Stake for a decoy
A hunting decoy is structured for lifelike motion in the field by way of a flexible and limited rotational portion provided in a stake assembly that permits the decoy body to move relative to its resting position when force is applied to the decoy, such as through wind. A variety of mounts are provided to secure the stake assembly to the body of the decoy through springs, flanges, eccentric protrusions and fasteners.
1 . A mounting mechanism for a decoy assembly comprising;
an elongated shaft for supporting a decoy body, wherein at least one portion along a length of the shaft comprises a laterally flexible element at which the shaft is free to flex such that a length of the shaft on one side of the laterally flexible element is diverted angularly from a rest position in response to an external force.
2 . The mounting mechanism of claim 1 , comprising at least two said laterally flexible elements spaced from one another along the shaft.
3 . The mounting mechanism of claim 2 , wherein one of said laterally flexible elements is adjacent to a base at a lower end and another of said laterally flexible elements is adjacent to a connection to the decoy body at an upper end.
4 . The mounting mechanism of claim 1 , further comprising at least one length extension section removably disposed between couplings to one of the base and a section of the shaft spaced above the laterally flexible element.
5 . The mounting mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the laterally flexible element comprises a coiled spring affixed between the length of the shaft that is diverted and a fixed base.
6 . The mounting mechanism of claim 5 , wherein the base includes a spike for penetrating a ground surface and further comprising a horizontal section attached to the spike, on which a user can step for inserting the spike.
7 . A decoy assembly comprising a base and a connecting shaft between the base and a connection with a decoy body comprising at least one protrusion that is affixed relative to one of the base and the connecting shaft, wherein the protrusion protrudes through an opening of the decoy body that mates with the protrusion so as to limit movement of the decoy body relative to the protrusion.
8 . The decoy assembly of claim 7 , wherein the connection comprises at least one flange fixed relative to the protrusion, for supporting the decoy body at the opening that mates with the protrusion.
9 . The decoy assembly of claim 8 , further comprising a fastener selected from the group consisting of a magnetic fastener, magnetic assist fastener, and hook-and-loop fastener.
10 . The decoy assembly of claim 7 , wherein the opening rotationally engages the protrusion and the connection further comprises an eccentric detent affixing the decoy body at the connection.
11 . The decoy assembly of claim 8 , further comprising a spring mounted to urge a part of the connection against the decoy body adjacent to the opening.
12 . The decoy assembly of claim 11 , wherein the flange is integral with the protrusion.
13 . The decoy assembly of claim 12 , wherein the spring is placed between the flange and the base.
14 . The decoy assembly of claim 7 , wherein the connection comprises an element for limiting relative movement of the decoy body, selected from the group consisting of a locking pin, a ridge and detent, and a groove integral with the flange.
15 . The decoy assembly of claim 7 , wherein the connection comprises a rotational coupling between the shaft and the decoy body, and an eccentric element restricting a range of the rotational coupling.
16 . The decoy assembly of claim 15 , wherein the connection comprises at least one resilient spring member bearing axially at the connection for restricting the rotation.
17 . The decoy assembly of claim 15 , wherein the connection comprises a coil spring permitting angular flexing of the connection around at least one point between the decoy body and the base.
18 . The decoy assembly of claim 15 , wherein the connection permits angular flexing around at least two points between the decoy and the base.
19 . The decoy assembly of claim 18 , wherein at least one of said two points comprises a rotational connection comprising an element limiting rotational range.