Game call

Abstract

A game call includes a thermoplastic body having a front edge with a cutout formed therein. An insert having a flexible diaphragm stretched across an open-ended frame is disposed in the cutout. The game call may be manufactured by providing a blank of thermoplastic material with a central cutout. The insert is placed on one half of the bank, and the other half of the blank is folded over to trap the insert. The halves of the blank are bonded to each other with heat and pressure or an adhesive.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a game call, particularly a game call intended to be held in a user's mouth. Many different types of game calls are used to produce sounds to attract game animals. One type of game call comprises a flexible diaphragm stretched across an open-ended frame. The call is placed against the roof of the user's mouth and then various techniques may be used to produce appropriate sounds by forcing air across the diaphragm.

[0002] Because the diaphragm and the frame holding it are typically a small fraction of the size of the user's mouth, some means of retaining the call in the user's mouth is required. A commonly used method is to sandwich the edge of the frame between two layers of tape such as the kind used to secure bandages. Unfortunately, this tape does not stay molded to the shape of the user's mouth, causing discomfort. Furthermore, this tape becomes unsightly and unsanitary after use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a game call having a body which molds to the shape of a user's mouth so that it may be comfortably held in the mouth.

[0004] It is another object of the invention to provide a game call constructed of a material which may be cleaned without affecting its longevity.

[0005] It is another object of the invention to provide a method of manufacturing a game call from a thermoplastic material.

[0006] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention are achieved in the preferred embodiment disclosed below by providing a game call which comprises: a body having an outer thermoplastic portion, the body sized and shaped for being molded to the hard palate of the mouth while in a heated, moldable state and thereafter positioned and held supralingually in the mouth during use, the body having a cutout formed therein for facing outwardly towards the teeth when the body is positioned in the mouth; and a flexible diaphragm positioned in the cutout under a predetermined tension and in a plane wherein inhaled and exhaled air passes across an exposed surface of the diaphragm for generating an audible oscillation.

[0007] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the game call includes a frame having an open end onto which the diaphragm is mounted.

[0008] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the body of the call comprises first and second blanks which are placed on opposite sides of the diaphragm so as to trap the diaphragm therebetween.

[0009] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the body of the call comprises a single blank having a central opening formed therethrough. The blank is folded along a central fold line so as to define the cutout and first and second halves which trap the insert therebetween.

[0010] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the body of the call comprises a vinyl acetate copolymer.

[0011] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a game call comprises: a body having an outer deformable portion, the body sized and shaped for being received in the hard palate of the mouth and held supralingually in the mouth during use, the body having a cutout formed therein for facing outwardly towards the teeth when the body is positioned in the mouth; and a flexible diaphragm positioned in the cutout under a predetermined tension and in a plane wherein inhaled and exhaled air passes across an exposed surface of the diaphragm for generating an audible oscillation.

[0012] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method of making a game call comprises: providing a flexible diaphragm; providing a blank of thermoplastic material having first and second halves disposed on opposite sides of a central fold line, and an opening formed through the center thereof; placing the diaphragm on the first half of the blank so that the insert overlies said opening; folding the second half of the blank over the diaphragm and the first half such that the diaphragm is trapped between the first and second halves; and the first and second halves to each other.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the first and second halves are bonded to each other with an adhesive.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the first and second halves are bonded to each other by applying heat and pressure to the halves.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the blank includes a central member extending between opposite edges of the opening along the fold line.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the method includes removing the central member after bonding the halves to each other.

[0017] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the diaphragm is mounted in an open-ended frame which is received by the body.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method of making a game call having a thermoplastic body sized and shaped for being molded to the hard palate of the mouth, the body including a cutout which receives a flexible diaphragm therein, comprises: providing a flexible diaphragm; providing a first blank of thermoplastic material having a cutout formed in a front edge thereof; providing a second blank of thermoplastic material having a cutout formed in a front edge thereof; placing the diaphragm on the first blank so that the cutout; and placing the second blank over the diaphragm and the first half such that the diaphragm is trapped between the first and second halves. The first and second halves are bonded to each other.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method of making a game call having a thermoplastic body sized and shaped for being molded to the hard palate of the mouth, the body including a cutout which receives a flexible diaphragm therein, comprises: providing a flexible diaphragm providing a first blank of thermoplastic material having a cutout formed in a front edge thereof; providing a second blank of thermoplastic material having a cutout formed in a front edge thereof; placing the diaphragm on the first blank so that the diaphragm overlies cutout; placing; and placing the second blank over diaphragm and the first half such that the diaphragm is trapped between the first and second blanks. The first and second halves are bonded to each other.

[0020] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method of making a game call having a thermoplastic body sized and shaped for being molded to the hard palate of the mouth, said body including a cutout which receives a flexible diaphragm therein, comprises: providing a flexible diaphragm; and providing a blank of thermoplastic material, said blank including: a first half having a front edge with a cutout formed therein and a spaced-apart rear edge; a second half having a front edge with a cutout formed therein and a spaced-apart rear edge; and a strap connecting the rear edges of the first and second halves. The diaphragm is placed on the first half so that said diaphragm overlies said cutout and the strap is folded and the second blank is positioned over the diaphragm such that the diaphragm is trapped between said first and second halves. The first and second halves are bonded to each other.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method of making a game call having a thermoplastic body sized and shaped for being molded to the hard palate of the mouth, said body including a cutout which receives a flexible diaphragm therein, comprises: molding a body of thermoplastic material having a front edge with a cutout formed therein and a spaced-apart, curved rear edge; disposing a flexible diaphragm in the cutout; and bonding the diaphragm to the body.

[0022] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the body is injection molded.

[0023] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method of making a game call comprises: providing a flexible diaphragm; and molding a body of thermoplastic material which captures the diaphragm. The body has a front edge including a cutout which leaves the diaphragm exposed for vibration in response to moving air, and a spaced-apart, curved rear edge.

[0024] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method of fitting a game call to a user's mouth comprises: providing a game call comprising: a body having an outer thermoplastic portion, said body having a cutout formed therein for facing outwardly towards the teeth when the body is positioned in the mouth; and a flexible diaphragm positioned in the cutout under a predetermined tension and in a plane wherein inhaled and exhaled air passes across an exposed surface of the diaphragm for generating an audible oscillation. The body is heated to a working temperature at which the body material is moldable. The call is then the placed in the user's mouth while the body is at the working temperature so that the outer portion is formed into a molded shape conforming to the hard palate of the mouth. The body is subsequently cooled such that said outer portion remains in the molded shape.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The subject matter that is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding part of the specification. The invention, however, may be best understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures in which:

[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a game call constructed in accordance with the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 2A is a top view of a blank for use in constructing a game call in accordance with the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 2B is a side view of the blank of FIG. 2A;

[0029] FIG. 2C is a perspective view of a the blank of FIG. 2A;

[0030] FIG. 2D is a perspective view of an assembly procedure using the blank of FIG. 2A;

[0031] FIG. 2E is another perspective view of the assembly procedure using the blank of FIG. 2A;

[0032] FIG. 2F is a side view of the assembly procedure using the blank of FIG. 2A;

[0033] FIG. 2G is a top view of a completed game call;

[0034] FIG. 2H is a perspective view of a completed game call;

[0035] FIG. 2I is a side view of a completed game call;

[0036] FIG. 3A is a top view of an alternative blank for use in constructing a game call in accordance with the present invention;

[0037] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the blank of FIG. 3A;

[0038] FIG. 3C is a perspective view of an assembly procedure using the blank of FIG. 3A;

[0039] FIG. 3D is a perspective view of a completed game call;

[0040] FIG. 4A is a top view of another alternative blank for use in constructing a game call in accordance with the present invention;

[0041] FIG. 4B is a side view of the blank of FIG. 4A;

[0042] FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the blank of FIG. 4A;

[0043] FIG. 4D is a perspective view of an assembly procedure using the blank of FIG. 4A;

[0044] FIG. 4E is a perspective view of an assembly procedure using the blank of FIG. 4A;

[0045] FIG. 4F is another perspective view of an assembly procedure using the blank of FIG. 4A;

[0046] FIG. 4G is a perspective view of a completed game call;

[0047] FIG. 5A is a top view of an alternative arrangement of blanks for constructing a game call in accordance with the present invention;

[0048] FIG. 5B is an exploded perspective view of an assembly procedure using the blanks of FIG. 5A;

[0049] FIG. 5C is a perspective view of a completed game call; and

[0050] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a game call constructed in accordance with the present invention after is it molded to fit a user's mouth.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND BEST MODE

[0051] Referring to the drawings wherein identical reference numerals denote the same elements throughout the various views, FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary game call 10 constructed in accordance with the present invention. The particular example illustrated is of a turkey call, but the principles of the invention are equally applicable to calls for other animals that use a diaphragm held in the mouth. The illustrated call 10 comprises an insert 12 received in a body 14. The body 14 includes an outer portion 15 around its periphery. Referring to FIG. 2D, the insert comprises a flexible diaphragm 16 received in a rigid frame 18, which may be constructed of a metal alloy such as steel or aluminum. It is also possible that the diaphragm 16 may be disposed in the body 14 without the use of a frame. The diaphragm 16 is held in a known fashion under a predetermined tension and in a plane wherein inhaled and exhaled air passes across an exposed surface of the diaphragm for generating an audible oscillation. The call 10 is generally planar and has a front edge 20 and a spaced-apart curved rear edge 22. A cutout 24 is formed in the front edge 20 which accommodates the diaphragm 16. The cutout 24 may be formed after the body 14 of the call 10 by cutting a section of material out of the body 14, or it could be a concave area already formed in the body 14, as described below.

[0052] The body 14 of the call 10 comprises a material which is capable of deforming to fit the user's mouth, while retaining its basic shape and not being uncomfortably rigid. The material must be hygienic and safe for use in a person's mouth, and is preferably is of the type intended for contact with food, which may be cleaned without losing its structural integrity. The call 10 may be constructed of a thermoplastic material and custom-molded to the shape of the user's mouth before use, and accordingly the body material should have a softening temperature low enough that it can be molded to the user's mouth without causing burns. The term “thermoplastic” is used in its normal sense meaning a material which is capable of softening or fusing when heated to an appropriate working temperature and of hardening again when cooled. Any material which meets the requirements noted above may be used to form the body 14. One example of a suitable material is a 28 wt % vinyl acetate copolymer sold under the designation LD-761 and available from ExxonMobil Corporation, Houston, Tex. 77079.

[0053] FIGS. 2A-2I illustrate a method of manufacturing the call 10. A blank 26 is provided (see FIGS. 2A-2C) which is a generally planar member of thermoplastic material. Any known method may be used to form the blank 26, for example it may be cut from a larger sheet of material or injection molded in a known fashion. In plan view the blank 26 is generally oblong and includes first and second halves 28 and 30 divided by a central fold line “F”. Each half has a rounded edge which forms a rear edge 32 of the completed call 10. An opening 34 is formed through the center of the blank. The blank 26 may optionally include notches 36 which are indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 2A, whose function is described in more detail below.

[0054] FIGS. 2D-2H illustrate the assembly steps. First, an insert 12, described above, is placed on one half of the blank 26 (FIGS. 2D and 2E). Then, the other half of the blank 26 is folded up and over the insert 12 to cover and entrap the insert 12 between the two halves (see FIG. 2F). After the second half 30 is folded over the two halves are bonded to each other, resulting in the finished call 10 shown in FIGS. 2H and 2I. To accomplish the bonding, the entire body 14 may be subjected to heat and pressure to consolidate the halves into a single unitary body. Alternatively, the two halves could be bonded to each other with an appropriate adhesive. The body 14 of the illustrated call 10 has a thickness “T” at its periphery of about 1.0 mm (0.040 in.) to about 1.5 mm (0.060 in.); however the thickness is not critical and may be varied to suit a particular application.

[0055] It is noted that the completed call 10 shown in FIG. 2H depicts a pair of chamfered edges 38 formed at the outer corners of the front edge 20. These chamfers are optional and serve to provide a better fit in a user's mouth and/or make the call more comfortable. These chamfered edges 38 may be formed by cutting the corners off of the completed call 10 as shown in FIG. 10. However, if desired, they may be formed by providing a blank 26 which has notches formed therein (defined by dotted lined in FIG. 2A). When a blank 26 having these notches is folded over to capture the insert 12, the chamfered edges 38 will be present upon completion of the fold without additional cutting operations.

[0056] FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate an alternative method of manufacturing a call. A blank 126 is provided which is a generally planar body of thermoplastic material. Any known method may be used to form the blank 126, as described above. The blank 126 is generally oblong and includes first and second halves 128 and 130. Each half has a front edge 20 with a cutout 24 formed therein and a spaced-apart, curved rear edge 22. The rear edges 22 of the halves are connected by a strap 123. The halves of the blank 126 may optionally include notches 136 which are indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 3A.

[0057] FIG. 3C illustrates the assembly process. First, an insert 12, described above, is placed on the first half of the blank 126. Then, the strap 123 is folded over and second half 130 of the blank 126 is placed over the insert 12 to cover and entrap the insert 12 between the two halves. After the second half 130 is folded over the two halves are bonded to each other, resulting in the finished call 10 shown in FIG. 3D. To accomplish the bonding, the entire body 14 may be subjected to heat and pressure to consolidate the halves into a single unitary body. Alternatively, the two halves could be bonded to each other with an appropriate adhesive. The folded strap 123 may be used as a handle for further processing of the call 10. For example, it may be used to hold the call 10 while it is heated for a molding process as described below. When the strap 123 is no longer needed it is cut off from the body 14 and removed, as shown in FIG. 3D.

[0058] The completed call 10 shown in FIG. 3D depicts a pair of chamfered edges 38 formed at the outer corners of the front edge 20. These chamfers 38 are optional and serve to provide a better fit in a user's mouth and to make the call more comfortable. These chamfered edges 38 may be formed by cutting the corners off of the completed call 10 as shown in FIG. 3D. However, if desired, the chamfered edges 38 may be formed by providing a blank 126 which has notches formed therein (defined by dotted lines in FIG. 3A). When a blank 126 having these notches is folded over to capture the insert 12, the chamfered edges 38 will be present upon completion of the fold without additional cutting operations.

[0059] FIGS. 4A-4G illustrate another alternative method of manufacturing the call 10. A blank 226 is provided which is generally similar to the blank 226 described above (see FIGS. 4A-4C). In plan view the blank 226 is generally oblong and includes first and second halves 228 and 230 divided by a central fold line F. Each half has a rounded edge 232 which forms a rear edge of the completed call. An opening 234 is formed through the center of the blank 226. A central member 235 extends across the opening 234 from one edge to the opposite edge, along the fold line. The blank may optionally include notches 236 which are indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 2A.

[0060] FIGS. 4D-4G illustrate the assembly steps. First, an insert 12, described above, is placed on one half of the blank 226 (FIGS. 4D and 4E). Then, the other half of the blank 226 is folded up and over the insert 12 to cover and entrap the insert 12 between the two halves, also causing the central member to be folded over double (see FIG. 4F). After the second half 230 is folded over the two halves are bonded to each other, resulting in the finished call 10 shown in FIGS. 4F and 4G. To accomplish the bonding, the entire body 14 may be subjected to heat and pressure to consolidate the halves into a single unitary body. Alternatively, the two halves could be bonded to each other with an appropriate adhesive.

[0061] It is noted that the completed call 10 shown in FIG. 4F depicts a pair of chamfered edges 38 formed at the outer corners of the front edge 20. These chamfers 38 are optional and serve to provide a better fit in a user's mouth and/or make the call more comfortable. These chamfered edges 38 may be formed by cutting the corners off of the completed call 10 as shown in FIG. 10. However, if desired, they may be formed by providing a blank 226 which has notches formed therein (defined by dotted lined in FIG. 4A). When a blank 226 having these notches is folded over to capture the insert 12, the chamfered edges 38 will be present upon completion of the fold without additional cutting operations.

[0062] When the call 10 is completed, the folded central member 235 extends across the front edge 20 of the call 10. This provides support for the cutout 24 and the diaphragm 16 during manufacture of the call 10. This member 235 may also be used as a handle during the molding process described below. The central member 235 is removed by cutting when it is no longer needed, as shown in FIG. 4G.

[0063] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate yet another alternative method of manufacturing the call 10. 326 and 327 are provided. Each of these blanks is a generally planar body of thermoplastic material. Each blank has a front edge 20 with a cutout 24 formed therein and a spaced-apart, curved rear edge 22. The blanks may optionally include chamfered edges 38 as shown.

[0064] FIG. 5B illustrates the assembly steps. First, an insert 12, described above, is placed on the first blank 326 so that it overlies the cutout 24. Then, the second blank 327 is placed over the first blank 326 to cover and entrap the insert 12 between the two blanks. Subsequently, the two blanks are bonded to each other, resulting in the finished call 10 shown in FIGS. 3D. To accomplish the bonding, the entire body 14 may be subjected to heat and pressure to consolidate the halves into a single unitary body. Alternatively, the two blanks could be bonded to each other with an appropriate adhesive.

[0065] The completed call 10 shown in FIG. 3D depicts a pair of chamfered edges 38 formed at the outer corners of the front edge 20. These chamfers are optional and serve to provide a better fit in a user's mouth and to make the call more comfortable. They may be formed as described above.

[0066] The call 10 may also be constructed by injection molding without using individual blanks as described above. For example, a unitary or multi-part mold of a known type (not shown) having the shape of the body 14 (see FIG. 1) may be filled with molten thermoplastic material which is allowed to cool and solidify. This may be done using an known injection molding process. The cutout 24 may then be formed in the front edge 20 of the body 14. The insert 12 is then placed into the cutout 24 and bonded to the body 14 with an adhesive or by the application of heat and pressure. Alternatively, the body 14 could be integrally molded around the insert 12, using an appropriate masking structure (not shown) to hold the insert 12 in place and prevent the thermoplastic material from interfering with the diaphragm 16 during the molding process. Again, a known injection molding process may be used. This molding process creates the cutout 24 which leaves the diaphragm 16 exposed so it may vibrate during use. It is also possible that the frame 18 may be eliminated and the diaphragm 16 molded directly into the body 14.

[0067] The call 10 may be molded or custom-fitted to the user's mouth as follows. First, the call 10 is heated to soften the body 14, or at least the outer portion 15. This may be done by placing the call 10 in boiling water. The time needed to heat the call 10 will vary depending upon the material used for the body 14 and the size and thickness of the body 14. For a body 14 of approximately 1.0 mm (0.040 in.) to about 1.5 mm (0.060 in.) thickness as described above, a heating time of a few seconds may be sufficient. The call 10 may then be placed in cold water or ice water to reduce its surface temperature adequately so that the user's mouth is not injured. During the heating and cooling process, the central member 235, or strap 123, if present, may be used to hold the call 10. When the body is appropriately softened, it is pressed against the roof of the user's mouth, with its front edge facing forward. This causes the outer portion 15 of the body 14 to be pressed downward into a shape which comfortably fits the hard palate of the user's mouth. An example of a call 10 molded into shape is shown in FIG. 6. When the body 14 cools, because of its thermoplastic properties, it retains this shape. The call 10 may then be used repeatedly. If a food-grade material is used, it may be cleaned so as to avoid unpleasant appearance and odor and prevent transmission of disease. If the call 10 is too large or an inappropriate shape for the user's mouth, the body 14 may be trimmed or cut down in size before or after the molding steps described above.

[0068] To use the call 10, it is placed in the mouth against and held supralingually, i.e. above the tongue, with the cutout 24 facing outwardly towards the teeth. Known techniques are then used to pass air is across an exposed surface of the diaphragm 16 for generating an audible oscillation.

[0069] It is noted that the call 10 may also be manufactured with the body 14 having a shape with bent-down edges suitable to fit in the user's mouth as shown in FIG. 6, for example using the injection molding process described above. While not resulting in a custom fit as described above, this would eliminate the need to mold the call 10 to the user's mouth.

[0070] A game call and a method for its manufacture is described above. Various details of the invention may be changed without departing from its scope. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention and the best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation—the invention being defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A game call, comprising:

a body having an outer thermoplastic portion, the body sized and shaped for being molded to the hard palate of the mouth while in a heated, moldable state and thereafter positioned and held supralingually in the mouth during use, the body having a cutout formed therein for facing outwardly towards the teeth when the body is positioned in the mouth; and

a flexible diaphragm positioned in the cutout under a predetermined tension and in a plane wherein inhaled and exhaled air passes across an exposed surface of the diaphragm for generating an audible oscillation.

2. The game call of claim 1 further including a frame carried by the body, said frame having an open end onto which said diaphragm is mounted.

3. the game call of claim 1 wherein said body comprises first and second blanks which are placed on opposite sides of said diaphragm so as to trap said diaphragm therebetween.

4. The game call of claim 1 wherein said body comprises a single blank having a central opening formed therethrough, said blank being folded along a central fold line so as to define said cutout and first and second halves which trap said diaphragm therebetween.

5. The game call of claim 1 wherein said body comprises a vinyl acetate copolymer.

6. A game call, comprising:

a body having an outer deformable portion, said body sized and shaped for being received in the hard palate of the mouth and held supralingually in the mouth during use, said body having a cutout formed therein for facing outwardly towards the teeth when the body is positioned in the mouth; and

a flexible diaphragm positioned in the cutout under a predetermined tension and in a plane wherein inhaled and exhaled air passes across an exposed surface of the diaphragm for generating an audible oscillation.

7. The game call of claim 6 further including a frame carried by the body, said frame having an open side onto which said diaphragm is mounted.

8. A method of making a game call having a thermoplastic body sized and shaped for being molded to the hard palate of the mouth, said body including a cutout which receives a flexible diaphragm therein, said method comprising:

providing a flexible diaphragm;

providing a blank of thermoplastic material having first and second halves disposed on opposite sides of a central fold line, and an opening formed through the center thereof;

placing said diaphragm on said first half of said blank so that said diaphragm overlies said opening;

folding said second half of said blank over said diaphragm and said first half such that said diaphragm is trapped between said first and second halves; and

bonding said first and second halves to each other.

9. The method of making a game call of claim 8 wherein said first and second halves are bonded to each other with an adhesive.

10. The method of making a game call of claim 8 wherein said first and second halves are bonded to each other by applying heat and pressure to said halves.

11. The method of making a game call of claim 8 wherein said blank further includes a central member extending between opposite edges of said opening along said fold line.

12. The method of making a game call of claim 8 further comprising removing said central member after bonding said halves to each other.

13. The method of making a game call of claim 8 wherein said thermoplastic material comprises a vinyl acetate copolymer.

14. The method of making a game call of claim 8 wherein said diaphragm is mounted in an open-ended frame which is received by said body.

15. A method of making a game call having a thermoplastic body sized and shaped for being molded to the hard palate of the mouth, said body including a cutout which receives a flexible diaphragm therein, said method comprising:

providing a flexible diaphragm;

providing a first blank of thermoplastic material having a cutout formed in a front edge thereof;

providing a second blank of thermoplastic material having a cutout formed in a front edge thereof;

placing said diaphragm on said first blank so that said insert overlies said cutout;

placing said second blank over said diaphragm and said first half such that said diaphragm is trapped between said first and second blanks; and

bonding said first and second blanks to each other.

16. The method of making a game call of claim 15 wherein said first and second blanks are bonded to each other with an adhesive.

17. The method of making a game call of claim 15 wherein said first and second blanks are bonded to each other by applying heat and pressure to said blanks.

18. The method of making a game call of claim 15 wherein said thermoplastic material comprises a vinyl acetate copolymer.

19. The method of making a game call of claim 16 wherein said diaphragm is mounted in an open-ended frame which is received by said body.

20. A method of making a game call having a thermoplastic body sized and shaped for being molded to the hard palate of the mouth, said body including a cutout which receives a flexible diaphragm therein, said method comprising:

providing a flexible diaphragm;

providing a blank of thermoplastic material, said blank including:

a first half having a front edge with a cutout formed therein and a spaced-apart rear edge;

a second half having a front edge with a cutout formed therein and a spaced-apart rear edge; and

a strap connecting said rear edges of said first and second halves;

placing said diaphragm on said first half so that said diaphragm overlies said cutout;

folding said strap and positioning said second blank over said diaphragm and said first half such that said diaphragm is trapped between said first and second halves; and

bonding said first and second halves to each other.

21. The method of making a game call of claim 20 wherein said first and second halves are bonded to each other with an adhesive.

22. The method of making a game call of claim 20 wherein said first and second halves are bonded to each other by applying heat and pressure to said halves.

23. The method of making a game call of claim 20 wherein said thermoplastic material comprises a vinyl acetate copolymer.

24. The method of making a game call of claim 20 wherein said diaphragm is mounted in an open-ended frame which is received by said body.

25. A method of making a game call having a thermoplastic body sized and shaped for being molded to the hard palate of the mouth, said body including a cutout which receives a flexible diaphragm therein, said method comprising:

molding a body of thermoplastic material having a front edge with a cutout formed therein and a spaced-apart, curved rear edge;

disposing a flexible diaphragm in said cutout; and

bonding said diaphragm to said body.

26. The method of making a game call of claim 25 wherein said diaphragm is bonded to said body with an adhesive.

27. The method of making a game call of claim 25 wherein said diaphragm is bonded to said body by applying heat and pressure to said body.

28. The method of making a game call of claim 25 wherein said thermoplastic material comprises a vinyl acetate copolymer.

29. The method of making a game call of claim 25 wherein said body is injection molded.

30. The method of making a game call of claim 25 wherein said diaphragm is mounted in an open-ended frame which is received by said body.

31. A method of making a game call, comprising:

providing a flexible diaphragm; and

molding a body of thermoplastic material which captures said diaphragm, said body having a front edge including a cutout which leaves said diaphragm exposed for vibration in response to moving air, and a spaced-apart, curved rear edge.

32. The method of making a game call of claim 31 wherein said thermoplastic material comprises a vinyl acetate copolymer.

33. The method of making a game call of claim 31 wherein said body is injection molded.

34. The method of making a game call of claim 31 wherein said diaphragm is mounted in an open-ended frame which is received by said body.

35. A method of fitting a game call to a user's mouth, comprising:

providing a game call comprising:

a body having an outer thermoplastic portion, said body having a cutout formed therein for facing outwardly towards the teeth when the body is positioned in the mouth; and

a flexible diaphragm positioned in the cutout under a predetermined tension and in a plane wherein inhaled and exhaled air passes across an exposed surface of the diaphragm for generating an audible oscillation;

heating at least said body to a working temperature at which said material is moldable;

placing said call in said mouth while said body is at said working temperature so that said outer portion is formed into a molded shape conforming to the hard palate of the mouth; and

cooling said body such that said outer portion remains in said molded shape.

36. The method of fitting a game call of claim 35 wherein said game call further includes a frame carried by said body, said frame having an open side onto which said diaphragm is mounted.