LIGHT WEIGHT CUSTOMIZABLE ANIMATED DECOY
20170339942 · 2017-11-30
Assignee
Inventors
Cpc classification
International classification
Abstract
The invention pertains to the field of decoys used for hunting, nature photography and/or game control. More particularly, the invention pertains to motor controlled, easily customizable, maintainable and light weight animated decoys.
Claims
1. An animated decoy comprising: a decoy; a motor assembly containing at least an electric motor, an electrical generating source capable of energizing said motor and an electrical circuit in communication with said electrical generating source and said motor; a mounting bar suitable for securing at least one motor assembly; a mounting mechanism capable of securing said motor assembly to said mounting bar; at least one connection arm having a first end and a second end; wherein said motor is pivotally attached to the first end of said connection arm and said second end of connection arm is pivotally attached to said decoy.
2. The animated decoy of claim 1 wherein the decoy is a full body type decoy.
3. The animated decoy of claim 1 wherein the decoy is a shell type decoy.
4. The animated decoy of claim 1 wherein the decoy is a windsock decoy.
5. The animated decoy of claim 1 wherein said electrical circuit is programmed to provide a choreographed series of motions to said motor.
6. The animated decoy of claim 5 wherein said electrical circuit is in wireless communication with a transmitter capable of initiating or changing said choreographed series of motions.
7. The animated decoy of claim 1, wherein said mounting mechanism can secure said motor assembly to said mounting bar at angle defined by a user.
8. The animated decoy of claim 1 wherein said second end of connection arm can be attached and detached at the discretion of a user.
9. The animated decoy of claim 1 wherein said second end of connection arm can be attached and detached at a decoy position defined by a user.
10. The animated decoy of claim 1, where said connection arm comprises multiple pieces of individual segments pivotally connected to one another.
11. The animated decoy of claim 1, where said motor actuates a plurality of connection arms.
12. The animated decoy of claim 1, where said electric motor is a servo motor.
13. An animated decoy comprising: a decoy; a motor assembly containing at least a motor, an electrical generating source capable of energizing said motor and an electrical circuit in communication between said electrical generating source and said motor; a mounting bar suitable for securing at least one motor assembly; a mounting mechanism capable of securing said motor assembly to said mounting bar; wherein said mounting mechanism can be mounted on said mounting bar at an angle defined by a user; wherein said motor assembly can be positioned at an angle to said mounting bar at an angle defined by a user; at least one connection arm having a first end and a second end; wherein said motor is pivotally attached to the first end of said connection arm and said second end of connection arm secured to said decoy in a position defined by a user.
14. The animated decoy of claim 13, where said motor is a servo motor.
15. The animated decoy of claim 13, where said second end of connection arm can be repeatedly attached and detached at the discretion of a user.
16. The animated decoy of claim 13, wherein said second end of connection arm can be attached and detached at a position on the decoy defined by a user.
17. An animated decoy comprising: a decoy; a motor assembly containing at least one spring an escapement wheel actuated by said spring(s); a mounting bar suitable for securing at least one motor assembly; a mounting mechanism capable of securing said motor assembly to said mounting bar; at least one escapement connection arm having a first end and a second end; wherein one end of said escapement connection arm is actuated by said escapement wheel and said second end of said escapement connection arm being pivotally attached to said decoy.
18. The animated decoy of claim 17, wherein the decoy is a full body type decoy.
19. The animated decoy of claim 17, wherein the decoy is a shell type decoy.
20. The animated decoy of claim 17, wherein the decoy is a windsock decoy.
21. The animated decoy of claim 17, wherein said mounting mechanism can secure said motor assembly to said mounting bar at angle defined by a user.
22. The animated decoy of claim 17, wherein said second end of escapement connection arm can be attached and detached at the discretion of a user.
23. The animated decoy of claim 17, wherein said second end of escapement connection arm can be attached and detached at a decoy position defined by a user.
24. The animated decoy of claim 17, where said escapement connection arm comprises multiple pieces of individual segments pivotally connected to one another.
25. The animated decoy of claim 17, where said motor actuates a plurality of escapement connection arms.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] Referring to
[0029] Within the motor assembly box (24) is housed an electrical generating source (36), for instance a battery. Said electrical generating source (36) is connected to an electrical circuit (40) via a battery connection wire assembly (44). Said battery connection wire assembly (44) facilitates repeated connection and disconnection with both the electrical generating source (36) and the electrical circuit (40). In some embodiments, said electrical circuit (40) is capable of communication and augmentation of function and functionality via remote communication. Exemplary embodiments of remote communication include RF, Bluetooth and other wireless remote communication means known in the art. The ability to repeatedly connect and disconnect allows changing of the electrical generating source and the electrical circuit at the discretion of the user. This facility further enables easy upgrading of componentry. Said electrical circuit (40) is in electrical communication with the motor (48) via the motor connection wire assembly (52), which facilitates repeated connection and disconnection between the electrical circuit (40) and the motor (48). The ability to repeatedly connect and disconnect allows changing of the motor, or use of other motor system if used, and the electrical circuit at the discretion of the user. A charging port (56) is in electrical communication with the electrical circuit (40) and the electrical generating source (36). Said charging port (56) facilitates charging of said the electrical generating source (36) as is known in the art. Charging ports and charging systems, both hardwired and wireless, are known in the art and are considered to be applicable and in many cases desirable in the practical implementation of this innovation. An on/off switch (58) is in electrical communication with the electrical circuit (40), motor (48) and electrical generating source (36) enabling standard power on and power off to said motor (48) and electrical circuit (40) as is known in the art. It should be noted that said on/off switch (58) can be positioned elsewhere in regards to the electrical circuit or electrical generating source (36) without degradation of its operation.
[0030] Said motor (48) is mounted in the motor assembly box (24) such that said motor connection wire assembly (52) is positioned in the interior of the motor assembly box (24) and the actuation arm (60) is positioned on the exterior of the motor assembly box (24). When the motor is energized, the drive shaft of the motor (not shown) moves in a predefined arc, about its axis, resulting in movement of the actuation arm (60), which is connected to the aforementioned drive shaft.
[0031] Referring to
[0032] Upon actuation, the motor assembly (20), via the motor not seen, moves the actuation arm (60) in a predetermined manner, the power being supplied through an electrical circuit. In general, the movement of the actuation arm is parallel to the length side of the motor assembly (20). The actuation arm (60) is pivotally connected to the first end of a connection arm (72). The second end of said connection arm (72), not shown, is connected to the decoy, not shown, thereby facilitating a physical connection to the motor (48), not shown, capable of transferring movement produced by said motor to the decoy.
[0033] As the motor assembly (20) is mounted on the mounting bar (64) such that the actuation arm (60) is parallel to the mounting bar base (76) of the mounting bar (64), the resulting movement of the actuation bar (60) is therefor also parallel to said base. In other embodiments of this innovation, said motor assembly (20) is mounted at an angle to said mounting bar (64) resulting in a very wide array of available planes of movement. Maintaining alignment or force upon the actuation arm in the same plane as it is designed enables optimal energy transfer and minimizes detrimental torque on the motor and/or parts of the motor (i.e. drive shaft and bearings). The ability to mount the motor assembly at a variety of angles to the mounting bar insures that the resulting alignment does not incur undue torque or misalignment with the motor action. This aspect of the innovation will be further described later in this disclosure.
[0034] Referring to
[0035] Upon actuation, the motor, not shown, in the motor assembly (20) moves the actuation arm (60) in a preprogrammed manner, the power being supplied through an electrical circuit. In general, the movement of the actuation arm is substantially parallel to side of the motor assembly (20) upon which the motor attaches to the actuation arm. The actuation arm (60) is pivotally connected to the first end of a connection arm (72). The second end of said connection arm (72), not shown, is connected to the decoy, not shown, thereby facilitating a connection to the motor (48), not shown, capable of transferring movement produced by said motor to the decoy. As the motor assembly (20) is mounted on the mounting bar (64) such that the actuation arm (60) is parallel to the mounting bar (64), the resulting movement of the actuation bar (60) is also parallel to the mounting bar (64).
[0036] The ability to position the motor assembly, and hence the actuation arm at a variety of angles to said mounting bar enables a very large variety of resulting movements of the animated decoy without producing detrimental stress on the motor or drive mechanism used for actuation. Referring now to
[0037] The two separate pieces of the motor angle adjuster, in this embodiment, mesh together by the aid of matched but opposing teeth (98). The two separate pieces of the motor angle adjuster are held together by a screw (102) and matching wing nut (106), which upon threading and tightening result in mechanically strong meshing that effectively locks the desired angle in place. Loosening of the screw (102) and matching wing nut (106) combination allows adjustment of the angle plane of movement at the discretion of the user. It should be noted that other means of defining and securing a particular angle are contemplated within this disclosure and the description of meshed teeth is used to convey the concept of changing the angle of the motor assembly in relation to the mounting bar/decoy and should not be construed as limiting. Other exemplary systems which can facilitate this functionality include flat surfaces compressed one upon the other, angular surfaces compressed one upon the other, magnetic materials which can be engaged one upon the other, pliable systems and the like.
[0038] Referring now to
[0039] Referring now to
[0040] The decoy connection assembly (144), from said second end of said connection arm (136) to the decoy (140), can be permanent or temporary as desired by a user. In an exemplary embodiment of the innovation, said decoy connection assembly (144) is positioned at a location on a decoy at the discretion and at a location defined by the user. In a further exemplary embodiment of the innovation, said decoy connection assembly (144) is temporary, thereby allowing a user to reposition the location of the decoy connection assembly (144) to a different position on the decoy (140) at the discretion and at a location defined of the user. All of the figures described in
[0041] Referring to
[0042] In an exemplary embodiment of the innovation, said decoy connection assembly (144)
[0043] In another exemplary embodiment of the innovation, said decoy connection assembly (144)
[0044] In another exemplary embodiment of the innovation, said decoy connection assembly (144)
[0045] In another exemplary embodiment of the innovation, said decoy connection assembly (144)
[0046] Referring now to
[0047] In another exemplary embodiment of the innovation, said decoy connection assembly (144)
[0048] In another exemplary embodiment of the innovation, said decoy connection assembly (144)
[0049] In another exemplary embodiment of the innovation, said decoy connection assembly (144)
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[0052] In this embodiment, windsock connection arm 1 (368) and windsock connection arm 2 (372) not only supply customized animation but also support the body portion of the windsock decoy such that the form produced is consistent with that of a real animal. That is, rather than a flaccid sock, the sock is supported by the connection arms such that it looks like an actual physical body. Further, in this embodiment the connection arm decoy ends, windsock connection arm 1 decoy side 1 (376) and windsock connection arm 2 decoy side (380) are not secured to the windsock decoy (350) and are allowed to float against the interior of the windsock decoy. Allowing said connection arm decoy sides to float enables realistic animation of the decoy and negates crumpling or folding of the windsock material, thereby maintaining a natural appearance.
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[0055] Though the disclosure to this point has been directed to motor assemblies that utilize electrically activated motors, animation of decoys can also be achieved with motors actuated by non electrical power sources. In a preferred embodiment, a motor that utilizes a spring or multiple springs as the energy source is used rather than a battery powered electric motor as described earlier in this disclosure. Animated decoys utilizing energy supplied by a spring powered motor operate similarly as described above other than the energy source and type of motor being used to power the animating system. We define motor as a machine that produces motion or power for doing work. In this case, the work is defined as animation of a decoy. Connection arms, mounting systems and the flexibility enabled by the user positioning of motor assemblies and connection arm locations are the same. The only difference being that the electrical power source and associated electrical power source infrastructure are replaced with a spring powered motor.
[0056] Referring now to
[0057] The non electrical motor assembly (550), includes of a non electrical motor assembly box (566) and a non electrical motor assembly lid (570) which attaches to said non electrical motor assembly box (566) by 4 non electrical motor assembly box screws; non electrical motor assembly box screw 1 (572), non electrical motor assembly box screw 2 (574), non electrical motor assembly box screw 3 (576) and non electrical motor assembly box screw 4 (578). Attaching said non electrical motor assembly lid (570) to said non electrical motor assembly box (566) results in a structurally sound assembly capable of including a gasket thereby enabling environmental protection to the components housed within.
[0058] Within the non electrical motor assembly box (566) is housed a non-electrical energy generating source. In a preferred embodiment, said non-electrical energy generating source powers an escapement wheel, commonly referred to as an escapement system. Escapement systems are well known in the art and are commonly associated with timepieces where they provide the required periodic movements. In this embodiment, said non-electrical energy generating source is a single spring (582). In other embodiments, multiple springs can be used thereby enabling an increased amount of mechanical energy which can enable increased amounts of movement, movement of heavier decoys/decoy parts or increased time of movement, or combinations thereof. The end of said spring (582) farthest from the spring center is attached via a spring securement bolt (584) or similar securement device to the non electrical motor assembly box (566) as is known in the art. In some embodiments the end of the spring (582) farthest from the spring center can, by spring or mechanical force, be secured in a non-moving position without the use of a spring securement bolt (584). These types of securement systems are known in the art and are contemplated within the scope of this innovation. The opposite end of the spring, that is, the spring end closest to the center of the spring curvature, is secured to a post (588). A number of spring to post securement mechanisms are known in the art include; bolts, rivets, pass through holes which secure the spring via mechanical pressure etc. Said post (588) extends above and below said non electrical motor assembly box (566) by approximately 1″. Further, said post (588) can be moved vertically up and down through the box by approximately 1″. Said vertical movement enables winding of the spring and engagement of the escapement wheel (594) at the discretion of the user. It should be understood that the measurement of 1″ is not a limitation, rather an example of a working system. As previously described, said spring (582) is attached to said post (588) and is attached in a manner which allows said vertical up and down movement without diminishing the springs ability to provide energy as is known in the art.
[0059] At the end of the post (588) opposite the post handle (592) is attached an escapement wheel (594). Escapement wheels are known in the art and come in a variety of different materials and material combinations (i.e. metal, plastic, wood etc.), all types are deemed appropriate for the innovation. In this embodiment, said escapement wheel (594) is driven by force supplied from said spring (582). The escapement wheel, by virtue of its design, results in a periodic movement releasing a tooth of the escapement's wheel, allowing the escapement arm (562) to toggle back and forth by a fixed amount. Said escapement arm (562) pivots back and forth due to it's mounting on an escapement arm support bar (564) which is securely mounted to said non electrical motor assembly box (566). The resulting regular periodic advancement moves the escapement arm (562) back and forth at a steady rate. An escapement arm decoy connection (565) is located on the end of the escapement arm (562) opposite the end that interacts with the escapement wheel (594). The different decoy connections previously described in this disclosure are amenable to being used with the escapement arm (562) to connect to the decoy (not shown).
[0060] Said post (588) has a post handle (592) which enables easy winding of said spring (582) as is known in the art. In short, the post (588) can be disengaged from the escapement wheel (594) by way of the posts' vertical movement, the spring (582) can be wound, the post handle (592) can be engaged with the post handle securement (602) thereby preventing the unwinding of the spring until such time the system is actuated such that the escapement wheel can operate as is known in the art.
[0061] Though an Anchor escapement is depicted in
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[0063] Accordingly, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention herein described are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. Reference herein to details of the illustrated embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, which themselves recite those features regarded as essential to the invention.
NUMERICAL IDENTIFIERS
[0064] motor assembly (20) [0065] motor assembly box (24) [0066] motor assembly lid (28) [0067] motor assembly box screws (32) [0068] motor assembly mounting device (34) [0069] electrical generating source (36) [0070] electrical circuit (40) [0071] battery connection wire assembly (44) [0072] motor (48) [0073] motor connection wire assembly (52) [0074] charging port (56) [0075] on/off switch (58) [0076] actuation arm (60) [0077] mounting bar (64) [0078] connection arm (72) [0079] mounting bar base (76) [0080] motor angle adjuster motor side (90) [0081] motor angle adjuster mounting bar side (94) [0082] matched but opposing teeth (98) [0083] screw (102) [0084] matching wing nut (106) [0085] motor mounting screw (108) [0086] motor side rubber mount (110) [0087] mounting plate (112) [0088] hose clamp (114) [0089] mounting bar side rubber mount (116) [0090] pass through hole (118) [0091] motor mounting screw nut (119) [0092] motor assembly (120) [0093] actuation arm (124) [0094] connection arm (128) [0095] first end of a connection arm (132) [0096] second end of said connection arm (136) [0097] decoy (140) [0098] decoy connection assembly (144) [0099] connection arm connection (154) [0100] decoy connection arm connection (158) [0101] magnet A (162) [0102] magnet B (164) [0103] hook (168) [0104] loop (172) [0105] coiled wire loop (174) [0106] screw (178) [0107] connection arm A (200) [0108] connection arm B (204) [0109] single motor assembly (208) [0110] connection arm A connection (212) [0111] decoy connection arm A connection (216) [0112] connection arm B connection (220) [0113] decoy connection arm B connection (224) [0114] t connector (228) [0115] glue connector loop (232) [0116] first wire loop (236) [0117] first wire connection arm (238) [0118] first loop t connector (240) [0119] second wire loop (244) [0120] connection arm connector of a second wire arm (248) [0121] a second loop t connector (252) [0122] pop rivet (260) [0123] connection arm (264) [0124] pop rivet connector (268) [0125] full body duck decoy (300) [0126] mounting bar (304) [0127] motor assembly (308) [0128] actuation arm (312) [0129] ground (316) [0130] windsock goose decoy (350) [0131] mounting bar (354) [0132] motor assembly (358) [0133] hose clamp (362) [0134] actuation arm (364) [0135] windsock connection arm 1 (368) [0136] windsock connection arm 2 (372) [0137] windsock connection arm a decoy side 1 (376) [0138] windsock connection arm 2 decoy side (380) [0139] full body turkey decoy (400) [0140] mounting bar (404) [0141] motor assembly (408) [0142] hose clamp (412) [0143] connection arm (416) [0144] actuation arm (420) [0145] first decoy attachment (424) [0146] Velcro strip 1 (428) [0147] Velcro strip 2 (432) [0148] Velcro strip 3 (436) [0149] Velcro strip 4 (440) [0150] up (442) [0151] down (444) [0152] ground (446) [0153] full body coyote decoy (460) [0154] mounting bar (464) [0155] motor assembly (468) [0156] specific angle (472) [0157] motor angle adjuster (476) [0158] actuation arm (482) [0159] connection arm (486) [0160] decoy connection (490) [0161] non electrical motor assembly (550) [0162] mounting bar (554) [0163] motor assembly mounting device (558) [0164] escapement arm (562) [0165] escapement arm support bar (564) [0166] escapement arm decoy connection (565) [0167] non electrical motor assembly box (566) [0168] non electrical motor assembly lid (570) [0169] non electrical motor assembly box screw 1 (572) [0170] non electrical motor assembly box screw 2 (574) [0171] non electrical motor assembly box screw 3 (576) [0172] non electrical motor assembly box screw 4 (578) [0173] spring (582) [0174] spring securement bolt (584) [0175] post (588) [0176] post handle (592) [0177] escapement wheel (594) [0178] post handle securement (602) [0179] full body duck decoy (650) [0180] mounting bar (654) [0181] non electrical motor assembly (658) [0182] first escapement arm (662) [0183] ground (666) [0184] second escapement arm (670) [0185] hook (672) [0186] loop (674) [0187] escapement wheel (680)