CA1098311A - Decoy products for game birds with compact nesting facilities - Google Patents

Abstract

DECOY PRODUCTS FOR GAME BIRDS WITH
COMPACT NESTING FACILITIES

ABSTRACT OF THE INVENTION

Novel decoy products for game-fowl are described herein comprising essentially thin shell bodies which in use are detachably interconnected to form full volumetric simulation of the appropriate game birds. The thin shell sections, when disconnected, are positionable for extremely compact nesting of a multiplicity of the shell sections to greatly reduce bulk and handling of the decoy products, and to further facilitate storage, transportation and sales display of the units. Forms of the invention have been provided for bouyant floating use on water as well as for field use. All forms include concavo-convex body portions of thin prefer-ably elastomer or plastic material having cooperating and interlocking neck and head portions, which when disconnected are readily positionable for extremely compact nesting of a great multiplicity of the essential decoy parts.

Description

1~)"83~1 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Beginning more than a century ago with carved or shaped solid float and field decoys usually made from wood and later from water-proofed lighter composition material, game-birds decoys have included inflated or other lighter and hollow decoys, most of which in volumetric form, simulated ducks, geese or other game birds for which the hunting was intended.
All of said prior art game-bird decoys have been very clumsy and ponderous to handle, not only in transpor-tation but also in the operation of setting out the decoys on lakes and other waters and in retrieving the same after hunting. The voluminous space required for storage and sales display of said decoys have been quite objectionable.
Further prior art discloses a number of forms of game-bird decoys which employ for body and head portions, upstanding waterproofed body and head sheet material of planar shape. Some of these have included detachable float bottoms to support the upstanding planar bodies and neck and head portions. The examples of some of the last mentioned prior art are found in the disclosures in the following U. S. Patents, to wit:

Timm #2,483,680 Ballard - #2,450,572 Johnson - #2,435,083 Paliner - #3,029,541 SYNOPSIS OF THE INVENTION
In the several forms cf my invention rather deep, con~avo-convex body sections are employed constructed of vexy thin but tough and durable elastomer material including a number of plastics as well as natural and synthetic rubber 10~8311 substances. For the floating type game-bird decoys I employ two readily connectable shell body sections having preferably integrally formed neck and head sections also of concavo-convex shell construction, which in use are efficiently connected with substantially registering edges to constitute close likenesses and full volumetric shape of the game-birds simulated.
In the forms of the invention for dry field use the bodies of the decoy per se require only on~ enlarged deep 10 concavo-convex body shell but they also employ for nec~ and head portions of the simulated fowl a pair of cooperating shell sections readily connectable for constituting the full volumetric neck and head portions o~ the simulated game-bird. A cooperating pair of the neck and head sections is readily connectable, in field use, with the larger single shell body section and cooperating means such as stakes or equivalent support media are provided for appropriately supporting the ass~mbled decoy in the desired field positions.
My invention includes, in combination with the said thin shell sections, a receiving and reinforcing member or deck having closely spaced, complemental recesses for precisely receiving a great multiplicity of the decoy shell members in extremely compact, nested relation. This phase of the invention is optional.
For my floating game-bird decoys, I prefer to mold the two cooperating body and head shells integrally in a single molding operation. ~ number of relatively inexpensive plastic and elastomer materials are available, which readily facilitate thin, shell moldings and where the two cooperat-ing shell members may be interconnected along at least portions 10~8311 of the back edges and head portions to provide hinge action.A number of tough plastic materials will provide the flexi-bility and bending and durability desired. Thus, with such hinge action, the two shell sections may be swung to opposed complementary relation with the then free lower edges of the simulated decoy body disposed substantially in opposed regis-tration. Cooperating intermittently spaced attachment ele-mentssuch as groove and tenon portions or detachable "buttons"
may be provided or attached on the opposed lower registering edges of the shells, whereby when interconnected, a full volumetric decoy body is produced with provision for floata-tion and which in all visible parts, very closely simulates in overall appearance, the game-bird for which it is intended.

DETAILED DESC~IPTION OF E~BODIML~iTS
The following description made in conn~ction with the accompanying drawings, will more clearly disclose the structure, functions and operation of my invention as well as the new and improved results obtained therefrom.
In said drawings:
Fig. 1 is a side elevation (on small scale~ showing an assembl~d form of my decoy floated on a body of water and anchored for use;
Fig. 2 is a vertical section ~on a larger scale) taken substantially along the line 2--2 of Fig. l;
Fig. 3 is a vertical section taken along the line 3--3 of Fig. 2 showing one manner of interconnection and hinge action between the two cooperating head and bill portions of the decoy;
~ 'ig. 2A is a vertical section corresponding to Fig. 2 ~0~8311 showing a second and somewhat simplified form of my floating game-bird decoy with dotted lines indicating the swung-open positions of the shell sections to provide for compact nest-ing thereof with other similar decoy units;
Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the additional bottom ("boat") shell element employed in the invention form illus-trated in Fig. 2;
Fig. 5 (on the third sheet of drawings) is a top plan view of the two integrally formed shell sections of the invention forms of both Fig. 2 and Fig. 2A swung apart in side-by-side relation for compact nesting with a multiplic-ity of other similar decoy units;
Fig. 6 is a vertical cross section showing an important phase of my invention which combines with a multiplicity of the two body shells of the decoy units a relatively stiff, tray-like container having cooperating pockets for compactly positioning and nesting a multiplicity of swung-out decoy units;
Fig. 7 is a side elevation, on reduced scale, of an assembled goose-simulating decoy for field use;
Fig. 8 is a top plan view on a larger scale, showing the component shell parts of the decoy of Fig. 7 swung out and arranged in compact relation for receiving and nesting a multiplicity of similar goose decoys;
Fig. 9 is a vertical section taken on the line 9--9 in Fig. 1, showing a second integral fold-hinge connection between the upper rear edge portions of the two main shell members and;
Fig. 10 is a vertical section taken on the line 10--10 of Fig. 7 and, on a larger scale, showing one means of 10~8311 conveniently mounting the goose decoy of Fig. 7 for field use.
Referring now to the form of the invention showing in Figs. 1,2,3,4 and 6 of the patent drawings, I provide a pair of cooperating, complementary shell sections 15 and 16 respectively. These shell sections when interconnected in opposed, registering relation are contoured and shaped to form, as illustrated, the entire body and head and bill portions of a full volumetric bouyant decoy very closely simulating from all visible p~rtions above the waterline the game-fowl intended. The two shell sections 15 and 16 are rather deep in concavo-convex structure to in combina-tion provide a relatively wide body of the simulated game-bird to prevent tipping over of the assembled decoy when floated on ~ater. Shell sections 15 and 16 are molded or otherwise formed from suitable, tough plastic or elastomer material preferably having a specific gravity approximating 1.
Such plastic materials such as polyurethane, flexible P V C, polypropylene, or cycolac are suitable, but numerous other plastics may be utilized. ~lastomer materials such as natural rubbers or synthe~ic rubber having the proper specific gravity may also be equally well employed. The moldings of the shell members are preferably quite thin, not exceeding one eighth inch in thickness and preferably having moderate flexibility and elasticity.
The shell members 15 and 16 are preferably integrally molded as shown in Figs. 2,3,5 and 9, whereby flexible hinge fold portions 17 and 17a disposed as shown in the floating embodiment of my decoy interconnect sections 15 and 16 and 10~8311 are disposed and interconnect the head portions of the decoys as well as rear back body portions thereof.
It will be understood that the two shell sections 15 and 16 may be integrally formed and hinge-connected at their lower edges 15a and 16a with the remaining edges of the two cooperating body shells free for detachable interconnection.
It will likewise be understood that the two shell sections may be independently molded or otherwise formed for suitable interconnection along all of their peripheral edges.
In the form of Fig. 2, the lower registering edges of the two shell sections, as well as the upward extending forward breast portions of the decoy and rear back and tail portions of the two sections are detachably int~rconnected by suitable fastening elements preferably spaced along the con-figuration such as overlapping "button" and recess elements 16b and 15b respectively. The bill elements of the two head portions of the shell elements are detachably interconnected by suitable efficient means such as tongue and groove elements 16c and 15c, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3.
It will be understood that in both forms of my floating decoys the free edges (unhinged by integral construction) at suitable intervals are provided by readily detachable coupling or interconnecting elements employed in minimal spaced relation along the registering free edges of the two shell members.
In the form of my decoy product shown in Figs. 2 and 4 of the drawings, an additional, relatively large but shallow, boat-like bottom shell 18 is employed to give greater bouyancy to the overall decoy and to enahle plastic or elastomer mater-ials having a higher specific gravity than 1 to be utilized.

10~8311 The peripheral edge-shape of the bottom concavo-convex shell 18 is fashioned to conform and overlie radial, horizontal line portions of the body shell members 15 and 16 when the latter are assembled, as clearly shown in Fig. 2. "Button"
and socket-like or other suitable fastening elements are provided indicated at 19 and l9a in Fig. 2 to interconnect the bottom shell 18 with the ovsrlaid ~dial body line portions of the two shell sections.
The lowermost central and forward portion of the boat shell 18 has integrally formed therewith a small, depending ear 18b transversely apertured to receive the loop of a knotted, flexible anchor cord 20 which, in conventional manner, has a small anchor weight 21 secured to the lower end thereof.
The body shells 15 and 16, when suitably swung apart along the interconnecting integral hinge portions 17 and 17a, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, are disposed in side-by-side rela-tion with the peripheral edges of the two shells lying sub-stantially in a common plane. Since the two shells are contin-uously concavo-convex in contour throughout their dimensions, they will readily receive and very compactly nest a multiplicity of similar decoy shell sections as shown in Fig. 6. Likewise (not shown) the ~ottom boat shell sections 18 being continu-ously concavo-convex in shape, will readily receive and very compactly nest a multiplicity of similar boat sections 18 of identical decoy products.
To properly receive, retain and reinforce a multiplicity of the essential body shell sections 15, 16, and 18 with the peripheral edges thereof disposed, when swung apart substan-tially in a common plane, as shown in Fig. 6, I provide a ~0'~8311 substantially stiff, reinforcing, pocketed deck unit identifiedas an entirety by the numeral 22, preferably integrally con-structed and molded from a relatively stiff, thicker plastic material having the pockets 22a and 22b precisely contoured in concavo-convex form for receiving the swung-apart sections 15 and 16 of the double shell body which,as previously recited, includes a tail, head and bill sections of the shell decoy units. Similarly, the reinforcing pocketed deck (not shown) will be provided with a concavo-convex pocket for precisely receiving the lower boat-like shells 18 of the form of the invention shown in Fig. 2 and in such reception the peripheral edges of the lower boat shell 18 will be disposed in substan-tially a common plane with the peripheral edges of the body shell sections 15 and 16. The close functional relationship of the pocketed positioning deck 22 with a multiplicity of the nested decoy shells is an additional important phase of my invention. As shown, I provide a flexible cover 22c connectible with the two side edges of deck 22 for retaining the shells after the deck is loaded.
Referring now to the somewhat simplified form of my float-ing decoy structure as shown in Figs. 1, 2A, 3,5,6 and 9 of the drawings, a pair of thin, tough body shell sections 30 and 31 are provided. These concavo-convex shell sections are gener-ally similar to the body shells 15 and 16 of the form first described and include integrally formed head, bill and tail portions for each shell. Figs. 1,3,5, and 6 of thP drawings illustrate in common both the first and second e~odiments of the invention although xeference numerals are applied to said Figs. which pertain specifical1y to the first embodiment.
The two body shells 30 and 31 as shown, are integrally formed ~g8311 in the same molding process and have integral fold-hinge connections 30a between the upper head portions of the shells and secondary, integral fold-hinge connections 31a between the rear back shell portions. The body proper of the second form of the duck decoy is somewhat greater in height than the body defined by the shell sections 15 and 16 of the first form.
As in the first form shown, readily connectable "button and socket" coupling means or tongue ~nd groove elements are provided in the disconnected portions of the registering edges of the two shells 30 and 31 and in this second form preferably the bottom peripheral registering edges of the decoy body may be provided with overlapping portions 30b and 31b respectively, which in turn if desired may have widely spaced "button and socket" retaining elements included thereon.
one of the shell sections at its bottom edge near the forward portion below the head, is provided with a transversely apertured depending lug 30c which is for the purpose of recei~-ing the upper end of the flexible anchor cord 20. The out-wardly swung position of the two shells 30 and 31 for nestingis indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 2A and is precisely that as shown in Figs. 5 and 6 with respect to the invention embodiment first described. The second simplified embodiment does not require or include a bottom, boat-like member such as the bottom shell 18 of the first embodiment.
As in the form firs~ described, a stiff, reinforcing and nest-positioning, pocketed deck such as the deck 22 shown in ~ig. 6 is employed, whereby a great multiplicity of the entire swung-apart decoys of the second form may be compactly positioned and nes~ed for storage, transportation, or in ~0~8311 cartons displayed for sale.
From the foregoing description, it will be seen that I have conceived and provided several embodiments of very simple, inexpensive and highly efficient construction. Said decoy products will very closely simulate from all visible portions the live game-birds for which hunting is intended.
The advantages and new results obtained from my invention may be briefly summarized as follows:
1. The thin, tough body shell and moldable intercon-nection construction makes possible manufacturing costs at substantially less levels than any known decoys of the prior art.

2. The construction and concavo-convex body shells, with or without the combining, reinforced receiving deck, enable an extremely compact nesting of my decoy products for transportation, storage, and sale display. In the setting up of the decoys, minimal space is required in the duck boat or other transport medium employed for anchoring the decoys in the body of water.

3. The relatively large volumetric space within the hollow bodies formed, even though the material utilized is somewhat heavier than the specific gravity of water, will assure bouyant flotation.

4. My novel decoys in use, even if inadvertently shot by hunters, will not sink as in the case of present inflatable decoys.
Another embodiment form of my invention for field use, as in goose hunting, is illustrated in Figs. 7,8 and 10 of the drawings. Here a single enlarged concavo-convex shell con-structed of thin, tough plastic or elastomer material is ~0"8311 employed for the body and tail portions of the simulated fowl, identified as an entirety by the numeral 40. Shell 40 has substantially straight line, lower edges 40a and a forward circularly apertured shell portion 40b forming a downwardly tapered annular socket 40s for detachably receiving neck and head units 41. In Fig. 7, the head and neck unit 41 is made in conformance with the general format of my previously described embo~iments and may constitute downwardly curved, integrally molded, complementary elongate shell sections 41a and 41b (see ~ig. 8), having terminal fold-hinge interconnecting portion 41c, and having head and bill shell portions 41d and 41e.
As shown in Fig. 8 for extreme compactness in nesting, storage and transportation, the elongate neck shells 41a and 41b may be of such length and dimensions to encircle the body shell 40 (with the exception of the tail portion~, thereby economizing substantially in space for storage and transportation.
It will be understood that while the ne~k assembly 41, as illustrated, is curved downwardly to simulate a feeding posture of the game-bird simulated, upstanding necks and heads may be substituted as shown in Fig. 10 to simulate other positions of the imitated game-bird.
In Figs. 7 and 10 (dotted lines) one of a number of satisfactory moun~ing means for supporting the goose decoy in elevated position from the ground is illustrated. Here, integral, heavy, horizontal lugs at the forward and rear lower edges of body shell 40 are provided, indicated at 40f and 40r respectively, suitably apertured for receiving upstanding~ substantially vertical sta~es 42 wnich may be 10~831~

driven into the ground for field use.
In Fig. 10 a detachable, upstanding neck and head section as shown comprising complementary shells 43 and 44 is employed in the form shown, being constructed from an integral molding hinged along straight line, vertical edges to form a fold-hinge 43h. This integral hinge portion may extend through the underside of the separated head sections 42a and 42b respectively. The upstanding head at its lower end, when the complementary sections are registered in use, has a downwardly, slightly tapered lower attachment end which fits a tapered, tubular portion of the shell 40, as clearly shown in Fig. 10.
From the foregoing description, it will be seen that in all forms and embodiments of my invention the new results and advantages, as set forth on Page 9 herein, will be accomplished. The products and shells are tough in nature, will not shift or break in head, tail and other portions, as in the case of the common molded decoys now prevalently used.
Even in the case of the larger single body shelled goose decoys,from a dozen to twenty decoy products may be very compactly nested with the maximum weights of the nested decoys being as little as from four to six pounds (exclusive of course of the goose decoy stakes).

Claims (5)

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY
OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED, ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. A floating, waterfowl decoy constituted substantially throughout of molded, thin plastic sheet material of sufficient ridigity to hold its molded shape but having a degree of flexibility and having a specific gravity approximately 1.00, comprising:
a pair of complemental, concavo-convex shells simulating in external shape the longitudinal contours of the side halfs of the waterfowl imitated;
said shells being connectable in opposed side-by-side relation along longitudinal opposed edges and being disposable in spread out position for nesting similar decoy shells for compact storage and transportation facilities;
the concavity of said shells being relatively deep in cross sectional dimension to prevent toppling of said assembled decoy due to wind in use, and a boat-like member constructed of similar material to such shell sections is provided having an upper edge configuration for lapping relation with the lower overall configurations of such shells when secured together, said lapping relation interconnecting said boat member with said shells, said boat-like member increasing the buoyancy and height of the assembled decoy.

2. The structure and combination set forth in claim 1 wherein a pair of neck and head units are integrally formed with hinge-fold connection along registering edges of said shells, said hinge connections enabling said neck units to be disposed when swung outwardly in side-by-side relation for compact nesting with similar head and neck units of other decoys.

3. The structure set forth in claim 1 wherein said body shells each include concavo-convex, integrally formed, complementary neck and head sections.

4. The structure and combination set forth in claim 1 wherein said pair of complementary body shells are integrally formed and have hinge connections axially aligned along two longitudinal registering edges of said shells.

5. The structure and combination set forth in claim 1 further characterized by a relatively stiff plate receiving a transporting member comprising a pocketed deck having pockets for precisely receiving and nesting a multiplicity of the body shell members when spread apart or disconnected and means for retaining the multiplicity of said decoy members in said pockets.