GB2525899A

GB2525899A - Bird Feeder

Info

Publication number: GB2525899A
Application number: GB1408092.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Godson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-05-07
Filing date: 2014-05-07
Publication date: 2015-11-11
Anticipated expiration: 2034-05-07
Also published as: GB201408092D0; GB2525899B

Abstract

A bird feeder 10 which comprises a body 12, at least part of which is substantially cylindrical and has one or more apertures 14, 16, 18, . The bird feeder further comprises a substantially cylindrical dispensing sleeve 20, 22, 24, dimensioned to fit around the cylindrical part of the body, the dispensing sleeve having one or more apertures 26 28 30 and being rotatable about the body to control an amount of overlap between an aperture in the body and an aperture in the dispensing sleeve to adjust the size of an effective aperture from the inside of the body to the outside of the dispensing sleeve. The aperture in the body and the aperture in the dispensing sleeve are both shaped such that when the dispensing sleeve is rotated about the body, the size of the effective aperture changes but the shape of the effective aperture remains substantially the same. The bird feeder may be provided with a utility sleeve that fits around the body and rests against the upper edge of a dispensing sleeve or another utility sleeve. The utility sleeve may comprise a tray (52 figure 3) or perch ring (54 figure 3)

Description

BIRD FEEDER

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a bird feeder. Embodiments of the present invention relate more particularly but not exclusively to a bird feeder that can be adjusted for accommodating a variety of different bird feeds and feeding habits.

Background

Bird feeders are well known devices that are generally placed outside to supply bird food to birds. Bird feeding and birdwatching are popular pastimes and bird feeders are commonly placed in the user's garden to aid birdwatching. It is also known for users to set video cameras on feeders where birds gather.

The success a bird feeder has in attracting birds to feed from it depends on a multitude of factors, some of which include the placement of the device, the type of food supplied by the device and the appearance of the device.

The type of food placed in the bird feeder will be chosen depending on the variety of bird that the user wishes to attract to the feeder. The variety of bird species present in a particular location can depend on the surrounding habitat, geological climate and the season. Seasonal changes that affect choice of bird feed further include the weather and nesting habits, for example, nesting birds have different feeding requirements to new fledglings.

Common bird food types include seeds, whole nuts, suet pellets or blocks, liquid sugar solution and nectar. These food types can further be categorised into feeds preferred by certain bird species.

For example, seed mixtures are preferred by house sparrows, dunnocks, finches, reed buntings, tits, greenfinches. These birds often prefer to peck food that has been dispensed into a hopper.

Black sunflower seeds are preferred by tits, greenfinches, goldfinches, nuthatches and siskins.

Nyjer seeds are preferred by goldfinches, tree creepers and siskins. Because of the nature of nyjer seed (they are very small in size), specialist feeders are often required.

Peanuts or whole nuts are preferred by tits, greenfinches, house sparrows, nuthatches, great spotted woodpeckers and siskins. Some of these birds prefer take the nut whole, whilst others prefer to peck at the nut held within a feeder.

Suet pellets or blocks are preferred by sparrows, robins and tits. Liquid sugar solutions or nectar are particularly preferred by hummingbirds and orioles. Some birds prefer to perch while they peck from a hopper or hole, whereas others prefer to hover while they peck.

It will be appreciated that the different bird feed types described above all have very different sizes and compositions and require a bird feeder to be specifically designed to hold the feed and dispense it appropriately depending on the type of bird.

Existing bird feeders are often designed to target a specific type of bird or group of birds. They may be adapted to hold a particular type of bird feed and made to appeal to the feeding preferences of the target bird i.e. to hang or sit on a support, to have a perch or no perch, to have holes that release food into a hopper or pecking holes.

Some bird feeders are sold pre-filled with a suitable type of feed for the design and a particular type of bird whilst other bird feeders are sold empty and filling is at the discretion of the user.

Whilst bird feeder designs can be highly successful for attracting a specific type of bird, the selectivity of the design means that there is often the need to have several different types of bird feeder in one bird feeding location. In particular, any one bird feeder will cater for a particular type of bird feed, requiring multiple different bird feeders to be provided if it is desired to attract several types of bird with different feeding preferences and for and within different seasons.

The present invention has been devised in view of the above limitations in prior bird feeders.

Sum mar, of Invention According to the present invention as seen from a first aspect, there is provided a bird feeder, the bird feeder comprising a body, at least part of which is substantially cylindrical and has one or more apertures permitting bird food inside the body to be accessed from the outside. The bird feeder further comprises a substantially cylindrical dispensing sleeve, dimensioned to fit around the cylindrical part of the body, the dispensing sleeve having one or more apertures and being rotatable about the body to control an amount of overlap between an aperture in the body and an aperture in the dispensing sleeve to adjust the size of an effective aperture from the inside of the body to the outside of the dispensing sleeve.

The aperture in the body and the aperture in the dispensing sleeve are both shaped such that when the dispensing sleeve is rotated about the body, the size of the effective aperture changes but the shape of the effective aperture remains substantially the same.

This is particularly advantageous as birds are more likely to habitually visit a bird feeder that they are accustomed to and that has a familiar appearance. It has been found that birds appear to be sensitive to the overall appearance of the effective apertures i.e. the shape/aspect ratio, but do not appear to be able to distinguish between changes in the size of the effective apertures. Use of shapes that allow the aspect ratio of the effective aperture to remain substantially the same means that birds are encouraged to revisit the bird feeder even if the size of the effective aperture on the bird feeder has been adjusted.

The dispensing sleeves may be allowed to freely rotate and move about the body while remaining at the same longitudinal position with respect to the body, or in an alternative embodiment rotation of the dispensing sleeves may be dictated by a screw thread or similar such that the dispensing sleeves are rotated about the body in a spiral movement. In both embodiments, the apertures on the body and dispensing sleeve would be suitably located and aligned to the angle of rotation such that when the dispensing sleeve is rotated about the body, the size of the effective aperture changes but the shape of the effective aperture remains substantially the same.

The improved bird feeder of the present invention can be adjusted to satisfy the feeding habits of several different types of birds and negates the need for multiple devices. The bird feeder can be adjusted to hold different types and size of bird feed and can be adapted to cope with poor weather conditions, by closing off the effective aperture entirely.

In use, the user will rotate the dispensing sleeve about the body to adjust the amount of overlap between the one or more apertures in the sleeve and the one or more apertures in the body to a size suitable for the type of bird feed that is placed inside the body of the bird feeder. It is envisaged that the user will adjust the size of the effective apertures and/or further effective apertures on the bird feeder to accommodate the size of bird feed held inside the body, for example, if seeds are used as the bird feed, the user would adjust the effective apertures to be small for birds that prefer to peck, or to be large enough to allow the seed to fall into the feeding tray on the base part or on a utility sleeve. Advantageously, in the event of bad weather, the user will simply rotate the dispensing sleeve about the body so that there is no overlap between the one or more aperture in the sleeve and the one or more apertures in the body thus protecting the bird feed inside the body from rain and wind that may be detrimental to the bird feed.

Preferably, the aperture in the body and the aperture in the dispensing sleeve are either a diamond or triangle shape. It is envisaged that the aperture in the body and aperture in the dispensing sleeve may be any triangle including isosceles, equilateral, scalene, obtuse or acute triangles. The apertures may also be any diamond including square, non-square' or kite diamonds. In use, triangle or diamond shaped apertures permit the aspect ratio of the effective aperture to be kept substantially the same when the overlap between an aperture in the body and an aperture in the dispensing sleeve is adjusted. Alternatively, the aperture in the body may be square or rectangular and the aperture in the dispensing sleeve may be a triangle, or vice versa.

The aperture in the body and the aperture in the dispensing sleeve should be suitably aligned in the direction of rotation so that efficient overlap can be achieved and so that the aspect ratio of the effective aperture remains substantially the same at any degree of rotation.

Preferably, the bird feeder comprises a base pad and a roof pad. The base pad and the roof pail cover the open ends of the body at opposing ends and constrain the body in a substantially vertical position.

Preferably, the bird feeder further comprises a support stem which extends between the base pail and the roof part, through the body. The support stem serves to hold the base pad, roof pail and body together in a substantially veitical position.

In use, the roof part is moveable between a first position with respect to the body which permits the body to be tilted with respect to the support stem, and a second position with respect to the body which constrains the body in a fixed position with respect to the support stem. This allows the opening in the top of the body to be accessed so that it can be filled with bird feed without the need to disassemble the bird feeder.

Preferably, the support stem extends through an aperture in the roof part and terminates in a hanging element from which the bird feeder can be hung. In an embodiment of the present invention, the hanging element may also provide a stopper at one longitudinal end of the bird feeder which prevents the roof pail from coming off the support stem when the bird feeder is inverted. This feature is particularly advantageous in an embodiment where the bird feeder is assembled from top to bottom'.

Preferably, the body comprises a roof surround which is arranged to receive the roof part to constrain the position of the body with respect to the support stem. The roof surround provides protection from rain and other falling objects that may contaminate the bird food contained within the body or in the tray for catching bird feed.

Preferably, the base part and the roof surround are substantially the same. Advantageously, this means that the bird feeder is simpler and cheaper to manufacture as fewer distinct parts are required and hence costs are reduced. The base part may also comprise a tray for catching bird feed which escapes from the body.

Preferably, the roof part is removably engageable with the roof surround or the body to permit the body to be tilted with respect to the support stem when the roof part is disengaged from the body and to be in a fixed position with respect to the support stem when the roof part is engaged with the body. While in the embodiments described herein the roof part engages with the roof surround as a discrete element, it will be appreciated that the roof part might in other embodiments engage directly with the cylinder of the body, or alternatively with a roof surround which is part of the body.

In use, the roof part is held in the second position and is engaged with the body or the roof surround to constrain the body in a fixed position with respect to the support stem. To fill the bird feeder, the user will disengage the roof part from the body or roof surround and move it away from the body to the first position. This allows the body to be tilted with respect to the support stem providing easy access to the opening at the top of the body that is used to fill the body with bird food.

It is envisaged that for the bird feeder to be transported in its assembled form, a removable securing clip will be secured about the support stem adjacent to the roof part to ensure that the roof part remains engaged with the body during transport. The securing clip would be removed before use to enable the user to lift the roof part and carry out the filling operation described above.

Preferably, one or both of the cylindrical part of the body and the dispensing sleeve comprise a plurality of apertures. This provides more possibilities for overlap of the apertures in the body and the dispensing sleeve and therefore more effective apertures for birds to feed from.

Preferably, the bird feeder comprises a utility sleeve dimensioned to fit around the cylindrical part of the body and rest on an upper edge of the dispensing sleeve or another utility sleeve.

The utility sleeve may carry a perch which extends outwardly from the utility sleeve suitable for birds to rest on while feeding. Alternatively, the utility sleeve may comprise a tray for catching bird feed which escapes from the body, similar to the tray on the base part. Alternatively, the utility sleeve may comprise a plate which extends outwardly from the utility sleeve suitable for discouraging squirrels from accessing the bird food.

Preferably, the bird feeder further comprises a securing element which is engageable with the base part. Preferably, the support stem extends through the securing element, the base part and the body and has a bend or kink proximate one end. The bend or kink in the support stem permits the securing element to be removed from the support stem when the securing element is disengaged from the base part and/or the base part is disengaged from the body, but prevents the securing element from being removed from the support stem when the securing element is engaged with the base part and the base part is engaged with the body. The base part and the body are retained on the support stem by the interaction between the securing element and the bend or kink. Preferably, the securing element is a washer.

By way of alternative definition, a securing element may be provided which is engageable with the bird feeder, and a support stem may be provided which extends through the securing element and the body, wherein the support stem has a bend or kink proximate one end which permits the securing element to be removed from the support stem when the securing element is disengaged from the bird feeder, but which prevents the securing element from being removed from the support stem when the securing element is engaged with the bird feeder, and wherein the body is retained on the support stem by the interaction between the securing element and the bend or kink. In particular, it will be appreciated that the securing element may be co-formed with or part of a base part. The constraint on the securing element which prevents it moving past the kink may in some embodiments only apply when the base part is engaged with body of the bird feeder.

The arrangement of the support stem, securing element and base part advantageously means that no additional screws, nuts or bolts are required to hold the components of the bird feeder together. The bird feeder of the present invention can be readily assembled for use with no additional tools required, and can be readily disassembled into component parts for transportation, storage, repair or cleaning.

Preferably, the washer and base part each comprise one or more drainage holes. Preferably, the one or more drainage holes on the washer and the one or more drainage holes on the base part are aligned to allow water trapped inside the body to escape. Preferably, the base part further comprises a location stud arranged to engage with a hole on the washer so as to align the drainage holes on the washer and base part. The location stud may engage with one of said drainage holes on the washer. Alternatively, the location stud may be located on the washer and arranged to engage with a drainage hole on the base part.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the substantially cylindrical part of the body comprises one or more further apertures at a different longitudinal position along the body. In this embodiment, the bird feeder preferably comprises a further dispensing sleeve, dimensioned to fit around the cylindrical part of the body and rest on an upper edge of the dispensing sleeve or a utility sleeve. The further dispensing sleeve preferably has one or more apertures and is rotatable about the body to control an amount of overlap between the further aperture of the body and the further aperture of the further dispensing sleeve to adjust the size of a further effective aperture.

In use, the presence of two or more adjustable sleeves advantageously allows the user to adjust the bird feeder to accommodate for birds with different feeding habits. For example, using peanuts as the bird feed, the user may adjust one dispensing sleeve to provide an effective aperture large enough for the peanuts to fall through in a tray and may adjust the further dispensing sleeve to provide a further effective aperture that is smaller than the peanut such that birds are required to peck at the peanuts through the further effective apertures. It will be appreciated that more than two dispensing sleeves may be provided, for alignment with more than two sets of apertures in the body.

Preferably, an aperture in the dispensing sleeve and/or further dispensing sleeve is positioned such that when the dispensing sleeve is in a first orientation with respect to the body the dispensing sleeve can be rotated about the body to control an amount of overlap between an aperture in the body and an aperture in the sleeve, but when the dispensing sleeve is in a second orientation with respect to the body the aperture in the body, the aperture in the sleeve will not overlap at any rotational position of the sleeve with respect to the body.

In use, if the user wishes to limit or increase the amount of bird feed that is available for feeding, the user may position the dispensing sleeve and/or further dispensing sleeve in a second orientation with respect to the body. In the second orientation, the apertures in the sleeve will not overlap with the apertures in the body at any rotational position. This prevents the effective apertures from opening by accident, for example, if the bird feeder is knocked or if it falls.

Alternatively, the user may rotate the sleeve or further sleeve in the first orientation such that there is no overlap between the apertures on the sleeve and the apertures on the body to create the same closed' effect.

According to the present invention as seen from a second aspect, there is provided a kit of parts for assembling a bird feeder. The kit of parts advantageously takes up less space than the bird feeder in its assembled form. The kit of parts also allows the user to assemble the bird feeder themselves to create a variety of configurations, for example, the user can choose the number and types of utility sleeves and the number and orientation of the dispensing sleeves.

According to the present invention as seen from a third aspect, there is provided a method of assembling a bird feeder, the method comprising: positioning the body over the support stem; positioning the dispensing sleeve over the body; positioning the base part over the support stem; positioning the securing element over the support stem and engaging it with the base part; and permitting the base part to move down towards the bend or kink until the securing element abuts the bend or kink.

The method of assembly a bird feeder may also comprise the step of positioning the roof part over the support stem prior to positioning the body over the support stem. The method may further comprise positioning a roof surround over the support stem prior to positioning the body over the support stem.

To fill the bird feeder for use, the method preferably comprises the steps of lifting the roof part away from the body and tilting the body relative to the support stem to provide improved access to the opening at the top of the body exposed by the lifting of the roof part.

It should be understood that many of the features described herein, for example those set out in claims 4 to 8 and 9 to 19, could be advantageously be provided in the context of a bird feeder which uses overlapping apertures which are shaped such that when the dispensing sleeve is rotated about the body, the shape of the effective aperture does not necessarily remain constant.

According to the present invention as seen from a fourth aspect, there is provided a bird feeder, the bird feeder comprising a containing part having one or more apertures permitting bird food inside the containing part to be accessed from the outside. The bird feeder further comprises a dispensing part, the dispensing part having one or more apertures and being moveable with respect to the containing part to control an amount of overlap between an aperture in the containing part and an aperture in the dispensing part to adjust the size of an effective aperture from the inside of the containing part to the outside of the dispensing part. The aperture in the containing part and the aperture in the dispensing part are both shaped such that when the dispensing part is moved with respect to the containing part, the size of the effective aperture changes but the shape of the effective aperture remains substantially the same. It will be appreciated that the concept of changing the size of an effective aperture while retaining its shape/aspect ratio is not applicable only to cylindrical bird feeders, but may also be used in relation to bird feeders of other shapes and configurations, provided that these shapes and configurations provide for relative movement (usually sliding) between a containing part and a dispensing part each of which carry apertures which can be made to overlap.

Description of the Example Embodiments

Embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 schematically illustrates a bird feeder according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic cross section of the bird feeder shown in figure 1, as viewed along section A-A; Figure 3 is an exploded schematic view of the bird feeder shown in figure 1, the bird feeder configured with a squirrel guard; Figure 4 schematically illustrates another view of the bird feeder shown in figure 1, viewed from above; Figure 5 schematically illustrates a perch and hopper utility sleeve, viewed from above and viewed along section B-B; Figures 6 a-c schematically illustrate how the configuration of effective apertures can be adjusted; Figure 7 schematically illustrates a method of filling the bird feeder shown in figure 1; Figures 8 a-c schematically illustrate a method of assembling the bird feeder shown in figure 1; Figure 9 schematically illustrates a configuration of the bird feeder of the present invention with no utility sleeves and a dispensing sleeve in an inverted orientation; Figure 10 is a schematic illustration of overlapping triangular apertures; Figure 11 is a schematic illustration of overlapping diamond apertures; Figure 12 is a schematic illustration of overlapping square and equilateral triangle apertures.

Referring to figures 1,2 and 4 there is shown a bird feeder 10 in a vertical position comprising a cylindrical hollow body 12 that is open at both ends. The body comprises three sets of diamond shaped apertures 14, 16, 18, each comprising four apeitures. Each set of apertures 14, 16, 18 is at a different longitudinal position along the length (vertically) of the body 12, and the four apeitures of each set are disposed radially around the body 12 and at an equal spacing from each other. Three cylindrical dispensing sleeves 20, 22, 24 are dimensioned to fit over the body 12. Each sleeve comprises a set of apertures 26, 28, 30. The apertures on the dispensing sleeves 26, 28, 30 are the same shape and size as the apertures on the body 14, 16, 18 and are also disposed radially around each sleeve at an equal spacing from each other.

Each dispensing sleeve 20, 22, 24 is positioned longitudinally on the body such that the apeitures in the body 14, 16, 18 are in line with (at the same vertical/longitudinal position as) the apertures on the dispensing sleeve 26 28, 30. The bottom dispensing sleeve 20 rests on a base part 42. The middle dispensing sleeve 22 rests on the top edge of the bottom dispensing sleeve 20. A utility sleeve, in this case a perch 52, rests on the top edge of the middle dispensing sleeve 22. The upper dispensing sleeve 24 rests on the top edge of the utility sleeve bearing the perch 52. As can be seen from Figure 3, the dispensing sleeves need not necessarily be the same size in their axial direction. When there is direct alignment between an apeiture in the body and an aperture in the dispensing sleeve, an effective aperture is created from the outside through to the inside of the body 12. The user will adjust the size of each set of effective apertures on the bird feeder 10 by rotating each dispensing sleeve 20, 22, 24 by a predetermined amount about the body 12 to change the amount of overlap between the apeitures on the body 14, 16, 18 and the apertures on the dispensing sleeves 26, 28, 30 respectively.

A metal support stem 32 extends vertically through the length of the body 12 and comprises a hook-shaped portion 34 at the top end which projects above the body and a kink 36 at the opposing end. The hook shape portion 34 allows the bird feeder 10 to be hung in a suitable outdoor location in a substantially vertical position so that birds can feed.

The bird feeder 10 further comprises a roof part 38 that acts as a lid to prevent access to the opening at the top of the body 12, protecting the food inside the body from wind and rain. The roof part 38 also has an aperture in the centre that is dimensioned to allow the support stem 32 to pass through the roof part 38 but does not allow the hook-shaped portion 34 to pass through.

The bird feeder 10 comprises a roof surround 40 dimensioned and shaped to fit to the body 12 and to sit at the open top end of the body 12. Part of the roof surround 40 fits inside the body 12, and part of the roof surround 40 rests on the upper rim of the body 12 and extends outwardly to provide a canopy. The part of the roof surround 40 which fits inside the body 12 does not completely close off the upper open end of the body 12, instead having a relatively large aperture which permits bird food to be poured into the body 12 when the roof part 38 is not in place. When the roof part 38 is in place, the aperture in the roof surround 40 is closed off.

The relatively large aperture also permits the body 12 to be tilted with respect to the support stem 38, as will be explained subsequently. When the roof part 38 is to be put in place, the roof surround 40 receives the roof part 38 to constrain the body 12 in position so that it does not tilt relative to the support stem 32. It will be appreciated that the roof part 38 does not directly engage with the body 12, but instead with the roof surround 38, although in alternative embodiments it is possible for the roof part 38 to directly engage with the body 12, or for the roof surround 40 to be part of the body 12.

The bird feeder 10 comprises a base part 42 that is in the present embodiment structurally substantially identical to the roof surround 40. The base part 42 is inverted compared to the roof surround 40 and is dimensioned and shaped to fit to the body 12 at the open bottom end of the body 12. Part of the base part 42 fits inside the body 12 and part of the base part 42 extends outwardly to provide a tray or hopper for receiving bird food which escapes from apertures in the body 12. The lower rim of the body 12 rests on part of the tray. There is a securing element 44 consisting of a washer that is engaged with the kink 36 at the end of the support stem 32 and the base part 42. The engagement between the securing element 44 and the base part 42 is by way of an internal rim within the base part 42 which sits on top of the outer edge of the securing element 44. The engagement between the securing element 44 and the kink 36 is via a small aperture in the centre of the securing element 44 which is of sufficient size for the support stem 38 to pass through, but not of sufficient size for the securing element 44 to move past the kink 38 without the securing element 44 turning to follow the curve of the kink 36. The securing element 44 cannot move downwardly past the kink 36 while the securing element 44 is engaged with the base part 42 (and via the base part 42 to the body 12), because when so-engaged it is not able to turn sufficiently. When the securing element 44 is not engaged with the base part 42, then the securing element 44 is able to turn follow the curve of the kink 36, allowing the washer to move past the kink 36. The washer 44 therefore holds the bird feeder 10 together and prevents the components from coming off the support stem 32.

The bird feeder 10 further comprises drainage holes 46 near the base of the body 12. The drainage holes 46 are located both on the washer 44 and base part 42 in the engaging region, which is on the overlap between the internal rim of the base part 42 and the outside edge of the washer 44. The drainage holes 46 on the washer 44 and base part 42 are positioned such that they can be aligned with each other when the base part 42 rests on the washer 44. The base part 42 further comprises a location stud 48 in lieu of a drainage hole that can be engaged with a drainage hole 46 in the washer 44. The location stud 48 permits the drainage holes 46 on the washer 44 and the base part 42 to align, permitting water inside the body 12 to drain away.

Drainage holes 46 may also be present on the base part 42 adjacent the outside of the body 12.

It will be appreciated that a stud could be provided on the washer 44 rather than (or in addition to) the base part 42.

The bird feeder 10 comprises several utility sleeves that are dimensioned to fit around the body and to rest on an upper edge of a dispensing sleeve 20, 22, 24 or another utility sleeve. For example, the utility sleeve may comprise a tray 52 carrying a perch ring 54. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the tray 52 is a plate that extends horizontally outwards about the body. The perch ring 54 sits on top of the outer perimeter of the tray 52. An additional perch ring 54 sits on top of the outer perimeter of the base part 42. The tray 52 receives bird feed that exits from effective apertures 18, 30 above the perch 52. FigureS shows the tray 52 and perch ring 54 as viewed from above. The tray 52 and perch ring 54 are arranged to provide a suitable surface for birds to perch and access bird feed directly from the effective apertures 18,30 above the perch 52 or from bird feed that has fallen into the tray 52. A further example of a utility sleeve is a squirrel guard 156 as shown on the bird feeder 110 in Figure 3. The squirrel guard 156 comprises a plate that extends horizontally outward about the body. The squirrel guard 156 is intended to provide a barrier which makes it more difficult for a squirrel approaching from above to access the apertures beneath the squirrel guard 156.

Figures 6 a-c illustrate how each set of effective apertures can be adjusted according to the preference of the user. Figure 6a depicts the lower set (X) of apertures 14 on the body 12 and apertures 26 on the dispensing sleeve 20 with no overlap. In this configuration there are no effective apertures i.e. they are closed, with the result that no bird feed will escape from these apertures, nor can a bird access bird food through these apertures. The upper two sets of apertures 16, 28 (Y) and 18, 30 (Z) are partially overlapping to provide small effective apertures.

This configuration is suitable when the bird feeder 10 is filled with mixtures of small seeds mixtures and for birds that also prefer to peck food from holes in the feeder.

Figure 6b has the lower set of apertures (X) on the body and dispensing sleeve 14, 26 fully overlapping i.e. fully open, and the upper two sets of apertures 16, 28 (Y) and 18, 30 (Z) partially open to provide medium sized effective apertures. This configuration is suitable when the user wishes to attract birds that prefer to peck from food in a hopper and birds that prefer to peck food from holes in the feeder. For example, using peanuts as bird feed, Blue Tits generally prefer to peck at the peanuts and feed in situ, whereas Great Tits prefer to take the peanut whole and feed in an alternative location. In use, if the bird feed inside the feeder is smaller than the fully open effective aperture, the bird food will exit the body and fall into the base poition which acts as a hopper tray.

Figure 6c has a lower set of apertures 14, 26 (X) fully open and the upper two sets of apertures 16, 28 (Y) and 18, 30 (Z) fully closed. If the bird feed inside the feeder is smaller than the fully open effective apeiture, the bird food will exit the body and fall into the base poition. This configuration is suitable when the user wishes to attract birds that feed from a hopper only.

In more general terms, it will be appreciated that different dispensing sleeves can be adjusted to different ones of a fully open, partly open or completely closed state to custoniise the operation of the bird feeder to suit different birds and feeding requirements.

Referring to figure 7, there is illustrated a method of filling the bird feeder 10. First, the three sets of effective apertures are closed in preparation for the filling method by rotating the dispensing sleeves 20, 22, 24 relative to the body 12 such that there is no overlap between the apertures. The roof part 38 is then disengaged from the roof surround 40 and lifted away from the top of the body 12 as shown by arrow A to expose the opening in the top of the body 12.

This permits the body 12 to be tilted (arrow B) with respect to the support stem 32 to provide easier access to the opening in the top of the body 12. The body 12 can then be filled with the desired bird feed (arrow C). Then, the body 12 is moved back to its upright position and the roof part 38 is reengaged with the roof surround 40. In order to move the body 12 back to its upright position, it may be necessaiy to agitate the bird feed contained in the body 12 to overcome the resistance the bird feed presents against the support stem 32. The sets of effective apertures can then be opened to the appropriate size for the bird feed which has been poured into the feeder 10. The method illustrated in figure 7 is simple and does not require disassembling the whole bird feeder 10.

Referring to figures 8 a-c, there is illustrated a method of assembling the bird feeder 10. As shown in figure 8a, the support stem 32 is first inverted with the hook-shaped end 34 below the end with the kink 36.

The roof part 38 is then inverted and positioned near the hook-shaped 34 end by feeding the aperture in the roof part over the kinked end 36 and down the support stem 32. The roof surround 40 and then body 12 are also inverted and fed over suppoit stem 32. The dispensing sleeves 20, 22, 24 and utility sleeves including the perch 52 and perch ring 54 are inverted and slid over the body in the required order. The base part 42 is inverted and fed over the support stem 32 to fit over the exposed open end of the body 12. Finally, the washer 44 is fed onto the support stem 32 as shown in figure 8b (note the angle at which it is required to be as it is fed over the kink) and moved into engagement with the base part 42. Then the bird feeder 10 is rotated about 180° as shown in figure Sc, with the hook-shaped portion 34 of the support stem 32 at the top of the bird feeder 10 ready for use. It will be appreciated that the engagement between the roof surround 40 and the roof part 38, and the engagement between the roof surround 40 and the body 12, can either be made as these components are fed onto the step 32, or may be made after all of the components have been fed onto the stem and the stem inverted, or a combination of the two. The washer 44 should be in engagement with the base part 42, and the base part 42 should be in engagement with the body 12, before the feeder is inverted in order to prevent the washer 44 from being able to move past the kink 36 under gravity.

The components of the bird feeder 10 are held together by gravity and do not require additional fixing elements to secure the components together. The interaction of the washer 44 and kink 36 on the support stem 32, held in engagement by gravity, prevents the components of the bird feeder 10 from coming off the support stem 32.

The bird feeder 10 can be readily disassembled into its component parts for example, for cleaning or (an alternative method of) transportation, by following the described method of assembly in reverse. The bird feeder 10 may also be partially disassembled so that various utility sleeves or dispensing sleeves 20, 22, 24 can be added, removed or orientated in reverse.

Referring to figure 9, there is shown a bird feeder 210 similar to the bird feeder 10 in figure 1, in an alternative configuration. Like parts are denoted by similar reference numerals. The bird feeder 210 differs from the bird feeder 10 in that it is configured without any utility sleeves positioned over the body and in that one of the dispensing sleeves 224 is in an inverted orientation such that the aperture 230 on the dispensing sleeve 224 is not longitudinally aligned with the corresponding aperture on the body 218 and an effective aperture is inaccessible. In this configuration, the lower two sets of effective apertures X, Y can be adjusted but it is not possible to create a third set of effective apertures Z by overlapping the upper set of apertures on the body 218 and apertures on the dispensing sleeve 224. The effective apertures Z remain closed. This is useful because it enables the user to set up the bird feeder so that certain apertures in the feeder 10 cannot be opened by accident, for example, if the bird feeder is knocked. Since the bird feeder 210 does not comprise the utility sleeves 52 of the bird feeder 10, the set of effective apertures Z essentially becomes redundant as birds have nowhere to perch to reach said effective apertures. It is therefore appropriate to close apertures Z from use completely. It will be appreciated that it may also be possible to configure one or both of the other dispensing sleeves in an inverted orientation to provide closure of the lower apertures in the bird feeder.

Referring to figure 10, there are shown pairs of overlapping triangles (equilateral 60, isosceles 62, obtuse scalene 64 and acute scalene 66). The pairs of triangles represent a pair of apertures on the body 12 and a dispensing sleeve 20,22,24 of the bird feeder 10. The direction of rotation of the dispensing sleeve relative to the body is represented by an arrow. The triangular aperture in the body and corresponding triangular aperture in the sleeve are aligned so as to present the same aspect, for example, the apertures are aligned when apertures are completely overlapping. The aspect ratio (proportionality) of the overlapping region 0 for all the pairs of triangles in figure 10 remains the same i.e. the overlapping region 0 of the pair of equilateral triangles 60 is also an equilateral triangle. The same is true of the bird feeders 10, 110, 210 where the overlap (effective aperture) is adjusted by rotating a dispensing sleeves 20, 22, 24 relative to the body 12. Birds are sensitive to the appearance of objects and do not like changes, so being able to adjust the size of the effective apertures X, Y, Z whilst maintaining the aspect ratio of the effective apertures is highly beneficial and encourages birds to continue visiting the bird feeder.

Referring to figure 11, there are shown pairs of overlapping diamonds (square 70, non-square 72 and kite 74). The pairs of diamonds represent a pair of apertures on the body 12 and a dispensing sleeve 20, 22, 24 of the bird feeder 10. The direction of rotation of the dispensing sleeve relative to the body is represented by an arrow. As with the triangles in figure 10, the aspect ratio (proportionality) of the overlapping region in all the pairs of diamonds remains the same i.e. the overlapping region 0 of the pair of square diamonds 70 is also a square diamond.

It will be appreciated that in these examples, the apertures on the body and dispensing sleeve should preferably be the same shape and size to create a fully overlapping (open) effective aperture. The apertures on the body 12 and dispensing sleeve 20, 22, 24 are preferably presented in the same orientation and aligned in the direction of rotation i.e. they must be at the same longitudinal position on the body if the aspect ratio of the effective aperture is to be maintained when the dispensing sleeve 20, 22, 24 is rotated relative to the body 12. In the case of diamond shaped apertures (figure 11), the direction of overlap (direction of rotation) should also be consistent with a line of symmetry L on the diamond 70, 72, 74 for the effective aperture to retain its shape. If the direction of overlap does not align with a/the chosen line of symmetry, the resulting aperture will not retain its shape.

If they are not presented in the correct orientation and longitudinal alignment, the shape of the effective apertures will not have the same aspect ratio (shape) as the aperture on the body 12 and dispensing sleeve 20, 24, 26.

Squares, circles and most other cnontriangular or non-diamond' shaped apertures would not create an effective aperture with the same aspect ratio when presented as overlapping apertures, regardless of the way that they are aligned.

It will be appreciated that the size and shape of the apertures on the body and dispensing sleeve may vary whilst still maintaining an effective aperture with the same aspect ratio when the dispensing sleeves are rotated with respect to the body.

In some cases, the aspect ratio of an effective aperture may be preserved with the overlap of two different shaped apertures -that is, an aperture in the body may take a different shape to an aperture in the sleeve. For example, if one of the apertures is square or rectangular, the other aperture may be a triangle.

Referring to figure 12, there is shown an illustrative example of how a square aperture 76 in the body may be overlapped with an equilateral triangle aperture 60 in the dispensing sleeve, or visa versa. When the edge of the square 76 is suitably aligned with an edge of the equilateral triangle 60, an effective aperture with the shape of an equilateral triangle will be created when the dispensing sleeve is rotated with respect to the body. It will be appreciated that other combinations of shapes are also possible to create the same effect.

In another example, the size of the aperture in the dispensing sleeve may be smaller than the aperture in the body whilst still maintaining an effective aperture with a constant aspect ratio.

It will be appreciated that the above described embodiments are given by way of example only and that various modifications thereto may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, there may be one or more utility sleeves and the utility sleeves may comprise one or more of the features herein described. The securing element may be separate or integral to the base part.

It is envisaged also that the dispensing sleeves containing apertures could also be slid vertically along the body to adjust the size of an effective aperture in the bird feeder whilst maintaining the aspect ratio of the effective aperture. Alternatively, the body and dispensing sleeves may be rotated relative to each other in a spiral movement, for example, the dispensing sleeves being rotatable about the body by means of a screw thread or similar. The apertures on the body and dispensing sleeve would be suitably aligned to the angle of the spiral such that when the dispensing sleeve is rotated about the body, the size of the effective aperture changes but the shape of the effective aperture remains substantially the same.

In another embodiment, the bird feeder comprises a containing part (body) having one or more apertures and a dispensing part having one or more apertures. The containing part may be cylindrical as in the described embodiments or alternatively may be any other shape with any number of faces, for example, cuboidal. The dispensing part is moveable with respect to the containing part to control an amount of overlap between an aperture in the containing part and an aperture in the dispensing part to adjust the size of an effective aperture from the inside of the containing part to the outside of the dispensing part.

Where the containing part (body) has one or more face, it is envisaged that effective apertures will be created on one or more of the faces by sliding one or more dispensing parts across said face or faces. The apertures in the containing part and the apertures in the dispensing part are both shaped such that when the dispensing part is moved with respect to the containing part, the size of the effective aperture changes but the shape of the effective aperture remains substantially the same.

Claims

Claims 1. A bird feeder comprising: a body, at least part of which is substantially cylindrical and has one or more apertures permitting bird food inside the body to be accessed from the outside; a substantially cylindrical dispensing sleeve, dimensioned to fit around the cylindrical part of the body, the dispensing sleeve having one or more apertures and being rotatable about the body to control an amount of overlap between an aperture in the body and an aperture in the dispensing sleeve to adjust the size of an effective aperture from the inside of the body to the outside of the dispensing sleeve; wherein the aperture in the body and the aperture in the dispensing sleeve are both shaped such that when the dispensing sleeve is rotated about the body, the size of the effective aperture changes but the shape of the effective aperture remains substantially the same.
2. A bird feeder according to claim 1, wherein the aperture in the body and the aperture in the dispensing sleeve are each one of a diamond or triangle.
3. A bird feeder according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the aspect ratio of the effective aperture remains substantially the same when the overlap between an aperture in the body and an aperture in the dispensing sleeve is adjusted.
4. A bird feeder according to any preceding claim, comprising a base part, a roof part and a support stem which extends between the base part and the roof part through the body, the roof part being moveable between a first position with respect to the body which permits the body to be tilted with respect to the support stem, and a second position with respect to the body which constrains the body in a fixed position with respect to the support stem.
5. A bird feeder according to claim 4, wherein the base part comprises a tray for catching bird feed which escapes from the body.
6. A bird feeder according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the support stem extends through an aperture in the roof part and terminates in a hanging element from which the bird feeder can be hung.
7. A bird feeder according to any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the body comprises a roof surround which is arranged to receive the roof part to constrain the position of the body with respect to the support stem.
8. A bird feeder according to claim 7, wherein the base part and roof surround are substantially the same.
9. A bird feeder according to any preceding claim, wherein one or both of the cylindrical part of the body and the dispensing sleeve comprise a plurality of apertures.
10. A bird feeder according to any preceding claim, comprising a utility sleeve dimensioned to fit around the cylindrical part of the body and rest on an upper edge of the dispensing sleeve or another utility sleeve.
11. A bird feeder according to claim 10, wherein the utility sleeve carries a perch which extends outwardly from the utility sleeve.
12. A bird feeder according to claim 10, wherein the utility sleeve carries a tray for catching bird feed which escapes from the body.
13. A bird feeder according to claim 10, wherein the utility sleeve carries a plate which extends outwardly from the utility sleeve.
14. A bird feeder according to any preceding claim, comprising a base part, a securing element which is engageable with the base part, and a support stem which extends through the securing element, the base part and the body, wherein the support stem has a bend or kink proximate one end which permits the securing element to be removed from the support stem when the securing element is disengaged from the base part or the body, but which prevents the securing element from being removed from the support stem when the securing element is engaged with the base part or the body, and wherein the base part and the body are retained on the support stem by the interaction between the securing element and the bend or kink.
15. A bird feeder according to any preceding claim, comprising a securing element which is engageable with the bird feeder, and a support stem which extends through the securing element and the body, wherein the support stem has a bend or kink proximate one end which permits the securing element to be removed from the support stem when the securing element is disengaged from the bird feeder, but which prevents the securing element from being removed from the support stem when the securing element is engaged with the bird feeder, and wherein the body is retained on the support stem by the interaction between the securing element and the bend or kink.
16. A bird feeder according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the securing element is a washer.
17. A bird feeder according to claim 14 and 16, wherein the washer and base part each comprise one or more drainage holes and wherein the washer or base part comprises a location stud arranged to align the drainage holes on the washer with the drainage holes on the base part.
18. A bird feeder according to any preceding claim, wherein the substantially cylindrical part of the body comprises one or more further apertures at a different longitudinal position along the body, and wherein the bird feeder comprises a further dispensing sleeve, dimensioned to fit around the cylindrical part of the body and rest on an upper edge of the dispensing sleeve or a utility sleeve, the further dispensing sleeve having one or more apertures and being rotatable about the body to control an amount of overlap between the further apertures of the body and the further apertures of the further dispensing sleeve.
19. A bird feeder according to any preceding claim, wherein an aperture in the dispensing sleeve and/or further dispensing sleeve is positioned such that when the dispensing sleeve is in a first orientation with respect to the body the dispensing sleeve can be rotated about the body to control an amount of overlap between an aperture in the body and an aperture in the sleeve, but when the dispensing sleeve is in a second orientation with respect to the body the aperture in the body and the aperture in the sleeve will not overlap at any rotational position of the sleeve with respect to the body.
20. A kit of parts for assembling a bird feeder according to any preceding claim.
21. A method of assembling a bird feeder according to claim 15, wherein the method comprises the steps of: positioning the body over the support stem; positioning the dispensing sleeve over the body; positioning the base part over the support stem; positioning the securing element over the support stem and engaging it with the base part or the body; and permitting the base part to move down towards the bend or kink until the securing element abuts the bend or kink.
22. A method of filling a bird feeder according to claim 4, comprising the steps of lifting the roof part away from the body and tilting the body relative to the support stem to provide improved access to the opening at the top of the body exposed by the lifting of the roof part.
23. A bird feeder, comprising: a containing part having one or more apertures permitting bird food inside the containing part to be accessed from the outside; a dispensing part having one or more apertures and being moveable with respect to the containing part to control an amount of overlap between an aperture in the containing part and an aperture in the dispensing part to adjust the size of an effective aperture from the inside of the containing part to the outside of the dispensing part; wherein the aperture in the containing part and the aperture in the dispensing part are both shaped such that when the dispensing part is moved with respect to the containing part, the size of the effective aperture changes but the shape of the effective aperture remains substantially the same.
24. A bird feeder substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.Amendmnets to the claims have been filed as follows: Claims 1. A bird feeder comprising: a body, at least part of which is substantially cylindrical and has one or more apertures permitting bird food inside the body to be accessed from the outside; a substantially cylindrical dispensing sleeve, dimensioned to fit around the cylindrical part of the body, the dispensing sleeve having one or more apertures and being rotatable about the body to control an amount of overlap between an aperture in the body and an aperture in the dispensing sleeve to adjust the size of an effective aperture from the inside of the body to the outside of the dispensing sleeve; wherein the aperture in the body and the aperture in the dispensing sleeve are both shaped such that when the dispensing sleeve is rotated about the body, the size of the effective aperture changes but the shape of the effective aperture remains substantially the same.2. A bird feeder according to claim 1, wherein the aperture in the body and the aperture in 0 the dispensing sleeve are each one of a diamond or triangle.3. A bird feeder according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the aspect ratio of the effective aperture remains substantially the same when the overlap between an aperture in the body and an aperture in the dispensing sleeve is adjusted.4. A bird feeder according to any preceding claim, comprising a base part, a roof part and a support stem which extends between the base part and the roof part through the body, the roof part being moveable between a first position with respect to the body which permits the body to be tilted with respect to the support stem, and a second position with respect to the body which constrains the body in a fixed position with respect to the support stem.5. A bird feeder according to claim 4, wherein the base part comprises a tray for catching bird feed which escapes from the body.6. A bird feeder according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the support stem extends through an aperture in the roof part and terminates in a hanging element from which the bird feeder can be hung.7. A bird feeder according to any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the body comprises a roof surround which is arranged to receive the roof part to constrain the position of the body with respect to the support stem.8. A bird feeder according to claim 7, wherein the base part and roof surround are substantially the same.9. A bird feeder according to any preceding claim, wherein one or both of the cylindrical part of the body and the dispensing sleeve comprise a plurality of apertures.10. A bird feeder according to any preceding claim, comprising a utility sleeve dimensioned to fit around the cylindrical part of the body and rest on an upper edge of the dispensing sleeve or another utility sleeve.11. A bird feeder according to claim 10, wherein the utility sleeve carries a perch which extends outwardly from the utility sleeve.12. A bird feeder according to claim 10, wherein the utility sleeve carries a tray for catching bird feed which escapes from the body.13. A bird feeder according to claim 10, wherein the utility sleeve carries a plate which extends outwardly from the utility sleeve.14. A bird feeder according to claims 4 to 8, and claims 9 to 13 such that they are dependent on claim 4, comprising the base part, a securing element which is engageable with the base part, and the support stem which extends through the securing element, the base part and the body, wherein the support stem has a bend or kink proximate one end which permits the securing element to be removed from the support stem when the securing element is disengaged from the base part or the body, but which prevents the securing element from being removed from the support stem when the securing element is engaged with the base part or the body, and wherein the base part and the body are retained on the support stem by the interaction between the securing element and the bend or kink.15. A bird feeder according to claim 14, comprising the securing element which is engageable with the bird feeder, and the support stem which extends through the securing element and the body, wherein the support stem has a bend or kink proximate one end which permits the securing element to be removed from the support stem when the securing element is disengaged from the bird feeder, but which prevents the securing element from being removed from the support stem when the securing element is engaged with the bird feeder, and wherein the body is retained on the support stem by the interaction between the securing element and the bend or kink.16. A bird feeder according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the securing element is a washer.17. A bird feeder according to claim 16, wherein the washer and base part each comprise one or more drainage holes and wherein the washer or base part comprises a location UD stud arranged to align the drainage holes on the washer with the drainage holes on the base part.o 18. A bird feeder according to claims 10 to 17, wherein the substantially cylindrical part of the body comprises one or more further apertures at a different longitudinal position along the body, and wherein the bird feeder comprises a further dispensing sleeve, dimensioned to fit around the cylindrical part of the body and rest on an upper edge of the dispensing sleeve or a utility sleeve, the further dispensing sleeve having one or more apertures and being rotatable about the body to control an amount of overlap between the further apertures of the body and the further apertures of the further dispensing sleeve.19. A bird feeder according to claim 18, wherein an aperture in the dispensing sleeve andlor further dispensing sleeve is positioned such that when the dispensing sleeve is in a first orientation with respect to the body the dispensing sleeve can be rotated about the body to control an amount of overlap between an aperture in the body and an aperture in the sleeve, but when the dispensing sleeve is in a second orientation with respect to the body the aperture in the body and the aperture in the sleeve will not overlap at any rotational position of the sleeve with respect to the body.20. A kit of parts for assembling a bird feeder according to any preceding claim.21. A method of assembling a bird feeder according to claim 15, wherein the method comprises the steps of: positioning the body over the support stem; positioning the dispensing sleeve over the body; positioning the base part over the support stem; positioning the securing element over the support stem and engaging it with the base part or the body; and permitting the base part to move down towards the bend or kink until the securing element abuts the bend or kink.22. A method of filling a bird feeder according to claim 4, comprising the steps of lifting the roof part away from the body and tilting the body relative to the support stem to provide improved access to the opening at the top of the body exposed by the lifting of the roof part.23. A bird feeder, comprising: a containing part having one or more apertures permitting bird food inside the o containing part to be accessed from the outside; a dispensing part having one or more apertures and being moveable with respect to the containing part to control an amount of overlap between an aperture in the containing part and an aperture in the dispensing part to adjust the size of an effective aperture from the inside of the containing part to the outside of the dispensing part; wherein the aperture in the containing part and the aperture in the dispensing part are both shaped such that when the dispensing part is moved with respect to the containing part, the size of the effective aperture changes but the shape of the effective aperture remains substantially the same.24. A bird feeder substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.