Duck Patents (Class 43/3)
  • Patent number: 10292380
    Abstract: Global Positioning System or location based decoy system that automatically controls the navigation of a decoy based on real-time location and desired/selected pattern information. They system can include a decoy with a propulsion system and steering system and an interface to a smart phone running a remote control app. The remote control app can be used to control the navigation of the decoy in view of the location information received from the GPS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Inventor: M. Frank DeLoach, III
  • Patent number: 10278383
    Abstract: A waterfowl decoy stand has an elongated base, a buoyant material attached to the top of the elongated base, and one or more studs attached to the top of the elongated base. The elongated base has a top, a bottom, a first elongated portion having a first end, and a second elongated portion having a second end. An angle formed by the first elongated portion and the second elongated portion is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees. The one or more studs extend above the buoyant material for removably retaining a waterfowl decoy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Inventor: Dennis Loosier
  • Patent number: 10258030
    Abstract: Systems and methods for anchoring a decoy are disclosed. A decoy anchor system has a floating decoy and a tether. The decoy anchor system has a first fastener attached to the floating decoy and a second fastener movably coupled to the tether. The second fastener is configured to couple to the first fastener. The tether has a portion extending downwardly from the floating decoy. The portion is initially of a first length. The portion of the tether is operable to change to a different length when the second fastener is not coupled to the first fastener and is not operable to change to the different length when the second fastener is coupled to the first fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Inventor: Kenneth Shane Leonard
  • Patent number: 10231448
    Abstract: A waterfowl decoy comprises a body having a head portion and a body portion. A motor is coupled to a bottom of the body portion. An elongate rigid member has a first end coupled to the shaft of the motor and a second end coupled to a mass. The elongate member is movable by the shaft of the motor between a first position and a second position. The mass is sufficient to counterbalance the buoyancy of the body to cause the armature to remain substantially vertical in a body of water when the shaft of the motor is rotated causing the head portion of the body to be submerged in the body of water when the mass is pivoted toward the head portion and causing the head portion to raise out of the water when the mass is pivoted away from the head portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Inventor: David M. Hanson
  • Patent number: 10226040
    Abstract: A decoy comprising: (a) an anchor device comprising: (i) a crank; (ii) a spool connected to the crank; and (iii) a locking member located proximate to the spool, wherein a gap separates the spool and the locking member and the gap in a locked position is sufficiently small so that the spool is prevented from rotating and the gap in a deployment position is sufficiently large so that the spool free rotates; (b) an anchor, and (c) an anchor line connecting the anchor to the spool so that the spool in the locked position assists in retracting the anchor and in the deployment position allows the anchor to deploy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Inventor: Shane Kubinec
  • Patent number: 10219511
    Abstract: A decoy collapsible base and frame that floats just below the surface of a body of water. A plurality of fowl shaped bodies defining duck decoys that float are detachably connected to the frame by tether lines. The tether lines are connected to a cam and a tether anchor moveably mounted on the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Inventors: Chris A. Bullerdick, Brett M. Jones
  • Patent number: 10219509
    Abstract: The 3-in-1 Foldable Avian Decoy eliminates the need for multiple types of single purpose avian decoys. The decoy can be used in environments that include, but are not limited to land, ice, and water, hunting blind covers. The foldable design allows for ease of use when moving and storing the stated invention. The presented invention is a foldable avian decoy that capable of full-body decoy from, a half-body form, or floating decoy form. The 3-in-1 Foldable Avian Decoy consist of a flexible body and stand or conversion piece at any one time. The decoy is fully expanded and the stand is added for use as a full-body decoy. The decoy anterior is concaved and the conversion piece is inserted to form a half-body decoy or a floating decoy in the preferred method of floating decoy form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Inventor: Aaron Emil Koenck
  • Patent number: 10194653
    Abstract: A waterfowl decoy having oscillating wings includes an oscillation mechanism having an anchor plate fixedly disposed in the interior cavity of a waterfowl decoy body, first and second wing gears pivotally attached to the surface of the anchor plate, the wing gears intermeshed such that pivoting movement of one causes corresponding counter-pivoting movement in the other, a drive wheel and link for reciprocally pivoting the first wing gear within a defined arc, and a pair of wings attached to the wing gears and extending outwardly from the decoy body, such that reciprocating movement of the wing gears causes the wings to oscillate in a motion resembling that of the flapping wings of a bird in flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: The Clone, LLC
    Inventors: Ron Latschaw, Dean A. Klein
  • Patent number: 10194654
    Abstract: A waterfowl decoy comprises a body having a head portion and a body portion. A motor is coupled to a bottom of the body portion. An elongate rigid member has a first end coupled to the shaft of the motor and a second end coupled to a mass. The elongate member is movable by the shaft of the motor between a first position and a second position. The mass is sufficient to counterbalance the buoyancy of the body to cause the armature to remain substantially vertical in a body of water when the shaft of the motor is rotated causing the head portion of the body to be submerged in the body of water when the mass is pivoted toward the head portion and causing the head portion to raise out of the water when the mass is pivoted away from the head portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Inventor: David M. Hanson
  • Patent number: 10172346
    Abstract: A waterfowl decoy apparatus provides simulated head pumping movement of a bird's head in an up and down vertical path defined by a cam support and cam follower rod. A cam follower rod with flat base is inserted into a holed frame which sits on an off center cam. The cam supports the decoy head positioned on the cam follower rod, and a small battery operated motive device moves the off center cam in circular direction. This cam mechanism causes the decoy head to move in an up and down vertical motion. In addition an alternative method for decoy head to move in a vertical path is defined by a “level wind” mechanism having a channel guide mounted for traversing a reversible groove shaft by means of a follower as the shaft is rotated. The device is mounted and enclosed inside a hollow duck decoy with a detachable back to access internal components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Inventor: Todd B. Fobian
  • Patent number: 10111417
    Abstract: A waterfowl decoy deployment system includes a hub subsystem. The hub subsystem includes a casing defining a plurality of apertures therein. The hub subsystem also includes a plurality of arm suspension mechanisms. Each aperture of is configured to receive one arm suspension mechanism. Each arm suspension mechanism includes a biasing device inserted into one aperture, a collet coupled to the biasing device, and a collet nut coupled to the collet. The hub subsystem also includes a plurality of arms extending radially outward from the casing. Each arm is coupled to one arm suspension mechanism. The waterfowl decoy deployment system also includes a plurality of waterfowl decoys. At least one waterfowl decoy is coupled to each arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: QUICKCOYS OUTDOOR PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventor: Keith Beauchamp
  • Patent number: 10045524
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a bird-scaring device. The bird-scaring device simulates a predatory bird in flight. The bird-scaring device is comprised of an upper body segment, a lower body segment, a middle body segment with a pair of wings, a positioning element, a positioning element mount and an upper fastening element and a lower fastening element for the slidable positioning of the bird-scaring device. The bird-scaring device may have unexpected and unpredictable motion as it slides between the upper and lower fastening element, sways with the positioning element and pivots on the positioning element mount. The wings may project laterally from the middle segment of the body and also may move in the wind to simulate the natural flying motion of a bird. In this way, the bird-scaring device may generate unpredictable, realistic predator bird motion to dispel pest birds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Inventor: Arnold Nofziger
  • Patent number: 10010069
    Abstract: A bird motion simulator decoy system uses a pulley system supported by a plurality of stanchions and driven by a motor to create a continuous, circuitous loop of moving decoys attached to a pulley belt. The stanchions each have a pulley support arm connected extending from a central shaft, to which at least one pulley is connected. The pulley belt is engaged with each of the pulleys. The stanchions are either affixed into the ground by a ground anchor or to a tree by ratchet straps. A plurality of decoy attachments is affixed to the pulley belt, and as the motor drives the pulley, the decoy attachments move in a continual loop, simulating bird motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Inventor: Billy Mitchell Denson
  • Patent number: 9961893
    Abstract: A collapsible animal decoy preferably includes a support frame and a flexible animal cover. The support frame preferably includes a pair of support rings, a pair of scissors extensions, a neck extension, and a pair of detachable legs. Each support ring includes a pair of T-connectors, a pair perimeter strips and a support tube. Each scissors extension preferably includes at least two scissors members. One end of the scissors extension is secured to the first support ring and the other end is secured to the second support ring. One end of the neck extension is pivotally retained on the support tube of the first support ring. Each detachable leg preferably includes a first leg section, a second leg section and an elastic string. The flexible animal cover includes a graphic of some animal, such as a deer formed on an exterior thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Inventors: Theodore R. Schumacher, Daniel S. Schumacher
  • Patent number: 9943074
    Abstract: A novel and improved flexible and pivoting mounting system and an on/off tail switch for a spinning wing decoy is disclosed to thereby provide a spinning wing decoy capable of imitating the lifelike movement of a bird in takeoff, sustained flight and landing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventors: Stanley James Balgaard, Andrew James Balgaard
  • Patent number: 9872489
    Abstract: A decoy with selectively deployable keel for positioning at or near the surface of a body of water comprising: an at least partially buoyant structure wherein the at least partially buoyant structure at least partially resembles the shape of an animal, and at least one selectively deployable keel component which is attachable to said at least partially buoyant structure. In one or more embodiments, the at least partially buoyant structure comprises a waterfowl decoy body with a head and neck region, a midsection, an aft, and a bottom surface with a cavity, and the at least one selectively deployable keel component is attached to the bottom surface so as to be deployable when the added stability of a keel component is desired and retractable when not desired, such as for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Huntwise, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles L. Smart
  • Patent number: 9832988
    Abstract: A device for spreading fowl decoys on the surface of a body of water. A hub sits below the surface is removably coupleable with up to four arm arrangements. Arm arrangements are jointed, allowing hub and arm arrangements to sit below the surface of the water while decoys float on surface. Hub is connected to an anchor on the bottom of the body of water, and can be displaced horizontally with a pull cord. Cords in the arm arrangements allow for near-random motion of attached decoys, simulating a swimming motion of fowl. Hub can be displaced vertically with a pull cord, causing the decoys to dip head first into the water, simulating a feeding motion of water fowl. Hubs can be combined by coupling arm arrangements from each hub. When displaced horizontally in the water, hubs not attached to the pull cord move semi-randomly, creating more random motion in decoys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Motion Ducks, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin Hardebeck, Tom Hardebeck
  • Patent number: 9826731
    Abstract: A decoy system comprises a decoy, a ground support comprising a ground engaging portion and an upstanding post, and a flexible line coupled to the decoy so as to vertically move the decoy along the upstanding post in response to being pulled. In another implementation, a decoy support for supporting a wild fowl decoy includes a ground support comprising a ground engaging portion and an upstanding post. A rotatable decoy support member is rotatably connected to the ground support and to be fixed to the decoy. The rotatable support member is rotatable about a vertical axis and comprises a lever radially extending from the vertical axis. First and second flexible lines are coupled to the lever and are guided by first and second line guides such that alternate pulling of the first and second flexible members rotate the rotatable decoy support member and the decoy in alternate directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Inventor: Samuel D. Cagle
  • Patent number: 9814229
    Abstract: Swimming decoy assemblies include a motor, at least one decoy actuating arm drivingly engaged for rotation by the motor and at least one decoy attached to the decoy actuating arm. Swimming decoy systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Inventors: Ernest B. Flake, Jr., Larry L. Flake
  • Patent number: 9801368
    Abstract: A decoy device is constructed of a lightweight foam material formed as a planar decoy blank. The decoy body is easily foldable from a flat configuration to a buoyant three-dimensional decoy. The decoy body is releasably secured in the three-dimensional condition via an attachment means. A double-headed element is included having a male gender at one end and a female gender at an opposing end thereof. The body and double-headed element include opposing sides, each adorned with markings such that they resemble a particular wild game species, including gender, desired for exposed representation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Inventor: Robert P Lawton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9795130
    Abstract: A waterfowl decoy apparatus comprising a vertical shaft, a hinging mechanism that is movable between a deployed position and a closed position mechanically connected to the vertical shaft, a windsock support structural member having a first end pivotally connected to the hinging mechanism and a windsock slidably connected to the windsock support structural member. When the hinging mechanism is in the deployed position, the windsock support structural member and the windsock is perpendicular to the vertical shaft. When the hinging mechanism is in the closed position, the windsock support structural member and windsock is parallel to the vertical shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Christopher Holste
  • Patent number: 9756847
    Abstract: A decoy actuating apparatus includes a decoy line actuating mechanism having a mechanism housing and a mechanism housing interior in the mechanism housing. A catch pin track is in the mechanism housing and communicates with the mechanism housing interior. The catch pin track has a line engaging track portion and a line disengaging track portion. A catch pin plate is disposed for rotation in the mechanism housing interior of the mechanism housing. A plate drive motor drivingly engages the catch pin plate for rotation. A catch pin slot is in the catch pin plate. An actuating line space is between the catch pin plate and the mechanism housing. A catch pin is disposed for sliding displacement in the catch pin slot of the catch pin plate and interfaces with the catch pin track. The catch pin is deployed in a line catching position and protrudes into the actuating line space when engaging the line engaging track portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Inventor: Ted M. Williams
  • Patent number: 9717235
    Abstract: An integrated duck decoy, anchor, and retrieval system. Decoy line passes through a vertical cavity in the decoy body, with an anchor attached to the end of decoy line emerging from the bottom of the decoy. The end of decoy line emerging from the top of the decoy terminates in a loop attached to a stopper, which prevents the loop from entering the decoy body. The decoy may be removed from the water by means of the loop. When the decoy line is pulled from the loop end, the anchor will become recessed into the bottom of the decoy body, facilitating easy storage and avoiding tangled anchors and lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: Steven Hiser Funderburg
  • Patent number: 9714816
    Abstract: A target and/or sign which is light weight, sturdy and easy to use may include a main body and a base configured for coupling to the main body. The base may include a main portion with two sides coupled to it. A coupling slit may be formed in each of the two sides. The sign may include two coupling locations formed in the main body. The coupling slits on the base are configured for receiving the two coupling locations on the main body. Embodiments of a target system may include a main body. At least one coupling location may be formed in the main body. The target system may also include a base. The base may include at least one coupling slit configured to receive the at least one coupling location. An extension piece may be placed between the base and the main body in the target and/or sign.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Freedom Standalone, LLC
    Inventor: Dorian Temple
  • Patent number: 9700036
    Abstract: A duck decoy device with a hollow body joined to a base with an interior u-shaped housing. An insert has a platform capable of partial disassembly. The platform has a left half and a right half that are selectively divisible. The platform also has a front platform and a rear platform that are pivotal and divisible. A collar selectively joins the left half to the right half. A spool with line is removably contained between a pair of stilted arches, one of each stilted arch disposed on each of the left half and the right half. The stilted arches are selectively disposed within the u-shaped housing. A weight with surrounding shell is selectively held and alternately released from the insert, and is fastened to the insert via the line. The insert provides for the decoy to be serviceable and to have various parts repaired and replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Inventors: Justin P. Chatelain, Kirk Juneau
  • Patent number: 9700037
    Abstract: A duck decoy device with a hollow duck decoy body joined to a base having a housing thereon, and an insert having selectively separable and pivotable front and rear platforms and selectively separable left and right halves. A spool for holding a line is removably disposed between stilted arches on the left and right halves. A disc, on the spool proximal the right half stilted arch, has notched teeth along an entire outer perimeter thereof. A hook is forwardly disposed on a parallelepiped central shaft on the rear platform and engages one of the notched teeth to arrest spool spinning. A solid metal weight within the entire shell is selectively held and alternately released from the insert, and is fastened to the insert via the line. The insert and the separability of the right and left halves and the front and rear platforms permit servicing and replacement of various parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Inventors: Justin P. Chatelain, Kirk Juneau
  • Patent number: 9681657
    Abstract: A decoy comprising: (a) an anchor device comprising: (i) a crank; (ii) a spool connected to the crank; and (iii) a locking member located proximate to the spool, wherein a gap separates the spool and the locking member and the gap in a locked position is sufficiently small so that the spool is prevented from rotating and the gap in a deployment position is sufficiently large so that the spool free rotates; (b) an anchor; and (c) an anchor line connecting the anchor to the spool so that the spool in the locked position assists in retracting the anchor and in the deployment position allows the anchor to deploy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Inventor: Shane Kubinec
  • Patent number: 9668469
    Abstract: A system and method for providing floating decoys is described. The system includes a mechanism for moving tethered decoys in a motion that mimics the natural movement of floating waterfowl. The mechanism includes a motor that moves one end of the tether in a circular, or approximately circular motion along the surface of the water. The decoys then move back and forth on the surface of the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Inventor: Dario Leventini
  • Patent number: 9661841
    Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of mechanical assemblies or systems that may be used to create or provide various motions in animal decoys, such as in a decoy of a duck, goose, turkey, deer, dove, crow, coyote, among other types of birds, mammals, etc. For example, a mechanical assembly or system disclosed herein may be used to create or provide sweeping (e.g., rotation left-to-right and right-to-left, etc.) motions and/or peck (e.g., pivoting up-and-down, etc.) feeding motions for wild bird decoys (e.g., ducks, geese, dove, crow, drake, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Motion Madness Decoys, LLC
    Inventor: Randall Robert Gunn
  • Patent number: 9661840
    Abstract: An apparatus for attracting animals includes a rotating carousel on a base. A bearing attached to the base supports a rotating shaft. A rotating upper plate is attached to an upper end of the shaft. One or more curved members extend outward from the upper plate and each supports at least one decoy. Placement of the decoys at varying elevations and at varying distances away from a center provides a more realistic presentation and also helps provide unequal force in the wind, which along with use of the bearing, promotes rotation of the carousel in even a light breeze, thereby eliminating the need for a motor. A rotating battery is preferably included. The battery allows for integral wiring and the use of solar panels, which provide the additional benefit of acting as turbine blades to increase a rotational force, thereby allowing the carousel to rotate in lighter wind/breeze conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Inventor: Joseph Anthony Brain
  • Patent number: 9648868
    Abstract: A decoy motion device for removably supporting and moving a decoy back and forth about a longitudinal axis of the device. The decoy motion device includes a stand; a motion actuating assembly removably mounted upon the stand; and a pivotable elongate support member in operable communication with the motion actuating assembly and adapted to support and pivot a decoy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Inventors: Steven Joseph Donnay, Kevin Ervin Meier, Jeffrey Roger Reiter
  • Patent number: 9635850
    Abstract: Floating devices which may contain a floating body, a stabilizer pivotally attached to the floating body at a pivot axis, a protruding portion of the floating body extending away from the pivot axis, a buoyancy cavity, and an air pump are disclosed herein. Such floating devices may undergo stabilized pneumatic pitching and have features such as a stabilizer that rotates freely with respect to the floating body along the pivot axis, a buoyancy cavity that is in fluid communication with the air pump, and buoyancy cavity that has an alternating displacement volume that is sufficient to cause the floating body to rotate greater than 35 degrees with respect to the stabilizer upon application of a continuous supply of air from the air pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: Brett Bourlet
  • Patent number: 9615569
    Abstract: This application belongs to the field of methods of forming animal decoys for outdoor usage. The decoys include a main body, which is made of ethylene vinyl acetate material and is collapsible. The main body is made from two sheets of ethylene vinyl acetate material with edges which are attached to each other. At the bottom of the main body, there is a hole to allow air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: White Rock Decoys, LLC
    Inventor: Lirong Cheng
  • Patent number: 9609860
    Abstract: A clandestine anchored floating apparatus includes a shaped waterfowl decoy having a hollow body defining an interior area and a keel coupled to a bottom of the body. An anchor assembly is positioned in the interior area of the body that includes a rotatably mounted reel and an elongate anchor line rotatably wound on the reel, the reel configured to selectively pay out or reel in the anchor line relative to the reel. The anchor assembly includes an anchor weight coupled to a distal end of the anchor line. The anchor assembly includes a motor electrically connected to a battery and operatively coupled to the reel, the motor configured to actuate the reel to pay out or reel in the anchor line relative to the reel when energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Inventor: Alan Slaughter
  • Patent number: 9572339
    Abstract: A decoy trolling apparatus includes a frame assembly floatable on a water surface, a plurality of decoys connected to the frame assembly and floatable on the water surface, a trolling assembly rigidly connected to a first location of the frame assembly, and an anchor assembly rotatably connected to a second location of the frame assembly and anchored to a ground surface below the water surface. The second location is opposed to the first location. The trolling assembly drives the frame assembly in a generally circular motion about the anchor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Roy Dicken
  • Patent number: 9532565
    Abstract: A waterfowl hunting decoy device that can be configured for use on water or dry land. The waterfowl hunting decoy device has a buoyant body resembling a waterfowl and includes a keel on an underside surface thereof for stabilizing the decoy device while in water. The decoy device further includes a leg support having a base member resembling the underside of a waterfowl, wherein the base member can removably receive the body therein. Further, a foot member is tethered to the body and can be removably secured to the leg support in order to stabilize the decoy device on dry land. The foot member also serves as an anchor when the decoy device is used in the water. Thus, the present invention provides a decoy that can be configured to resemble a waterfowl standing on dry land or floating on water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventors: Bryan Anson, Kevin James
  • Patent number: 9482252
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for mounting hunting decoys, bird deterrents, trail cameras, and the like to support surfaces. Also disclosed is a mounting device having a mating surface for receiving a hunting decoy therein, the mating surface being operationally configured to allow rotation of the hunting decoy about the mounting device up to about 360 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Michael A. Olien
  • Patent number: 9414583
    Abstract: A waterfowl decoy continuous motion system is provided. A self-propelled floating decoy is tethered to a submerged line supported below the surface of a body of water by stakes driven into the water bottom. The decoy has a skeg attached to the bottom of the decoy. The skeg is positioned at an angle offset from a longitudinal axis extending along the length of the body of the decoy. The tether is slidably attached to the submerged line, and a swivel located on the tether allows the decoy to rotate freely. The decoy is guided by the line as it moves across the surface of the water. When the tether reaches a stopper near each end of the line, the decoy makes a 180-degree turn in an arcing path and then travels in the opposite direction. The decoy repeats this process in a continuous loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Inventors: Kyle Allen Burton, Wesley Alan Goodman
  • Patent number: 9402387
    Abstract: A waterfowl decoy motion system comprises a self-propelled floating decoy tethered to a submerged line supported below the surface of a body of water by stakes driven into the water bottom. A thruster is attached to the bottom of the decoy such that the direction of propulsion is offset from a longitudinal axis extending along the length of the decoy by an angle of at least one degree. The tether is slidably attached to the submerged line, and a swivel located on the tether allows the decoy to rotate freely. The decoy is guided by the line as it moves across the surface of the water. When the tether reaches a stopper near each end of the line, the offset propulsion angle causes the decoy to turn in an arcing path, turn around, and travel in the opposite direction. The decoy repeats this process in a continuous loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Inventors: Wesley Alan Goodman, Kyle Allen Burton
  • Patent number: 9386765
    Abstract: A reeled string duck decoy that provides an internally removable string reel via a gasketed removable panel, a decoy sealed against water invasion, a decoy that allows floatation height adjustment via an aperture with plug, allowing addition and subtraction of a material, a decoy that provides selective and varied attachment of a weight to the keel, and a decoy that provides a choice of either the head end facing winds and currents or having the tail end facing winds and currents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventors: Justin P. Chatelain, Kirk Juneau
  • Patent number: 9265246
    Abstract: An animated duck decoy including a decoy base, and a shell removably connected to the base. The shell defining a chamber. An upper bracket attached to an upper surface of the chamber, a tail member connected to an end of a horizontal rod that outwardly extends from a rear of the shell, and an opposite end of the rod connected to a torsion spring, the torsion spring also connected to the upper bracket, the rod further defining an open end. A lower bracket attached to a top surface of the base. The lower bracket having a motor attached thereto, the motor having a drive shaft extending vertically upward from the lower bracket, and the drive shaft having a hub fixed at the top end thereof. The hub having a horizontal arm including a first elastomeric bumper affixed at one end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Inventors: Vincent Thomas, Frank Eiter
  • Patent number: 9185903
    Abstract: An anchor for use with a buoyant decoy used in hunting has a hollow anchor housing configured for detachable engagement with the buoyant decoy, the hollow housing having an anchor head portion, a ballasted and ballastible anchor shaft portion and a hook portion unitary connected to the anchor shaft portion. A reel assembly with a spool of an anchor line is positioned in the anchor housing. The spool is rotated by a detachable crank handle to rewind the anchor line into the housing. A spring-operated release plunger is positioned within a bore formed in the head portion. When the plunger is depressed, the anchor line can be extended and/or retrieved. A hook on a free end of the anchor line allows detachable securing of the anchor housing to the keel of the decoy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Inventor: Carlo Paternostro
  • Patent number: 9149033
    Abstract: A camouflage covering which has a surface coating composition which is a metamer of a natural object from an environment of an animal, such as plant life or soil, as perceived by the vision system of the animal, which is created by completing the steps of creating a mathematical model of the vision system of the animal, measuring a set of spectral characteristics from the natural object, entering the set of spectral characteristics as an input into the mathematical model, and using an output of the mathematical model to iteratively create the surface coating composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Inventors: Todd A. Pringle, Brian M. Tande
  • Patent number: 9149032
    Abstract: The collapsible waterfowl decoy disclosed herein includes a vertical support and a horizontal support. The horizontal support includes a three-way joint which allows the horizontal support to be disposed on the vertical support through parallel ports in the three-way joint. A pin is disposed within a perpendicular port of the three-way joint. The horizontal support further includes rigid tubing that is inserted into a perpendicular port of the three-way joint. Elastic cordage is disposed around the pin and through the rigid tubing to apply elastic tension between the rigid tubing and the perpendicular port of the three-way joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Inventor: Paul Michael Mettler
  • Patent number: 9101129
    Abstract: A new concept and invention for converting the conventional flying wing decoy into a different species/gender/genome. The system would use a decoy currently on the market and convert the product from the species that it represents to a different species/gender/or genome that the hunter is in pursuit of on that particular hunt. For example, a flying dove decoy can be converted to a duck of several different types, and a flying duck decoy can be converted to a squirrel or other ground dwelling animal. This allows the sportsman to use one single motorized system to create different decoy animals and species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Inventor: Phillip Brooks
  • Patent number: 9101128
    Abstract: An electric decoy apparatus has a base, a motor unit mounted to the base, a support arm extending from the motor unit and a decoy cover on the support arm. The support arm follows a cam that is rotated by a motor in the motor unit. The support arm moves from a first position, to a second position and back to the first position and then to an intermediate third position before returning to the first position. The motor also rotates an eccentric weight which causes the motor unit to move relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher B. Barley, James Brandon Roach
  • Patent number: 9101130
    Abstract: A deer tail decoy has a first triangular-shaped flap folded over a second flap. The inner faces of the first and second flaps comprise a material of a lighter color that contrasts with the outer faces of the first and second flaps. A tell-tale flap is integral with or joined to at least the inner face of the first flap. The decoy is removably mounted to an upright, such as a tree trunk. A pull cord is linked or removably joined at or near the pointed tip at the bottom of the first flap. Tugging motion on the pull cord causes the first flap to pivot upward to expose the inner faces of the first and second flaps and the tell-tale flap. In this open configuration, the deer tail decoy resembles the upward tail of a doe, and the tell-tale flap has loose edges that flutter and may be seen at angles offset from straight on view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Inventor: Stephen A. Orr
  • Patent number: 9084716
    Abstract: An enhanced water fowl decoy comprises a head mechanically coupled to a pivot rod, where the pivot rod slides through a swivel barrel. The pivot rod is mechanically coupled to an anchor. The swivel barrel is mechanically coupled to the body; where the head resembles the head of a water fowl and the body resembles the body of the water fowl. In this manner the anchor coordinates movement of the body independent of turning of the head in order to more realistically replicate natural motion of water fowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Inventor: Robert Bawden
  • Patent number: 9078425
    Abstract: A game decoy is provided with a heat-producing and conducting, surface-activating system to melt frozen precipitation and to dry off any surface moisture for the melted precipitation or rain which may otherwise lie on the surface. Such “wet look” decoys can provide a warning to game animals defeating the designed purpose of the decoy. An anti-icing, anti-moisture coating can be employed as well to discourage ice, snow and moisture from adhering to the surface of the decoy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Fowl Foolers
    Inventor: Charles W Heiges
  • Patent number: 9055737
    Abstract: A life like three-dimensional version of a predatory animal, used to scare off nuisance animals, is disclosed. A three-dimensional animal unit is mounted to a mounting unit which allows for installation in any type of pervious or non-pervious surface. A joint mounting system penetrates through a body cavity of the animal unit which allows for the animal unit to move with minimal air breezes, mimicking real life movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Scare Dogs, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Matzel, Karen Sue Matzel