# US 2008/0184610 A1 · Method and apparatus for aerial deployment of waterfowl decoys > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2008/0184610 A1 - Document ID: US20080184610A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 11/703,403 - Filed: 2007-02-06 - Published: 2008-08-07 - Earliest claimed: 2007-02-06 - Inventors: J. Trask Pfeifle - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20080184610A1 ## CPC - A01M 31/06: Decoys - A01M: CATCHING, TRAPPING OR SCARING OF ANIMALS (appliances for catching swarms or drone-catching A01K57/00; fishing A01K69/00 - {A01K99/00}; biocides, pest repellants or attractants A01N); APPARATUS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS ANIMALS OR NOXIOUS PLANTS ## Abstract A method and apparatus for deploying a plurality of aerial decoys that extend away from the ground at different elevations includes launching a kite to a position downwind of the desired observation or hunting zone and attaching aerodynamic bird decoys at a plurality of spaced-apart locations along the ascending kite string to simulate a number of birds approaching the landing zone. The decoys are preferably attached to the kite string through a swivel device and the tethered end of the kite string can be supported above a mast or stake that is securely positioned in the ground or bottom of the body of water on to which the birds are to be attracted. The entire assembly is conveniently provided in kit form that is both manually transportable and can be put into use by one individual. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An apparatus for the aerial deployment of a plurality of airborne bird decoys comprising: a kite, a length of kite string, and a plurality of aerodynamic bird decoys attached at predetermined intervals to the kite string, whereby the plurality of decoys appear to be in a descending flight array along the kite string when the kite is aloft. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 in which the decoys are secured to the kite string by a tethering line, whereby the airborne decoys have a degree of movement that is free of contact with the kite string. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 which includes a mounting swivel between the kite string and each of the decoys. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 which includes at least one release clip for detachably mounting each decoy to the kite string. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 in which the kite string includes permanent points of attachment for the decoys at predetermined intervals along its length. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The apparatus of claim 5 in which the points of attachment are selected from loops tied in the string, and clips and swivel devices secured to the string. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 in which the decoys are attached to the kite string at intervals of about fifteen feet. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 which includes a mounting mast for retaining the free end of the kite string above ground level. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The apparatus of claim 8 in which the mast includes a top guide for the kite string and a string-retaining device removably mounted on the mast. ### Claim 10 A method for the aerial deployment of a plurality of bird decoys, the method comprising: a. deploying a kite in the air from a depending kite string in the vicinity of a desired bird landing zone; b. securing a plurality of individual aerial bird decoys at spaced-apart intervals along the length of kite string; and c. securing the free end of the kite string in order to maintain the kite in an airborne condition and the decoys deployed at differing heights above the ground in proximity to the landing zone. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The method of claim 10 in which the decoys are secured to the kite string through a swivel device. ### Claim 12 (depends on 10) The method of claim 10 in which each of the plurality of decoys is joined to the kite string by a tethering line. ### Claim 13 (depends on 10) The method of claim 10 which includes providing the kite string with a plurality of spaced-apart permanent points of attachment between the kite and the free end for securing the decoys. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The method of claim 13 in which each of the points of attachment include at least one swivel device, whereby the kite string is isolated from rotational movement of the aerial decoys during use. ### Claim 15 (depends on 10) The method of claim 10 in which each decoy is deployed at the end of a tethering line and the tethering line is releasably clipped to the kite string at a single point of attachment. ### Claim 16 (depends on 10) The method of claim 10 which includes the further steps of: d. securely positioning a mast in the ground in the desired landing zone; e. mounting a kite string reel on the mast; and f. securing the free end of the kite string to the reel. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The method of claim 16 which includes the further step of passing the kite string through a guide that slidably receives the string at a position on the upper portion of the mast above the ground. ### Claim 18 A manually portable kit for use in attracting birds in flight to a landing zone, the kit comprising: a. a plurality of aerial bird decoys constructed from flexible sheet material and assembled with reinforcing struts to provide an aerodynamic structure; b. a kite assembly that includes a flexible kite sheet and reinforcing struts, the kite having sufficient lift to maintain a predetermined plurality of the aerial bird decoys aloft in use; and c. a kite string for flying the kite and securing the plurality of the decoys at spaced-apart points of attachment along the string to produce the appearance of a flight of birds approaching the landing zone. ### Claim 19 (depends on 18) The kit of claim 18 which includes a sectional mounting mast, the mast having a ground penetrating spike for insertion into a supporting surface, at least one kite string guide at the upper portion of the mast for slidably receiving the kite string, and retaining means for releasably receiving a kite string storage device. ### Claim 20 (depends on 19) The kit of claim 19 which includes a mechanical reel for retaining and securing the free end of the kite string, the reel being removably mountable on the mast.