GB2382296A

GB2382296A - Bird deterrent

Info

Publication number: GB2382296A
Application number: GB0218390A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Colin Corlett
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-11-21
Filing date: 2002-08-08
Publication date: 2003-05-28
Also published as: GB0218390D0; GB0127846D0

Abstract

A method of preventing birds from perching on an overhead cable (11) or the like comprises providing a pair of bird deterrents and assembling them together around the cable (11). Each deterrent includes a pair of end members (12), a rod (13) interconnecting the end members (12) to maintain the end members (12) at a predetermined spaced relationship and a plurality of spaced filaments (17) extending between the end members (12).

Description

BIRD DETERRENTS Field of the Invention This invention relates to a bird deterrent and is particularly concerned with the provision of an improved method and means for preventing birds from perching on overhead power cables, telephone cables, stay wires, overhead steel structures and the like.

Every day, thousands of birds rest on overhead cables and other structures in residential areas, disturbing the local residents with their noise and mess.

It is accordingly a specific object of the present invention to provide a bird deterrent that can be mounted on an overhead power cable, telephone cable, stay wire or overhead steel structure.

Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a bird deterrent comprising a pair of end members, a rod interconnecting the end members to maintain the end members at a predetermined spaced relationship and a plurality of spaced filaments extending between the end members.

Each end member is preferably of semi-annular plate-like form with a plurality of co-planar projections extending therefrom, the filaments being connected to the projections at or adjacent the free ends thereof.

The bird deterrent may be fitted over an object that it is desired to protect. In most cases, however, two such deterrents are assembled together around an overhead power cable, telephone cable, stay wire or the like.

Each of the end members accordingly preferably includes interlocking formations such that an end member of one deterrent can have a snap-fit engagement with an end member of another deterrent.

Thus according to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of preventing birds from perching on an overhead power cable, telephone cable, stay wire or other object, the method comprising providing a pair of bird deterrents as defined above and assembling them together around the cable, wire or other object to be protected.

Brief Description of the Drawings Is Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of one end of a bird deterrent assembly fitted around an overhead power cable,

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the bird deterrent assembly, and Figure 3 is an end view of the bird deterrent assembly.

Description of the Preferred Embodiment The bird deterrent assembly shown in the drawings comprises a pair of bird deterrent devices 10 that can be used separately to protect an electrical cable, telephone cable, stay wire, overhead steel structure or other object against birds perching or settling on the cable or other object. In most instances, however, a pair of deterrent devices 10 will be assembled together around an overhead power cable, telephone cable, stay wire or the like.

The two devices 10 are shown assembled together in Figure 2 in the absence of a cable, wire or other object to be protected, while Figure 1 shows one end of an assembly of two devices 10 fitted together around an overhead cable 11.

Each device 10 includes a pair of plastic end members 12 interconnected by a plastic rod 13, the ends of which have push-fit engagements in sockets 14 moulded integrally with the end members 12. As shown in the drawings, each end member 12 is of semi-annular form and includes four co-planar projections 15 adjacent the ends of which there are holes 16. Nylon filaments 17 extend between the end members 12 and are connected to the

end members 12 by passing the filaments 17 through the holes 16 and then tying the filaments 17 to the end members 12.

The end members 12 include interlocking tongue and groove formations 18,19 so that two end members 12, and thus two devices, can be snap-fitted together, as shown in the drawings.

When, therefore, it is desired to protect an overhead cable 11 or the like, two devices are appropriately positioned relative to the cable 11 or the like and the interlocking tongue and groove formations 18,19 are then engaged with one another to form a structure which includes a plurality of filaments 17 arranged in parallel spaced relationship around the cable 11 or the like. Birds are thus prevented from settling on the cable 11 or the like.

Although Figure 1 shows a clearance between the cable 11 or the like and the end members 12, the diameter of the opening 20 formed by assembling two end members 12 together will be such that the end members 12 are a reasonably close fit on the cable 11 or the like, or on collars or sleeves fitted on the cable 11 or the like.

Claims

Claims :-

1. A bird deterrent comprising a pair of end members, a rod interconnecting the end members to maintain the end members at a predetermined spaced relationship and a plurality of spaced filaments extending between the end members.

2. A bird deterrent as claimed in Claim 1, in which each end member is of semi-annular plate-like form with a plurality of coplanar projections extending therefrom, the filaments being connected to the projections at or adjacent the free ends thereof.

3. A bird deterrent as claimed in either of the preceding claims, in which each of the end members includes interlocking formations such that an end member of one deterrent can have a snap-fit engagement with an end member of another deterrent.

4. A bird deterrent substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

5. A method of preventing birds from perching on an overhead cable, wire or other object, the method comprising providing a pair of bird deterrents as claimed in Claim 3 or Claim 4 and assembling them together around the cable, wire or other object to be protected.