US20070256640A1 - Birdfeeder and Seed Dispenser Therefor - Google Patents
Birdfeeder and Seed Dispenser Therefor Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070256640A1 US20070256640A1 US10/590,652 US59065204A US2007256640A1 US 20070256640 A1 US20070256640 A1 US 20070256640A1 US 59065204 A US59065204 A US 59065204A US 2007256640 A1 US2007256640 A1 US 2007256640A1
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- Prior art keywords
- seed
- piece
- birdseed
- sidewall
- base piece
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K39/00—Feeding or drinking appliances for poultry or other birds
- A01K39/01—Feeding devices, e.g. chainfeeders
- A01K39/014—Feed troughs; Feed throwers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K39/00—Feeding or drinking appliances for poultry or other birds
- A01K39/01—Feeding devices, e.g. chainfeeders
- A01K39/0113—Feeding devices, e.g. chainfeeders with means to prevent other animals or insects, e.g. squirrels or ants, from eating also
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K39/00—Feeding or drinking appliances for poultry or other birds
- A01K39/01—Feeding devices, e.g. chainfeeders
- A01K39/012—Feeding devices, e.g. chainfeeders filling automatically, e.g. by gravity from a reserve
Definitions
- FIG. 17 is a front view in elevation of the retaining ring shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 ;
- retaining tabs could be disposed on the front surface of apertured dial 160 instead of about sidewall 197 of the retaining ring. As contemplated, an appropriate number of retaining tabs could be disposed circumferentially about the front surface 162 of the apertured dial so as to confront portions of the rim 191 of the retaining ring.
- apertured dial 360 is similar in construction to both the apertured dials described above with reference to FIGS. 2 and 13 . As such, it is rotatably disposed in the base piece 340 . Accordingly, when mixed seed aperture 368 is in the seed accessible state, it is in fluid communication with outlet port 358 and thistle seed aperture 366 is obstructed from access to the birdseed by back wall 346 . Similarly, when thistle seed aperture 366 is in the seed accessible state, it is in fluid communication with outlet port 358 while mixed seed aperture 368 is obstructed from access to the birdseed in the birdfeeder by back wall 346 .
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- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Birds (AREA)
- Animal Husbandry (AREA)
- Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
- Catching Or Destruction (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention generally relates to bird feeders for attracting and feeding wild birds. More particularly, the present invention concerns a device that enables a bird feeder to dispense different types of birdseed, thereby to attract different species of wild birds. Specifically, the present invention is directed to a rotatable seed dispenser having multiple ports for dispensing seeds of different sizes. This invention also concerns a method of providing a seed dispenser, with alternative seed ports, and selectively placing a desired seed port in the seed accessible state, thereby to permit feeding birds access to the birdseed.
- Bird watching is a highly prevalent past time in both urban and rural areas. The world is full of birds of numerous varieties in an astounding array of colors and designs. Many people enjoy viewing birds of various types, and an industry has evolved around products directed to improving the ability of persons to closely observe birds in their natural environment. On one hand, many people venture into the outdoors, where binoculars and spotting scopes may be utilized to better view various birds in their natural habitats. Such an approach requires a certain degree of skill, however, in finding and spotting various species of birds. Another approach utilizes various means of attracting birds to one's residence or a desired viewing location, such as adjacent a home's porch or window, where birds may be viewed at one's leisure.
- For example, persons have used bird feeders, birdbaths, and the like to attract birds of various types to their homes. Different types of feeders have been developed, which each dispense foodstuffs that are preferred by a selected variety of bird which a person might desire to view. For example, seeds, grains, suets, and nectars are common foodstuffs that can be dispensed by a selected type of feeder.
- Seed dispensing bird feeders are perhaps the easiest and most popular way of attracting a myriad of wild birds to a particular location for viewing. This is especially so in the winter months when food is scarce. Typically, seed feeders are suspended from a pole or hung from a tree branch so as to elevate the feeder above the ground and are built to hold and protect the seed from the elements.
- There are a variety of seed feeders that have been constructed to attract various species of wild birds. In general, such feeders fall into three categories: tray feeders, hopper feeders, and tube feeders. Tray feeders are rather simplistic in design and generally comprise a tray or platform on which birdseed is spread. Hopper feeders further include a feed reservoir, which is oftentimes shaped like a house. The seed is dispensed beneath the reservoir onto a tray or platform that is accessible by the birds. Tube feeders, on the other hand, are hollow, cylindrical tubes, often made of plastic, and have multiple feeding stations spaced along the length of the tube. Typically, feeding stations include both a seed port and an adjacent perch to provide the feeding bird with a place to alight.
- Tube feeders are a very popular bird feeder construction due, in part, to their ability to keep the seed fairly dry and attract various bird species. Particularly, though, the size of the seed ports largely dictate the type of birdseed that may be used to fill the tube feeder and, thus, the types of bird species that will be attracted to the feeder. For example, if the seed ports are relatively large, the feeder can be filled with mixed birdseed or sunflower seeds, which will generally attract larger birds, such as blue jays, cardinals, and grackles. Smaller seed ports, on the other hand, dispense thistle seed, which is a different type of birdseed and is attractive to finches. Accordingly, some tube feeders are specially constructed as thistle feeders with extra small ports for dispensing thistle seeds.
- Oftentimes, people prefer to attract several different species of birds to a desired viewing location. Accordingly, it is not uncommon for people to own a variety of bird feeders for dispensing different types of birdseed. To accommodate this desire, there are a variety of tube feeders available, which vary in size, appearance, and of course, seed port size.
- However, for many, space may be limited for hanging bird feeders, especially for individuals living in apartments with very limited balcony space. For others, time and money may simply limit one's ability to acquire and maintain several different bird feeders. As a result, many are perhaps limited to owning only one type of bird feeder that is only capable of dispensing one type of birdseed. Accordingly, there remains a need to provide a seed dispensers that are capable of dispensing different types of seed. Further, there is a need to provide new and improved bird feeders that are capable of dispensing different types of birdseed. The present invention is directed to meeting these needs.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a new and useful bird feeder for attracting different species of wild birds.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a selectively versatile bird feeder that is capable of dispensing different types of birdseed.
- Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved bird feeder that is capable of dispensing thistle birdseed, mixed birdseed, or sunflower seeds.
- A still further object of the present invention is to provide a tube feeder with multiple feeding stations, which incorporate rotatable seed dispensers.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a seed dispenser with multiple seed ports.
- Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a seed dispenser that is capable of dispensing at least two different types of birdseed.
- A still further object to provide a method for selectively placing a desired seed port in fluid communication with the birdseed in the bird feeder.
- According to the present invention, then, a dispenser is provided that is adapted to access and dispense birdseed from a birdfeeder that has a reservoir with a sidewall. The sidewall includes an opening in the form of a mounting hole to which the dispenser is attached or otherwise mounted. The opening has a central axis that is generally perpendicular to the sidewall.
- The dispenser may include a base piece, an aperture piece, and may further include a retaining piece. The base piece is mounted to an opening in the sidewall of the reservoir and may further be at least partly disposed in the birdseed reservoir when mounted therein. Preferably, the base piece has a wall that includes a seed outlet formed therethrough in fluid communication with the opening in the sidewall. The base piece may include a plurality of prongs and a registration finger for mounting in the opening of the sidewall. Alternatively, the base piece may include cooperating fasteners that releasably secure it to the sidewall of the reservoir.
- As contemplated, the apertured piece may be disposed in the base piece. As such, the base piece may include a plurality of spaced apart retaining tabs that can retain the apertured piece and permit movement thereof relative to the base piece. The aperture piece includes a first seed aperture of a first configuration and second seed aperture of a second configuration that is different from the first. The first configuration is adapted to dispense thistle birdseed from the reservoir while the second configuration is adapted to dispense mixed birdseed from the reservoir. It is moveable relative to the base piece between a first orientation and a second orientation. In the first orientation the first seed aperture is oriented in a seed accessible state so as to provide access to the birdseed. Meanwhile, the second orientation places the second seed aperture in a seed accessible state. When in the first orientation, the first seed aperture is in fluid communication with the seed outlet, while access to the birdseed via the second seed aperture is obstructed by the wall. In a second orientation, the seed outlet is in fluid communication with the second seed aperture while access to the birdseed via the first seed aperture is obstructed by the wall.
- As contemplated by the present invention, the apertured piece may be in the form of an apertured dial that is journaled for rotation on the central axis of the opening in the sidewall of the reservoir. The apertured dial may be rotated relative to the sidewall, or the base piece.
- As mentioned above, the dispenser according to the present invention may also include a retaining piece. The retaining piece may be releasably securable to the base piece whereby the apertured piece is located therebetween. The retaining piece may be further be provided with a plurality of spaced apart resilient retaining tabs that are adapted to retain the apertured piece and permit movement thereof relative to the base piece. Generally, the base piece, the apertured piece, and if included the retaining piece, may each be formed of materials selected from a group consisting of plastic, wood, metal, and a combination thereof.
- The present invention also provides for a birdfeeder that is adapted to be suspended from a support structure against the force of gravity and to provide birdseed to birds that comprises the hanger member to engage the support structure of a birdseed reservoir with a surrounding sidewall, a seed dispenser mounted in the opening of the sidewall and adapted to dispense birdseed to the birds. The birdseed reservoir may have a configuration selected from the group consisting of tubular, rectangular, and frustoconical. Further, the birdfeeder may be provided with a plurality of openings that are formed in the sidewall such that a plurality of seed dispensers are mounted thereto.
- The present invention also contemplates an improvement to a birdfeeder that provides birdseed to birds. The improvement generally comprises a dispenser having a moveable apertured piece coupled to the opening of the sidewall. The apertured piece includes a plurality of seed apertures of different configurations.
- The present invention also provides a method for feeding birds utilizing a birdfeeder having a birdseed reservoir with a surrounding sidewall. The method comprises the steps of providing the birdfeeder with a seed dispenser that has a plurality of seed apertures associated therewith. The method also includes the step of adding a selected type of birdseed to the birdseed reservoir and then moving one of the seed apertures into a seed accepted state whereby the selected seed aperture is in fluid communication with the opening in the sidewall. The method may further include the steps of providing the seed dispenser with a dial piece and then rotating the dial piece to move a selected one of the seed apertures into the seed accessible state.
- These and other objects of the present invention will become more readily appreciated and understood from a consideration of the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention when taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which:
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FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a new and useful bird feeder according to the present invention, which incorporates a plurality of new and useful seed dispensers, also according to the present invention according to the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a representative one of the seed dispensers shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a front view in elevation of the base piece of the seed dispenser shown inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a rear view in elevation of the base piece ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 is a top view in elevation of the base piece ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 6 is a right side view in elevation of the base piece ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 7 is a front view in elevation of the apertured dial of the seed dispenser shown inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 8 is a top view in elevation of the apertured dial; -
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the apertured dial shown inFIG. 7 taken about lines 9-9; -
FIG. 10 (a) is a cross-sectional view of a representative seed dispenser shown inFIG. 1 taken about lines 10(a)-10(a) with the second seed aperture in the seed access state; -
FIG. 10 (b) is a cross-sectional view of the seed dispenser shown inFIG. 1 taken about lines 10(a)-10(a) with the first seed aperture in the seed access state; -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternative bird feeder according to the present invention, which incorporates a plurality of seed dispensers according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 12 is a front perspective view, in elevation, of a bird feeder shown inFIG. 11 ; -
FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of one of the seed dispensers shown in FIGS. 1 1 and 12; -
FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of the base piece of the seed dispenser shown in FIGS. 1 1 and 12; -
FIG. 15 is an exploded left side view, in elevation, of the seed dispenser shown inFIGS. 11 and 12 ; -
FIG. 16 is a rear view in elevation of the retaining ring shown inFIGS. 11 and 12 ; -
FIG. 17 is a front view in elevation of the retaining ring shown inFIGS. 11 and 12 ; -
FIG. 18 (a) is a cross-sectional view of a representative seed dispenser shown inFIG. 12 taken about lines 18(a)-18(a) showing the second seed aperture in the seed access state; -
FIG. 18 (b) is a cross-sectional view of the seed dispenser shown inFIG. 12 taken about lines 18(a)-18(a) showing the first seed aperture in the seed access state; -
FIG. 19 is a rear view in elevation of an alternative retaining ring; -
FIG. 20 is a right side view in elevation of the alternative retaining ring shown inFIG. 19 ; -
FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the seed dispenser shown inFIGS. 11 and 12 in use with the alternative retaining ring shown inFIGS. 19 and 20 ; -
FIG. 22 is a front view in elevation of another bird feeder according to the present invention, which incorporates a plurality of seed dispensers according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 23 is a partial exploded view of the bird feeder shown inFIG. 22 with a representative one of the seed dispensers removed from its mounting hole; -
FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of a representative one of the seed dispensers shown inFIGS. 22 and 23 -
FIG. 25 is a rear view in elevation of the base piece shown inFIG. 24 ; -
FIG. 26 is a front view in elevation of the base piece shown inFIG. 24 ; and -
FIG. 27 is a side view in elevation of the seed dispenser shown inFIG. 24 . - The present invention relates to seed dispensing bird feeders for attracting wild birds. In particular, the present invention relates to a seed dispenser that may be used in conjunction with a bird feeder so as to increase its versatility. More particularly, as contemplated, the seed dispenser of the present invention provides alternative seed apertures, each capable of dispensing different types of birdseed so as to attract a variety of species of birds.
- Broadly, the seed dispenser of the present invention includes an apertured piece with multiple seed apertures of different configurations. The apertured piece may be coupled to the sidewall of the birdfeeder with a base piece so as to be moveable relative thereto. The base piece may be removably mounted to the sidewall of a bird feeder such that it is partly disposed in the silo, and the apertured piece preferably includes a first seed aperture of a first configuration and a second seed aperture of a second configuration that is different from that of the first configuration.
- The apertured piece may be in the form of an apertured dial that is rotatably disposed in the base piece. The apertured dial is moveable between a first orientation wherein a first seed aperture is oriented in a seed accessible state so as to provide access to the bird seed and a second orientation wherein a second seed aperture is in the seed accessible state. When the desired seed aperture is in the seed accessible state, the feeding bird may access the seed therethrough while the other aperture(s) on the piece are obstructed or blocked such that the birds are unable to access the seed therethrough. The seed dispenser of the present invention may alternatively include a retaining piece used to secure the dispenser to the feeder and to secure the dial thereon.
- To better understand the construction of the seed dispenser of the present invention, and its ability to enhance the versatility of bird feeders, reference is first made to
FIG. 1 , which shows a bird feeder in the form of atube feeder 10 in use withseed dispensers tube feeder 10birdseed reservoir 12,lid 14,hanger member 16, and feedingstations 20. As shown,birdseed reservoir 12 has acylindrical sidewall 11 and an interior and may be constructed from a clear plastic material, but may also be constructed of any suitable material as known in the art, such as metal, glass, and the like.Lid 14 further includes ahanger member 16, which is in the form of a chain that may be used to suspend the feeder from any appropriate support structure, such as a post, tree branch, porch ceiling, or other desired location for observing birds.Hanger member 16 may be of any suitable construction that enablestube feeder 10 to be elevated above the ground. - Feeding
stations 20 includeperches 18 located adjacent to arespective seed dispenser seed dispensers seed dispenser 30 will be used as a representative sample to discuss the construction of the seed dispensers in more detail.Seed dispenser 30 may be removably disposed in designated locations along the length of thesidewall 11 ofbirdseed reservoir 12. More particularly,seed dispenser 30 is adapted to nest within holes cut out of thesidewall 11 of the birdseed reservoir. For example, the opening insidewall 11, shown here as mountinghole 80 inFIG. 1 , is cut directly out of thesidewall 11 ofbirdseed reservoir 12. As shown, mountinghole 80 further includesregistration notch 82, which will be described below in further detail.Seed dispenser 30 may be either removably disposed inhole 80 or, alternatively, permanently fixed therein. - Although not shown, it may be desirable to reinforce the bird feeder silo in an area proximate to the
seed dispensing device 30 with metal such as copper, stainless steel, and the like. Metal reinforcement of the area surroundingseed dispensing device 30 assists in preventing squirrels from chewing thesidewall 11 ofbirdseed reservoir 12 in and around the feeding stations and gaining access to the seed. - Before describing the nested relationship between
seed dispenser 30 and mountinghole 80 in further detail, it is perhaps first helpful to better understand the construction of the seed dispenser itself. Accordingly, with reference now to FIG. 2,seed dispenser 30 generally includesbase piece 40 and an aperture piece, which is shown here to be in the form ofapertured dial 60. Apertured piece is coupled tosidewall 11 bybase piece 40. Both thebase piece 40 and theapertured dial 60 may be made of plastic, wood, metal, a combination thereof or any other material suitable for the construction of a bird feeder. -
Base piece 40 is shown inFIGS. 2-6 . As shown,base piece 40 is unitary in construction and has afront portion 42 and backportion 44, which are separated from one another by apartitioning wall 46.Front portion 42 includessidewall 50, which extends outwardly from partitioningwall 46 to terminate inrim 48. Retainingtabs 52 are disposed on the interior surface ofsidewall 50 in spaced relation to one another. While two retainingtabs 52 are shown, it should be appreciated that any number of retaining tabs may be disposed circumferentially aboutsidewall 50. Preferably, though, the number and placement of retainingtabs 52 is able to accomplish an engagement betweenbase piece 40 andapertured dial 60 sufficient to retain apertured dial therein while allowing rotation ofapertured dial 60 relative to thebase piece 40. - As shown in
FIGS. 4-6 ,back portion 44 ofbase piece 40 includesresilient prongs 54 andregistration finger 56. The backside of retainingtabs 52 is also shown.Prongs 54 are adapted to releasablysecure base piece 40 on thesidewall 11 ofbirdseed reservoir 12 in mount hole 80 (shown inFIG. 1 ). Further,registration finger 56 is adapted to engageregistration notch 82 shown inFIG. 1 to facilitate proper registration ofbase piece 40 withinmount hole 80. These features are discussed in further detail below in reference to FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b). - Retaining
tabs 52 andprongs 54 may be formed as an integral part of the base piece as a one-piece molding of plastic. Retainingtabs 52 andprongs 54 may be made of other materials, but are preferably resilient so as to allow the respective pieces to be fitted together as is contemplated by this exemplary embodiment of the present invention. - Partitioning
wall 46, whichpartitions base piece 40 as shown inFIGS. 2-4 to include an opening in the form ofseed outlet 58.Outlet port 58 is shown as a semi-circular opening that is approximately half the size ofwall 46. As should be understood,outlet port 58 is not limited to the size and configuration shown, however, it is preferred thatoutlet port 58 be of a size and configuration that can dispense multiple types of birdseed. - Now that
base piece 40 has been described in some detail, the features ofapertured dial 60 may be discussed. First, as may be seen with reference toFIGS. 2 and 7 -9,apertured dial 60 includes a disc-shapedwall 61 that has afront surface 62 and aback surface 64 defined byedge 63 and twoseed apertures First seed aperture 66 is in the form of a thistle seed dispenser andsecond seed aperture 68 is in the form of a mixed seed dispenser and is surrounded by a forwardly projecting, cup-shapedtrough 69.Mixed seed aperture 68 is primarily sized and adapted to dispense mixed seed or sunflower seeds, which may collect intrough 69 so as to be accessible by the feeding birds. - Having now discussed
base piece 40 andapertured dial 60 independently, their interrelationship may now be described. As mentioned above,apertured dial 60 is adapted to be rotatably disposed inbase piece 40. More particularly, and with reference toFIG. 2 ,apertured dial 60 may be pressed into place ininterior 41 such thatedge 63 clears retainingtabs 52 and backsurface 64 confronts partitioningwall 46, thereby to accomplish a snap-fit engagement. - With reference now to
FIG. 1 andFIG. 10 (a), the interrelationships betweenbase piece 40 to bothapertured dial 60 andbirdseed reservoir 12 may now be more fully appreciated.Opening 56 or mount hole, insidewall 11 has a central axis “A” that is generally perpendicular tosidewall 12.Base piece 40 nests withinmount hole 80 ofbirdseed reservoir 12 such that it is mounted to thesidewall 11 ofbirdseed reservoir 12 and partly disposed therein. Accordingly,registration post 56 is seated withinregistration notch 82 andprongs 54anchor base piece 40 to thesidewall 11 ofbirdseed reservoir 12.Apertured dial 60 is disposed inbase piece 40 and journaled for rotation on the central axis “A” and rotates relative thereto. Accordingly, backsurface 64 is in confronting relationship with partitioningwall 46 of the base piece. Further,edge 63 has been pressed past retainingtabs 52 and is frictionally engaged withsidewall 50.Mixed seed aperture 68 is in the seed accessible state, and, as such, it is in fluid communication withoutlet port 58.Thistle seed aperture 66 is obstructed from access to the birdseed in the birdfeeder by partitioningwall 46. -
Apertured dial 60 may be rotated, if desired, to registerthistle seed aperture 66 in the seed accessible state. With reference then toFIG. 10 (b),thistle seed aperture 66 is now in fluid communication withoutlet port 58. As such,mixed seed aperture 68 is now in the inactive state and partitioningwall 46 and thereby obstructed from access to the birdseed in the birdfeeder by partitioningwall 46. - An alternative seed dispenser, according to the present invention, is shown in
FIGS. 11-18 . Broadly, this alternative seed dispenser includes three pieces—a base piece, an alternating seed aperture piece, and a retaining piece. Since the alternating seed aperture piece has the same construction as that described above with reference toFIGS. 1-10 , the following discussion will focus primarily upon the construction of the base piece, the retaining piece, and the interrelationship among the three pieces. - Turning first to
FIGS. 11 and 12 , a birdfeeder in the form ofhopper feeder 110 is shown to includebirdseed reservoir 112,lid 114, and feedingstations 120, two of which are shown. Each feedingstation 120 includes aperch 118 located adjacent arespective seed dispenser birdseed reservoir 112, in fluid communication with the bird seed inside the birdseed reservoir via a mounting hole, such asmount hole 180, which may be cut out of the sidewall 111 ofbirdseed reservoir 112.Mount hole 180 includesfirst notches 182 andsecond notches 184, which will be described in further detail below. - Since
seed dispensers seed dispenser 130 will be used as a representative sample to discuss the construction of this exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Accordingly, with respect toFIG. 13 ,seed dispenser 130 generally includesbase piece 140, an alternating seed aperture piece in the form ofapertured dial 160, and a retaining piece in the form of retainingring 190. Each of these three pieces may be made of metal, plastic, a composite thereof, or other material suitable as a seed dispenser for use with a bird feeder. - Similar to seed
dispenser 30 described above,base piece 140 mountsseed dispenser 130 to the sidewall 111 of the birdseed reservoir andapertured dial 160 is rotatably disposed therein to allow a desiredseed aperture FIGS. 13-15 ,base piece 140 is an annular piece of unitary construction with afront portion 142 and aback portion 144 separated by apartitioning wall 146.Partitioning wall 146 includesoutlet port 158, which, similar to the seed dispenser shown inFIGS. 1-10 , is sized to dispense different types of birdseed. When a desiredseed aperture outlet port 158, feeding birds may access the selected seed within the birdseed reservoir. - With continued reference to
FIGS. 13-15 ,base piece 140 has an outersurrounding sidewall 150 with aninner surface 151 located infront portion 142. Notably,inner surface 151 does not include retaining tabs disposed circumferentially thereabout to retainapertured dial 160 therein. Rather, as will be discussed in more detail below, retainingring 190 is adapted to retainapertured dial 160 therein when the three pieces are assembled. -
Base piece 140 is also shown to include a pair offirst ears 152 and a pair ofsecond ears 154 disposed about the outer surface ofsidewall 150. As shown inFIG. 15 ,first ears 152 are adapted to allowscrews 153 to pass therethrough so as to be received bystand offs 196 of retainingring 1 90. Accordingly, retainingring 190 may be releasably secured tobase piece 140. As shown,grooves 169 may further be associated withfirst ears 152 to help alignment of the screws with the ears and to reduce any gaps or open spaces resulting from the coupling of the base piece and the retaining ring.Second ears 154, are adapted to receive arespective screw 157, which, in conjunction with arespective washer 159 releasablysecure base piece 140 to the sidewall 111 of the birdseed reservoir. This will be discussed in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 18(a) and (b). - As should be appreciated by one skilled in the art, other forms of fasteners besides
screws 153 may be used to couple the base piece and retaining ring. For example, fasteners such as nails, rivets, and the like can pass throughfirst ears 152 to be secured into the retaining ring. It should also be appreciated that the location offirst ears 152 andsecond ears 154 are not limited to the respective locations shown in the Figures. Further, additional first or second ears could be disposed about the surface of the outer sidewall for additional places of securement. Alternatively, first andsecond ears outer sidewall 150 of retainingring 190 such that they do not project therefrom an such that the outer surface ofsidewall 150 is generally uniform. - With continued reference to
FIGS. 13 and 15 , and with additional reference toFIGS. 16 and 17 , retainingring 190 is shown as an annulus of unitary construction having afront surface 192, aback surface 194, anouter edge 193, and aninner edge 195. As perhaps best shown inFIGS. 13 and 15 , retainingring 190 further includes asidewall 197 extending frominner edge 195 outwardly fromback surface 194 to terminate inrim 191. - As shown in
FIGS. 13 and 16 , three retainingtabs 198 are disposed about the inner surface ofsidewall 197 in spaced relation to one another. As contemplated, when the seed dispenser is assembled, retainingtabs 198 confront thefront surface 162 ofapertured dial 160 so as to keepapertured dial 160 between retainingring 190 andbase piece 140. Although three retainingtabs 198 are shown, any number of retaining tabs may be disposed circumferentially aboutsidewall 197. Preferably though, the number, size, and placement of the tabs allows free rotation of the apertured dial but yet creates enough friction such that the apertured dial stays in place while in use. Alternatively, retaining tabs could be disposed on the front surface ofapertured dial 160 instead of aboutsidewall 197 of the retaining ring. As contemplated, an appropriate number of retaining tabs could be disposed circumferentially about thefront surface 162 of the apertured dial so as to confront portions of therim 191 of the retaining ring. - Now that the individual components of the alternative seed dispenser shown in
FIGS. 11-17 have been described in some detail, both its assembly and interrelationship with a bird feeder may be more fully appreciated. Turning then to FIGS. 18(a) and 18(b), assembledseed dispenser 130 is shown mounted inopening 180, which has a central axis “A” that is generally perpendicular to sidewall 111.Base piece 140 and retainingring 190 are releasably secured to one another byscrews 153 andapertured dial 160 is rotatably disposed therebetween and relative tobase piece 140 such thatfront surface 162 confrontsrim 191 and retainingtabs 198. InFIG. 18 (a),seed dispenser 130 is in the first seed access state whereinmixed seed aperture 168 is in fluid communication withoutlet port 158. InFIG. 18 (b),seed dispenser 130 is in the second seed access state whereinthistle seed aperture 166 is in fluid communication withoutlet port 158. - As briefly mentioned above,
seed dispenser 130 nests within a mount hole cut out of the sidewall 111 of the birdseed reservoir and is retained in position with fasteners in the form of screws. More specifically,base piece 140 nests withinmount hole 180, which is shown inFIG. 12 . Sincefirst ears 152 andsecond ears 154 project from theouter sidewall 150 ofbase piece 140,mount hole 180 further includesfirst notches 182 andsecond notches 184, which correspond, respectively tofirst ears 152 andsecond ears 154 such thathole 180 nestably receivesbase piece 140. -
Base piece 140 is releasably secured to the sidewall 111 ofbirdseed reservoir 112 by a fastener in the form ofscrew 157 andwasher 159. More specifically, arespective screw 157 is received by a respective second ear 154 (shown inFIG. 14 ). Together, screw 157 andwasher 159,anchor base piece 140 to the sidewall 111 ofbirdseed reservoir 112 thereby to releasably fasten the seed dispenser thereto. - Turning now to
FIGS. 19 and 20 analternative retaining ring 290 is shown which is also an annulus of unitary construction having afront surface 292, backsurface 294, anouter edge 293, and aninner edge 295. Retainingring 290 further includes asidewall 297 extending frominner edge 295 outwardly fromback surface 294 to terminate inrim 291. As compared to retainingring 190 shown above in FIGS. 13, 15-18(a) and (b), retainingring 290 inFIGS. 19 and 20 does not include separate, angularly spaced retaining tabs to hold the apertured dial in place. Rather,sidewall 297 includes a radially inwardly projectingrim 291 extending around the inner perimeter ofsidewall 297 that is wide enough to confront thefront surface 262 ofapertured dial 260. This confronting relationship is shown inFIG. 21 . As may be seen,rim 291 confrontsfront surface 262 proximately to edge 263 ofapertured dial 260. Accordingly,rim 291 keepsapertured dial 260 between retainingring 290 andbase piece 240. - Another seed dispenser according to the present invention is shown in
FIGS. 22-27 . This seed dispenser includes two pieces—the base piece and the apertured piece. Turning first toFIGS. 22 and 23 , abirdfeeder 310, of generally of frustoconical configuration, is shown to includebirdseed reservoir 312 having asidewall 311 and a plurality ofseed dispensers 330. Eachseed dispenser 330 is adapted to be mounted to mounting hole, such ashole 380, which is in fluid communication with the birdseed inside the birdseed reservoir and adapted to provide access thereto. As shownmount hole 380 includes twonotches 382, which will be described in further detail below. - With reference to
FIGS. 24 , arepresentative seed dispenser 330 is shown to includingbase piece 340 andapertured dial 360.Base piece 340 has a different configuration than heretofore described in that it is adapted to confront thesidewall 311 of the birdfeeder shown inFIGS. 22 and 23 .Base piece 340 is more elongated than compared to that shownFIGS. 3 and 4 above and further includesperch 318, which is releasably securable tostandoffs 356 such as by a snap fit engagement. - With reference to
FIGS. 24-27 ,base piece 340 includesback wall 346, which extends the length thereof. Back wall 346 further includes an opening in the form ofseed outlet 358. Whenbase piece 340 is mounted to the sidewall of the birdseed reservoir,seed outlet 358 is in fluid communication with the mounting hole permitting access to the birdseed contained therein. -
Base piece 340 is shown further to include four retainingtabs 352 in spaced relation to one another. Similar to the retaining tabs described above with reference toFIGS. 2-6 , retainingtabs 352 are adapted to accomplish an engagement betweenbase piece 340 andapertured dial 360 sufficient to retain apertured dial therein while allowing rotation ofapertured dial 360 relative to thebase piece 340. -
Base piece 340 further includes a pair ofprongs 354. Again, similar to that described above with respect toFIGS. 4-6 ,prongs 354 are adapted to releasablysecure base piece 340 to thesidewall 311 ofbirdseed reservoir 31 2 inmount hole 380 shown inFIG. 23 . With reference toFIG. 23 , the attachment ofbase piece 340 is similar to that described above with reference to FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b) in that prongs 340 pass throughnotches 382 to anchorbase piece 340 to thesidewall 311 ofbirdseed reservoir 312. Preferably, prongs 354 are formed of a resilient material to facilitate the removal and reattachment ofbase piece 340 tosidewall 311. - With continued reference to
FIGS. 24-26 ,apertured dial 360 is similar in construction to both the apertured dials described above with reference toFIGS. 2 and 13 . As such, it is rotatably disposed in thebase piece 340. Accordingly, whenmixed seed aperture 368 is in the seed accessible state, it is in fluid communication withoutlet port 358 andthistle seed aperture 366 is obstructed from access to the birdseed byback wall 346. Similarly, whenthistle seed aperture 366 is in the seed accessible state, it is in fluid communication withoutlet port 358 whilemixed seed aperture 368 is obstructed from access to the birdseed in the birdfeeder byback wall 346. - Accordingly, the present invention has been described in great detail with reference to
FIGS. 1-27 . It should be appreciated from the foregoing that variations of the constructions described may be made by the ordinarily skilled artisan in this field without departing from the inventive concepts herein. For example, the individual pieces that make up the alternative seed dispensers are not limited to any particular size or dimension. Rather, the configuration of these pieces are primarily dictated by the sidewall of the birdseed reservoir that incorporates the seed dispenser. Also, the seed dispenser may employ alternative means by which the seed ports are alternated between the various seed access states. For example, an alternating seed aperture piece that moves horizontally or vertically within the base piece is contemplated whereby the horizontal or vertical movement shifts the seed aperture piece among the seed access states. - Also, as should be appreciated, the present invention further contemplates a method of utilizing a bird feeder having a birdseed reservoir with a surrounding sidewall adapted to contain the birdseed and an opening formed in the sidewall adapted to access and dispense the birdseed to the birds. The method comprises the steps of providing the bird feeder with a seed dispenser having a plurality of seed apertures associated therewith and adding a selected type of birdseed to the birdseed reservoir. The method also includes moving one of the seed apertures into a seed accessible state whereby the selected seed aperture is in fluid communication with the opening in the sidewall to permit access to the birdseed and allow for the birdseed to be dispensed therethrough. The method may also include the use of a rotatable dial piece having a plurality of seed apertures formed therethrough whereby the dial piece is rotated to move a selected seed aperture into the seed accessible state.
- The method further includes rotating or otherwise moving a piece of the seed dispenser so as to place a desired seed port in the seed accessible state thereby to permit feeding birds access to the birdseed in the birdseed reservoir. It should be appreciated that the methodology of the present invention can include any steps, not limited to those discussed hereinabove, that can be accomplished by the above-described structures.
- Accordingly, the present invention has been described with some degree of particularity directed to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. It should be appreciated, though, that the present invention is defined by the following claims construed in light of the prior art so that modifications or changes may be made to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention without departing from the inventive concepts contained herein.
Claims (44)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/590,652 US20070256640A1 (en) | 2003-12-12 | 2004-12-13 | Birdfeeder and Seed Dispenser Therefor |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US52934203P | 2003-12-12 | 2003-12-12 | |
US10/590,652 US20070256640A1 (en) | 2003-12-12 | 2004-12-13 | Birdfeeder and Seed Dispenser Therefor |
PCT/US2004/041773 WO2005058061A2 (en) | 2003-12-12 | 2004-12-13 | Birdfeeder and seed dispenser therefor |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20070256640A1 true US20070256640A1 (en) | 2007-11-08 |
Family
ID=34699964
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/590,652 Abandoned US20070256640A1 (en) | 2003-12-12 | 2004-12-13 | Birdfeeder and Seed Dispenser Therefor |
US10/907,526 Active US7261056B2 (en) | 2003-12-12 | 2005-04-04 | Birdfeeder and seed dispenser therefor |
US13/191,887 Active USRE43999E1 (en) | 2003-12-12 | 2011-07-27 | Birdfeeder and seed dispenser therefor |
Family Applications After (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/907,526 Active US7261056B2 (en) | 2003-12-12 | 2005-04-04 | Birdfeeder and seed dispenser therefor |
US13/191,887 Active USRE43999E1 (en) | 2003-12-12 | 2011-07-27 | Birdfeeder and seed dispenser therefor |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
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US (3) | US20070256640A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2549021C (en) |
WO (1) | WO2005058061A2 (en) |
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US20080276874A1 (en) * | 2007-05-08 | 2008-11-13 | Graham Charles Evans | Feeder and perch |
US20140150725A1 (en) * | 2012-05-10 | 2014-06-05 | Nature's Way LLC | Birdfeeder |
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US20090283046A1 (en) * | 2008-05-16 | 2009-11-19 | Cranswick Pet And Aquatics Plc | Bird feeding port assembly |
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US8011322B1 (en) | 2009-03-11 | 2011-09-06 | Jackson Daniel G | Bird feeding assembly |
USRE48343E1 (en) | 2010-05-03 | 2020-12-08 | Classic Brands, LLC | Hopper type wild bird feeder |
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US10463025B2 (en) | 2010-05-03 | 2019-11-05 | Classic Brands, LLC | Reversible insert for bird feeder |
US8651054B2 (en) * | 2010-07-09 | 2014-02-18 | Aspects, Inc. | Bird feeder with removable ports |
USD679453S1 (en) | 2011-03-14 | 2013-04-02 | Classic Brands Llc | Bird feeder |
USD679059S1 (en) | 2012-03-28 | 2013-03-26 | Classic Brands, LLC | Bird feeder |
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US8978586B1 (en) | 2012-05-23 | 2015-03-17 | Classic Brands, LLC | Wild bird feed dispenser with squirrel-resistant mechanism |
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US9414574B2 (en) * | 2012-10-01 | 2016-08-16 | Woodstream Corporation | Squirrel resistant dome-shaped bird feeder port |
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GB2526558A (en) * | 2014-05-27 | 2015-12-02 | Graham Evans | Port and perch insert for bird feeder |
US9918455B2 (en) * | 2015-08-20 | 2018-03-20 | Chiou Yeong Wu | Sparrow stop poultry feeder |
US10130079B2 (en) | 2016-02-15 | 2018-11-20 | Paul L. Cote | Perch for a bird feeder |
USD811013S1 (en) * | 2016-10-20 | 2018-02-20 | Oakthrift Corporation Ltd. | Birdfeeder |
USD811014S1 (en) * | 2016-10-20 | 2018-02-20 | Oakthrift Corporation Ltd. | Birdfeeder |
CN109089947B (en) * | 2018-07-19 | 2021-03-30 | 黄淮学院 | Rotary solid particle reward device suitable for pigeons |
USD903950S1 (en) * | 2019-07-19 | 2020-12-01 | Cixi Huazhijie Plastic Product Co., Ltd. | Bird feeder |
USD977204S1 (en) * | 2020-06-23 | 2023-01-31 | Amer N Fackih | Squirrel-proof bird feeder pole |
USD975932S1 (en) * | 2021-09-13 | 2023-01-17 | Yaron Levite | Spiral seed feeder |
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US20140150725A1 (en) * | 2012-05-10 | 2014-06-05 | Nature's Way LLC | Birdfeeder |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20060112892A1 (en) | 2006-06-01 |
CA2549021C (en) | 2012-09-04 |
USRE43999E1 (en) | 2013-02-19 |
US7261056B2 (en) | 2007-08-28 |
WO2005058061A2 (en) | 2005-06-30 |
WO2005058061A3 (en) | 2009-06-04 |
CA2549021A1 (en) | 2005-06-30 |
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Legal Events
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Owner name: PERKY-PET PRODUCTS COMPANY, INC., COLORADO Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:O'DELL, FURMAN;CARTER, JAMES S.;KRUEGER, BRIAN K.;REEL/FRAME:016156/0820;SIGNING DATES FROM 20041222 TO 20050110 |
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