced-width arm  142  integrally projects from battery clamp  116 . In assembly it abuts the generally cubicle, preferably six-volt battery  144  sitting atop plate  80 . Wing nut  139  maintains the part together in compression, and even if it becomes loose, the parts tend to stay aligned, as the motor is cradled within a recess at a proper orientation, and lip-to-shoulder arrangements discussed earlier promote component alignment. DC electrical current is outputted from conventional battery terminals in the usual fashion, being controlled by a switch  148 , mounted through orifice  102  (FIG.  5 ). 
     With primary attention directed now to FIG. 4-12, the output shaft of the motor  136  comprises an identical half portion projecting towards and controlling each wing  40 ,  42 . The wing-to-driveshaft coupling system had been generally designated by reference numeral  150  (FIG.  4 ). This coupling system is associated with each end of the motor, so only one half need be described in detail. 
     Emanating from each end of the motor  136  is a tubular collar  156  (FIG. 11) that is coaxially fitted to rigid shaft  159 , being fastened by pin  158 . Shaft  159  terminates in a forward tongue  162  that receives a locking pin  166  that transversely extends through it. A barrel-like coupling  170  coaxially fitted to the shaft  159  moves axially relative to the shaft and is yieldably deflectable by one&#39;s fingers. It is axially retained by pin  166  (FIG.  11 ). Coupling  170  comprises a flange  171 , and an integral tubular body  172 . A spring  175  (FIGS. 4,  11 ) coaxially projecting rearwardly from coupling body  172  is received about shaft  159  to normally urge coupling  170  outwardly, within limits established by pin  166  (FIGS. 4,  5 ,  11 ). When coupling  170  is manipulated by the user, it may be pushed back against predetermined tension from spring  175 , exposing tongue  162  and the locking pin  166  captivated within it. The barrel  172  of coupling  170  has alternate, radially spaced apart guide slots  177  (FIGS. 4,  13 ) internally defined within it, in which pin  166  tracks when the parts are assembled. 
     Each wing terminates in a companion fitting  180  (FIGS. 8-10,  12 ) comprising a terminal flange  184  and a companion barrel  188  (FIGS. 9,  10 ), together sharing longitudinal axis  181  (FIG.  9 ). Importantly, as best seen in FIG. 12 , barrel  188  is split into two generally semi-cylindrical halves  191 ,  192 , separated by an elongated channel  195  which is in the form of a parallelepiped. The channel  195  (FIG. 12) admits tongue  162  and transverse locking pin  166  (FIG. 12) during assembly. Each barrel half  191 ,  192  has a special two piece slot  196  (FIGS.  9 , 10 ) formed in it, that is in physical communication with slot  195  between the barrel halves. Special arcuate slot  196  comprises a first angled portion  198  (FIGS. 9,  10 ), that is neither parallel with nor perpendicular to fitting axis  181  (FIG.  9 ). Slot  198  intersects another angled slot portion  199  (FIGS. 9,  10 ) that is neither parallel with nor perpendicular to fitting longitudinal axis  181 . When assembled, as seen in FIGS. 9,  10 , the tongue locking pin  166  will rest in the end of slot  199  when properly fitted with tongue,  162  sandwiched within slot  195  (FIG.  12 ). 
     To couple a detached wing to the motor axles, coupling  170  (FIG. 12) may be manually grasped, and pushed rearwardly against pressure from spring  175 . This exposes tongue  162  and pin  166 , and the tongue can now be thrust into the barrel  188  of fitting  180 . At the time pin  166  rides within the slot  195  between the semi-cylindrical halves of the barrel, and the linear motion involving only pushing or pulling commences until pin  166  reaches the entrance point of slot  196  (FIGS. 9,  10 ). Thereafter a slight twisting action is applied. This twisting torsionally displaces the tongue and the pin  166 , and pin  166  may be positioned for subsequently traveling within slot  196 . Pin  196  will first travel through slot portion  198  until an appropriate reverse twist places it within slot portion  199  (FIG. 9) thus captivating it. Then the operator can simply release the coupling and the wing remains attached. The wings can be oriented to point straight out in normal operation (FIG.  3 ), or they can assume a ninety degree bend as in FIG. 9 for storage or transportation. They can assume intermediate angular positions as well (FIG.  10 ), wherein axis  181  is illustrated angled at about forty five degrees removed from the text, with corresponding corrections, where necessary, proposed to the drawings. 
     It will be noted that the wings remain attached as long as the tongue pin  166  is captivated within slot  199 . This condition is insured even though the wing fitting  180  is rotated relative to coupling  170  in a plane of rotation that is generally coincident r parallel with tongue  162 , coupling  170  and the motor drive axle. As the folding continues from the position of FIG. 9 to that of FIG. 10, and thereafter to the straight “deployed” or operational position of FIG. 1 tongue tension will varied and controlled by the spring  175 . In moving between the position of FIG.  10  and the straight operational position, fitting  180  goes “overcenter” relative to coupling  170  as rotation about pin  166  continues, and the flat barrel ends find themselves flushly together, as opposed to the unstable intermediate position of FIG. 10 where on the corner of fitting  180  touches the coupling  170 . 
     From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to obtain all the ends and objects herein set forth, together with other advantages which are inherent to the structure. 
     It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. 
     As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.