Decoys Patents (Class 43/2)
  • Publication number: 20090272020
    Abstract: A floating water tight mechanical waterfowl decoy that produces a bobbing motion at the surface of the water for creating a radiating ripple pattern and a motion which also mimics a courtship behavior, both of which are effective lures for attracting waterfowl to a desired location. The waterfowl decoy includes a buoyant waterproof body to which an electric vertically reciprocating linear motion drivetrain is mounted to the bottom surface in the general head region that drives a disc shaped plunger positioned generally horizontally below the body surface. The waterfowl decoy further includes a waterproof magazine, also mounted to the bottom surface of the body generally in the posterior region behind the drivetrain, for containment of a timing/receiver circuit that controls the drivetrain and is in signal communication with a remote transmitter that functions as an ON/OFF switch. The waterfowl decoy is powered by a rechargeable battery pack also located in the magazine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventor: Robert G. Bill
  • Publication number: 20090260273
    Abstract: A motion-type predator decoy for attracting coyotes, wild dogs and other pest or nuisance predators for use in ranching, farming, recreation land management, public safety and sporting fields. The decoy has a support base for placement during use on an environmental surface. The base includes a downwardly disposed surface contact end of a predetermined lateral dimension and an upwardly disposed support end of a predetermined lateral dimension. The decoy also has a driven decoy mechanism connected to the support end of the base. The decoy mechanism includes an actuator and a flexible decoy member. The actuator generates vibrations and the decoy mechanism undergoes random longitudinal, radial and lateral movement components with respect to the base. A method of using the decoy is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventor: Jay Rogers
  • Publication number: 20090260274
    Abstract: A decoy system for use in hunting. The system includes a central base with a motor which moves a rotating member of the base. Several arms of a predetermined length are connected to the rotating member of the base, and satellite decoy elements are connected to outer ends of the arms. A central decoy element is optionally connected to the center of the rotating member. The decoy members may be birds, for example doves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventor: Jay Rogers
  • Publication number: 20090249678
    Abstract: The decoy structure is formed of a central upper spine and lateral ribs, with a support rod resiliently attached to the approximate midpoint of the spine. The lower end of the support rod has a weighted base. A removable flexible cover is patterned to resemble the object game, and is open at the bottom. This allows the ribs to be curled inwardly toward one another with their distal ends and lower portions of the cover overlapping to reduce the structure diameter for compact storage. The support rod swings rearwardly through the open bottom of the structure, allowing the decoy to be stored in a small diameter tube. The decoy is quickly deployed by withdrawing it from its tube and tossing it to the desired location. The weighted base deploys downwardly, with aerodynamic drag holding the body above the base as it lands to orient the decoy properly in the field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventor: Joseph S. Arnold
  • Publication number: 20090235571
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a motor, a traverse support beam, a first support rod, and a second support rod. The motor is operative to rotate an axle. The traverse support beam is rotationally coupled to this axle and has a first end and a second end. The first support rod is coupled to the first end of the traverse support beam and is adapted to support a first decoy. Finally, the second support rod is coupled to the second end of the traverse support beam and is adapted to support a second decoy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventors: Richard A. Wyant, Gaetano Magarelli
  • Publication number: 20090229163
    Abstract: A flying bird replica comprising a body and a pair of wing members. The body is elongated having a configuration resembling that of a bird body. The body has a top surface, two sides, and a transverse slot extending between the sides. The wing members are interconnected by a flexible cord disposed in the slot below the top surface of the body. The cord is tensioned for urging the wing members together such that the wing members are held in a fixed position relative to the body. A horizontal support rod holds the body and wing members in a realistic orientation and permits tilting of the body and wings about the support rod to resemble a bird in flight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Ron Latschaw
  • Publication number: 20090229164
    Abstract: A bird-shaped decoy is supported on a swivel that is supported on a tubular component which allows the decoy to rotate. A bird-shaped decoy is mounted on a first swivel and a second swivel is mounted on a tubular component. An offset support rod connects the two swivels allowing the decoy to simultaneously orbit or rotate. The tubular component mounted swivel can have multiple support rods mounted thereon each extending to a swivel that supports a bird-shaped decoy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Gerald R. Bradley
  • Publication number: 20090188148
    Abstract: An autonomous decoy device is disclosed. The autonomous decoy comprises a decoy shell, a propulsion system, the propulsion system, a steering apparatus, a receiver, a memory, and a microcontroller. The decoy shell has a form resembling an animal in life size or near life size proportions. The propulsion system is adapted to move the decoy device in or on a desired medium and the steering apparatus is adapted to control the direction of movement of the decoy device. The receiver is adapted to receive an electromagnetic signal and determine a relative strength of the signal. The memory is adapted to store at least one instruction set. The microcontroller is adapted to control the propulsion system and the steering apparatus based on the at least one instruction set and the relative strength of the signal. Various autonomous routines and methods of use are further described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventors: Justin Orris, Benjamen Butcher, Fred A. Marconi, JR.
  • Patent number: 7562487
    Abstract: A decoy mounting and movement system for mounting a hollow animal species decoy and for simulating life-like movement of the animal species between a rest position and a vertically pivoted position which simulates feeding by the animal species having a decoy mounting stake formed of an elongate upper stake section and an elongate lower stake section interconnected via an elongate vertical return spring capable of bending along its length to create an angle between the upper and lower stake sections, the upper stake section dimensioned for insertion into the hollow of the decoy through an opening in its underside in communication with the hollow of the decoy, wherein the fulcrum for vertical pivoting of the decoy is positioned at the lower end of the upper stake section and the ratio D?/D is less than 0.25, wherein D? is the distance between the underside of the decoy and the fulcrum for vertical pivoting, and D is the length of the upper stake section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas A. Barr
  • Publication number: 20090165353
    Abstract: A decoy has a body and a stand to support the body. In one embodiment, the stand has a least three legs which pivot between extended and collapsed positions, wherein a retainer structure releasably retains the legs in the extended positions. In another embodiment, the decoy includes an interconnect for securing the stand to the body. The interconnect snaps into connection with the body. In one embodiment, the interconnect has a pair of circumferential openings retaining the stand along the body during shipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: John Brian Priest, Gregory Gustav Ladehoff
  • Patent number: 7549248
    Abstract: An animal decoy is provided that is easy to assemble for field use and easy to transport. The animal decoy has three panels assembled to one another to extend outward at approximately equal angles from a central point. Each panel has a cutout in the body area in which a flexible link suspends a tail to be freely moved by a breeze. The panels are assembled by resilient straps to be folded for transport and storage and quickly unfolded for field use. A realistic decoy of the rear of an animal is seen when viewed from any angle, with a tail that moves in natural fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventor: Michael A. Luster
  • Patent number: 7536823
    Abstract: A flying bird decoy for attracting wildlife wherein flying bird decoys may be supported on each end of one or more rotatable rods or arms, with wings that selectively fold and flap up and down in life-like, actual flying, landing and take-off movements. The bird decoys simulate foraging, predatory or waterfowl birds and in one embodiment a pair of the bird decoys are mounted on the ends of a rod or arm(s) rotatably mounted on a pole or stake support, using throat mounts. In another embodiment the bird decoys are secured to the ends of the arm(s) at the head without the use of throat mounts, for flying in a circle on the arm(s) to attract the wildlife. In a further embodiment one or both of the bird decoys are configured to simulate one of the above bird groups and fly to generate rotation of the arm(s), with one wing folded and the other flapping to simulate injury or distress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Inventor: George W. Brint
  • Publication number: 20090107025
    Abstract: A device for attracting animals by simulating food on the ground or water is disclosed. The device comprises at least one simulated corn kernel that is arranged to look like a pile of corn kernels and an attachment means fixed on at least one end of said simulated corn kernel. A pile of simulated corn kernels linked together by an attachment means to form a continuous strand of any desired length. The attachment means are selected from a group consisting of hooks and eyes, loops, push and pull type links or any other means of suitable connection. In one embodiment, a hole of said simulated corn kernel is adapted to receive the attachment means thereby forming a continuous row of simulated corn kernels of any desired length. In another embodiment, a string connects the simulated corn kernel to form a strand of simulated corn kernels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Richard Bolton
  • Publication number: 20090107026
    Abstract: A decoy comprising: a base member; a hub having a groove along a longitudinal plane of the hub into which a quill end of at least one feather(s) is inserted; and a support operably coupled to the base and to the hub. A decoy, comprising: a distribution means for distributing a tail feather array having a groove along a longitudinal plane of the distribution means into which a quill end of at least one feather(s) is replaceably or permanently inserted; and a reciprocating deployment means for reciprocally deploying the distribution means in positions from about 90 degrees to about 0 degrees with respect to the ground. A method of attracting an adult male turkey, comprising: displaying a decoy characterized by a tail feather array, wherein the tail feathers of a central portion of the array are longer than the tail feathers in a remaining portion of the array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Richard A. Wyant
  • Publication number: 20090084017
    Abstract: An animal decoy is provided. The decoy comprises a body having an outer wall defining an inflatable inner chamber and a platform having a fluid passage therein and at least one nozzle disposed thereon. The at least one nozzle is in fluid communication with the fluid passage. The body is releasably attached to fee at least one nozzle to place the inflatable inner chamber in fluid communication with the fluid passage. A means for inflating the body is secured to the platform and is in fluid communication with the fluid passage to provide inflation fluid to the fluid passage. The inflation means is actuated remotely to supply inflation fluid to the fluid passage and inflatable inner chamber to inflate the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventor: John L. Hershberger
  • Publication number: 20090077856
    Abstract: An anchor system including a tether attached to a floating decoy at a first end and a weight mounted on the tether and freely slidable to a position substantially adjacent to the floating decoy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: Matthew F. Cagle
  • Patent number: 7493723
    Abstract: A decoy apparatus adapted for spontaneous and continuous movement in response to the wind and other external stimuli, the decoy apparatus includes a body and a head, the body includes an upper torso aperture aligned with a lower torso, and an open front end having at least one body slot. An end of the head includes at least one pivot connector designed to releaseably connect with one of the at least one body slots. The end of the head further includes a counterweight sized and positioned to balance the head with the body. The decoy further includes a support stake that is received through the upper torso aperture, passes through the body of the decoy, and extends through the lower torso aperture. A lower end of the stake defines a shovel portion that in application, is received in the ground surface. An upper end of the stake includes a slot used as an attachment point for a body harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Inventor: Keith A. Hess
  • Publication number: 20090007479
    Abstract: The present invention includes a decoy stake designed to support and impart motion to an animal decoy. The stake is preferably removably attached to a decoy and is controlled directly by a human observer through a simple mechanism such as a string, wire, or filament coupled to a rotatable mechanism contained within the stake. Preferably, the rotation mechanism is biased so that it returns to a determined rotational position when no force is applied by the operator. The invention further provides a method of attracting an animal using a manually rotatable decoy stake. The method includes attaching a decoy to the rotatable stake, placing the stake and attached decoy in a location where it is likely to be observed by the animal, and manually rotating the stake from a concealed location to impart rotational movement to the decoy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: Gabriel P. Jerome, SR.
  • Publication number: 20080295381
    Abstract: A decoy mounting and movement system for mounting a hollow animal species decoy and for simulating life-like movement of the animal species between a rest position and a vertically pivoted position which simulates feeding by the animal species having a decoy mounting stake formed of an elongate upper stake section and an elongate lower stake section interconnected via an elongate vertical return spring capable of bending along its length to create an angle between the upper and lower stake sections, the upper stake section dimensioned for insertion into the hollow of the decoy through an opening in its underside in communication with the hollow of the decoy, wherein the fulcrum for vertical pivoting of the decoy is positioned at the lower end of the upper stake section and the ratio D?/D is less than 0.25, wherein D? is the distance between the underside of the decoy and the fulcrum for vertical pivoting, and D is the length of the upper stake section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas A. Barr
  • Patent number: 7441366
    Abstract: A container decoy apparatus (10) for storing items and attracting wild game. The container decoy apparatus (10) includes at least two portions, when closed form a three-dimensional animal shape. The portions are combined by a hinge means (14) for opening and closing the container decoy apparatus (10). The portions are controllably coupled (13), when coupled the container decoy (10) becomes a decoy for attracting wild game and is also used for storing items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Inventors: Richard D. Van Houten, II, Gary J. Van Houten
  • Patent number: 7441365
    Abstract: A game attracting apparatus comprises a pole, a flag and an actuator. The pole has a lower end and a top end displaced from the lower end. The flag includes a tip, a mounting location, an outer side and an underside. The flag is configured to resemble the shape and color of a deer's tail when viewed from the underside and is mounted at the mounting location to the pole at a location above the lower end. The actuator is coupled to the flag adjacent the tip of the flag. The flag, pole and actuator are configured to induce the flag to hang from the pole with the tip downward so that the outer side is presented toward a desired direction when the actuator is not actuated and so that, during actuation of the actuator, the tip of the flag moves upwardly so that the underside of the flag is presented toward the desired direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Inventors: Larry Thomas Brunner, Rae Jean Brunner
  • Publication number: 20080256838
    Abstract: A floating decoy adapter for land use includes an attachment plate, a vertical support plate and a base section. The attachment plate extends substantially perpendicular from one end of the vertical support and the base section extends substantially perpendicular from the other end of the vertical support. The attachment plate includes a retention slot. The retention slot is sized to receive a projection extending along a length of a floating decoy. The base section preferably includes a portion having the substantial appearance of two webbed feet. At least one spike is inserted through the base section and into the ground to retain the floating decoy in an upright position. The floating decoy adapter is preferably fabricated of a flexible material, such that when the wind blows, the floating decoy will pivot relative to a support surface. However, the floating decoy adapter may also be fabricated from an inflexible material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Yves Fanfelle
  • Patent number: 7438873
    Abstract: A scent lure is configured as a reusable container with two separate compartments, one for a scent wick and one for a disposable heating element. The compartments are separated by a common dividing wall and are independently accessible for ease of use. The separate compartments allow the heating element to be removed and/or replaced without contact with the scent wick and vice versa. Preferably, the heating compartment has vents to facilitate continued activation of a heating element during use. The vents are preferably configured to provide a chimney effect that creates a heated air flow over the sent wick for enhancing the lure's effectiveness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Warmkraft, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald C. Saxon, Jeremiah Parker, Mark Mattox
  • Publication number: 20080216382
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for attracting animals. In one aspect, there is provided a wind driven device, such as a decoy for animals, such as waterfowl, birds, humans, and the like. The device may include a support pole; a hanging rod coupled to the support pole; and a blade coupled to a swivel mechanism. The swivel mechanism is further coupled to the hanging rod. The blade is attached to the swivel mechanism and shaped to move to attract one or more animals when the blade moves in response to wind. Related apparatus and methods are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: Donald H. Rohrke
  • Publication number: 20080216381
    Abstract: A decoy comprising: a base member; a hub having a groove along a longitudinal plane of the hub into which a quill end of at least one feather(s) is inserted; and a support operably coupled to the base and to the hub. A decoy, comprising: a distribution means for distributing a tail feather array having a groove along a longitudinal plane of the distribution means into which a quill end of at least one feather(s) is replaceably or permanently inserted; and a reciprocating deployment means for reciprocally deploying the distribution means in positions from about 90° to about 0° with respect to the ground. A method of attracting an adult male turkey, comprising: displaying a decoy characterized by a tail feather array, wherein the tail feathers of a central portion of the array are longer than the tail feathers in a remaining portion of the array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: Richard A. Wyant
  • Publication number: 20080209792
    Abstract: A device to provide waddle and feeding movement for a decoy may include a stake member to support the device and an arm member connected to the stake member to limit the movement of the decoy. The decoy may rotate in response to wind, and an interior of the decoy may cooperate with the arm member to limit the movement of the decoy. The device may include a top sleeve member to cover a portion of the stake member and the top sleeve member may be decorated to mimic the decoy. The device may include a stabilizing member to limit the vertical movement of the decoy but not prevent realistic vertical feeding motion. The stabilizing member may rotate to provide waddle movement for the decoy. The stabilizing member may be a disk, and the arm member may include an arm stabilizing sleeve member. The arm stabilizing sleeve member may be formed from flexible material, or the arm stabilizing sleeve member may be formed from a cushioning material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Watlov
  • Publication number: 20080172920
    Abstract: A device and coupling for producing erratic, random motion in decoys to attract wildlife, which device includes an erratic motion-generating device characterized by an electric motor that causes a flexible arm extending from the motor to move in an erratic, random motion and facilitate lifelike movement of a decoy body mounted on the flexible arm by means of a typically tubular coupling. Various decoy bodies or “shells”, including goose, turkey and duck decoy shells, are adapted for mounting on hollow tubes and inserts of various length fitted on the flexible arm to facilitate the desired erratic and random motion of the decoy shells. The erratic motion device can be constructed and programmed to produce a wide variety of erratic, random and unpredictable movement in the removable decoy shells for attracting the wildlife.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: George W. Brint, Paul H. Comerford
  • Publication number: 20080172921
    Abstract: A waterfowl decoy apparatus for simulating waves and ripples of water used to attract waterfowls, wherein the apparatus comprises of a transparent flexible member, neutrally buoyant, with undulating orbital curvatures. In addition, the apparatus is adapted to be operatively connected to a waterfowl replica decoy in its deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Steven Gregory Wabnitz
  • Publication number: 20080163537
    Abstract: A container decoy apparatus (10) for storing items and attracting wild game. The container decoy apparatus (10) includes at least two portions, when closed form a three-dimensional animal shape. The portions are combined by a hinge means (14) for opening and closing the container decoy apparatus (10). The portions are controllably coupled (13), when coupled the container decoy (10) becomes a decoy for attracting wild game and is also used for storing items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: Richard D. Van Houten, Gary J. Van Houten
  • Patent number: 7389606
    Abstract: The hunting decoy includes first and second panels, each panel having an image formed on front and rear surfaces thereof to simulate an animal. Each of the first and second panels includes a pair of head portions, a main body portion, and a pair of legs. The first panel has a first slot formed therein, which extends from a top edge of the main body portion downward to a central region of the first main body portion. The second panel has a second slot formed therein, which extends from a bottom edge of the main body portion upward to a central region of the second main body portion. The first panel is releasably joined to the second panel at their respective slots and, preferably, the first panel is positioned substantially orthogonal to the second panel to form a freestanding cruciform decoy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: J. Douglas McLeod
  • Publication number: 20080115399
    Abstract: A waterfowl feeding decoy having a body mounted to a motor, and a box member that includes a pivotally attached top member such that opening the top member allows access to a chamber disposed within the box member, and closing the top member forms a watertight seal between the top member and the box member. A power source is disposed in the chamber, and electrical wires extend from the power source up through an aperture and are electrically connected to the motor. The box member serves as a watertight storage means for the power source and further serves as an anchor for anchoring the decoy at a selected location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: Chris F. Walker
  • Publication number: 20080104879
    Abstract: Stick-on Bait is disclosed. The bait is configured to be applied to submerged portions of a boat hull where swimming fish in the vicinity can view them. The bait includes a flexible substrate and a fish-attracting design on its outer side. The back side includes a water-proof adhesive material. The bait is shaped like a small fish in two dimensions. The outer surface may further have a metallic film providing a kaleidoscopic pattern therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventor: Douglass A. Poppe
  • Publication number: 20080092427
    Abstract: A flying bird decoy for attracting wildlife wherein flying bird decoys may be supported on each end of one or more rotatable rods or arms, with wings that selectively fold and flap up and down in life-like, actual flying, landing and take-off movements. The bird decoys simulate foraging, predatory or waterfowl birds and in one embodiment a pair of the bird decoys are mounted on the ends of a rod or arm(s) rotatably mounted on a pole or stake support, using throat mounts. In another embodiment the bird decoys are secured to the ends of the arm(s) at the head without the use of throat mounts, for flying in a circle on the arm(s) to attract the wildlife. In a further embodiment one or both of the bird decoys are configured to simulate one of the above bird groups and fly to generate rotation of the arm(s), with one wing folded and the other flapping to simulate injury or distress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: George W. Brint
  • Publication number: 20080092428
    Abstract: An owl, simulated animal and bird decoy for attracting wildlife, and particularly predators, crows and other predatory animals and birds, which decoy is characterized in a first embodiment by a simulated owl adapted for mounting on a stake, post or support inserted in the ground or on a tree limb, with a mechanical bird extending downwardly from the owl's talons. The mechanical bird is typically provided with movable, folding wings mounted on hinged wing mounts to facilitate extending one or both of the wings outwardly, and in folded configuration inwardly of the body, wherein the wings flap and/or vibrate by means of a battery-operated electric motor in the extended and/or folded configuration to simulate distress. In another embodiment the mechanical bird may be attached to or suspended from a tree limb with one or both of the wings extended or folded to simulate distress in the decoy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: George W. Brint
  • Publication number: 20080078113
    Abstract: An animated wildfowl decoy in the shape of a turkey having two internal servo motors to provide a reciprocal vertical motion to the head and a fanning motion to the tail feathers. The decoy has an internal power supply and a radio frequency receiver to respond to inputs from a radio frequency transmitter. A further embodiment of the animated wildfowl decoy consists of a self contained, partially encapsulated turkey tail feather assembly adaptable for use with a variety of wildfowl decoys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventor: Arthur Denny
  • Patent number: 7322226
    Abstract: A teaser apparatus for fishing includes a flat, transparent, substantially horizontally oriented, plastic sheet having a leading edge, a trailing edge, a top surface and an underside. A primary spreader bar is attached to the leading edge of the sheet. A secondary, spreader bar is attached at or near the trailing edge of the sheet. If the secondary spreader bar is attached near the trailing edge, optionally a tertiary spreader bar may be attached at the trailing edge to aid in the floatation of the entire sheet. A plurality of three-dimensional, imitation fish is attached either on a top surface or to an underside of the sheet and is made of flexible rubber. The spreader bars are made of clear plastic and may be cylindrical tubes with cross sections which may be L-shaped, circular, oval-shaped or triangular. End caps with finger grips seal opposite ends of the cylindrical tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: Peter Michael Rathgeb
  • Publication number: 20080010892
    Abstract: The Field Decoy System is a way of making motion in a hunter's field decoys without wind or with or without the use of motors to move the decoys. This motion system can move decoys even on windless days. A hunter needs just to pull the activation cord that is connected to all the decoy stakes. As the activation or activation cords are moved and stretch the bungee cord, the decoys rotate on the stake in a rotary motion. This rotary motion imitates the side-to-side wobbling movement of birds on the move, while feeding in a field. This style of motion will make wary game birds more apt to land by them believing that the decoys are real feeding birds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventor: Patricia Kay Goebel
  • Publication number: 20070251134
    Abstract: The hunting decoy includes first and second panels, each panel having an image formed on front and rear surfaces thereof to simulate an animal. Each of the first and second panels includes a pair of head portions, a main body portion, and a pair of legs. The first panel has a first slot formed therein, which extends from a top edge of the main body portion downward to a central region of the first main body portion. The second panel has a second slot formed therein, which extends from a bottom edge of the main body portion upward to a central region of the second main body portion. The first panel is releasably joined to the second panel at their respective slots and, preferably, the first panel is positioned substantially orthogonal to the second panel to form a freestanding cruciform decoy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Inventor: J. Douglas McLeod
  • Patent number: 7287352
    Abstract: A decoy for use during hunting. Two decoy portions overlap and together depict a turkey or other animal. A member is attached to a stand and is pivotally connected to at least one of the portions in a manner to effect movement of the one portion relative to the other portion between different positions such as an upright position and a feeding position for a turkey.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventor: Richard C. Kirby
  • Patent number: 7272905
    Abstract: A first turkey decoy and a second turkey decoy are provided. A motion imparting assembly includes a first motor. The first motor reciprocates the first turkey decoy between up and down positions. The motion imparting assembly also includes a second motor. The second motor reciprocates the first and second turkey decoy between left and right positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventor: Albert E. Horton
  • Patent number: 7272906
    Abstract: A bird decoy is disclosed comprising a body having an upper body member, a lower body member and a pair of wings. The wing members are releasably coupled to the decoy using a flexible mounting assembly that allows the wings to move independently with, and in response to, the wind. The decoy is imprinted with the feather patterns and colorings of a selected species and sex of bird. A stand is removably coupled to the decoy so that the body may move slightly in response to the wind. Accordingly, the decoy mimics the realistic appearance and movement of a select species and sex of bird while remaining both durable and collapsible for easy transport and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas R. Spaulding, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20070180754
    Abstract: An apparatus for imparting motion to a decoy such as, for example, a bird decoy is disclosed and includes a frame positionable on the ground and an upwardly extending support structure having a first end connected to the frame and a second end configured for attachment to the underbelly region of the decoy. In one embodiment, the frame defines a circle lying in a plane surface, and the support structure comprises a first member that extends a first length inward from the frame toward the center of the circle and a second member that extends a second length away from the plane surface at substantially a right angle. Back and forth or circular movement of the decoy occurs in response to wind imparting a force on the decoy, with the frequency and amplitude of movement of the decoy being adjustable through adjustment of the lengths of the first and second members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Inventors: Scott Neeley, Garrett Woolsey
  • Publication number: 20070180755
    Abstract: An apparatus for imparting motion to a decoy such as, for example, a bird decoy is disclosed and includes a frame positionable on the ground, a pivot-post secured to the frame and a plate pivotally connected to the pivot-post. First and second plate-support members are positioned adjacent the pivot-post, and constrain the plate to move in fore and aft tilting and pivoting directions, allowing the decoy to move in a three-dimensional like manner. A rotary drive mechanism is eccentrically coupled to a pin-member extending from the plate and serves to drive the plate and, hence, the decoy in the tilting and pivoting manner of movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Inventors: Scott Neeley, Garrett Woolsey
  • Patent number: 7231737
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a gaming decoy device for use, for example, with hunting wild turkey. The device includes a slide which is moveably mounted to a keeper. When the slide moves relative to the keeper, tail feathers are moved back and forth from a prone position to an upright position. The feathers may be moved to and from any position between the prone and upright positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventor: James Bradford
  • Patent number: 7137221
    Abstract: A spinning decoy device for use by hunters to attract birds, such as ducks and geese, has at least one decoy deployed in an elevated position, and a motorized system for spinning the decoy(s) so as to attract the birds. The motorized system, in a preferred embodiment, spins the decoy(s) in a circular motion. To further add realism to the device, the wings of each decoy are rotatable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Cabela's Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Highby, Ronald D. Nelson, Gregg V. Severinson
  • Patent number: 7134235
    Abstract: A fishing device includes a pliable sheeting material with one or more fish shaped decals adhered to the surface of the sheeting material and at least one line attachment that attaches a fishing line or fishing leader to the sheeting material. The sheeting material may be of various shapes and sizes. The fished shaped decals adhered to the sheeting material may include a plurality of decals of various sizes and shapes. The fish shaped decals may be holograms. The fish shaped decals may also be interchangeable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Inventor: R. Harold Gifford
  • Patent number: 7131230
    Abstract: Game bird decoy having movable wings that exhibit a lifelike simulation of a game bird in flight. The invention also comprises a kit that can be assembled to form a game bird decoy and a method for using the kit and decoy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventor: Richard L. Gilsdorf
  • Patent number: 7124532
    Abstract: An inflatable decoy having a main body portion, a connected head portion, a connected rear portion and at least two depending leg portions. A supporting stand is used to support the decoy system and includes a pair of rods which are hingedly mounted to an elongate bracket member so that the rods can hingedly extend outwardly from the elongate bracket member. A strap is mounted to the elongate bracket member and is sized to be positioned around the main body portion of the inflatable decoy. A connector is included for releasably securing the two free ends of the strap together once the strap is positioned around the main body portion of the inflatable decoy. The leg portions of the inflatable decoy are positioned on a ground surface and the pair of rods are swung outwardly with the distal ends of the rods positioned to rest on the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventor: Paul D. Ellis
  • Patent number: 7086193
    Abstract: A highly portable, motorized deer decoy uses a head motor to rotate the head of the decoy approximately 125 degrees, simulating the movement of the head of a live deer. The head and front torso of the deer decoy each have plates attached. The head plate can be attached or removed from a middle plate. The head motor is attached to the lower plate and rotates the middle plate. The head portion and legs of the deer decoy may be completely detached from the body. The detachability of the head and legs provides a compact and highly mobile deer decoy that may be readily transported, assembled and operated. The decoy also has another bleat motor that enables the hunter to simulate the bleating of a deer in the woods. The movement of the deer's head and the operation of the bleating device may be remotely controlled by a hand-held remotely controlled signaling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventor: Christopher M. Hurst
  • Patent number: 7082710
    Abstract: A decoy support system for providing animation to existing conventional decoys. The decoy support system includes a housing, a motor, and a mounting bracket pivotally attached to the housing for supporting a decoy in a movable manner. The mounting bracket is mechanically connected to the motor for pivoting the mounting bracket with respect to the housing. The housing is attachable in various positions such as the ground, trees and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventor: Marty L. Jorgenson