GB2345237A

GB2345237A - Dual purpose bird table roof

Info

Publication number: GB2345237A
Application number: GB9828743A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Bertram Mindell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-12-29
Filing date: 1998-12-29
Publication date: 2000-07-05
Anticipated expiration: 2018-12-29
Also published as: GB2345237B; GB9828743D0

Abstract

A bird table roof 1 has an upright member 5 below its base, the upright member 5 engaging with an upright support 3 for the roof 1. The roof 1 may be removed from the upright support 3, turned upside down, and used as a bird bath or as a container for plants (figure 3). The upright member 5 either fits over the upright support 3 (as shown) or into the upright support 3 (figure 1). When the upright member 5 fits over the upright support 3, it preferably terminates in resilient spring fingers which are tightened using a clamping clip 6.

Description

Dual Purpose Bird Table Roof The present invention relates to a roof of a bird table which has an alternative use as a receptacle for liquids such as a bird bath.

An important function of a bird table roof is to protect a bird table from inclement weather. In fine weather it may be preferable to remove the roof so that, for example, there is a better view of the feeding birds.

During such fine weather birds are more likely to require assistance regarding water for drinking or bathing. The present invention provides for a roof which, turned upside down, can be placed on the ground or some other flat surface where it can serve as a birdbath. The bird table, if it has a fixing system as envisaged in patent number GB2295965B, can then be raised to the top of the pole.

Furthermore once the roof is removed the table can be taken off for easier cleaning.

Accordingly the present invention provides a receptacle having the function of the roof of a bird table having below its base an upright locating projection or tube capable of fitting into or around an upright receptacle-supporting member.

Preferably the upright locating projection or tube is moulded integrally with the base of the receptacle.

Preferably the upright locating projection or tube is situated below the centre of the base of the receptacle.

Preferably but not essentially the upright locating tube terminates in resilient spring fingers.

Preferably but not essentially the upright locating tube can be securely attached to the upright receptacle supporting member by means of a clamp mounted on the locating tube.

Preferably the receptacle has a pitched or angled profile on two or more of its sides. Preferably but not essentially the top of the receptacle has a flat surface.

The receptacle is conveniently made of plastic material e. g. polypropylene but it is envisaged that other materials such as china, terracotta, earthenware, metal or wood can alternatively be used.

Preferably the receptacle is used in conjunction with a bird table as envisaged for example in patent GB2295965B which is capable of being fixed at variable heights around the relevant upright receptacle-supporting member.

Figure 1 is an elevation partly in section of a receptacle in accordance with the invention with an upright locating projection fitting into an upright receptacle-supporting member.

Figure 2 is an elevation partly in section of a receptacle in accordance with the invention with an upright locating tube fitting around an upright receptacle-supporting member.

Figure 3 is an elevation partly in section of a receptacle in accordance with the invention sitting on a flat surface.

Referring to figure 1 the illustrated receptacle 1 is shown partly cut way to reveal the upright locating projection 2 fitting into the upright receptacle-supporting member 3.

Referring to figure 2 the illustrated receptacle 1 is shown partly cut away to reveal the upright location tube 5 terminating in resilient spring fingers 6 fitting around the receptacle-supporting member 3 and securely attached to it by means of a clamp 6.

Referring to figure 3 the illustrated receptacle 1 is shown upside down and partly cut away sitting on a flat surface 7.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A receptacle having the function of the roof of a bird table having below its base an upright locating projection or upright locating tube capable of fitting into or around an upright receptacle-supporting member.
2. A receptacle as claimed in claim 1 where said projection or tube is moulded integrally with the base of the receptacle.
3. A receptacle as claimed in claims 1 and 2 where said projection or tube is situated below the centre of the base of the receptacle.
4. A receptacle as claimed in any preceding claim where said tube terminates in resilient spring fingers.
5. A receptacle as claimed in any preceding claim where said tube can be securely attached to said upright receptacle-supporting member by means of a clamp mounted on said tube.
6. A receptacle as claimed in any preceding claim where said receptacle has a pitched or angled profile on two or more of its sides.
7. A receptacle as claimed in any preceding claim where the top of said receptacle has a flat surface.
8. A receptacle as claimed in any preceding claim where said receptacle is used in conjunction with a bird table capable of being fixed at variable heights around said upright receptacle supporting-member.
9. A receptacle as claimed in any preceding claim where said receptacle is constructed, shaped and dimensioned to be used, when turned upside down, as a bird bath or as a container for decoration or plants.
10. A receptacle substantially as described herein above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.