Duck Patents (Class 43/3)
  • 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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
  • Patent number: 9044006
    Abstract: A game decoy component includes a support member, an anchor, a bearing member, a carrier member, and a flexible member. The support member includes distal and proximal ends. The anchor is connected to the proximal end of the support member. The bearing member is positioned at the distal end of the support member. The carrier member is slidably supported on the support member and configured for attachment to a portion of a game decoy. The flexible member has a first end connected to the carrier member and an opposing second end positioned remote from the carrier member. The flexible member is supported on the bearing member. Applying tension in the flexible member moves the carrier member along the support member to move the portion of the game decoy relative to the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: PRIMOS, INC.
    Inventor: Jeremiah A. O'Neil
  • Patent number: 9038308
    Abstract: The current invention is a motion imparting decoy device that will help individuals to more effectively lure game animals into reasonable range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Kyle Patrick Smith
  • Patent number: 9010013
    Abstract: A hunting decoy that simulates a life-sized herd of deer includes a decoy image element that is supported during use by a support system having a central suspension support and peripheral stabilizing supports. Both the support system and the decoy image element can be collapsed for transport and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Sterling Clark Inc.
    Inventor: Drake S. Smith
  • Patent number: 8997394
    Abstract: A motorized decoy provides lifelike feeding motion by rotating a weighted head through a full 360 degrees. As the head passes the upper apex of rotation, a drive cam located on the drive shaft disengages from a cam located on the decoy head, thereby allowing the head to accelerate and plunge quickly into the water. This action simultaneously causes the rear of the decoy to rotate to a vertical orientation. The head pauses under water until the drive cam re-engages the head cam at the bottom point of the rotation and continues to rotate the head through a channel in the body. This redistribution of weight causes the body to return to a horizontal position. The head rotation continues to the apex and the cycle repeats. This motion also disturbs the surface of the water surrounding the decoy, which can impart motion to adjacent static waterfowl decoys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventors: Tyler J. Baskfield, Dennis L. McKinney
  • Publication number: 20150059228
    Abstract: A decoy for use in game hunting can be enhanced with an attraction device. The attraction device may include a bracket that rotatably supports an s-shaped wing element. The wing element spins within the bracket to provide additional attraction to game, such as ducks. The attraction device may include a mounting flange for mounting to a decoy, such as a duck decoy, through the use of shock cords or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Daniel L. Holmes
  • Publication number: 20150059229
    Abstract: The present invention relates to floating waterfowl decoys featuring a multiplicity of interchangeable multifunction feature keels that allow the user to equip the decoy with various animating, affixing, and retrieving systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Michael D. Miller
  • Patent number: 8959826
    Abstract: A flying decoy assembly that simulates the landing characteristics of waterfowl is provided. The simulated landing characteristics may include, but are not limited to, whiffling, gliding, floating, dipping, and/or flapping motions. The system generally comprises a waterfowl decoy pivotally interconnected to a stand. The decoy system can be used over water or in the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventors: William Dean, Greg Wickard
  • Patent number: 8950103
    Abstract: A decoy collapsible base and frame that floats with a portion thereof immersed in 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. Rotation of the cam connecting to the tether lines pivots opposing duck decoys resulting in a dunking motion of selectively positioned duck decoys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Inventors: Chris A. Bullerdick, Brett M. Jones
  • Patent number: 8931202
    Abstract: A hunting decoy with a body has a guidance fin being both movably positioned and releasably attachable below the body of the decoy. Water contact with the guidance fin permits the decoy to have a lifelike movement. Baffles applied to the guidance fin permit a more lifelike movement for the decoy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Niels
  • Patent number: 8925240
    Abstract: A “full body” turkey decoy having one or more of a movable head, movable neck, or movable tail is controlled remotely by the operator to produce a life-like animation of the decoy. The movable tail raises and lowers and the tail feathers fan out in a display; the movable head bobs to the ground and the movable neck arches and straightens, simulating realistic activity. The movable components of the decoy are controlled remotely by means of one or more pull cords, with movement of the components achieved by the use of springs and counterweights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Mitchell W. Beal
  • Patent number: 8919028
    Abstract: A moving decoy is provided. The decoy is connected to a actuator which causes the decoy to pivot. When positioned on the surface of a body of water, the decoy is capable of mimicking the movements of a live animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Jeffrey Young
  • Patent number: 8893426
    Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and a method for supporting a movable or stationary decoy displayed on a stake for attracting waterfowl where the decoy has a neck portion, a head portion, a body portion, and a stake that protrudes from and may be securely attached to the body portion of the decoy. A tubular receiving member having an internal channel is provided for loosely receiving the stake. The tubular receiving member can be made of black PVC conduit or other suitable materials and has an upper end that is flared to provide an opening that is larger than the internal channel in the tubular receiving member and a lower end that is sealed to prevent water from entering the tubular receiving member. The lower end of the tubular receiving member is adapted to be mounted in the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: William Jaeger
  • Publication number: 20140338249
    Abstract: A realistic looking waterfowl decoy has repositionable head and body portions to enable members of a group of decoys to be placed in a variety of positions to mimic a resting flock of real birds, for example, geese. At least portions of the bodies, as well as the necks and heads, of the decoys can have faux feathers adhered to their surfaces to more accurately simulate real waterfowl. A preferred embodiment of the decoy assembly has oblate spheroid end portions formed on attachment portions of both the legs and a keel member which allow the decoy assembly to be alternatively adapted for use both on land and in the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventor: Charles W. Heiges
  • Publication number: 20140338250
    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: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventor: Dario Leventini
  • Patent number: 8887433
    Abstract: The invention includes a decoy spreader having a central rod with a plurality of arms jointly connected to the central spine. Each arm, and at a plurality of locations on the central rod has at least one decoy attachment location. Preferably, there are at least ten decoy attachment locations. An extender mechanism may be used to help extend the arms or to retract the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventor: Carl L Luttrull
  • Publication number: 20140331542
    Abstract: A waterfowl decoy rigging system comprising a polyvinyl chloride-coated, galvanized steel line material, a waterfowl decoy attached to the line material, and a weighted anchor attached to the line material, and a method of using said waterfowl decoy rigging system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventor: Peter Andrews
  • Publication number: 20140259860
    Abstract: A motorized decoy provides lifelike feeding motion by rotating a weighted head through a full 360 degrees. As the head passes the upper apex of rotation, a drive cam located on the drive shaft disengages from a cam located on the decoy head, thereby allowing the head to accelerate and plunge quickly into the water. This action simultaneously causes the rear of the decoy to rotate to a vertical orientation. The head pauses under water until the drive cam re-engages the head cam at the bottom point of the rotation and continues to rotate the head through a channel in the body. This redistribution of weight causes the body to return to a horizontal position. The head rotation continues to the apex and the cycle repeats. This motion also disturbs the surface of the water surrounding the decoy, which can impart motion to adjacent static waterfowl decoys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Tyler J. Baskfield, Dennis L. McKinney
  • Publication number: 20140245653
    Abstract: A goose flag decoy system simulates flapping wing motion of a goose or other waterfowl, particularly the motion when such goose is landing. A flag pole is pivotably mounted at one end to a base plate that is secured to a ground surface and has a goose flag mounted at or near its opposite end. The flag pole is biased and held in down or grounded position by a stretchable elastic cord tethered at one end to a ground surface and at the other end to the flag pole. A pull cord or string is tethered the flag pole and is directed through one or more eyelets or pulleys. Tugging motion on the pull cord overcomes tension of the stretchable elastic cord and raises the flag pole from its grounded position. Back and forth tugging motion on the pull cord causes the goose flag to move, simulating flapping wing motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventor: Jeff Foster
  • Publication number: 20140223798
    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: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventor: Carlo Paternostro
  • Patent number: 8793922
    Abstract: A collapsible hunting decoy, useful for attracting small game is provided. The decoy comprises a collapsible support frame at least partially covered by a sleeve that includes the likeness of at least a portion of the desired game animal, such as, for example, the head and partial body of a turkey. The decoy can further include an attachable element depicting another portion of the animal, such as a turkey fan, that can be inserted into a receiving slot defined between portions of the collapsible frame. The decoy can be configured to include a variety of base or mounting elements, including a ground stake, a clamp, and a bow mount, which increases the flexibility of the decoy during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: Garrett W. Roe
  • Patent number: 8793923
    Abstract: A decoy with a counterweight suspended from a central keel attached along the centerline of the decoy behind the decoy's center-of-gravity. When a wave swells beneath the decoy creating a force which would tend to cause a side-to-side rocking motion of the decoy, the counterweight absorbs a portion of the sway-inducing force, resisting the tendency of the decoy to rock. This provides a more natural bobbing of the decoy producing a believable rise and fall of the decoy's head and body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Fowl Foolers LLC
    Inventor: Charles W Heiges
  • Patent number: 8752326
    Abstract: An artificial reflection or dark shadow to be used in avian or animal attracting activities is disclosed. The artificial reflection or shadow may be used by itself or attached as to a floating waterfowl decoy which simulates the colored reflection off of the water or the dark shadow as a live bird would have. The decoy reflection and shadow can be used either floating on the water surface or by itself. The Reflection and Shadow can be of varying lengths and widths to simulate the shadow and/or reflection at differing times of the day and at different sun positions. The Reflection and Shadow could be of the entire aerial view of the bird or just a side view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventor: Todd Keola Bartholomew
  • Patent number: 8739456
    Abstract: A low wind decoy system for efficiently providing realistic motion to decoys in low and high wind environments. The low wind decoy system generally includes a body, comprised of foam or other similar lightweight materials, adapted to be suspended above a ground surface and oriented into the wind. The body is comprised of a substantially thin structure having at least one curvature formed thereon and the peripheral edge of the body has a series of notches extending within to create an irregular movement in response to air flow passing across to attract various different types of animals and birds. The body is generally suspended via a pole assembly and is configured to irregularly move around the pole assembly. The body is also generally colored with a reflective paint substance to match the animal or bird to be attracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Reel Wings Decoy Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott A. Butz
  • Patent number: 8707611
    Abstract: A turkey decoy or other animal hunting decoy is provided depicting a live mature animal, wherein certain body parts are dwarfed and diminished in size in comparison to the live mature animal it depicts. The decoy will further have colors thereon mimicking colors of the live mature animal eliciting a sexual response from the hunted live animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventors: Gregory Samaras, Edward J. Boll, Jason D. Michael
  • Publication number: 20140082992
    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: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventor: Paul Michael Mettler
  • Publication number: 20140075822
    Abstract: A wild fowl decoy apparatus comprises a monochromatic body having features generic to a plurality of wild fowl types. The body has a connection portion to releasably connect to a selected one of a plurality of different heads of the plurality of wild fowl types.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventor: John Brian Priest
  • Patent number: 8650795
    Abstract: A coating for an animal decoy or fishing lure with a surface reflection which closely matches the spectral reflectance pattern of the animal that it is designed to mimic, including both human-visible and ultraviolet wavelengths, with the intent of making the decoy or fishing lure appear more realistic to animals that can see in both the human-visible and ultraviolet spectrums.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventors: Aaron Henry Johnson, Brian Tande, Todd Andrew Pringle
  • Patent number: 8584395
    Abstract: Generally, a decoy duck apparatus of the invention includes a decoy duck body which includes an interior cavity which receives anchor retrieval means. A quantity of tether is wound on a spool portion of the anchor retrieval means, and an anchor is attached to a distal end of the tether. With a first embodiment of the invention, the anchor retrieval means include a spring-powered anchor retrieval mechanism. Preferably, a bottom chamber is located in the decoy duck body below the interior cavity. The bottom chamber is defined by an interior cavity bottom wall and a decoy body bottom wall. A removable and replaceable drain plug located in the decoy body bottom wall for permitting drainage of water out from the bottom chamber. Preferably, a resilient tether guide is interconnected between the interior cavity bottom wall and the decoy body bottom wall. The resilient tether guide receives the tether and wipes water off of the tether when the tether is raised and lowered with respect to the decoy duck body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: Scott Tonkovich
  • Publication number: 20130283664
    Abstract: A bird decoy, such as the kind used for hunting, includes a body and head representative of the type of bird (e.g., goose, duck, turkey, etc.) being decoyed. The head is removably attached to a body. A wind rotation mechanism is inserted into the ground to support the decoy. The wind rotation mechanism can be attached to the head of the decoy and can include a shaft rotatably inserted into a tube. A tether can connect the decoy to a stake in the ground to constrain movement of the decoy. A set of such decoys includes a plurality of decoy bodies nested together in a stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: Anthony Kelly
  • Publication number: 20130239454
    Abstract: A motion decoy having a body and wings in the form of a waterfowl provides a realistic biaxial wing beat motion. The wing beat motion simultaneously includes a flapping action and a rotation action. The flapping action can sweep through an obtuse angle, while at the same time the rotating action that changes the angle of incidence of the wings at different angular positions. The compound biaxial wing beat motion better replicates the motion of live waterfowl, especially during the “lighting” phase of flight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventors: Keith Dominick Szechenyi, Dominick Martin Szechenyi
  • Patent number: 8528248
    Abstract: A method of creating a surface coating composition comprising the steps of: creating a mathematical model of a vision system of an animal, measuring a set of spectral characteristics from a surface of a first object, entering the set of spectral characteristics as an input into the mathematical model, using an output of the mathematical model to iteratively create the surface coating composition, wherein the surface coating composition is a metamer to the animal, wherein the surface coating composition can be applied to a surface of a second object for the purpose of making the second object look like the first object to the vision system of the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventors: Todd Allen Pringle, Brian Myron Tande
  • Patent number: 8506339
    Abstract: Disclosed is a floating platform suitable for supporting a motorized fowl decoy upon a post attached to the-platform. The floating platform comprises a rectangular-shaped solid base portion having a vertically-mounted post attached to the top surface of the platform. Hingedly attached to each long side of the base is a foldable wing frame, each wing frame being a quadrilateral assembly of two longitudinal members and two lateral members, connected by four 90-degree elbows. The longitudinal member of each wing frame is pivotally attached to each long side of the base. The base and each wing are further enclosed in lightweight material to ensure buoyancy of the entire floating platform. The device is easily transportable by pivoting the wing frames upward and carrying the device in the manner of a briefcase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: David Mark Fletcher
  • Publication number: 20130199075
    Abstract: A hunting decoy system, such as a winged duck, for example, comprises a center rigid support, a flotation part, a horizontal stabilizing part, and a decoy body. The flotation part may be attached to the center rigid support. The horizontal stabilizing part may be attached to the center rigid support and the flotation part. The decoy body may be mounted at the top of the center rigid support. The decoy body may be adapted to be displayed above a water line in waters that are greater than three feet deep.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: MARK ZLATOS, Daniel Burkett
  • Publication number: 20130199076
    Abstract: A flying decoy assembly that simulates the landing characteristics of waterfowl is provided. The simulated landing characteristics may include, but are not limited to, whiffling, gliding, floating, dipping, and/or flapping motions. The system generally comprises a waterfowl decoy pivotally interconnected to a stand. The decoy system can be used over water or in the field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: William Dean, Greg Wickard
  • Publication number: 20130185986
    Abstract: A bird decoy apparatus comprising a base, a spring-loaded pulley connected to said base, wherein said pulley comprises a pulley cable, at least one rod having a first end and a second end, wherein a bird decoy is attached to said first end of said rod; a pole connected to said pulley and to said second end of said rod; and a substantially circular track connected to said base, said track having varying heights, wherein said rod is in contact with said track. A method for attracting game birds is also disclosed comprising the step of pulling the pulley cable of the bird decoy apparatus, which causes the rod with a bird decoy attached to travel around the track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventor: Talmon R. Stiffler
  • Patent number: 8485856
    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: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventor: Carlo Paternostro
  • Patent number: 8479436
    Abstract: A waterfowl decoy motion system comprising a multiplicity of movable decoys and several idler pulley assemblies that contain a pulley disposed upon a vertical shaft, and a retaining assembly disposed over the pulley and connected to the vertical shaft. The retaining assembly has a minimum cross sectional dimension greater than the diameter of the pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Elliott Tool Company
    Inventors: James P. Elliott, Philip L. Casterline, Andrew S. Elliott, John R. Elliott, William B. Elliott
  • Publication number: 20130125444
    Abstract: Balloon decoy systems and methods of making balloon decoys to assist in hunting or capturing various species of bird are disclosed, which overcome drawbacks inherent to conventional methods of attracting birds to a desired hunting or capture area. A balloon decoy includes a first portion fused to a second portion, a valve, and a first tether attachment point disposed on an exterior surface of the second portion. A balloon decoy system includes a bird-shaped balloon decoy and a ground unit coupled via a tether. The ground unit includes a remote-controlled reel disposed within an outside shell with an opening, which can accommodate the tether. The outside shell may be painted or otherwise colored to exhibit camouflaging properties. The balloon decoy system may also include a plurality of balloon decoys coupled via tethers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventor: William Emerson BOWERSOX, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130111800
    Abstract: The waterfowl decoy support is formed of a length of stiff rod configured to support a ballasted flotation-type decoy above a land or water surface. The decoy support may have an elongated upper slot adapted to slide over the keel of the ballast weight of the decoy, or may have an upper support arm extending from the upper end of the rod, the uppermost end of the arm terminating in an eye. The eye provides a non-rigid connection to an eyebolt or the like secured to the back of the decoy, allowing the decoy to move in the wind. The lower end of the rod either may have a spike for insertion into the ground or a generally horizontal loop for placement on the surface of the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: MICHAEL D. PIFER, John M. Moore
  • Patent number: 8402685
    Abstract: A waterfowl decoy apparatus is disclosed for attracting a waterfowl. The waterfowl decoy apparatus comprises a blade having a generally sinusoidal cross-section for defining a first concave portion, a second concave portion and an inflection axis. A dark pigment is on a first side of the blade. A light pigment is on a second side of the blade. A first end of a hanger is secured to an object. A swivel couples a second end of the hanger to a top edge of the blade for rotating the blade relative to the hanger. The flow of air contacts the blade for rotating the blade. The dark pigment and the light pigment create an oscillating image upon rotating of the blade for attracting the waterfowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Gary S. Marshall
  • Publication number: 20130036651
    Abstract: A hunting decoy may comprise a glove; and a simulation of a head of a quarry attached to the glove. In operation a hunter may carry the decoy to a desired hunting location and position the simulation into a position that is visible to the quarry. The hunter may move the simulation to imitate natural head movements of the quarry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: William Johns, John Chadwick Sparks, Hunter Sparks
  • Publication number: 20130014423
    Abstract: Generally, a decoy duck apparatus of the invention includes a decoy duck body which includes an interior cavity which receives anchor retrieval means. A quantity of tether is wound on a spool portion of the anchor retrieval means, and an anchor is attached to a distal end of the tether. With a first embodiment of the invention, the anchor retrieval means include a spring-powered anchor retrieval mechanism. Preferably, a bottom chamber is located in the decoy duck body below the interior cavity. The bottom chamber is defined by an interior cavity bottom wall and a decoy body bottom wall. A removable and replaceable drain plug located in the decoy body bottom wall for permitting drainage of water out from the bottom chamber. Preferably, a resilient tether guide is interconnected between the interior cavity bottom wall and the decoy body bottom wall. The resilient tether guide receives the tether and wipes water off of the tether when the tether is raised and lowered with respect to the decoy duck body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventor: Scott Tonkovich