Remotely operated game call apparatus

Abstract

A remotely operated game call apparatus includes a mouthpiece assembly, a mouthpiece fastener connected to the mouthpiece assembly, a flexible breath conveyance assembly attached to the mouthpiece assembly, conveyance fasteners connected to the breath conveyance assembly, and a game call assembly connected to the breath conveyance assembly. With the apparatus, exhaled breath from a user is conveyed from the mouthpiece assembly, through the breath conveyance assembly, and to the game call assembly for producing an audible game call sound remotely from the mouthpiece assembly and the person using it. With the apparatus, a hunter can sit at an elevated location in a tree, and the game call assembly located at ground level can be remotely operated by the exhaled breath of the hunter which passes through the mouthpiece assembly, through the breath conveyance assembly, and through the game call assembly.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority based upon my copending Provisional Application Serial No. 60/228,872; filed Aug. 30, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to callers, used by persons, to call wildlife.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] Callers, used by persons, to call wildlife are well known in the art. Often, the person places the wildlife caller device in one's mouth and blows on the device to emit a wildlife calling sound. Throughout the years, a number of innovations have been developed relating to such wildlife caller devices, and the following U.S. Pat. Nos. are representative of some of those innovations: 2,782,558, 3,029,554, and 4,850,925. Each of U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,782,558, 3,029,554, and 4,850,925 shares a common characteristic. That is, the wildlife caller device is placed in the person's mouth, and the sound emitted from the wildlife caller device is emitted from the vicinity of the person's mouth.

[0006] If wildlife is attracted to the sound of the wildlife caller device, the wildlife may approach the device and the person using the device. However, when the wildlife gets close enough, the wildlife may see, hear, or smell the person, and the wildlife may run away, being fearful of the sight, sound, or odor of the person using the wildlife caller device. Such may occur because the wildlife caller device and the person using the device are so close together. In this respect, it would be desirable if a wildlife caller device were provided in which the person using the wildlife caller device were remotely located from the sound-emitting portion of the device. Stated somewhat differently, it would be desirable if a wildlife caller device were provided so that a person's visibility, sounds, and odors were located remotely from the sound-emitting portion of the device.

[0007] In U. S. Pat. Nos. 2,782,558, 3,029,554, and 4,850,925 a person's breath controls sounds being emitted from the respective wildlife caller devices. A person's breath can be exercised with great control by a person. Therefore, for a wildlife caller device that is controlled remotely by a person from the sound-emitting portion, it would be desirable if the remotely controlled wildlife caller device were controlled by the person's breath.

[0008] Very often a person, such as a hunter, positions one's self in a tree, above ground level, in order to be out of sight, sound, and smell of wildlife that roams the ground surface. Yet, sound emitted from a wildlife caller device would normally be emitted at ground level to attract wildlife or game roaming the ground surface. In this respect, it would be desirable if a wildlife caller device were provided that permits a hunter to be located above ground in a tree and permits the hunter to control a sound-emitting portion of the wildlife caller device that is located at ground level to be controlled by the breath of the hunter in the tree.

[0009] When a hunter is up a tree and a sound-emitting portion is at ground level, the overall dimensions of such a wildlife caller device are quite large. Yet, for convenience, it would be desirable if such a remotely controlled wildlife caller device would be reducible to a relatively small size for storage and transportation.

[0010] When a hunter is up a tree and is using a remotely controlled wildlife caller device, it would be desirable for the greater portion of the device to be firmly secured to the tree so that it will not move and create an unwanted distraction for the wildlife.

[0011] It may be of interest to note that the following U.S. Pat. Nos. disclose toys that use a person's breath to cause visually entertaining toy action: 617,213 and 3,372,511.

[0012] Thus, while the foregoing body of prior art indicates it to be well known to use wildlife caller devices, the prior art described above does not teach or suggest a remotely operated game call apparatus which has the following combination of desirable features: (1) provides that the person using the wildlife caller device is remotely located from the sound-emitting portion of the device; (2) provides that a person's visibility, sounds, and odors are located remotely from the sound-emitting portion of the device; (3) is remotely controlled by the person's breath; (4) permits a hunter to be located above ground in a tree and permits the hunter to control a sound-emitting portion of the wildlife caller device that is located at ground level to be controlled by the breath of the hunter in the tree; (5) is reducible to a relatively small size for storage and transportation when not in use; and (6) provides that a greater portion of the device can be firmly secured to the tree so that it will not move and create an unwanted distraction for the wildlife. The foregoing desired characteristics are provided by the unique remotely operated game call apparatus of the present invention as will be made apparent from the following description thereof. Other advantages of the present invention over the prior art also will be rendered evident.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] To achieve the foregoing and other advantages, the present invention, briefly described, provides a remotely operated game call apparatus which includes a mouthpiece assembly, a mouthpiece fastener connected to the mouthpiece assembly, a flexible breath conveyance assembly attached to the mouthpiece assembly, conveyance fasteners connected to the breath conveyance assembly, and a game call assembly connected to the breath conveyance assembly. With the apparatus, exhaled breath from a user is conveyed from the mouthpiece assembly, through the breath conveyance assembly, and to the game call assembly for producing an audible game call sound remotely from the mouthpiece fastener.

[0014] The mouthpiece assembly includes a mouth-inserted portion, and a main mouthpiece body portion is connected to the mouth-inserted portion. The mouthpiece fastener is connected to the main mouthpiece body portion, and the breath conveyance assembly is connected to the main mouthpiece body portion. The mouth-inserted portion includes a mouth-received end and a main-body-portion-received end. The main-body-portion-received end is offset laterally from the mouth-received end. The mouthpiece assembly includes a replaceable, absorbent filter member. The mouthpiece fastener is comprised of a safety pin.

[0015] The conveyance fasteners are comprised of clamp units. Each of the clamp units can include a tubing connector portion for connecting to the breath conveyance assembly, and a clamp member is connected to the tubing connector portion.

[0016] The flexible breath conveyance assembly includes a first length of tubing that is connected to the mouthpiece assembly. One end of a first tubing connector portion of a first clamp unit is connected to the first length of tubing. A second length of tubing is connected to another end of the first tubing connector portion. One end of a second tubing connector portion of a second clamp unit is connected to the second length of tubing. A third length of tubing is connected to another end of the second tubing connector portion.

[0017] The game call assembly can include a sound-emitting flapper. Also, the game call assembly can include a bendable exit hose portion that can be aimed in a desired direction. The bendable exit hose portion can includes a plurality of ribs.

[0018] The above brief description sets forth rather broadly the more important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contributions to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will be for the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

[0019] In this respect, before explaining a preferred embodiment of the invention in detail, it is understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood, that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0020] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0021] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved remotely operated game call apparatus which has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

[0022] It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved remotely operated game call apparatus which may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.

[0023] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved remotely operated game call apparatus which is of durable and reliable construction.

[0024] An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved remotely operated game call apparatus which is susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such remotely operated game call apparatus available to the buying public.

[0025] Still yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved remotely operated game call apparatus which provides that the person using the wildlife caller device is remotely located from the sound-emitting portion of the device.

[0026] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved remotely operated game call apparatus that provides that a person's visibility, sounds, and odors are located remotely from the sound-emitting portion of the device.

[0027] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved remotely operated game call apparatus which is remotely controlled by the person's breath.

[0028] Even another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved remotely operated game call apparatus that permits a hunter to be located above ground in a tree and permits the hunter to control a sound-emitting portion of the wildlife caller device that is located at ground level to be controlled by the breath of the hunter in the tree.

[0029] Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved remotely operated game call apparatus which is reducible to a relatively small size for storage and transportation when not in use.

[0030] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved remotely operated game call apparatus that provides that a greater portion of the device can be firmly secured to the tree so that it will not move and create an unwanted distraction for the wildlife.

[0031] These together with still other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The invention will be better understood and the above objects as well as objects other than those set forth above will become more apparent after a study of the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawing wherein:

[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a preferred embodiment of the remotely operated game call apparatus of the invention employed with a hunter in a tree stand.

[0034] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the portion of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1 contained in circled region 2 thereof.

[0035] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the portion of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1 contained in circled region 3 thereof.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a side view of the portion of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3 taken along line 4-4 thereof.

[0037] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the portion of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1 contained in circled region 5 thereof.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a front view of the portion of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5 taken along line 6-6 thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0039] With reference to the drawings, a new and improved remotely operated game call apparatus embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention will be described.

[0040] Turning to FIGS. 1-6, there is shown an exemplary embodiment of the remotely operated game call apparatus of the invention generally designated by reference numeral 10. In its preferred form, remotely operated game call apparatus 10 includes a mouthpiece assembly 12, a mouthpiece fastener connected to the mouthpiece assembly 12, a flexible breath conveyance assembly attached to the mouthpiece assembly 12, conveyance fasteners connected to the breath conveyance assembly, and a game call assembly 20 connected to the breath conveyance assembly. With the apparatus, exhaled breath from a user is conveyed from the mouthpiece assembly 12, through the breath conveyance assembly, and to the game call assembly 20 for producing an audible game call sound remotely from the mouthpiece fastener.

[0041] The mouthpiece assembly 12 includes a mouth-inserted portion 22, and a main mouthpiece body portion 24 is connected to the mouth-inserted portion 22. The mouthpiece fastener is connected to the main mouthpiece body portion 24, and the breath conveyance assembly is connected to the main mouthpiece body portion 24. The mouth-inserted portion 22 includes a mouth-received end 23 and a main-body-portion-received end 25. The main-body-portion-received end 25 is offset laterally from the mouth-received end 23. The lateral offset permits a person to easily introduce the mouth-received end 23 into one's mouth when the main mouthpiece body portion 24 is attached to the person's garment with the safety pin 14. The mouthpiece assembly 12 includes a replaceable, absorbent filter member 30. When a person breathes into the mouthpiece assembly 12, moisture from the person's breath enters the mouthpiece assembly 12. The filter member 30 absorbs some of that moisture. In addition, the filter member 30 can serve to remove odors from the person's breath. As a result, the exhaled air entering the game call assembly 20 will not emerge from the game call assembly 20 bearing the scent of the person. The mouthpiece fastener is comprised of a safety pin 14.

[0042] The conveyance fasteners are comprised of clamp units 18. Each of the clamp units 18 can include a tubing connector portion 26 for connecting to the breath conveyance assembly, and a clamp member 28 is connected to the tubing connector portion 26.

[0043] The flexible breath conveyance assembly includes a first length of tubing 32 that is connected to the mouthpiece assembly 12. One end of a first tubing connector portion 26 of a first clamp unit 18 is connected to the first length of tubing 32. A second length of tubing 34 is connected to another end of the first tubing connector portion 26. One end of a second tubing connector portion 36 of a second clamp unit 38 is connected to the second length of tubing 34. A third length of tubing 42 is connected to another end of the second tubing connector portion 36. The second clamp unit 38 also includes a second clamp member 40.

[0044] The game call assembly 20 can include a sound-emitting flapper 21. Also, the game call assembly 20 can include a bendable exit hose portion 50 that can be aimed in a desired direction. The bendable exit hose portion 50 can includes a plurality of ribs 52.

[0045] One use of the remotely operated game call apparatus 10 of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. As shown, a hunter 44 is sitting in a tree stand 46 that is set up in an elevated location in a tree 48. The safety pin 14 of the mouthpiece assembly 12 is fastened onto a jacket worn by the hunter 44. The first clamp unit 18 is clamped onto the tree 48 at a relatively high location in the tree 48, and the second clamp unit 38 is clamped onto the tree 48 at a relatively low location in the tree 48 near the ground. The clamp units can be in the form of alligator clips as illustrated. With the mouthpiece assembly 12 attached to a portion of an outer garment, such as a jacket, near the hunter's mouth, the hunter 44 exhales into the mouth-inserted portion 22 of the mouthpiece assembly 12. The exhaled air is conveyed through the first length of tubing 32, the first clamp unit 18, the second length of tubing 34, the second clamp unit 38, the third length of tubing 42, and the game call assembly 20, resulting in an audible sound is emitted from the game call assembly 20 at substantially ground level. The lengths of tubing can be is connected to the mouthpiece assembly 12, the clamp units, and the game call assembly 20 using friction fits.

[0046] When game hear the sound emitted from the game call assembly 20, they are attracted to the game call assembly 20. Since the game call assembly 20 is at ground level, remote from the hunter 44 at an elevated location in the tree 48, when the game approach the game call assembly 20 at ground level, the game do not see the hunter 44 who is up the tree 48. Once the hunter 44 sees the game close to the base of the tree, the hunter 44 can easily take aim and shoot the closely positioned game.

[0047] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the game call assembly 20 can be affixed to a decoy (not shown) at ground level. With this embodiment of the invention, when game is attracted to sound emitted from the game call assembly 20, when the game approaches the game call assembly 20, the game see the decoy at ground level, the game will not see the hunter 44 at an elevated level, and the hunter 44 can take aim and shoot at the game.

[0048] If desired, the entire remotely operated game call apparatus 10 can be sufficiently small in size so that it can be readily placed in a carrying pouch that can be carried on a hunter's belt when not in use.

[0049] The components of the remotely operated game call apparatus of the invention can be made from inexpensive and durable metal and plastic materials.

[0050] As to the manner of usage and operation of the instant invention, the same is apparent from the above disclosure, and accordingly, no further discussion relative to the manner of usage and operation need be provided.

[0051] It is apparent from the above that the present invention accomplishes all of the objects set forth by providing a new and improved remotely operated game call apparatus that is low in cost, relatively simple in design and operation, and which may advantageously be used to permit the person using the wildlife caller device to be remotely located from the sound-emitting portion of the device. With the invention, a remotely operated game call apparatus provides that a person's visibility, sounds, and odors are located remotely from the sound-emitting portion of the device. With the invention, a remotely operated game call apparatus is provided which is remotely controlled by the person's breath. With the invention, a remotely operated game call apparatus is provided which permits a hunter to be located above ground in a tree and permits the hunter to control a sound-emitting portion of the wildlife caller device that is located at ground level to be controlled by the breath of the hunter in the tree. With the invention, a remotely operated game call apparatus is provided which is reducible to a relatively small size for storage and transportation when not in use. With the invention, a remotely operated game call apparatus provides that a greater portion of the device can be firmly secured to the tree so that it will not move and create an unwanted distraction for the wildlife.

[0052] Thus, while the present invention has been shown in the drawings and fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment(s) of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications thereof may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use.

[0053] Hence, the proper scope of the present invention should be determined only by the broadest interpretation of the appended claims so as to encompass all such modifications as well as all relationships equivalent to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification.

[0054] Finally, it will be appreciated that the purpose of the annexed Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. Accordingly, the Abstract is neither intended to define the invention or the application, which only is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

Claims

1. A remotely operated game call apparatus, comprising:

a mouthpiece assembly,

a mouthpiece fastener connected to said mouthpiece assembly,

a flexible breath conveyance assembly attached to said mouthpiece assembly,

conveyance fasteners connected to said breath conveyance assembly, and

a game call assembly connected to said breath conveyance assembly, such that breath from a user is conveyed from said mouthpiece assembly, through said breath conveyance assembly, and to said game call assembly for producing an audible game call sound remotely from said mouthpiece fastener.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said game call assembly includes a sound-emitting flapper.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said game call assembly includes a bendable exit hose portion that can be aimed in a desired direction.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said bendable exit hose portion can include a plurality of ribs.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said mouthpiece assembly includes:

a mouth-inserted portion, and

a main mouthpiece body portion connected to said mouth-inserted portion, wherein said mouthpiece fastener is connected to said main mouthpiece body portion, and wherein said breath conveyance assembly is connected to said main mouthpiece body portion.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said mouth-inserted portion includes:

a mouth-received end, and

a main-body-portion-received end,

wherein said main-body-portion-received end is offset laterally from said mouth-received end.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said mouthpiece assembly includes a replaceable, absorbent filter member.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said mouthpiece fastener is comprised of a safety pin.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said conveyance fasteners are comprised of clamp units.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein each of said clamp units includes:

a tubing connector portion for connecting to said breath conveyance assembly, and

a clamp member connected to said tubing connector portion.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said flexible breath conveyance assembly includes:

a first length of tubing connected to said mouthpiece assembly,

one end of a first tubing connector portion of a first clamp unit connected to said first length of tubing,

a second length of tubing connected to another end of said first tubing connector portion,

one end of a second tubing connector portion of a second clamp unit connected to said second length of tubing, and

a third length of tubing connected to another end of said second tubing connector portion.