U.S. patent application number 10/001989 was filed with the patent office on 2003-06-05 for wind activated decoy.
Invention is credited to Baalman, Matthew J., Fencel, Jeffery J..
Application Number | 20030101635 10/001989 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21698722 |
Filed Date | 2003-06-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030101635 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fencel, Jeffery J. ; et
al. |
June 5, 2003 |
WIND ACTIVATED DECOY
Abstract
A wind activated decoy has a silhouette body with a wing support
therethrough. Opposite first and second wings are secured to
respective wing spars, with one spar being removably installable
through the support. The second wing attaches removably to the
first spar after installation through the support. Each wing
comprises a thin, rigid sheet with a sinusoidal cross section to
catch the wind and cause the panels to rotate. The chords of the
two panels have an angular displacement of forty five degrees, to
avoid any singularity and provide continuously unequal aerodynamic
forces upon the panels to produce continuous rotation in a breeze.
The panels are marked differently on opposite surfaces and when
rotated, simulate the flashing of a bird's wings when the bird is
alighting. A support column extends from the body and is removably
installable in a tubular support, allowing the decoy to pivot
freely into the wind.
Inventors: |
Fencel, Jeffery J.;
(Bethalto, IL) ; Baalman, Matthew J.; (Hardin,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Richard C. Litman
LITMAN LAW OFFICES, LTD.
P.O. Box 15035
Arlington
VA
22215
US
|
Family ID: |
21698722 |
Appl. No.: |
10/001989 |
Filed: |
December 5, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
43/3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01M 31/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
43/3 |
International
Class: |
A01M 031/06 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A wind activated decoy comprising: a silhouette body portion
comprising a thin, rigid sheet of material having an outline
resembling that of a waterfowl; a lateral wing support structure
tube disposed through said body portion; a first wing spar having a
first wing vane permanently and immovably attached thereto; and a
second wing spar having a second wing vane permanently and
immovably attached thereto; wherein at least a portion of said
first wing spar is disposed through said wing support structure
tube and is freely rotatable in said wing support structure tube,
said second wing spar being secured to said first spar in
cantilever fashion on a side of said body portion opposite said
first wing spar.
2. The wind activated decoy according to claim 1, wherein: said
first wing spar comprises a first wing spar tube having a wing spar
rod permanently and immovably affixed thereto and extending
concentrically therefrom, the rod having a second wing spar tube
attachment end; and said second wing spar comprises a second wing
spar tube disposed concentrically over the second wing spar tube
attachment end of the wing spar rod.
3. The wind activated decoy according to claim 1, wherein: said
first wing vane defines a first wing vane chord; said second wing
vane defines a second wing vane chord; and said first wing vane
chord and said second wing vane chord define an angle therebetween
when said said second wing vane is secured to said first wing
vane.
4. The wind activated decoy according to claim 1, wherein: each
said wing vane comprises a single thin, rigid sheet of material
defining a chord; and each said wing vane comprises a sinusoidal
curve in cross section along said chord for producing aerodynamic
rotation thereof when acted upon by the wind.
5. The wind activated decoy according to claim 1, wherein: said
second wing spar tube is removably secured to said wing spar rod;
and said wing spar rod is removably installed within said wing
support structure tube, for disassembly of said first wing vane and
said second wing vane from one another and from said body portion
for compact storage.
6. The wind activated decoy according to claim 1, further including
ball bearings disposed within said wing support structure tube, for
rotatably supporting said wing spar rod therein.
7. The wind activated decoy according to claim 1, further
including: a wind vane pivot support shaft depending below said
body portion, and formed integrally therewith; and a support tube,
the pivot support shaft being removably and pivotally placed
therein.
8. A wind activated decoy comprising: a silhouette body portion
comprising a thin, rigid sheet of material having an outline
resembling that of a waterfowl; a lateral wing support structure
tube disposed through said body portion; a first wing spar having a
first wing vane permanently and immovably attached thereto; and a
second wing spar having a second wing vane permanently and
immovably attached thereto; wherein at least a portion of said
first wing spar is disposed through said wing support structure
tube and is freely rotatable in said wing support structure tube,
said second wing spar being secured to said first spar in
cantilever fashion on a side of said body portion opposite said
first wing spar; and wherein said first wing vane defines a first
wing vane chord, said second wing vane defines a second wing vane
chord, and said first wing vane chord and said second wing vane
chord define an angle therebetween when said first wing vane and
said second wing vane are assembled together.
9. The wind activated decoy according to claim 8, wherein: said
first wing spar comprises a first wing spar tube having a wing spar
rod permanently and immovably affixed thereto and extending
concentrically therefrom, the wing spar rod having a second wing
spar tube attachment end; and said second wing spar comprises a
second wing spar tube disposed concentrically over the second wing
spar tube attachment end of the wing spar rod.
10. The wind activated decoy according to claim 8, wherein: each
said wing vane comprises a single thin, rigid sheet of material
defining a chord; and each said wing vane comprises a sinusoidal
curve in cross section along said chord for producing aerodynamic
rotation thereof when acted upon by the wind.
11. The wind activated decoy according to claim 8, wherein: said
second wing spar tube is removably secured to said wing spar rod;
and said wing spar rod is removably installed within said wing
support structure tube, for disassembly of said first wing vane and
said second wing vane from one another and from said body portion
for compact storage.
12. The wind activated decoy according to claim 8, further
including ball bearings disposed within said wing support structure
tube, for rotatably supporting said wing spar rod therein.
13. The wind activated decoy according to claim 8, further
including: a wind vane pivot support shaft depending below said
body portion, and formed integrally therewith; and a support tube,
the pivot support shaft being removably and pivotally placed
therein.
14. A wind activated decoy comprising: a silhouette body portion
comprising a thin, rigid sheet of material having an outline
resembling that of a waterfowl; a wind vane pivot support shaft
depending below said body portion, and formed integrally therewith;
a lateral wing support structure tube disposed through said body
portion; a first wing spar tube having a first wing vane
permanently and immovably attached thereto; a second wing spar tube
having a second wing vane permanently and immovably attached
thereto; and a wing spar rod permanently and immovably affixed to
said first wing spar tube, and extending concentrically therefrom,
the rod having a second wing spar attachment end; wherein at least
a portion of said wing spar rod is disposed through said wing
support structure tube and is freely rotatable in said wing support
structure tube, said second wing spar tube being disposed
concentrically over the second wing spar tube attachment end of
said wing spar rod in cantilever fashion on a side of said body
portion opposite said first wing spar.
15. The wind activated decoy according to claim 14, wherein: said
first wing vane defines a first wing vane chord; said second wing
vane defines a second wing vane chord; and said first wing vane
chord and said second wing vane chord define an angle therebetween
when said second wing vane is disposed on said wing spar rod.
16. The wind activated decoy according to claim 14, wherein: each
said wing vane comprises a single thin, rigid sheet of material
defining a chord; and each said wing vane comprises a sinusoidal
curve in cross section along said chord for producing aerodynamic
rotation thereof when acted upon by the wind.
17. The wind activated decoy according to claim 14, wherein: said
second wing spar tube is removably secured to said wing spar rod;
and said wing spar rod is removably installed within said wing
support structure tube, for disassembly of said first wing vane and
said second wing vane from one another and from said body portion
for compact storage.
18. The wind activated decoy according to claim 14, further
including ball bearings disposed within said wing support structure
tube, for rotatably supporting said wing spar rod therein.
19. The wind activated decoy according to claim 14, further
including a support tube, the pivot support shaft being removably
and pivotally placed therein.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the sport of
wildfowl hunting, and more specifically to a decoy having wind
activated vanes or simulated wings. The wings are supported by low
friction bearings which enable them to turn in extremely light
breezes to simulate the appearance of the wing motion of a
waterfowl (duck, goose, etc.) alighting on a body of water. The
decoy is further supported by a generally vertical post, which
allows the decoy to swivel into the prevailing wind in order to
provide greater realism and proper airflow over the wings.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Decoys, lures and the like have been used by hunters to
attract game from the beginnings of the activity. Hunters have
recognized that relatively crude decoys and the like are not
particularly effective, but have employed such crude decoys as
being better than nothing. More recently, relatively sophisticated
decoys using audioanimatronic principles have been developed, with
such decoys serving to attract and fool game animals to a much
greater extent than earlier, relatively simple decoys and
lures.
[0005] However, such relatively sophisticated decoys, with their
electrically operated components, tend to be relatively fragile,
particularly in the outdoor environment where they are subject to
temperature extremes, moisture, etc. Such complex decoys are also
relatively expensive to purchase initially, as well as to maintain.
As a result, they have never found great favor among hunters and
others who wish to use decoys to attract game animals.
[0006] Nonetheless, the provision of a decoy which employs some
periodic movement, is desirable. Most animals are attuned to detect
movement before detecting most other visual cues (color, contrast,
etc.). While some aspects of movement may startle the game animals
away, a movement which is relatively natural in its appearance is
desirable, particularly if the movement can be achieved without
complex and costly electromechanical mechanisms.
[0007] Accordingly, a need will be seen for a decoy employing
simulated wings deployed laterally from the body of the device. The
simulated wings extend laterally on rotary shafts or spars, which
are in turn mounted through the decoy body on roller or ball
bearings to provide an extremely low friction attachment. The
slightest breeze causes the two wings and their rotationally
mounted spars to rotate in their bearings through the body, with
the result having an appearance from some distance away much like
the wing beat of a bird alighting. The body of the decoy is mounted
in a similar manner upon a generally vertical post, which allows
the decoy to pivot to face into the wind in a realistic manner
while also providing more efficient airflow to the wings.
[0008] A discussion of the related art of which the present
inventors are aware, and its differences and distinctions from the
present invention, is provided below.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 547,553 issued on Oct. 8, 1895 to Arthur H.
Keller, titled "Toy," describes a simulated bird having a wing
flapping mechanism powered by a ratchet mechanism, which is in turn
powered by a cord as it is unwound from a wheel within the device.
The toy bird is mounted on a line which extends at an angle
downwardly between two points, with the weight of the toy causing
the first line to unwind to cause the wing mechanism to flap. The
Keller device is not powered by the wind, and cannot operate when
the body of the device is at rest upon a level surface.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 2,441,753 issued on May 18, 1948 to Gurdeon E.
Carpenter, titled "Duck Decoy," describes a silhouette or profile
type decoy formed of a single relatively thin sheet of plywood or
other suitable material. The decoy shape and markings generally
present the appearance of a bird viewed from above, with wings
outspread. The entire apparatus is pivotally balanced upon a stake
which is in turn driven into the underlying surface to support the
decoy and allow it to pivot into the wind. Movement of the decoy
about its pivot simulates a gliding bird with outspread wings.
However, the Carpenter decoy is a single monolithic unit with no
relatively movable wings, whereas the present decoy with its wind
activated rotary vanes serves to simulate the wing beat of an
alighting bird, which cannot be accomplished with the fixed wings
of the Carpenter decoy.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 2,638,705 issued on May 19, 1953 to Albert W.
Petrasy, titled "Ornamental Bird Having Rotatable Wings," describes
a simulated bird having a profile body with a short wing support
shaft rotatably installed laterally through the body. A wing
attachment arm is affixed to each end of the lateral shaft, with a
wing panel extending from each attachment arm. The wing panels are
each twisted, so as to provide a pitch angle or angle of attack
when presented to the wind. The resulting apparatus is related to a
propeller, but with the blade attachments being longitudinally
offset from one another on the propeller shaft, rather than being
in the same plane. The apparatus thus does not resemble the present
decoy with its rotary wing panels having their elongate axes
disposed along a single lateral axis.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 3,707,798 issued on Jan. 2, 1973 to Ned A.
Tryon, titled "Decoy," describes a decoy formed of a pair of flat
elements assembled in a cruciform configuration. The vertically
disposed element resembles a silhouette of a goose body, while the
horizontally disposed element represents the width of the body when
viewed from above. The assembly is mounted atop a stake which is
driven into the underlying surface to support the decoy. No
relatively movable components are provided by Tryon for his decoy.
No movable wing panels or pivoted mounting are provided by Tryon,
in contrast to the pivoted mounting and rotating wing panels of the
present wind activated decoy.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 4,620,385 issued on Nov. 4, 1986 to Thomas G.
Carranza et al., titled "Rotatable Wings For Water Fowl Decoys,"
describes a simulated wing assembly in which each wing comprises
four rotary vanes extending from a common lateral shaft. The shaft
is immovably affixed to the mounting harness, with the wing vane
assemblies extending from tubes which in turn rotate independently
relative to one another upon the shaft. In contrast, the present
wind activated decoy attaches the wings to a single common shaft,
with the shaft rotating within low friction bearings disposed
within a lateral passage through the decoy silhouette. A major
advantage of the present decoy in comparison to the Carranza et al.
decoy, is that the opposite wings of the present decoy have a fixed
relationship with their planes disposed at a fixed angle of forty
five degrees from one another. This relationship assures that the
wings will always have a synchronous relationship, just as the
wings of a real waterfowl would likely have as the bird flapped its
wings while alighting, and also precludes any singularity where air
pressure on the wings equalizes to preclude rotation. The planform
of the wings of the present decoy is also more realistic than the
rectangular planform of the wings of the Carranza et al. decoy.
Moreover, the Carranza et al. decoy requires a relatively thick
body in order to support the wing attachment harness or frame, thus
adding to the cost of the apparatus. The present wind activated
decoy utilizes a silhouette or profile body, which greatly reduces
the cost of the decoy while reducing realism only slightly when
viewed from an oblique angle at some distance away.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 4,651,457 issued on Mar. 24, 1987 to Robert D.
Nelson et al., titled "Decoy," describes a silhouette head and neck
portion with a pneumatically inflatable body portion extending
therefrom. The head and neck portion is pivotally attached to a
stake to allow the assembly to rotate in a breeze. However, the
Nelson et al. decoy has no relatively movable wing panels to
simulate the flight motion of a real bird, as does the present wind
activated decoy. The Nelson et al. decoy only simulates a bird
which is feeding, rather than one which is in flight and alighting
on the surface, as in the case of the present wind activated
decoy.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 4,656,768 issued on Apr. 14, 1987 to James C.
Thigpen, titled "Wind Driven Sign," describes a character having a
silhouette body with opposed wind driven arms each affixed to its
own independent lateral shaft. The general configuration is more
closely related to that of the decoy of the Petrasy '705 U.S.
patent, discussed further above, than to the present invention. No
lateral vanes are provided by Thigpen to simulate horizontally
spread wing panels, in contrast to the present wind activated decoy
invention.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 5,003,722 issued on Apr. 2, 1991 to Robert D.
Berkley et al., titled "Flying Game Bird Decoy," describes a decoy
having a flat planform formed of thin sheets of foam plastic
material mounted on a stake. The flexible sheet foam material
allows the wing panels to move to simulate flight. However, no
rotary motion is provided for the wing panels, nor is any realistic
appearance provided from the side, due to the flat sheet
elements.
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 5,144,764 issued on Sep. 8, 1992 to Timothy D.
Peterson, titled "Decoy With Wind-Actuated Wings," describes a
decoy formed almost entirely of flexible materials. The body
portion comprises a hollow fabric tube, serving as a wind sock. The
wing panels are activated by the wind to flap in a breeze,
simulating a flying bird. However, no rotary motion of the wing
panels is provided by Peterson, in contrast to the present decoy.
The wing panels of the Peterson decoy are formed of thin, flexible
sheet elements with wire or other stiffening rods. The rods hold
the wings outspread, while allowing them to flap upwardly and
downwardly in a wind. The inflatable body portion and flexible wing
elements of the Peterson decoy are unlike the present decoy.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 5,283,088 issued on Feb. 1, 1994 to Dorothy H.
Alcorn, titled "Bird Figure," describes a simulated hummingbird
having a profile body and laterally disposed rotating wings. Each
wing panel is formed of a single, generally star-shaped element
folded to provide a series of six wing panels extending radially
from a lateral axis. Alcorn states that the wing panels rotate in a
breeze, but she does not provide any aerodynamic curvature to
generate any aerodynamic forces upon the panels. In contrast, the
present wind activated decoy includes relatively easily fabricated
rotary wings, each formed of a single panel having a sinusoidal
cross sectional shape to generate aerodynamic forces for rotation.
Moreover, Alcorn suspends her hummingbird model from a string,
which is impracticable for a decoy used in the field.
[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 5,682,702 issued on Nov. 4, 1997 to Craig T.
McKnight et al., titled "Collapsible Bird Decoy," describes a
structure formed of a series of relatively thin, flat panels
secured orthogonally together to provide an assembly having a
somewhat three dimensional appearance. The wing panels are flexible
in order to flap in a breeze, and the assembly is pivotally mounted
atop a stake in order to align itself with the breeze. No rotary
motion is provided for the wing panels. The resulting structure is
thus more closely related to the decoys of the Berkley et al. '722
and Peterson '764 U.S. patents, than to the present wind activated
decoy invention.
[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 5,862,619 issued on Jan. 26, 1999 to Jeffrey
T. Stancil, titled "Animated Water Fowl Decoy," describes a decoy
having a three dimensional body with a frame disposed thereabove. A
laterally disposed rotary wing shaft extends across the frame, with
a single rotary wing installed on the shaft. The Stancil decoy is
in some respects relatively more costly and complex than the
present decoy, in that Stancil provides a three dimensional body
for his decoy. Yet, the wing provided for the Stancil decoy is
relatively primitive and unrealistic, with its frame mounted above
the decoy body and single, laterally continuous span supported by
each wing tip. In contrast, the present decoy wings provide
considerably greater realism, with their individual spans extending
to each side of the decoy body.
[0021] U.S. Pat. No. 6,092,323 issued on Jul. 25, 2000 to Craig M.
McBride et al., titled "Duck Decoy," describes a decoy with a
rotary wing assembly extending to each side thereof. The decoy body
is three dimensional and is supported by a central stake, with the
outboard ends of the wing panels supported by lateral extensions of
the stake. The McBride et al. wing assembly is not a cantilever
structure with unsupported outer tips, as is the present decoy wing
with its more realistic cantilever structure. Moreover, McBride et
al. do not provide any means for their decoy to pivot about the
vertical axis of the mounting stake to allow their decoy to pivot
into the wind, whereas the present decoy can pivot freely into the
wind according to variation in the wind direction in order to
orient the airflow properly to activate the wing action and for
greater realism.
[0022] U.S. Pat. No. 6,170,188 issued on Jan. 9, 2001 to Robert F.
Mathews, titled "Apparatus For Attracting Waterfowl," describes a
decoy having a superficial resemblance to the present decoy. The
Mathews decoy requires a three dimensional body, as the device
contains a motor to provide power to the rotary wings. As Mathews
prefers to provide power for wing rotation, he does not provide any
means for his decoy to pivot into the wind, as is evidenced by its
attachment to a series of square section tubes which cannot rotate
relative to one another. Moreover, such motorized decoy mechanisms
are not universally legal for hunting, whereas the present wind
activated decoy mechanism is legal and is considerably less costly
to purchase and maintain than such motorized decoy mechanisms
Canadian Patent Publication No. 1,050,268 issued on Mar. 13, 1979
to Marvin Snow, titled "Water Fowl Decoy," describes a decoy having
a folding and flapping wing mechanism which may be remotely
actuated by lines or cords. The wings of the Snow decoy are rigid
panels, pivotally hinged to each side of the decoy body. The wings
do not rotate about a lateral or any other axis extending from the
body, as do the rotating wings of the present decoy. Moreover, the
wings of the Snow decoy must be actuated manually. They do not
operate automatically due to airflow from a wind or breeze, as is
the case with the present wind actuated decoy.
[0023] Canadian Patent Publication No. 2,052,585 published on Apr.
3, 1992 to Bruce R. Balmer, titled "Wing Attachment For Bird
Decoys," describes a wing attachment formed of an extremely thin
and lightweight flexible plastic sheet or other suitable material.
Wire stays or spars may be installed with the sheets to spread the
wings as desired. While the Balmer wings will tend to flutter in a
breeze, they do not rotate or provide significant movement to
simulate the flapping of a bird alighting upon a surface, as do the
present wind activated decoy wings.
[0024] Finally, Canadian Patent Publication No. 2,177,498 published
on Nov. 29, 1997 to Philippe Dupuis, titled "Hunting Decoy,"
describes a flat panel decoy closely resembling that of the '798
U.S. patent to Tryon, discussed further above. As in the Tryon
decoy, the Dupuis decoy does not provide any wing movement.
[0025] None of the above inventions and patents, either singly or
in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as
claimed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0026] The present wind activated decoy essentially comprises a
profile or silhouette decoy body with a lateral passage
therethrough, for removably supporting a rotary shaft therein on
bearings. The shaft includes a first permanently installed wing
panel and a second removable wing panel, allowing the second panel
to be removed from the shaft for removal of the shaft from the
decoy body passage for compact storage of the components. Each wing
panel comprises a thin, rigid sheet of material having a sinusoidal
cross section in order to catch the wind and rotate or spin in a
slight breeze. The two wing panels are secured upon the shaft with
their chords at about a forty five degree angle to one another, in
order to avoid any singularity where aerodynamic pressures are
equalized and which would preclude rotation of the wing panels.
[0027] The present decoy includes a support shaft depending
therefrom, which is removably inserted into a tube (pipe or
conduit, etc.) which is in turn driven into the underlying surface
(pond bottom, marsh, etc.). The support shaft is located somewhat
forwardly of the lateral aerodynamic center of pressure of the
decoy, thereby causing the decoy to pivot about the support shaft
to face the prevailing breeze. This provides the proper orientation
of the decoy for actuation of the rotary wing vanes, as well as
producing greater realism to simulate real birds which face into
the prevailing breeze or wind.
[0028] When a breeze is present, the rotary wing panels or vanes
are rotated by the breeze. Preferably, the opposite surfaces of
each panel are painted to resemble the upper and lower wing
surfaces of a waterfowl (duck, goose, etc., depending upon the type
of bird being simulated). As the wing panels rotate, they simulate
the appearance of the rapid flapping of the wings of a bird
alighting upon a surface. The present decoy thus provides a
realistic appearance and action, while also being economical and
easily deployed and removed in the field as desired.
[0029] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to
provide a wind activated decoy having a silhouette body with a
rotary wing panel or vane extending to each side thereof.
[0030] It is another object of the invention to provide opposite
first and second wing panels disposed upon a single common shaft or
spar, with one of the panels being removable from the spar and the
spar being removably installable in bearing supports within the
silhouette body of the decoy.
[0031] It is a further object of the invention to provide a decoy
in which the wing panels or vanes each comprise a thin, rigid sheet
of material having a sinusoidal cross sectional shape to catch the
wind to produce rotation of the panels in a breeze.
[0032] Still another object of the invention is to provide a wind
activated decoy having the chords of the two rotary wing vanes
angularly offset from one another, in order to avoid a singularity
with equalized aerodynamic pressures which would preclude rotation
at certain predetermined rotational angles.
[0033] It is an object of the invention to provide improved
elements and arrangements thereof for the purposes described which
is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its
intended purposes.
[0034] These and other objects of the present invention will become
readily apparent upon further review of the following specification
and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a series of
the present wind activated decoys according to the present
invention, deployed for attracting game birds.
[0036] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the present wind
activated decoy, showing the general relationship between
components.
[0037] FIG. 3 is an elevation view in section of the rotary wing
vane spar and support structure, showing details thereof.
[0038] FIG. 4 is a schematic end elevation view of the rotary wing
vanes, showing their angular offset from one another and rotational
operation.
[0039] FIG. 5 is a schematic top plan view of the present decoy,
showing the angular displacement of the decoy about its vertical
axis as the decoy pivots to align itself with changes in wind
direction.
[0040] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features
consistently throughout the attached drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0041] The present invention is a decoy having wind activated
rotary wings, simulating the appearance of the rapid flapping
motion which occurs when a waterfowl or other bird is about to
alight upon a surface. The present decoy utilizes relatively
inexpensive and easily manufactured components, with the wing
action being accomplished automatically in relatively light
breezes. The relationship between the wing panels eliminates any
singularity which might occur, assuring that the wings will rotate
continually whenever sufficient breeze is present. The present wind
activated decoy invention may be patterned to represent a mallard
or other duck, as shown generally in the drawings, or may be
configured to represent and attract other species of birds, e.g.,
geese, etc.
[0042] FIG. 1 provides an environmental view of a series of the
present decoys 10 positioned to attract game birds or other
waterfowl. Each of the decoys 10 comprises a profile or silhouette
body 12 with a left and a right wing vane, respectively 14 and 16,
extending laterally therefrom. The two wing vanes 14 and 16 are
immovably affixed to one another when installed upon the decoy body
12, with their common central spar or shaft rotating within a
central wing support tube which passes through the silhouette body
12. The wing panels 14 and 16 thus rotate in the same direction, as
indicated by the rotational arrows R in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the
drawings. Each decoy 10 is supported by a depending support shaft
which installs removably within a support tube 18, to allow the
decoys 10 to pivot automatically into the prevailing breeze.
[0043] FIG. 2 illustrates the basic components of the present decoy
10, in further detail. The silhouette body portion 12 is formed of
a relatively thin (i.e., one eighth inch thick, more or less) and
rigid sheet of material, having an outline resembling that of a
waterfowl (duck goose, etc.) or other game bird as desired. The
body portion 12 may be made of any suitable material, but plastic
is preferred for its relatively light weight, corrosion resistance,
and economy. The body portion 12 may include additional stiffeners
or reinforcement (not shown), with both the body portion 12 and the
two wing vanes 14 and 16 preferably being colored or patterned to
represent the game bird or waterfowl represented by the body 12
silhouette and the shape of the two wing vanes 14 and 16.
[0044] Each of the wing vanes or panels 14 and 16 is preferably
formed of a thin, rigid sheet of material. Aluminum sheet has been
found to work well, as it is resistant to corrosion when properly
protected and is easily formed to have the desired aerodynamic
shape for operation in relatively light breezes. Other materials
(e.g., rigid plastic sheet, etc.) may be used as desired.
[0045] A wing support structure tube 20 passes laterally through
the body portion 12, for supporting a wing spar rod which may be
removably installed therein. The wing support tube 20 is preferably
formed integrally with the silhouette or profile body portion 12,
when the body 12 is cast or molded of a plastic material.
Alternatively, the wing support structure tube 20 may be formed as
a separate component and permanently installed with the decoy body
12, if so desired.
[0046] Each of the two wing vanes or panels 14 and 16 includes a
generally semicylindrical channel, respectively 22 and 24, formed
along the span thereof. The two wing channels 22 and 24 provide for
securing first and second wing spar tubes, respectively 26 and 28,
thereto. The two wing spar tubes 26 and 28 are permanently and
immovably affixed within their respective wing vane channels 22 and
24, e.g. by blind rivets 30, as shown in FIG. 3, or by other
suitable means (screws, bolts, adhesives, etc.) as desired.
[0047] The first wing spar tube 26 includes a solid wing spar rod
32 permanently and immovably affixed thereto, e.g., by a cotter pin
34 or the like as shown in FIG. 3, and extends concentrically from
the tube 26. The spar rod 32 has a distal second wing spar tube
attachment end 36, and serves as the central support for the two
wing vanes 14 and 16. A portion of the spar rod 32 passes through
the wing support structure tube 20 of the decoy body 12, and
extends outwardly therefrom past the second side of the body 12
opposite the first wing panel 14. The second wing spar tube 28
installs concentrically over the distal second wing spar attachment
tube end 36 of the spar rod 32, and is immovably secured thereto by
a hitch pin 38 or the like which installs removably through
corresponding holes 40 and 42 formed diametrically through the
distal end of the wing spar rod 32 and root end of the second wing
spar tube 28. Thus, the present decoy 10 is easily disassembled for
compact storage by removing the hitch pin 38, removing the second
wing spar tube 28 from the wing spar rod 32, and withdrawing the
spar rod 32 from the wing support tube 20 of the decoy body 12.
[0048] The aerodynamic shapes of the two wing vane panels 14 and 16
capture the wind and produce rotation of the two panels 14 and 16
about the lateral axis defined by the wing spar rod 32 passing
through the lateral wing support structure tube 20 of the decoy
body 12. Ball bearings 44, shown in the cross section view of FIG.
3, or other suitable bearings (e.g. roller, needle, etc.), are
preferably installed within the tube 20 in order to reduce friction
to the greatest practicable degree and to allow rotation of the
wing vane panels 14 and 16 in the slightest breezes. However, plain
sleeve bearings may be used if so desired, although the greater
friction of such plain bearings results in a need for greater wind
velocity for rotation of the wing vanes 14 and 16.
[0049] FIG. 4 illustrates the general chordwise shape of the two
wing panels, as well as their angular offset from one another about
their common lateral axis. The two wing panels are each shown in
two different positions, in order to show their rotational movement
as they are actuated by the wind. The first position for each panel
is shown in solid lines, i.e., panel 14a and 16a, while the second
position is illustrated by broken lines, i.e., panels 14b and 16b.
The orientation of FIG. 4 is from the right side of the decoy,
i.e., from the side having the second wing vane 16a, 16b extending
therefrom. The first wing vane 14a, 14b is illustrated by a single
line in FIG. 4, while the second wing vane 16a, 16b is illustrated
as having a finite thickness with separate lines designating the
opposite surfaces, in order to distinguish the two wing vanes 14a,
14b and 16a, 16b from one another in FIG. 4.
[0050] It will be seen that the two wing vanes have essentially
identical airfoil shapes, i.e., each has a sinusoidal cross
sectional shape extending along its chord from one edge to the
other. This combination of concave and convex shape to each side of
the central lateral axis of rotation defined by the wing spar rod
32, produces differential lifting forces upon each side of the wing
vane from the lateral axis under most vane angles. However, as the
vanes are symmetrical, there will be certain angles of attack at
which the aerodynamic forces are balanced for each, thus canceling
rotational forces for that particular wing vane.
[0051] To overcome this problem, the two wing vanes 14 and 16 are
installed upon their common lateral spar rod 32 with some angular
displacement about their common rotational axis. This is shown
clearly in FIG. 4, with a forty five degree angle between the first
positions 14a, 16a of the two vanes and thus also between their
second positions 14b, 16b. Thus, if one of the vanes, e.g., the
second vane as shown by its first position 16a, has balanced
aerodynamic forces thereon with no resulting pitching moment about
the rotational axis, the opposite vane, e.g., the first vane 14a,
will be positioned to produce a net aerodynamic force and thereby
produce rotation of the assembly. As the first vane 14a rotates to
a position where the aerodynamic forces are neutralized, it will
automatically rotate the joined second vane to some other angular
position whereby aerodynamic forces will produce a pitching moment
and rotation of that vane. Continuous rotation of the wing vane
assembly 14 and 16 is thus assured in any suitable breeze.
[0052] The relative angular position of the wing vanes 14 and 16 is
fixed in the embodiment shown by the angle at which cotter pin 34
extends through spar rod 32 and tube 26 relative to the angle at
which hitch pin 38 extends through spar rod 32 and tube 28. It will
be obvious to those skilled in the art that other means for fixing
the angular separation between vanes 14 and 16 may be used
consistent with the teaching of the present invention, e.g., keying
the spar rod 32.
[0053] The present wind activated decoy 10 is also provided with
means to allow the decoy to pivot into the prevailing wind. The
decoy 10 is mounted slightly above the underlying terrain or
surface by means of a tubular pivot support 18, as noted further
above. The silhouette body portion 12 of the decoy 10 includes an
integral wind vane pivot support shaft 46 depending therebelow,
which fits within the pivot support tube 18. Preferably, the pivot
support shaft 46 has a diameter configured to fit smoothly within
the interior of a conventional pipe or tube, e.g., a length of EMT
(electrical metal tubing) or other suitable pipe or tube. Such
materials are relatively inexpensive and provide sufficient
strength and durability to support the present decoy 10.
[0054] The decoy 10 is used by driving the support tube 18 into the
underlying surface, e.g., a pond bottom, etc., with the upper end
positioned just above the surface, generally as shown in FIG. 1.
The wing panels or vanes 14, 16 are installed upon the body 12 as
described further above, and the pivot support shaft 46 is placed
into the open upper end of the support tube 18. As the pivot
support shaft 46 is positioned ahead of the aerodynamic center of
pressure of the decoy assembly 10, with the aerodynamic drag of the
wing vanes 14 and 16 disposed aft of the pivot shaft 46, the decoy
assembly 10 will always turn into the prevailing wind. FIG. 5
illustrates this, with a central decoy position 10 shown in solid
lines, a second position 10a turned clockwise to show the effects
of a clockwise wind shift S1, and a third position lob turned
counterclockwise to show a counterclockwise wind shift S2.
[0055] In conclusion, the present wind activated decoy provides
reasonably realistic action while at the same time providing
superior economy of purchase and operation over more complex
mechanized decoys. The action of the rotating wing vanes provides
an appearance which reasonably resembles the rapid flapping action
of a game bird or waterfowl about to alight upon a surface (pond,
etc.). This is particularly true when the opposite surfaces of the
wing vanes of the present decoy are patterned or marked to
represent the upper and lower wing surfaces of a bird, with their
different colors and markings. Although the wing vanes of the
present decoy rotate rather than flap, their appearance provides a
reasonable resemblance to a rapid flapping action, particularly
from some distance. The appearance of such an apparent rapid
flapping action is indicative of birds alighting upon a surface,
and can serve to entice other birds to land in the same area.
[0056] The provision of a forwardly mounted wind vane pivot shaft
adds further realism, by allowing the decoy to pivot freely into
the prevailing wind. This provides two benefits: (1) it assures
that the wing vanes are aligned perpendicular to the wind direction
for optimum efficiency, and (2) it serves to align the decoy into
the wind to simulate the actions of a real game bird or waterfowl,
which by their nature tend to align themselves with the prevailing
wind. The realism of the present decoy, even with its economical
profile construction, thus serves as an economical means of
attracting game birds and waterfowl for hunters, photographers, and
others having similar interests.
[0057] It is to be understood that the present invention is not
limited to the embodiment described above, but encompasses any and
all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *