System for creating diving, dabbling, and feeding decoys
View Patent ↗An apparatus and method for animating waterfowl decoys to imitate diving, dabbling, and feeding of live waterfowl. An ordinary decoy is attached by a self retractable line device with a locking mechanism to a spool on the shaft of the submersible motorized mechanism. When the submersible motorized mechanism is activated the shaft of the mechanism turns the spool attached to the shaft and winds up the line attached to the decoy causing at least a portion of the decoy to be pulled below the surface of the water. The submersible motorized mechanism has a portable power supply and is attached to a timer mechanism, which subsequently controls the length of time the submersible motorized mechanism is either on or off. The apparatus can also be operated using a remote control. The battery power source, the timer mechanism and the remote control mechanism are housed in a watertight container. A submersible motorized mechanism is attached to the exterior of the watertight housing. The entire battery operated submersible motorized system is weighted and submerged beneath the water surface and rests on the bottom while the ordinary decoy floats at the surface.
1. A submersible decoy animation apparatus, comprising:
(a) a portable power supply;
(b) a switch in electronic communication with the portable power supply;
(c) an electric motor in electronic communication with the switch, wherein the electric motor drives a shaft, and the shaft is connected to a spool that is capable of rotating when the electric motor is activated such that the spool is capable of changing the length of the line between the waterfowl decoy and the spool by winding the line around the spool;
(d) a line having a first end capable of being attached to the spool, and a second end being attached to a waterfowl decoy, wherein the line is longer than about 6 inches in length;
(e) a means for protecting the portable power supply, the switch, and the electric motor from water damage when the apparatus is submerged in water and the waterfowl decoy is on the surface of the water, wherein the means for protecting the portable power supply, the switch and the electric motor from water damage comprise a waterproof coating or a watertight compartment; and
(f) a timer capable of switching the electric motor off or on at a defined interval;
wherein the watertight compartment further comprises a cylindrical container closed on one end and a pressure-sealed lid, wherein the pressure-sealed lid is constructed having an upper plate, a lower plate, a rubber gasket, a screw down wing nut with a bolt, and a carrying handle with a mounting stud.