Waterfowl call display

Abstract

A selectable display system for use with various fowl water calls is disclosed. The selectable display system allows the user to select and modify the display system to engage with different waterfowl call devices, having different sized ends and or different display orientations with an insert pin having an inner hollow end which engages with a standard sized fixed pin engaged with the display board. The creation and use of a database containing waterfowl call manufacturers barrel and insert sizes to record and organize Bar-Ins™ pin sizes for most waterfowl calls enables proper pin selection, production and distribution per the customer's request. A kit having a number of Bar-Ins™ pins, having a plurality of diameters and heights therein for engagement with a plurality of waterfowl calls may also be assembled to allow selection of a Bar-Ins™ pin for best display of the waterfowl calls.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority from provisional utility patent application No. 60,775,083 filed Feb. 20, 2006 and incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a selectable display system for use with various waterfowl calls. More specifically, the selectable display system allows the user to select and modify the display system to engage with different waterfowl call devices, having different sized ends and or different display orientations through use of a novel barrel insert pin system.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

No federal funds were used to develop or create the invention disclosed and described in the patent application.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various waterfowl calls have long been utilized by those skilled in the art as an aid, for example, to duck and goose hunters. Some examples of prior art waterfowl call devices are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 742,680; 2,518,616; 2,711,614; 2,729,025; 2,969,611; 3,054,216; 3,466,794 and 3,802,120. Other U.S. Pat. Nos. of general interest with respect to the subject matter of this invention include U.S. Pat. Nos. 853,148; 2,096,872; 3,208,161; 3,487,741; 4,207,703 and 6,413,139. The foregoing patents are incorporated by reference herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION—BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates one example of waterfowl call displays of the prior art.

FIG. 2 illustrates another example of waterfowl call displays of the prior art.

FIG. 3 highlights the pegs of the prior art for engagement with the waterfowl calls.

FIG. 4 illustrates a single Bar-ins™ pin engaged with a fixed diameter display pin.

FIG. 5A shows multiple waterfowl calls with Bar-Ins™ pins disassembled.

FIG. 5B shows a plurality of assembled Bar-Ins™ pins engaged with waterfowl calls.

FIG. 6 shows a finished display case with only the fixed diameter pins shown.

FIG. 7 shows a finished display case implementing the Bar-ins™ pins.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary waterfowl call available in the market and for use with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION—ELEMENT LISTING

Element Description         Element Number
Display                     1
Fixed Diameter Display Pins 2
Bar-Ins ™ Pin               3
Waterfowl Call              4
Waterfowl Call Insert End   5
Inner wall of Insert End    6
Outer wall of Insert End    7
Waterfowl Call Barrel End   8
Inner wall of Barrel End    9
Outer wall of Barrel End    10
Waterfowl Call Graphics     11

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In overview, the present invention provides for a display system which allows for engagement with, and display of, multiple waterfowl calls through use of a bar-ins pin. Waterfowl calls are also known as a “duck” or “goose” calls. For brevity, the call will be called a “waterfowl call.” Waterfowl calls have been used to lure ducks and geese since the beginning of hunting these elusive migratory birds. Throughout the years, hundreds of hunters as well as artists have designed, built, and sold millions of waterfowl calls. These calls come in a multitude of shapes, colors and sizes as well as being made from numerous materials.

Typically, waterfowl calls have two ends. The first end is called the barrel. The opposite end of the call is called the insert. As produced today, waterfowl calls are part science, part technology and part art. Variations in the diameter and or length of the barrel end in combination with variations in the diameter and or length of the insert end of the waterfowl call in combination with different reeds, produce variations in the sound produced by the waterfowl call. Because different sounds attract different waterfowl, in different regions or seasons, a single hunter may collect hundreds of waterfowl calls to best accomplish his goal of attracting waterfowl through use of a waterfowl call. Typically the production of a waterfowl call involves craftsmanship that is not only functional, but aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Accordingly, a waterfowl hunter with a large collection of waterfowl calls has need to display his or her collection of waterfowl calls for his or her own personal enjoyment as well as those that may share an interest in hobby. This interest has been further increased through marketing wherein the waterfowl call has a unique, interesting or visually stimulating logo. Those that craft waterfowl calls as well as those who own waterfowl calls, therefore take great pride in the display of a waterfowl call collection. The waterfowl call display may be equated to the duck hunter's jewelry box.

The function of a waterfowl call is first to generate sounds to attract waterfowl. The end sound to be produced by waterfowl call many times will then dictate the final form of the waterfowl call. Accordingly, because form follows function, a waterfowl call producer is less worried about the display of the waterfowl call display than how it sounds. Thus, there is no standard end or size chosen for which to engage the waterfowl call with the display.

FIG. 1 illustrates one example of waterfowl call displays of the prior art. Typically these display systems have a fixed display pin attached to the display board (A). The display peg (B), which engages with the inside wall of either end of the waterfowl call (which are defined below as the insert end 5 and the barrel end 8; shown in detail at FIG. 8), is chosen to fit either end of an average size waterfowl call. The display pin many times is simply a dowel pin or a machined round wooden plug. Many times the dowel pin or wooden plug is fixed to the display board. As shown at FIG. 2, the peg (B) of the prior art has been removed from the display board (A) to show the drilled hole (C) in which the peg (B) is to be inserted.

FIG. 3 illustrates another version of the prior art display systems and boards, wherein the pegs have a different shape and larger diameter than the display shown at FIG. 1. Neither system allows for selection or modification of pin or peg size for custom or different sized waterfowl calls having different internal diameters or dimensions. The large variation in waterfowl designs and display orientations combined with the prior art teaching only a single fixed diameter peg or pin for engagement with the waterfowl call limits proper display of waterfowl calls as particularly related to adjacent arrangement and proper orientation of unique and varied waterfowl call designs.

FIG. 4 illustrates a single bar-ins™ pin 3 engaged with a fixed diameter pin 2. The bar-ins™ pin 3 and fixed diameter board pin 2 may be manufactured from a number of materials including plastic, aluminum and wood. In the preferred embodiment, both parts are manufactured from Delrin™ plastic which is strong, rigid and easily machined.

FIG. 5A illustrates a simple embodiment of a display 1 implementing Bar-Ins™ pins 3 having different heights and diameters for engagement with waterfowl calls 4 that may be interchanged to allow any waterfowl call 4 to be displayed side by side with a simple change of the Bar-Ins™ pin 3. As shown in FIG. 5A, the Bar-Ins™ pin 3 may be engaged or disengaged from the fixed diameter pins 2 which are inserted in the display 1. Because the Bar-Ins pin 3 may be produced in an assortment of outer diameters and heights for inserted engagement with the fixed diameter pins 2, the fixed diameter pins 2 and Bar-Ins pins 3 are one possible embodiment of a fixed diameter means and a variable diameter means, respectively, that may be used with the display as recited in the claims.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the Bar-Ins™ pin 3 may be engaged or disengaged from the fixed diameter board pins 2 which are inserted in the display board 1. Although the generally vertical orientation and display of the waterfowl calls is preferred by collectors and enthusiasts, the present disclosure is not so limited and the display surface may be of a vertical or horizontal orientation. The display as shown is one possible embodiment of a display means that may be used with the bar-ins pins as recited in the claims.

FIG. 5B illustrates how the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A can be engaged with the fixed diameter board pins 2. As shown, the display board 1 implementing Bar-Ins™ pins 3 having different heights and diameters for engagement with waterfowl calls 4 that may be interchanged to allow any waterfowl call 4 to be displayed side by side with the simple change of the Bar-Ins™ pin 3.

FIG. 6 shows a finished display case 1 with only the fixed diameter pins 2 shown. FIG. 7 shows a finished display case implementing the Bar-Ins™ pins 3.

FIG. 8 better illustrates a single finished waterfowl call 4 having a first end 5 and a second end 8. The first end (insert) 5 of the waterfowl call 4 is essentially composed of an outer wall surface 7 surrounding a hollow air inlet chamber having an inner wall surface 6. The second end of the waterfowl call may be referred to as the barrel end 8 and is essentially composed of an outer wall surface 10 surrounding a hollow sound chamber having an inner barrel wall surface 9. It is preferred by waterfowl call owners that the waterfowl call 4 be displayed with waterfowl call graphic 11 orientated so the graphic may be read by admirers. The present invention allows selection of a Bar-Ins pin 3 which may be inserted into either the insert or barrel end, 5 and 8, respectively, of the waterfowl call 4 thereby always allowing the waterfowl call 4 to be properly orientated with the waterfowl graphic 11 readable during display.

Although not shown, it is contemplated within this disclosure and as part of this invention the creation and use of a database containing waterfowl call manufacturers barrel and insert sizes to record and organize Bar-Ins™ pin sizes for most waterfowl calls 4, and will enable proper pin selection, production and distribution per the customer's request. Furthermore, this invention may be practiced by selling a waterfowl call display case having fixed display pins 2 fixed therein along with a kit having a number of Bar-Ins™ pins, having a plurality of diameters and heights therein for engagement with a plurality of waterfowl calls 4. The customer may choose a Bar-Ins™ pin kit that is best for the waterfowl calls, which the customer may currently possess or be about to purchase.

While there is shown and described herein certain specific structures embodying the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown and described except insofar as indicated by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A waterfowl call display apparatus comprising:

a. a display having a horizontal display surface;

b. a plurality of fixed diameter board pins engaged with said horizontal display surface of said display;

c. at least one bar-ins pin having a first end sized for coupled engagement with at least one of said fixed diameter board pins and wherein said second end of said bar-ins pin is sized for coupled engagement with a waterfowl call.

2. The waterfowl call display according to claim 1 wherein said second end of said bar-ins pin is sized for coupled engagement with the insert end of a waterfowl call for display of said waterfowl call.

3. The waterfowl call display according to claim 1 wherein said second end of said bar-ins pin is sized for coupled engagement with the barrel end of a waterfowl call for display of said waterfowl call.

4. The waterfowl call display according to claim 1 wherein the diameters of said barrel end and said insert end of said waterfowl call are not equal.

5. The waterfowl call display according to claim 1 wherein said fixed diameter pin may be decoupled from said waterfowl call display.

6. The waterfowl call display according to claim 1 wherein a plurality of waterfowl calls may be displayed.

7. The waterfowl call display according to claim 6 wherein the barrel end of a first waterfowl call is engaged with a first bar-ins pin adjacent a second waterfowl call wherein the insert end of said second waterfowl call is engaged with a second bar-ins pin.

8. The waterfowl call display according to claim 6 wherein the barrel end of a first waterfowl call is engaged with a first bar-ins pin adjacent a second waterfowl call wherein the barrel end of said second waterfowl call is engaged with a second bar-ins pin.

9. The waterfowl call display according to claim 1 wherein the outer diameter of the second end of said bar-ins pin is selected from a database associating the internal diameter of the barrel end of said waterfowl call with the associated manufacturer of said waterfowl call.

10. The waterfowl call display according to claim 1 wherein the outer diameter of the second end of said bar-ins pin is selected from a database associating the internal diameter of the insert end of said waterfowl call with the associated manufacturer of said waterfowl call.

11. The waterfowl call display according to claim 1 wherein said bar-ins pin is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, Delrin™ plastic, aluminum, steel, wood and combinations thereof.

12. A waterfowl call display means comprising:

a. a display means having a display surface;

b. a plurality of fixed diameter board means engaged with said display surface of said display means;

c. at least one variable diameter means having a first end sized for coupled engagement with at least one of said fixed diameter board means and wherein said second end of said variable diameter means is sized for coupled engagement with a waterfowl call.

13. The waterfowl call display means according to claim 12 wherein said second end of said variable diameter means are sized for coupled engagement with a waterfowl call for proper orientation and display of said waterfowl call.

14. The waterfowl call display means according to claim 12 wherein said second end of said variable diameter means are sized for coupled engagement with the insert end of a waterfowl call for display of said waterfowl call.

15. The waterfowl call display means according to claim 12 wherein said the size of the second end of said variable diameter means is selected to allow coupled engagement with the barrel end of a waterfowl call for display of said waterfowl call.

16. The waterfowl call display means according to claim 12 wherein the diameters of said barrel end and said insert end of said waterfowl call are not equal.

17. The waterfowl call display means according to claim 13 wherein the diameters of said barrel end and said insert end of said waterfowl call are not equal.

18. The waterfowl call display means according to claim 12 wherein said fixed diameter pin means may be decoupled from said waterfowl call display.

19. The waterfowl call display means according to claim 12 wherein a plurality of waterfowl calls may be displayed.

20. The waterfowl call display means according to claim 19 wherein the barrel end of a first waterfowl call is engaged with a first variable diameter means adjacent a second waterfowl call wherein the insert end of said second waterfowl call is engaged with a second variable diameter means.

21. The waterfowl call display means according to claim 17 wherein the barrel end of a first waterfowl call is engaged with a variable diameter means adjacent a second waterfowl call wherein the barrel end of said second waterfowl call is engaged with a second variable diameter means.

22. The waterfowl call display according to claim 12 wherein the external dimensions of the second end of said variable diameter means are selected from a database associating the internal dimensions of the barrel end of said waterfowl call with the associated manufacturer of said waterfowl call.

23. The waterfowl call display according to claim 12 wherein the external dimensions of the second end of said variable diameter means bar-ins pin are selected from a database associating the internal dimensions of the insert end, the internal dimensions of the barrel end and or the proper orientation of said waterfowl call with the associated manufacturer of said waterfowl call.

24. A combination of cooperating elements offered as a kit for displaying waterfowl calls comprising:

a. a waterfowl call display case having fixed diameter pins coupled therein;

b. a plurality of Bar-Ins™ pins, said Bar-Ins™ pins having a plurality of diameters and heights therein for engagement with a plurality of waterfowl calls which when coupled to said fixed diameter pins allow for proper orientation and display of said waterfowl calls.

25. The combination of cooperating elements offered as a kit for displaying waterfowl calls according to claim 23 wherein the exterior size of said bar-ins pins is determined from a database associating the internal dimensions of the insert end, the barrel end and or the proper orientation of said waterfowl call with the associated manufacturer of said waterfowl call.