US3436856A - Decoying apparatus for attracting game birds - Google Patents

Description

April 1969 R. D. MILLER 3,436,856

DECOYING APPARATUS FOR ATTRACTING GAME BIRDS Filed Oct. 10, 1967 Sheet of 2 INVENTOR ROBERT D. MILLER ATTORNEY A ril 8, 1969 R. D. MILLER DECOYING APPARATUS FOR ATTRACTING GAME BIRDS Filed Oct. 10. 1967 Sheet R E L H M R .mD mm E m8 0 R BY M ATTORNEY 3,436,856 DECOYING APPARATUS FOR A'ITRACTING GAME BIRDS Robert D. Miller, 645 N. Pierce St., Fremont, Nebr. 68025 Filed Oct. 10, 1967, Ser. No. 674,250 Int. Cl. AOlm 31/06 US. Cl. 43-3 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A decoying apparatus that simulates the appearance of a landing squadron of game birds. In particular the decoying apparatus comprises a plurality of interconnected, consecutive, tethered-decoys, each tethered-decoy being inflatable with a lighter-than-air gas.

It is the general object of the present invention to provide a decoying apparatus for attracting game birds.

It is a specific object of the present invention to provide a decoying apparatus that simulates the appearance of a landing squadron of game birds inasmuch as game birds are inherently attracted by squadrons of other game birds that are in the process of alighting upon the earth.

It is another object to provide an airborne decoying apparatus that might be stably employed in conjunction with a pond or other body of water.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an airborne decoying apparatus that is reasonably stable even within relatively turbulent atmospheres.

It is yet another object to provide an airborne decoying apparatus that is easy to assemble, control, use, and disassemble, and that might be stored in very compact deflated form between periods of use.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a decoying apparatus that may be discretely manipulated by the huntsman to attract, rather than to frighten, game birds.

It is another object to provide a well camouflaged decoying apparatus that is lifelike and which presents a minimal synthetic appearance to the game birds to be lured.

With the above and other objects and advantages in view, which will become more apparent as the description proceeds, this invention comprises the novel construction, combination, and arrangement of elements hereinafter set forth, and particularly pointed out in the appended claims, and exemplified in the accompanying drawing wherein like numbers refer to like parts in the several views and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective elevational view of a representative form of the decoying apparatus of the present invention.

FIGURE 2 is a sectional elevational view of one typical tethered-decoy segment of the decoying apparatus of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a sectional elevational View of an alternate type tethered-decoy segment of the present invention.

FIGURE 4 is a detail view, partly in section, of the spacer-line component of the tethered-decoy of FIG- URE 3.

As can be seen in FIGURE 1, the decoying apparatus A of the present invention comprises a plurality of tethered-decoy segments (20, 30, 40, and 50) arranged consecutively in a series having a forward end 10F and a rearward end 10R; an anchoring means e.g. E and G, attached to said series 10 forwardly of a first decoy D; preferably at least one laterally-extending tow-line States Patent 0 K attached to the anchoring means forwardly of said first decoy 20D to permit lateral movement of said series 10 with respect to the earth; at least one, and preferably three, flexible mooring-line e.g. 81-83, attached to said series 10 rearwardly of the said first decoy 20D to provide stabilization and control for said series 10; and

and 30D about the axis of intervening spacer-line S.

The series 10 comprises a plurality of substantially identical tethered-decoy segments (20, 30, 40 and 50) disposed in consecutive relationship. Each tethered-decoy segment comprises a gas-inflatable decoy portion D that simulates the visual appearance of a game bird in gas-inflatable decoy D, the annuli might alternatively comprise metallic rings integrally attached to the decoy as are annuli 96 and 97 of FIGURE 3. axis H connects the nose and tail ends of the perpendicular to each other as in FIGURE ably, said axis might intersect at an acuate angle as in FIGURE 3. Of course, each gas-inflatable decoy D has a valve means Z appropriate to introduction and removal of a suitable gas.

A flexible spacer-line S is an exceedingly important component of the various tethered-decoy segments. Spacer line component S is attached to a first side of said gasinflatable decoy D, herein to underside U through integral annulus 36. For example, as shown in FIGURE 2, the rearward portion 31 of spacer-line S, immediately adjacent to decoy 30D, integrally includes a hook means to provide convenient removable engagement between 36. The forward includes a hook engagement with tethered-decoy segment 20 via the backside annulus 37 of 20s gas-inflatable decoy portion 20D. The spacer-line component S includes swivel means e.g. 33, along the length thereof to permit relative rotation between adjacent decoy components D about the lengthwise axis of spacer-line S to prevent kinking of the various intervening spacer-lines S within series 10.

Thus, as has been explained in the preceding two para: graphs, the series 10 comprises a number of gas-inflatable decoy portions D (herein as four decoy portions 20D, 30D, 40D, and 50D), each simulating the visual appearance of a game bird in flight, together with an equal number of intervening spacer-lines S. While a series of four tethered-decoys (20, 30, 40, and 50) comprising in all four gas-inflatable decoys D and four intervening spacerlines S having been shown in FIGURE 1, it is obvious that a greater or lesser number of said tethered-decoys might be employed in view of the removable connections between the tethered-decoy segments. In order that the decoying apparatus A might closely simulate the visual appearance of a landing squadron of genetically related game birds, it is important that each gas-inflatable decoy D be of similar size and visual appearance including the outstretched wings W. In this same vane, the distance between the airborne decoys D should be of a constant value which should exceed about twice the length of axis H; accordingly, the length of the several spacer-lines S should be substantially equal and exceed about twice the overall length of each airborne decoy D, e.g. the axis H between nose N and tail T.

The tethered-decoy segment 90 shown in FIGURE 3 is generally similar to segment 20 previously alluded to in connection with FIGURE 2. Tethered-decoy segment 90 comprises the gas-inflatable decoy portion D, specifically denominated as 90D, which is in nearly all essential respects identical to the decoy portions 20D, 39D, 40D, and 50D previously described. Spacer-line component S of tethered-decoy 90 is shown in greater detail in FIGURE 4 and integrally includes at the rearward and forward portions thereof a pair of hooks 91, each hook being adapted to removably encircle and thus engage an annulus, e.g. 96, 97, of the gas-inflatable decoy portion D. As clearly indicated in FIGURE 3, the length of flexible spacer-line S between hooks 91 exceeds at least twice the nose-to-tail length of decoy portion 90D. The manually flexible line portion 99 of spacer-line S is connected to the respective hooks 91 by means of swivel 93 whereby said flexible line 99 is permitted to rotate about its lengthwise axis with respect to the removably attached decoy portion 90D. As seen in FIGURE 4, hook 91 is of the well known type comprising a generally C-shaped body, a spring-loaded closure-bar 92 spanning the opening of the C-shaped body whereby said hook 91 might removably encircle and engage an annulus, e.g. 36, of the decoy portion 90D. The average weight of the various components of the gas-inflatable decoy component 90D together with the removably attached spacer-line S are sufliciently light in weight whereby the tethered-decoy 9b is buoyant within the atmosphere when the decoy is inflated with a gas having an average molecular weight less than 14. Of course, very low molecular weight gases, such as helium having a molecular weight of about 4, are most elficient and are accordingly preferred.

Having now described the tethered-decoy segments of the present invention and their arrangement into a consecutive series It the remaining components of the decoying apparatus A will now be described, reference being made particularly to FIGURE 1. As previously alluded to, there must be some type of anchor means to anchor the forward end 10F of series Ill adjacent to the earth in order to keep the air-buoyant series from ascending indefinitely into the atmosphere. In the event that the decoying apparatus is to be employed on dry land, a spacer-line S forwardly of the first (forward) decoy, e.g. D, might be tied to a conventional ground stake, e.g. Y.

However, a more eflective lure results when the decoying apparatus A is employed in conjunction with a body of water, e.g. pond P, thus simulating a squadron of game birds landing upon a body of water. Accordingly, it has been found very effective to employ as the anchor means a floating-decoy E that simulates the visual appearance of a game bird at rest upon a body of water. The overall shape and coloring of the floating-decoy B should be similar to that of gas-inflatable airborne decoys D in order that series 10 together with the floating-decoy anchoring means E in order that there is presented to game birds in the vicinity the visual impression of a landing squadron of uni-species game birds. The floatingdecoy anchoring means E is heavier-than-air and has a specific gravity less than 1.0 whereby said floating decoy will float upon a body of water, e.g. pond P. Moreover,

in order to provide a reasonably stable or physically secure anchor means, well set into the water but extending above the surface thereof, the specific gravity of floatingdecoy E must exceed about 0.7 and in no event greater than about 0.9. For floating-decoys having a specific gravity less than 0.7, the specific gravity can be readily increased to the desirable 0.7 to 0.9 range by the simple expedient of tying a heavier-than-water weight G to the underside of floating-decoy E. The forward end 10F of series 10 is removably attached to an integral annulus on the backside of floating-decoy E, as per the method shown in FIGURE 2 for. removably connecting tethered decoy segment 30 to decoy 20D.

In the event that a floating anchoring means is employed, at least one laterally-extending tow-line K is attached to the anchoring-means (E and G) forwardly of first airborne decoy 20D whereby a huntsman might maintain a degree of control of the location of the anchoring means and the series 10 attached thereto. Preferably, the tow-line K is metallic or other structural material having a specific gravity greater than 1.0 whereby the tow-line sinks below the body of water and is visually obscured from the game birds to be lured. Alternatively, transparent resinous materials having a specific gravity less than 1.0 might be employed for tow-line K, the transparency thereof making the tow-line K hardly visible to approaching game birds.

In order to maintain the series 10 of airborne tethereddecoys from being whipped around by a turbulent atmosphere, at least one mooring-line, e.g. 81, 82, 83, is attached to said series It) rearwardly of the first airborne decoy, e.g. 20D. For example, three such flexible mooring-lines 81-83 are attached to annulus 37 of second airborne decoy 30D, the remote end of each mooring-line being attached to a stake Y driven into the earth adjacent to the body of water P. The said at least one mooring-line can be tugged or jerked upon by a camouflaged huntsman whereby suitable realistic motion might be imparted to the various airborne decoys D. Transparent resinous structural materials are preferred for the various mooringlines and spacer-lines S whereby said lines are barely, if at all, discernible to approaching game birds.

If the respective gas-inflated decoys D are to be maintained parallel to the earth, the intersection of axes H and V be substantially perpendicular as shown in FIG- URE 2. However, in the event that the tail portion T of each inflated decoy D is to be located nearer to the earth than is decoy nose N, as would simulate the appearance of a game bird in the process of landing, then as is shown in FIGURE 3, the backside attachment annulus, e.g. 97, must be located nearer to nose N than is the underside annulus, e.g. 96.

The average aggregate weight of the solid (nongaseous) gas-inflatable decoys D, the spacer-lines S, and the at least one mooring-line, must be sufficiently light whereby the rearward end 10R (e.g. decoy 50D) of series 10 will rise with respect to the earth at series forward end 10F when the several decoys D are inflated with a gas having an average molecular weight less than 14. Of course, very low molecular weight gases, such as helium with a molecular weight of about 4, are most efficient and are accordingly preferred.

From the foregoing, the construction and operation of the decoying apparatus will be readily understood and further explanation is believed to be unnecessary. However, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction shown and described.

I claim:

1. A decoying apparatus for attracting game birds, said decoying apparatus comprising a plurality of tethereddecoy segments removably attached together in series, each of said tethered-decoys comprising a gas-inflatable decoy that simulates the visual appearance of an airborne g-ame bird, said gas-inflatable decoy portion having a head end, a tail end, and two vertically-aligned opposed sides including the decoy underside and the decoy backside, and a flexible spacer-line the inward end of which is attached to a first of said decoy opposed sides, the outward end of the flexible spacer-line being removably at tached to the second side of the gas-inflatable decoy portion of the neighboring tethered-decoy segment, swivel means to permit relative rotation between adjacent decoys about the longitudinal axis of the intervening flexible spacer-line, anchoring means attached to said series of tethered-decoys forwardly of the first decoy, at least one laterally-extending tow-line attached to the anchoring means forwardly of the first decoy to permit lateral movement of the said series of tethered-decoys, and at least one flexible mooring-line attached to the said tethered-decoys series rearwardly of the first decoy member whereby intermittent tension along said flexible mooringline will agitate the gas-inflated decoys, the average weight of the solid components of said several tethered-decoys and the at least one mooring line being sufliciently light whereby the rearward end of the respective tethereddecoys will rise with respect to the anchored forward end of the series when the several decoy members are inflated with a gas having an average molecular weight less than 14.

2. The tethered-decoy segment of a decoying apparatus comprising a series of said tethered-decoy segments removably attached together, said tethered-decoy segment comprising a gas-inflatable decoy that simulates the visual appearance of a game bird in flight, said gas-inflatable decoy having a head end, a tail end, and two verticallyaligned opposed sides including the decoy underside and the decoy backside, said decoy including a pair of annuli integrally attached to the underside and to the backside thereof; a flexible spacer-line including a pair of hook means spaced along said spacer-line whereby each of said hook means is adapted to removably encircle and engage a said integral annulus of the gas-inflatable decoy, one of said spacer-line hook means removably encircling and engaging an integral annulus of said gas-inflatable decoy, the said pair of book means being attached to the spacerline with a swivel connection to permit rotation of the spacer-line about its longitudinal axis with respect to the removably attached decoy; the length of the spacer-line bearing a ratio of at least 2 with respect to the length of the gas-inflatable decoy from head end to tail end; and the average weight of the solid components of the gas-inflatable decoy and the removably attached flexible spacer-line being sufficiently light whereby the tethereddecoy segment will rise with respect to the earth when the decoy is inflated with a ular weight less than 14.

3. The decoying apparatus of claim 1 wherein the anchoring means comprises a heavier-than-air decoy having the visual appearance of a game bird at rest and having a specific gravity less than 1.0 whereby said heavier-thanair decoy is adapted to float upon the surface of a body of water; the attachment between the series of tethereddecoys and the heavier-than-air anchor decoy comprising a flexible line connected between said anchor-decoy and the first inflatable decoy, there being swivel means to permit relative movement therebetween along the longitudinal axis of said flexible line; and wherein the tow-line is attached to the anchor-decoy, said tow-line having a specific gravity greater than 1.0 whereby the tow-line will sink below the body of water whereby said tow-line is not visible to game birds apt to be lured by said decoying apparatus.

4. The decoying apparatus of claim 3 wherein the said at least one mooring-line comprises a transparent resinous material whereby said mooring-line is not easil visible to a game bird in flight; said decoys including a backside and an underside annulus for connection to the ends of said spacer-line, wherein the backside annulus for a gasinflatable decoy is located nearer to the decoy nose end than is the underside annulus whereby the inflated decoy components resemble a game bird in the process of landing; wherein the effective specific of gravity for the anchor-decoy is within the range of 0.7 to 0.9; and wherein the length of each intervening spacer-line bears a ratio of at least 2 with respect to the length of the gas-inflatable decoy from nose to tail.

5. The tethered decoy segment of claim 2 wherein the flexible intervening spacer-line comprises a transparent resinous material whereby said spacer-line is not easily visible to a game bird in flight; and wherein the backside annulus of the gas inflatable decoy is located nearer to the decoy nose end than is the underside annulus whereby the inflated decoy is adapted to resemble a game bird in the process of landing.

gas having an average molec- References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 261,910 8/1882 Cochel 43-3 810,690 1/1906 Weiss 46-87 1,836,504 12/1931 Prince 43-3 2,252,795 8/1941 Weems et a1. 43-3 2,256,616 9/1941 Johnson et al. 43-3 3,016,647 1/ 1962 Peterson et al 43-3 WARNER H. CAMP, Primary Examiner.

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