Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/462,527 entitled “Decoy-tracks” and filed on Feb. 4, 2011, which is specifically incorporated by reference herein for all that it teaches and discloses. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The invention relates generally to animal confidence and/or attraction devices, and more specifically, to a device for decoy locomotion and movement. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    When humans attempt to study, photograph, watch, hunt, get close to, approach or otherwise observe and/or interact with animals (herein defined to including birds, fish, reptiles, and any other life forms), it is often helpful to employ one or more decoys in order to calm the subject animal and/or attract it. There are many known types and styles of decoys that can be employed. They vary across a wide spectrum of forms, shapes, sizes, etc. However, most decoys generally fall into two categories: confidence decoys (such as a blue heron decoy used near duck decoys or a duck blind) that are used to calm the subject animals (in this case ducks or geese), and attraction decoys (such as duck decoys) that are used to attract the subject animals. As another example, when attempting to hunt turkeys, one or more turkey decoys will help attract turkeys to a specific location while a doe deer feeding decoy placed nearby may help to calm any turkeys by making them believe that the specific location is safe if a deer is willing to calmly feed in the area. When used in a hunting scenario, attraction decoys are usually the more popular type of decoy, but both types can be used in such scenarios as well. Similarly, photographers, videographers, biologists, ornithologists, artists, amateur animal watchers, and many others have found that using attraction and/or confidence decoys can help them get close to animals. 
         [0004]    Historically, decoys were often crude affairs that generally approximated the animal that was to be attracted. However, currently known decoys are a great improvement upon those early decoys and many are now quite realistic in appearance. Nevertheless, wary subject animals have often learned to be cautious and not be fooled by inert decoys that sit in one location and do not move, regardless of how realistic they otherwise appear. Somewhat recently, waterfowl hunters have attempted to address this deficiency in decoys by incorporating movement devices thereon. Examples include: duck decoys with rotating wings meant to replicate the appearance of landing waterfowl, decoys that tip downwards to replicate the appearance of feeding waterfowl, decoys that swim in circles to replicate the appearance of swimming waterfowl, etc. Such moving decoys have significantly enhanced the average effectiveness of a grouping of decoys in attracting live ducks to a specific location. 
         [0005]    Despite the enhanced attractiveness shown by moving decoys employed to attract waterfowl, those wishing to attract other subject animals have been slow to develop moveable land-based decoys. Predatory animal hunters/photographers/etc. have begun employing vibrating or erratically ‘flopping’ prey animal simulators/decoys, but such generally are confined to a single location and do not move across the landscape. Deer, antelope, elk, and turkey decoys are usually staked in a single location, and although they sometimes can turn in the wind (or by the use of a jerk line), they do not move from the single location at which they are initially placed. 
         [0006]    Thus, there remains a need for a decoy locomotion and movement device that can work with existing and/or improved decoys to cause them to move across the landscape. Such a device can also incorporate additional movement actuators to further enhance the lifelike appearance of decoys. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    One embodiment of the present invention comprises a track and a transport. The track can be constructed such that a user of the invention can configure the track into a custom layout in order to guide the locomotion of the transport across the landscape in the specific direction(s) desired by the user. In another embodiment, the track provides a pre-determined fixed pathway along which the transport moves. The transport is guided along the track by a track follower that interacts with the track to ensure that the transport stays in proximity to the track during its motion across the landscape. 
         [0008]    The transport incorporates a decoy retainer that provides a means for a decoy to be attached to the transport or otherwise remain in close proximity to the transport such that as the transport moves along the track, the decoy moves along the track as well. In another embodiment, the transport also incorporates at least a secondary decoy movement device that cause one or more parts of the decoy to move in addition to the general locomotion of the decoy in proximity to the track. 
         [0009]    In a customizable track, the track can be configured in a loop or some other continuous shape; alternatively, the track can have one or more end points. End points can cause the transport to stop its locomotion and/or to reverse the direction of its locomotion. To enhance realism, when a decoy reaches an end point it is preferred that a secondary decoy movement be triggered before the decoy reverses direction. In such a case, the preferred secondary decoy movement is to turn the decoy such that it faces the direction of forward travel before the decoy begins to move in the new direction. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The aforementioned and other features and objects of the present invention and the manner of attaining them will become more apparent and the invention itself will be best understood by reference to the following descriptions of a preferred embodiment and other embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  illustrates a left side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a decoy locomotion and movement device; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  illustrates a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a decoy locomotion and movement device; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  illustrates a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a decoy locomotion and movement device with the main body removed to better illustrate an embodiment of internal locomotion and movement components; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of decoy track components showing a straight track component, a forty-five degree angle track component, a ninety degree angle track component, and a loop track component; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  illustrates a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a first decoy showing a head in the up position and a second decoy showing a head in the down position; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  illustrates a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a first decoy showing a pair of wings in an exemplary up position and a second decoy showing a pair of wings in an exemplary down position; and 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  illustrates a rear elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a first decoy showing a tail in an exemplary down position and a second decoy showing a tail in an exemplary up position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0018]    Referring now to the drawings, exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below in the accompanying Figures. The following detailed description provides a comprehensive review of the drawings in order to provide a thorough understanding of, and an enabling description for, these embodiments. One having ordinary skill in the art will understand that the invention may be practiced without certain details. In other instances, well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments. 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  shows a left side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a decoy locomotion and movement device  100 . The transport  105  has a main body  110  that is shown in a box like configuration in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , other shapes and styles are contemplated. It is preferred for the transport  105  to be relatively short in height and camouflaged in color so as to be less visible to the subject animal. 
         [0020]    Attached to the main body  110  are the first pull anchor  112  and the second pull anchor  114 . In one embodiment, an internal source of power such as a battery and electronics are used to move the device  100  (see  FIG. 3  for more details). In another embodiment, the first pull anchor  112  and the second pull anchor  114  are used in combination with a first pull cord  111  and a second pull cord  113  attached to each pull anchor, respectively. The first pull cord  111  can be manually pulled by the user in order to move the device in a first direction, and then the second pull cord can be pulled to move the device in a second direction (preferably opposite that of the first direction). 
         [0021]    The transport  105  in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1  has a plurality of wheels  121  and  122  (in other embodiments, more or fewer wheels can be used). The wheels  121  and  122  are attached to the main body  110  and rest upon the track component  150 . If the device is manually pulled along the track  150 , this causes the wheels  121  and  122  to turn. If instead the internal power source and electronics are used to move the transport  105 , then they cause the wheels to turn and that creates the locomotive force necessary to move the transport  105  along the track  150 . In another embodiment, the power source is external (such as a battery or other source of electricity powering a rail or ‘hot’ wire running through the tracks). 
         [0022]    The follower  148  extends from the transport  105  generally downwards into proximity with the track  150 . In a preferred embodiment, the follower  148  is configured so as to keep the transport  105  generally centered on the track  150  as it moves along. 
         [0023]    As the transport  105  moves along the track  150 , the wheels  121  and  122  turn in a generally circular motion. At least one wheel  122  is in mechanical communication with the secondary motivator  130  such that as the at least one wheel  122  turns it causes the secondary motivator  130  to turn as well. The mechanical communication can be gears, pulleys, belts, screw drives, combinations thereof or other mechanical means for transferring motion between two objects as known in the art. As the secondary motivator  130  spins in a generally circular motion, the actuator pin  138  describes a circle relative to the transport  105 . Attached to the actuator pin  138  is a first transfer bar  131 . Because the first transfer bar  131  is restrained by the transfer bar sleeve  132 , the first transfer bar  131  is pulled in and out through the sleeve  132  as the secondary motivator  130  spins. In an alternate embodiment, if an internal power source and electronics are utilized, the mechanical communication between the wheels and the secondary motivator becomes unnecessary as a second set of electronics can be used to activate the in and out motion of the first transfer bar  131 . 
         [0024]    At the distal end of the first transfer bar  131 , the bar  131  is attached to an appendage portion  181  of a decoy via an appendage attachment means  139 . The appendage attachment means  139  as illustrated in  FIG. 1  is a simple pin that is affixed to the appendage  181  and the first transfer bar  131  attaches to the pin but is allowed to rotate relative to the pin in order to accommodate the motion of the first transfer bar  131  and the decoy appendage  181 . In  FIG. 1 , the decoy body  182  is shown as is an appendage  181 . Although not specifically visible in  FIG. 1 , the two decoy components can be attached to one another in a hinged configuration so that the appendage  181  can move relative to the decoy body  182 . The appendage  181  can be any portion of a decoy such as a head, tail, wing, leg, etc. As the transfer bar  131  moves in and out of the sleeve  132 , it causes the appendage  181  to move relative to the decoy body  182 . For more details concerning exemplary appendages and desirable motions thereof see later drawing Figures. 
         [0025]    The sleeve  132  is attached to the cross member  133  so that it is generally fixed in location relative to the main body  110 . However, the sleeve  132  is allowed to rotate relative to the cross member  133  to accommodate the motion of the first transfer bar  131 . 
         [0026]    The decoy body  182  can be mounted on the transport  105  by a mounting block  183 . The mounting block allows attachment of the decoy to one or more of the plurality of mounting points  121 ,  122  and  123 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the plurality of mounting points  121 ,  122  and  123  are generally vertically arranged, hollow cylinders attached to the main body  110 . The mounting points  121 ,  122  and  123  are configured to allow for one or more mounting blocks  183  to be attached thereto. Although not shown in  FIG. 1 , a pin, clip, or similar device can be used to lock the mounting block  183  to the mounting point  123 . Any means can be used to attach the decoy body  182  to the mounting block  183 . A plurality of mounting points  121 ,  122  and  123  allow for various styles, sizes, and kinds of decoys to be used on a single universal transport  105 . 
         [0027]    The cross support  136  is a support member that helps to provide support and rigidity to the cross member  133 . Similarly, the vertical support  134  also provides support and rigidity to the cross member  133 . Both the cross support  136  and the vertical support  134  can be replaced with other shaped and sized components in other configurations as many different types of supports and configurations thereof could fulfill the function of supporting the cross member  133  relative to the main body  110 . 
         [0028]    The track  150  can have a plurality of track supports  152  which removably attach to the track  150  (or are integrally formed with the track) and provide for attachment of at least one track stabilizer  154 . The track stabilizer  154  illustrated in  FIG. 1  comprises a spike which can be driven into the ground upon which the track  150  is resting in order to secure the track  150  to the ground. A track connector means  156  is also illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Any of a myriad of known connector means can be utilized to secure track components  150  to one another. The exemplary track connector means  156  illustrated in  FIG. 1  is a tab and lock. To attach track components  150  to one another, the user simply inserts the tab from a first track component  150  into a slot in another track component and the lock pops up and locks the two pieces of track to one another. To detach the two pieces of track, the user simply presses down on the lock and then slides the tab out of the slot and disconnects the track pieces. In other embodiments, other track connector means  156  are contemplated. 
         [0029]      FIG. 2  illustrates a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a decoy locomotion and movement device  200 . The components shown in  FIG. 2  are similar to those in  FIG. 1 . There are, however, a number of components that are more easily discernible in the view of  FIG. 2 . For example, the shape of an exemplary follower  248  can be seen more clearly in  FIG. 2 . The follower  248  can be generally shaped to resemble a “T”. Similarly, a T slot  251  can be formed in the body of the track  250  and running generally parallel with the length of the track. As the follower  248  is attached to the main body  210 , as the transport  205  moves along the track  250 , the follower  248  is contained in the T slot  251  thereby assuring that the transport  205  stays in closes proximity to the track  250 . 
         [0030]    Additional track supports  252  and  253  are illustrated in  FIG. 2  as are track stabilizers  254  and  255 . Two attachment slots  258  and  259  are also shown. These slots accept the attachment tabs (see  FIG. 1  where a single attachment tab  156  is illustrated). 
         [0031]      FIG. 3  illustrates a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a decoy locomotion and movement device  300  with the main body removed to better illustrate one embodiment of internal locomotion and movement components. The first wheel  322  has a first axle  392  attached to a first motivator  394  which helps to attach and stabilize the first wheel  322  to the main body as well as causing the wheel to turn in response to directions from control electronics (not shown in  FIG. 3  as control electronics such as circuit boards, chips, wireless transmitters, programs, etc. are known in the art and can be easily configured by one skilled in the art to control the direction and speed of wheel turning based on user desires). As the first wheel turns, the transport  305  is caused to move along the track in response thereto. 
         [0032]    The second wheel  324  is attached to a second axle  396  and a second motivator  397  which can turn the wheel similar to that described for the first motivator, and/or it can serve as an attachment support point to attach the second wheel  324  to the transport  305 . The second axle  396  can be in mechanical communication with a mechanical actuator means  395 . As the second wheel  324  turns, the second axle can be caused to turn as well which causes the mechanical actuator means  395  to turn and impart circular motion to the secondary motivator  330 . As described in detail under  FIG. 1 , the circular motion of the secondary motivator  330  causes the first transfer bar  331  to move in and out through the sleeve  332 . And as the transfer bar  331  is attached to the appendage  381 , the appendage  381  is forced to move relative to the decoy body  382 . As discussed above, if an internal power source and electronics are utilized, the mechanical communication between the second wheel  324  and the secondary motivator  330  is unnecessary as a second electronic motor/actuator can impart the desired motion to the appendage  381 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 4  illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of decoy track components  400  showing a straight track component  491 , a forty-five degree angled track component  492 , a ninety degree angle track component  493 , and a loop track component  494 . The various track components  491 ,  492 ,  493  and  494  can be attached to one another in any desired configuration in order to create the track layout needed by the user. For example, four ninety degree components  493  can be attached to one another to form a circle; four ninety degree components  493  can be attached together with four straight components  491  between each ninety degree component  493  to form a rounded-corner square; multiple straight components  491  can be attached together to form a single long runway; a loop component  494  can be attached at each end of a string of straight components  491  to create a runway with a turnaround at each end; various forty five degree angle track components  492  can be combined in an alternating manner to create a wavy runway; etc. The combinations are almost limitless given enough sections of each type of track. 
         [0034]      FIG. 5  illustrates a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a first decoy  598  showing a head in the up position  581 A and a second decoy  599  showing a head in the down position  581 B. Other components include a first tail  587 A, a second tail  587 B, a first body  582 A and a second body  582 B. The decoys  598  and  599  also have a first mounting block  583 A and a second mounting block  583 B. Although not shown in  FIG. 5 , the transfer bar from the transport extends preferably up inside the body of the decoy  582  and attaches to the base of the head  581  opposite the head hinge pin  585 . When the head is in the up position (see the first decoy  598  and first head  581 A), the transfer bar is in its most extending position. Then, when the secondary movement components cause the transfer bar to be withdrawn somewhat downwards, this causes the head to be pulled downwards and it rotates against the head hinge pin  585 . As the second movement components cause the transfer bar to cycle slowly up and down, the head in turn moves slowly from the up position of the first decoy  598  into the down position of the second decoy  599  and then back again. 
         [0035]      FIG. 6  illustrates a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a first decoy  698  showing wings  686 A in an exemplary up position and a second decoy  699  showing wings  686 B in an exemplary down position. Also illustrated are a first decoy head  681 A, a second decoy head  681 B, a first pulley actuator  696 A, a second pulley actuator  696 B, a first wing connector  695 A, a second wing connector  695 B, a first body  682 A, a second body  682 B, a first tail  687 A, a second tail  687 B, a first mounting block  683 A and a second mounting block  683 B. 
         [0036]    Not that the secondary movement illustrated in  FIG. 6  is moving the wing  686  in an up and down manner. To accomplish this, wing connector  695  is connected via a pulley actuator to the transfer bar (not shown in  FIG. 6 , but preferably located inside the decoy body). The transfer bar can be configured to extend well above and past the location of the pulley actuator  696  in a line between the actuator  696  and the base of the head  681 . If the wing connector  695  comprises a string or cord of some type, it can be affixed at one end to the wing  686 , threaded through the pulley actuator  696  and connected to the upper end of the transfer bar. The wing  686  can then be spring loaded such that it is in the up position when at rest (e.g., when the transfer bar retracts to its most minimum distance inside the body of the decoy). Then, when the transfer bar cycles up into its maximum extension into the body of the decoy, it pulls the wing connector  695  through the pulley actuator  696  causing the wing to be forced downwards into a down position. It should be obvious to one skilled in the art to make the necessary adjustments and configurations to implement the above mechanizations for a decoy having a wing on each side of the body. 
         [0037]      FIG. 7  illustrates a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a first decoy  798  showing a first tail  787 A in an exemplary down position and a second decoy  799  showing a second tail  787 B in an exemplary up position. Other illustrated components include the first and second decoy bodies  782 A and  782 B, the first and second decoy heads  781 A and  781 B, the first and second mounting blocks  783 A and  783 B, and first and second tail hinge pins  785 A and  785 B. As in the decoys shown in  FIG. 5 , the secondary movement components can cause the tail to move up and down and cycle between the positions shown in  FIG. 7 . Here, the hinge pin  785  is located near the tail  787  and provides the hinge about which the tail is forced up and down as the transfer bar moves up and down. Similarly, by the simple addition or modification of some of the mechanical linkages, the tip of the tail could be causes to swing side to side as another type of secondary movement. 
         [0038]    Although not shown, a second transfer bar could also be incorporated such that both the head and the tail move up and down concurrently. In another embodiment, the head, tail and wings could all move concurrently, or some combination of secondary movements could occur. 
         [0039]    As discussed above, the secondary movement(s) could be controlled using mechanical linkages that are driven by the movement of one or more of the wheels turning as the transport moves on the track. Alternatively, secondary movement(s) could have individual motors/actuators that drive each one. Such independent motors/actuators could be triggered by ‘trigger spots’ placed along the track that are sensed as the transport moves past them and they can activate one or more of the motors/actuators and cause one or more of the secondary movements to initiate. Similarly, small protrusions could be added to the top or side of the track and a mechanical protrusion sensing component could displace when it bumps into the protrusions, triggering the one or more secondary movements to take place. In another embodiment, the user sends a signal (either via a wire or wirelessly) to the transport causing the secondary movement(s) to occur. In yet another embodiment, the user can manually activate a secondary input by pulling on a secondary movement cord that is attached to the transfer bar (either directly or indirectly) and causing the transfer bar to move, thus initiating the secondary movement(s) manually. 
         [0040]    While particular embodiments of the invention have been described and disclosed in the present application, it should be understood that any number of permutations, modifications, or embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. Accordingly, it is not the intention of this application to limit this invention in any way except as by the appended claims. 
         [0041]    Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention. 
         [0042]    The above detailed description of the embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise embodiment or form disclosed herein or to the particular field of usage mentioned in this disclosure. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Also, the teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. 
         [0043]    In light of the above “Detailed Description,” the Inventor may make changes to the invention. While the detailed description outlines possible embodiments of the invention and discloses the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the invention may be practiced in a myriad of ways. Thus, implementation details may vary considerably while still being encompassed by the spirit of the invention as disclosed by the inventor. As discussed herein, specific terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. 
         [0044]    While certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventor contemplates the various aspects of the invention in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the inventor reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the invention. 
         [0045]    The above specification, examples and data provide a description of the structure and use of exemplary implementations of the described articles of manufacture and methods. It is important to note that many implementations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Technology Category: 1