U.S. patent application number 10/675837 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-31 for game call device.
Invention is credited to Bishop, Ricky Joe.
Application Number | 20050070200 10/675837 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34314013 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050070200 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bishop, Ricky Joe |
March 31, 2005 |
GAME CALL DEVICE
Abstract
A frictional-type game calling apparatus, wherein a striking
plate is adapted to be frictionally contacted by a striker for
reproducing the mating, gathering, and feeding calls of wild
turkeys. The present apparatus and method allows for easy,
one-handed operation, wherein the striker is held in constant
contact with the striking plate, thereby allowing unrestricted use
of the game call in any physical orientation.
Inventors: |
Bishop, Ricky Joe; (Warm
Springs, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MYERS & KAPLAN, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW, L.L.C.
1899 POWERS FERRY ROAD
SUITE 310
ATLANTA
GA
30339
US
|
Family ID: |
34314013 |
Appl. No.: |
10/675837 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/208 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01M 31/004
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/208 |
International
Class: |
A63H 005/00 |
Claims
1. A game call comprising: at least one striking plate member; and
at least one striking assembly, wherein said at least one striking
assembly comprises a tube to amplify sounds simulative of turkeys
and other game birds, wherein a sliding member is positioned within
said tube, wherein a first striking plate is disposed on the bottom
of said sliding member, and wherein said first striking plate is
positioned to frictionally engage a top side of a striking
block.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a second striking plate is
disposed on the bottom of said at least one striking plate
member.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said second striking plate
provides a frictional surface for contacting a striking stick.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a cavity is formed on a top
side of said at least one striking plate member, wherein said
cavity functions as an acoustic chamber to amplify sounds
simulative of turkeys and other game birds.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said cavity also functions to
receive and removably attach said at least one striking plate
member to said at least one striking assembly.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one acoustic channel
is formed on a top side of said at least one striking plate member
to amplify sounds simulative of turkeys and other game birds.
7. (Cancel)
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said striking block is
positioned towards the bottom of said tube, and wherein said
striking block has a frictional top surface for engaging a striking
plate.
9. (Cancel)
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one striking
assembly further comprises a pad for cushioning the contact between
an inner wall of said tube and said sliding member.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a sounding board
positioned between said first striking plate and said second
striking plate, wherein said sounding board functions to amplify
the sounds simulative of turkeys and other game birds.
12. A game call comprising: at least one striking plate member; and
at least one striking assembly, wherein said at least one striking
assembly comprises a tube, a sliding member and at least one
elastic retention member, wherein a first striking plate is
disposed on the bottom of said sliding member, wherein a first end
of said at least one elastic retention member is attached to a
bottom inner wall of said tube, and wherein a second end of said at
least one elastic retention member is attached to said sliding
member.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said tube functions to
amplify sounds simulative of turkeys and other game birds.
14. (Cancel)
15. (Cancel)
16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said at least one elastic
retention member functions to automatically return said sliding
member to its original position within said tube.
17. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said at least one elastic
retention member provides a downward force that urges said sliding
member against a striking block.
18. A method of simulating and producing game calls, said method
comprising the step of: moving a sliding member within an acoustic
tube, wherein said sliding member is slid over a pyramidal-shaped
striking block, and wherein a bottom side of said sliding member
frictionally engages a top side of said pyramidal-shaped striking
block.
19. (Cancel)
20. The method of claim 18, wherein said sliding member is returned
to its original starting position within said acoustic tube by an
elastic retention member, and wherein said elastic retention member
also urges said bottom side of said sliding member against said top
side of said pyramidal-shaped striking block.
21. The method of claim 18, wherein said game calls resound off a
sounding board, resonate through a cavity formed within a striking
plate member, travel through at least one channel formed within
said striking plate member, and transmit out at least one aperture
formed within said striking plate member.
22. The method of claim 18, wherein said game calls resound off
said sounding board, resonate through said acoustic tube, and
transmit out from a top side of said acoustic tube.
23. The method of claim 4t 18, wherein said bottom of said sliding
member has disposed thereon a striking plate, and wherein said top
of said pyramidal-shaped striking block is a frictional
surface.
24. The method of claim 18, wherein said sliding member could be
moved over said pyramidal-shaped striking block by a single
hand.
25. The method of claim 20, wherein said sliding member and said
pyramidal-shaped striking block may be operated in any physical
orientation.
26. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said striking block is
pyramidal-shaped.
27. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said striking block is
pyramidal-shaped.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a game calling
apparatus, and more specifically to a dual friction-type turkey
call, wherein a striking plate is adapted to be frictionally
contacted by a striker for audibly reproducing the mating,
gathering, and feeding calls of wild turkeys.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Game call devices for simulating the sound of turkeys or
other game birds are prevalent within the hunting industry. Most
conventional game call devices typically comprise a slate box and
the manual use of a striking stick. To operate such devices, the
slate is held in one hand while the stick is held in the other. The
stick is brought into contact with the slate in short strokes to
simulate the calls of the wild turkey. However, because the stick
must strike the slate at a certain angled stroke length with a
certain force in order to simulate the bird calls accurately, much
practice and skill is required to effectively mimic or reproduce
the desired calls. As such, it is extremely difficult for a
beginner to accurately simulate the calls via use of such a
hand-held device. Operation of these devices can also be cumbersome
for even the most experienced hunters. Specifically, when a turkey
approaches, the device must be put down so that the shotgun can be
picked up, often resulting in loss of the most opportune moment for
aiming and shooting at the turkey.
[0003] Although friction-type game call devices requiring
single-hand operation are available, such devices are limited in
application, as they must be held in a particular vertical
orientation to ensure that the striker is held in gravitational
contact with the slate. Such restrictions can be extremely
cumbersome, especially while tracking a moving target and
attempting to prepare a shotgun for firing at same.
[0004] Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a
game call device that facilitates single-handed operation by
enabling the striker to be held in constant contact with the
sounding device, thereby allowing unrestricted use of the game call
in any physical orientation. Furthermore, there is a need for a
game call device that combines the features and advantages of
conventional frictional-type and striking stick devices with the
features and advantages of available single-handed devices.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present
invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the
recognized need for such a device by providing a friction-type game
call device comprising a striking plate member and a striking
assembly secured to one another, wherein the single-handed
operational feature of the game call device permits unrestricted
use of the game call device in any physical orientation for
accurately simulating and reproducing the sound of turkeys and
other game birds.
[0006] According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the
present invention in its preferred form is a game call device
generally comprising a striking plate member and a striking
assembly. More specifically, the present invention comprises a
striking plate member wherein a striking plate is fixed to the
bottom side to provide a frictional surface for contacting a
striking stick, and wherein a cavity is formed in the top side for
receiving the striking assembly. The striking assembly also
comprises a striking plate, wherein the striking plate is manually
slid over a stationary striking block to simulate the sounds of
turkeys and other game birds, and wherein an elastic retention
member is provided to urge the striking plate against the striking
block and to automatically return the striking plate to its
original starting position within the striking assembly.
[0007] Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present
invention is its unique combination and orientation of components,
including its acoustic channels and chambers, that amplify the
sounds generated by the device.
[0008] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is
its strategic placement of the sounding board to facilitate the
combination of a conventional frictional-type and striking stick
device with a one-handed use device.
[0009] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is
its ability to automatically return the striking plate to its
original starting position.
[0010] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is
its ability to hold the striking plate in constant contact with the
striking block, thereby allowing unrestricted use of the game call
device in any physical orientation.
[0011] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is
its ability to accurately simulate and mimic the mating, gathering,
and feeding calls of wild turkeys.
[0012] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is
that its compact size allows for easy and efficient use, and allows
a user to readily store the device in his or her pocket.
[0013] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is
its single-handed operation that permits the user to utilize his or
her free hand for other activities, such as shooting.
[0014] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is
that its preset orientation of components allows unskilled users of
game call devices to easily utilize the device without
practice.
[0015] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is
its ability to accurately simulate turkey fighting purrs by
operating the single-handed use assembly and the striking stick
device simultaneously.
[0016] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from
the following description and claims when read in light of the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The present invention will be better understood by reading
the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Selected Alternate
Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in
which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to
like elements throughout, and in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the top side of a preferred
embodiment of the-present invention.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the bottom side of a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND SELECTED ALTERNATIVE
EMBODIMENTS
[0022] In describing the preferred and selected alternate
embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4,
specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The
invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific
terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each
specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in
a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.
[0023] Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, the present invention in a
preferred embodiment is a game call apparatus 10 generally
preferably possessing striking plate member 20 and striking
assembly 120. As best illustrated in FIG. 1, striking plate member
20 and striking assembly 120 are preferably removably secured to
one another to form game call apparatus 10. Although it is
preferred that apparatus 10 possess two general components, namely
striking plate member 20 and striking assembly 120, it is
contemplated in an alternate embodiment that apparatus 10 could
comprise any number of individual components, such as, for
exemplary purposes only, a single molded unit wherein a top portion
functions as a one-handed use frictional-type game call, and
wherein a bottom portion functions as a striking plate.
[0024] Striking plate member 20 is preferably substantially
cylindrical-shaped and preferably comprises top side 30, bottom
side 40, outer peripheral side wall 50, and inner side wall 60.
Preferably, cavity 32 is formed in the center of top side 30,
wherein cavity 32 is substantially circular-shaped and dimensioned
for receiving striking assembly 120 therein, thereby removably
securing striking plate member 20 to striking assembly 120. Formed
preferably on side wall 60 is threaded interface 70, dimensioned
for reception of a threaded engagement formed on striking assembly
120, as more fully described below. Although it is preferred that
striking assembly 120 be removably securable to striking plate
member 20 via threaded engagement, it is contemplated in an
alternate embodiment that striking assembly 120 and striking plate
member 20 could be removably or non-removably attached to one
another by other means known within the art, such as, for exemplary
purposes only, frictional fit, screws, snaps, and/or a tab and slot
system. As more fully described below, cavity 32 further functions
as an acoustic chamber and changing the depth of insertion of
striking assembly 120 into striking plate member 20 changes the
tone of sound created by apparatus 10.
[0025] Preferably disposed on top side 30 are four equally
spaced-apart acoustic channels 34, 35, 36 and 37, wherein each
acoustic channel preferably extends from cavity 32 to peripheral
side wall 50, thereby disposing four rectangular-shaped apertures
52, 54, 56 and 58 within peripheral side wall 50. Preferably,
acoustic channels 34, 35, 36 and 37 are configured such that sound
emanating from cavity 32 resonates through acoustic channels 34,
35, 36 and 37, and exits out of apertures 52, 54, 56 and 58, as
more fully described below. Although it is preferred that top side
30 have four acoustic channels 34, 35, 36 and 37 disposed thereon,
it is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that top side 30
could eliminate acoustic channels 34, 35, 36 and 37, wherein
apertures 52, 54, 56 and 58 would be located anywhere on peripheral
side wall 50 so long as apertures 52, 54, 56 and 58 do not contact
top side 30. Furthermore, although it is preferred that peripheral
side wall 50 have apertures 52, 54, 56 and 58 disposed thereon, it
is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that peripheral side
wall 50 could eliminate apertures 52, 54, 56 and 58.
[0026] Preferably, striking plate 42 is integrally formed or
permanently affixed to bottom side 40 by any suitable means known
within the art, such as, for exemplary purposes only, glue, cement
or rivets; however, it is contemplated in an alternate embodiment
that striking plate 42 could be removably attached to bottom side
40 by any suitable means known within the art, such as, for
exemplary purposes only, frictional fit, snaps, screws, or a tab
and slot system. Moreover, although striking plate 42 is preferably
circular-shaped, it is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that
striking plate 42 could be any suitable shape and/or size, so long
as striking plate 42 provides a surface large enough for a striking
stick to stroke thereacross and simulate a turkey call, as more
fully described below. Although striking plate 42 is preferably
formed from metal, it is contemplated in an alternative embodiment
that striking plate 42 could be formed from other flat, hard
materials having a frictional surface, such as, for exemplary
purposes only, aluminum, plastic, slate, tempered glass, crystal or
the like. If striking plate 42 is selectively formed from tempered
glass, the glass surface must be properly prepared for use as a
striking plate. Generally, this involves scoring the surface of the
glass to form miniature transverse grooves thereon. Scoring can be
accomplished via polishing with Emory cloth or by any other
suitable means.
[0027] Striking stick 12 preferably generally comprises top side 14
and bottom side 16. Although it is preferred that striking stick 12
is a cylinder-shaped rod, it is contemplated in an alternate
embodiment that striking stick 12 could be any suitable shape
and/or size, so long as striking stick 12 may be held in a fashion
wherein bottom side 16 thereof may be frictionally slid across
striking plate 42 of striking plate member 20, as more fully
described below. Further, although it is preferred that striking
stick 12 be formed from plastic, it is contemplated in an alternate
embodiment that striking stick 12 could be formed from other solid,
relatively strong materials, such as, for exemplary purposes only,
glass, metal or wood, so long as bottom side 16 has a frictional
surface for engaging striking plate 42 of striking plate member
20.
[0028] Top side 14 of striking stick 12 is preferably integrally
formed or permanently affixed to grip handle 18 by any suitable
means known within the art, such as, for exemplary purposes only,
glue, cement or bolts; however, it is contemplated in an alternate
embodiment that striking stick 12 could be removably attached to
grip handle 18 by any suitable means known within the art, such as,
for exemplary purposes only, frictional fit or screws. Although it
is preferred that grip handle 18 is a substantially funnel-shaped
handle, it is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that grip
handle 18 could be any suitable shape and/or size so long as it
functions as a non-slip handle for gripping striking stick 12.
Further, although it is preferred that grip handle 18 is formed
from plastic, it is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that
grip handle 18 could be formed from other non-slip materials, such
as, for exemplary purposes only, wood, metal or glass. It is
further contemplated that striking stick 12 could entirely or
partially eliminate grip handle 18.
[0029] Striking assembly 120 generally preferably comprises tube
130, sounding board 140, striking block 150, sliding member 170 and
elastic retention member 210. Preferably, tube 130 has top side
132, bottom side 134, and peripheral sidewall 136. Although tube
130 is preferably cylinder-shaped, it is contemplated that tube 130
could embody alternate shapes, such as, for exemplary purposes
only, ball, pyramid or cube. Preferably, the peripheral
circumference of bottom side 134 is equal to the circumference of
cavity 32 of striking plate member 20, wherein bottom side 134 can
be inserted into cavity 32 of striking plate member 20 to removably
attach striking assembly 120 to striking plate member 20 via
threaded engagement. Formed preferably on the bottom of peripheral
sidewall 136 is threaded engagement 135, dimensioned for reception
by threaded interface 70 formed on striking plate member 20.
[0030] Also preferably disposed on peripheral sidewall 136 are
apertures 138 and 139. Although it is preferred that apertures 138
and 139 are circular-shaped, it is contemplated that apertures 138
and 139 could alternatively embody other suitable shapes and/or
sizes that allow insertion and movement of the elongated rod of
sliding member 170, as more fully described below. Although it is
preferred that top side 132 be open, thereby exposing the center of
tube 130, it is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that top
side 132 could be covered. Further, as more fully described below,
tube 130 further functions as an acoustic chamber.
[0031] Preferably, attachment means 131 is disposed on the bottom
inner wall of peripheral sidewall 136, wherein attachment means 131
preferably connects elastic retention member 210 to tube 130, as
more fully described below. Although it is preferred that
attachment means 131 be a hook, it is contemplated that attachment
means 131 could alternatively embody other suitable attachment
means, such as, for exemplary purposes only, clasps, pins, tabs,
slots or glue. Additionally, pad 133 is preferably glued to the top
inner wall of peripheral sidewall 136, wherein pad 133 is
preferably attached directly above attachment means 131. It is
recognized that pad 133, in alternate embodiments, could be
attached by other means, such as, for exemplary purposes only,
pins, snaps, or hook-and-loop fasteners. Although pad 133 is
preferably a rectangular-shaped strip, it is contemplated in
alternate embodiments that pad 133 may be any shape or size, so
long as pad 133 functions to cushion the inner wall of tube 130
from sliding member 170. Further, although pad 133 is preferably
formed from rubber, it is contemplated in an alternate embodiment
that pad 133 could be formed from other soft materials, such as,
for exemplary purposes only, sponge, felt or cotton.
[0032] Sounding board 140 generally preferably comprises top side
142 and bottom side 144, wherein top side 142 is preferably
permanently fixed to bottom side 134 of tube 130 by any suitable
means known within the art, such as, for exemplary purposes only,
glue, cement or rivets; however, it is contemplated in an alternate
embodiment that sounding board 140 could be removably secured to
bottom side 134 by any suitable means known within the art, such
as, for exemplary purposes only, frictional fit, snaps, screws or a
tab and slot system. Although sounding board 140 is preferably
circular-shaped, it is contemplated, in alternate embodiments, that
sounding board 140 may be any suitable size or shape, so long as
the planar area of sounding board 140 is less than or equal to the
planar area of bottom side 134 of tube 130. Moreover, although
sounding board 140 is preferably formed from aluminum, it is
contemplated in an alternate embodiment that sounding board 140
could be formed from wood, plastic, glass, or any other suitable
material capable of resonating the turkey call sounds simulated by
apparatus 10. As more fully described below, positioning sounding
board 140 between striking plate 42 of striking plate member 20 and
the striking plate of striking assembly 120 preferably allows
sounding board 140 to function as a sounding board for both
striking plate member 20 and striking assembly 120.
[0033] Preferably, striking block 150 is pyramid-shaped and
generally comprises top side 152, bottom side 154, and sidewalls
156, 158, 160 and 162, wherein bottom side 154 is substantially
centered and permanently affixed to top side 142 of sounding board
140 by any suitable means known within the art, such as, for
exemplary purposes only, glue, cement or rivets. Preferably,
sidewall 156 is adjacent to bottom side 154 disposed at an angle
approximately equal to 90 degrees therefrom, sidewall 158 is
adjacent to bottom side 154 disposed at an angle approximately
equal to 20 degrees therefrom, sidewall 160 is adjacent to bottom
side 154 disposed at an angle approximately equal to 35 degrees
therefrom, and sidewall 162 is adjacent to bottom side 154 disposed
at an angle approximately equal to 35 degrees therefrom. It is
recognized that striking block 150 could alternatively embody other
suitable shapes and/or sizes, so long as top side 152 thereof is
positioned below sliding member 170, and so long as top side 152 is
positioned to engage the striking plate of sliding member 170.
[0034] Although striking block 150 is preferably formed from wood,
it is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that striking block
150 could be formed from other solid, relatively strong materials
so long as top side 152 has a frictional surface for engaging the
striking plate of sliding member 170.
[0035] Preferably, sliding member 170 generally comprises elongated
rod 180 and base member 190, wherein base member 190 generally
comprises top side 192, bottom side 194, and sidewalls 196, 198,
200 and 202. Although sliding member 170 is preferably formed from
plastic, it is contemplated in alternate embodiments that sliding
member 170 may be formed from other suitable materials, such as,
for exemplary purposes only, metal or wood. Elongated rod 180 is
preferably a cylinder-shaped shaft; however, it is contemplated
that elongated rod 180 could alternatively embody other suitable
shapes and/or sizes, so long as elongated rod 180 is dimensioned to
be retained by apertures 138 and 139 of tube 130, and so long as
elongated rod 180 is able to easily slide in and out of apertures
138 and 139 of tube 130. Preferably, sidewall 196 of base member
190 is integrally formed or permanently affixed to the lateral side
of elongated rod 180, wherein base member 190 is positioned such
that sidewall 198 of base member 190 is less than 0.25 inch from
the inner wall of tube 130 when elongated rod 180 is retained in
tube 130. In such a preferred position, sidewall 196 is in direct
contact with pad 133 of tube 130 and directly above attachment
means 131 of tube 130. Sidewall 196 is preferably a curved surface
to permit conformation of same to the curved inner wall of tube
130. Sidewall 200 of base member 190 preferably has attachment
means 204 disposed thereon for attachment of elastic retention
member 210. Although attachment means 204 preferably employs
grooves to attach elastic retention member 210, it is contemplated
in an alternate embodiment that any suitable means of attachment
may be employed, such as, for exemplary purposes only, tabs, pins,
pegs or clasps.
[0036] Preferably, striking plate 206 is integrally formed or
permanently affixed to bottom side 194 of base member 190 of
sliding member 170 by any suitable means known within the art, such
as, for exemplary purposes only, glue, cement or rivets; however,
it is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that striking plate
206 may be removably attached to bottom side 194 by any suitable
means known within the art, such as, for exemplary purposes only,
frictional fit, snaps, screws or a tab and slot system. Moreover,
although striking plate 206 is preferably a rectangular strip, it
is contemplated, in alternate embodiments, that striking plate 206
could be any suitable size or shape, so long as striking plate 206
provides a surface large enough for top side 152 of striking block
150 to frictionally slide thereacross and simulate a turkey call,
as more fully described below. Although striking plate 206 is
preferably formed from metal, it is contemplated in an alternative
embodiment that striking plate 206 could be formed from other flat,
hard materials having a frictional surface, such as, for exemplary
purposes only, aluminum, plastic, slate, tempered glass, crystal,
or the like. If striking plate 206 is alternatively formed from
tempered glass, the glass surface must be properly prepared for use
as a striking plate; generally via scoring of the glass surface to
form miniature transverse grooves thereon. Scoring can be
accomplished via polishing with Emory cloth or by any other
suitable means.
[0037] Preferably, elastic retention member 210 is in the form of
an elastic rubber band; however, it is recognized that elastic
retention member 210 could alternatively embody other suitable
shapes and/or sizes so long as it functions to hold striking block
150 in contact with sliding member 170 and automatically returns
sliding member 170 to its original starting position when elastic
retention member 210 is attached to sliding member 170 and tube
130, as more fully described below. One end of elastic retention
member 210 is preferably attached to attachment means 131 of tube
130, and one end of elastic retention member 210 is preferably
attached to attachment means 204 of sliding member 170. Preferably,
elastic retention member 210 is disposed from sounding board 140 at
an angle sufficient to produce a downward force and urge striking
plate 206 against top side 152 of striking block 150. With this
preset initial downward force, combined with the positioning of
striking plate 206 and top side 152, the calls of a wild turkey can
be accurately simulated by having uniform starting conditions and
tuning, as more fully described below.
[0038] Either striking plate member 20 or striking assembly 120 may
be utilized to simulate the calls of a wild turkey. To operate
striking plate member 20, striking stick 12 is held in one hand and
apparatus 10 is held in the other. Bottom side 16 of striking stick
12 is brought into contact with striking plate 42 of striking plate
member 20 in short strokes to produce sounds simulative of turkey
yelps, purrs, clucks and so on.
[0039] To operate striking assembly 120, the blunt end of elongated
rod 180 of sliding member 170 is pushed into tube 130 so that
striking plate 206 frictionally engages top side 152 of striking
block 150. Unlike conventional frictional-type game call devices
that move a striker over a striking plate, the present invention
slides the striking plate over a stationary striker. Sliding member
170 is automatically returned to its original starting position
within tube 130 by elastic retention member 210. No sound is
produced by the return of sliding member 170. In addition, pad 133
is provided on the inner wall of striking assembly 120 so that a
turkey will not be scared away by the noise of sliding member 170
colliding with the inner wall of striking assembly 120. The
combination of the preset force urging striking plate 206 against
top side 152 of striking block 150, the orientation of striking
plate 206 and top side 152 with respect to each other, the types of
materials utilized, and the configuration of the acoustic chambers
result in the simulation and production of highly accurate turkey
calls.
[0040] As discussed above, positioning sounding board 140 between
striking plate 42 of striking plate member 20 and striking plate
206 of striking assembly 120 allows sounding board 140 to function
as a sounding board for both striking plate member 20 and striking
assembly 120. Preferably, sound vibrates off sounding board 140,
resonates through cavity 32, travels through acoustic channels 34,
35, 36 and 37 and is transmitted out from apertures 52, 54, 56 and
58. In addition, sound vibrates off sounding board 140, resonates
through tube 130, and is transmitted out top side 132.
[0041] In an alternate embodiment, striking block 150 could be a
slate peg.
[0042] In another alternate embodiment, elastic retention member
210 could be a coiled spring.
[0043] In an alternate embodiment, elastic retention member 210
could be attached to sounding board 140.
[0044] In another alternate embodiment, pad 133 could be disposed
on sidewall 196 of base member 190 of sliding member 170.
[0045] In yet another alternate embodiment, tube 130 of striking
assembly 120 could possess a rain cover and an acoustic
channel.
[0046] In still another alternate embodiment, striking plate member
20 could eliminate all channels and apertures.
[0047] Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present
invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the
within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other
alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the
scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention
is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but
is limited only by the following claims.
* * * * *