Having A Perch Patents (Class 119/57.8)
  • Patent number: 8381682
    Abstract: The Castle Birdfeeder provides an efficient method for feeding wild birds and conserving bird seed. The device may comprise a birdfeeder shaped like a castle containing removable components. The base of the invention can be a rectangular and one-quarter inch deep to hold water, be used as a moat, in which birds can drink, clean and cool themselves. The castle may include perch doors on each side that fold up and down like a castle door. Birds can stand on these perch doors while poking their beaks through the round windows in the castle side to access seed contained in a seed holder made to fit within the dimensions of the castle. As birds eat, any excess seeds may fall from the seed holder to the seed catcher placed directly below. The design of this invention may also prevent squirrels and other animals from accessing and stealing bird food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Robert Ernest Bradley
  • Patent number: 8316800
    Abstract: A bird feeder that includes a bird feed holder having open top and bottom ends, a plurality of feeding ports disposed in a sidewall defining the holder, a plurality of perches each associated with an inlet of an associated feeding port and a removable base for engaging with the bottom end of the holder, the removable base having a closed position for sealing the bottom end of the holder so as to retain the bird feed therein and an open position in which the base is removed from the holder to enable access to the bottom end of the holder. One embodiment has a manually operated latch member supported by the base and supported for radial engagement so as to enable releasable securing of the removable base to the holder. In another embodiment a manually operated latch couples to a main body portion, the latch being supported for rotation with respect to the main body portion to releasably secure the base assembly to the housing. Also disclosed is a feeder support apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Droll Yankees, Inc.
    Inventors: Betsy Puckett, Marco Wo, James Vincent Bonnema
  • Patent number: 8312842
    Abstract: A bird feeder apparatus, which utilizes an elastic member to removably secure a removable bottom end portion to a feed storage chamber of the feeder apparatus. In one embodiment, the removable bottom end portion is a feed tray and in another embodiment the removable bottom end portion is a bottom end cap of the feed storage chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventor: James A. Schumann
  • Patent number: 8286590
    Abstract: A hummingbird feeding station includes a first hollow body having a closed end and an openable end, the first hollow body for receiving and for containing a liquid for consumption, one or more openings extending through at least one wall of the first hollow body for enabling consumption of the liquid contained therein, and a second hollow body having a closed or a sealed end and an open end, the second hollow body for receiving and containing a liquid. The second hollow body is disposed between the first hollow body a point of origin of insects attempting to access the liquid in the first hollow body, the liquid contained in the second hollow body functioning as a barrier preventing the insects from accessing the liquid contained in the first hollow body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventor: Heidi Sundquist
  • Patent number: 8272349
    Abstract: A bird feeding apparatus for providing nutritious feed material to birds includes a first member and a second member pivotally coupled with the first member. The second member includes a base member and a lip member. The lip member extends upwardly from a first set of edges of the base member. The lip member is circumscribingly received around the first member, when the first member and the second member align with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventor: Vernon Mayes, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120234249
    Abstract: A bird feeder comprising a tubular main body having at least one opening in a wall of the main body, and at least one feeder port assembly mounted within the respective opening. Each feeder port assembly comprises a main body part projecting into the tubular main body through the opening, and is magnetically secured directly or indirectly by at least one magnet to the tubular main body. Preferably there are at least two feeder port assemblies mountable within the respective opposing openings, and the opposing feeder port assemblies are magnetically interconnected together by the magnet to hold them in place. There is also described an improved cap assembly with a lid magnetically secured in place. In addition there is further described an improved dual perch arrangement including integral first and second perch members that are spaced laterally and longitudinally from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: GARDMAN LIMITED
    Inventor: Martin Robert Gaze
  • Patent number: 8245666
    Abstract: A novel bird feeder is disclosed comprising a top portion with a hook, a cap and shield, and a bottom portion with a feeder body and a tray the top portion and the bottom portion being interconnected by a cable. One end of the cable is affixed to the bottom portion of the bird feeder and the other end of the cable is attached to a spring biased coil assembly located in the top portion. The bottom portion is then reversibly dislocatable from the top portion between an in-use condition and a re-supply condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventors: Kim A. Sena, Jeffrey A. Ellen
  • Publication number: 20120145081
    Abstract: An insect feeder that allows membrane feeding with a membrane above a feeding medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: E. Barçin Acar, David R. Burton, Ted B. Ellis, Emma Rae Mullen, David R. Nash, Michael Vinton
  • Patent number: 8191508
    Abstract: A wild bird feeder comprising a container and a base. A cable extends through the container and the base and is provided with a hanging loop at one end and a bottom cover at the other end for retaining the components of the bird feeder between them and suspending the bird feeder in a hanging position when hung from a tree or otherwise. The container comprises and is formed by a cover, a dome, a collar, and a hopper. The cover is provided with a star shaped opening that frictionally engages with the hanging cable for enabling the separation of the cover from the dome to fill the bird feeder when the bird feeder is in the hanging position. The collar comprises a plurality of divider walls for creating a plurality of sections to direct the bird feed when filling the bird feeder. The hopper comprises a vertical column having a plurality of ports. The base comprises a tray having a conical shaped cone that is centrally located within the vertical column for directing the bird seed out the plurality of ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Pets International, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Greenwood, Larry Sternal, Robert Krause
  • Patent number: 8156894
    Abstract: A bird feeder configured to provide a liquid phase food and a gelatinous phase food to a plurality of birds. The bird feeder further includes a first storage compartment and a second storage compartment operbaly coupled each having an interior volume configured to store a liquid phase food. The first storage compartment further includes a plurality of apertures facilitating access to the liquid phase food stored therein. A gelatinous phase food assembly is further included and attached to the bird feeder proximate the first storage compartment. The gelatinous phase food assembly further includes four containers operable to store and dispense gelatinous phase food to a plurality of birds. The four containers are supported by an inner support ring and an outer support ring. A cover extends over the bird feeder functioning the protect the gelatinous food assembly from environmental elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Kensell Krah
  • Publication number: 20110308471
    Abstract: A miniature size bird feeder that includes a feed holder; a cap or cover over the feed holder; means for releasably attaching the cap or cover to the feed holder and an attachment means for supporting the feed holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: DROLL YANKEES, INC.
    Inventors: Betsy P. Puckett, Marco Wo
  • Patent number: 8056507
    Abstract: A squirrel-proof sunflower seed bird feeder is provided which denies feeding access to squirrels by way of a unique connection system between an inner housing member and an outer housing member of the bird feeder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Raymon W. Lush
  • Patent number: 8028658
    Abstract: A liquid bird feeder provides a liquid container having a bottom opening, a liquid tray adapted to attach to the liquid container and adapted to immerse the bottom opening in liquid. The liquid tray includes a bottom port passing through the liquid tray and vertically aligned with the bottom opening, and a valve mechanism adapted to selectively couple the bottom port of the liquid tray to the bottom opening for filling purposes, or to close the bottom port and couple the bottom opening to the liquid tray for supplying liquid from the liquid container to the liquid tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: John Stone, Oliver McLachlan, David Harting
  • Patent number: 8025030
    Abstract: A bird feeder designed for overhead positioning is provided having a dispensing component which protectively holds and controllably dispenses particulate bird feed, and a refilling component liftable by an elongated staff and configured to add bird feed to the dispensing component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas E. Litwin, Fred W. Litwin
  • Patent number: 7971554
    Abstract: A bird feeder preferably includes a top lid, a central housing pivotally coupled to the top lid, a bottom base pivotally coupled to the central, and a mechanism for automatically articulating a first one of the top lid and the bottom base along a first arcuate path while manually articulating a second one of the top lid and the bottom base along a second arcuate path. In this manner, the central housing remains at a statically fixed position while the top lid and the bottom base articulate between corresponding open and closed positions. In one embodiment, the articulating mechanism may include an actuating shaft contiguously abutted against a gear for ensuring the bottom base simultaneously rotates with the top lid during opening and closing positions respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: Irma Diaz
  • Patent number: 7946248
    Abstract: An elongated, tubular bird feeder comprising one or more pairs of interlocking feeder ports, where the feeder ports are of identical constructions, such that each feeder port mates with an identical feeder port. Each port defines an external perch and an external shield that is curved to fit the contour of the tube, a neck which fits tightly into an opening in the tube, and a reduced diameter portion that defines an end face, from which projects two interlocking features: a horizontally-oriented blade member; and a vertically-oriented generally sector-shaped member. When two ports are pushed together into diametrically-opposed side openings in the tube, with end faces located proximate one another, the two sector members will be located adjacent one another to define an essentially semi-circular upper region, and the two blades will be located next to one another to define an essentially horizontal blade member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Droll Yankees
    Inventors: Scott A. Colwell, John Walsh
  • Publication number: 20110100299
    Abstract: The invention provides a user-configurable perch for a bird feeder. The perch comprises four generally “U”-shaped or “C”-shaped lobes arranged in a generally circular loop, where the loop provides the surface onto which the birds perch. The loop is coupled to a central plate by four support members, which serve to separate the center plate from the loop. The perch is coupled to the bird feeder with a fastener inserted through a hole in the center plate. The perch may be coupled to a bird feeder in one of two configurations. In a first configuration, the loop is positioned below the bottom surface of the bird feeder to accommodate larger birds. In a second configuration, the loop is positioned, above the bottom surface of the bird feeder to discourage larger birds and cater to smaller birds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: Droll Yankees, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott A. Colwell
  • Patent number: 7930995
    Abstract: A bird feed tray has an integral, unitary body. The tray is separated into a plurality of segments by partitions and circumscribed by an outer wall or rim. Each segment has dual surfaces which are sloped both downward toward the outer rim and inward to form a drain trough. The troughs terminate at the outer rim. A number of drain holes are provided adjacent to the outer rim. Water which collects on the surface of the tray funnels down into the troughs, where it is discharged through the drain holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Zenith Innovation, LLC
    Inventor: Peter S. Vosbikian
  • Patent number: 7921809
    Abstract: A birdseed dispenser and birdfeeder incorporating the same are provided. The dispenser has a base assembly mounted to a first opening formed in the sidewall of the birdseed reservoir, including a front plate having a second opening formed therein, a flange extending around the second opening and projecting away from the front plate, and an end wall supported by the flange such that the flange and end wall together define a chamber. The dispenser also includes an apertured piece received in the chamber having a first seed aperture of a first configuration and a second seed aperture of a different configuration. The apertured piece is moveable between a first orientation, which places the first seed aperture in a seed accessible state permitting birds access to the seed, and a second orientation to place the second seed aperture in the seed accessible state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: Lynn Hunter, James Carter, Furman O'Dell, Brian K. Krueger
  • Publication number: 20110073043
    Abstract: The present invention may include a bird feeder for feeding a bird which may include a base member including a container for nectar, a cover member to cover the base member including an opening adapted to allow the bird feed the nectar, a support member to support the base member, a pole member to connect to the support member. The cover member may include an upward extending facet member, and the upward extending facet member may include a inward inclined wall and a central aperture to allow the bird to access the nectar. The cover member may include a central aperture to cooperate with the support member, and the cover member may include a perch member to allow the bird to perch on the cover member. The base member may include a first ant moat, and the base member may include a divider member to divide the container of the base member. The base member may include a central aperture to cooperate with the support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: David Dault
  • Patent number: 7895977
    Abstract: A device for the safe handling of nonhuman primates includes a transparent elongated body having a top end and a bottom end. A ventilated lid is attached to the top end of the body by means of a hinge and includes a positive locking arrangement. The bottom end of the body is removably connected to a base which has first and second springs attached thereto. The body includes a plurality of apertures into which are positioned a plurality of inserts. Inserts proximate the bottom of the body include projections which are positioned under the first and second springs to maintain the body on the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Corey J. Hilmas, Patrick Williams
  • Patent number: 7886695
    Abstract: A modular bird feeder system which is particularly adapted for an individual to assemble and maintain. The system includes at least one bird feeder and means to catch bird seed located below the bird feeders. The bird feeders are mounted onto a central pole. An animal deterrent device is positioned below the bird feeders to prevent squirrels and the like from reaching the bird feeders. The animal deterrent device is also mounted onto the central pole. A ballast member is positioned below the ground and the central pole is mounted through the center of the ballast member. A stake can be secured to the lower end of the central pole and assists in securing the bird feeder system to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventors: William E. Held, Charlotte P. Held
  • Patent number: 7874264
    Abstract: The present invention is a disposable wild bird feeder with the features that make it safe and easy to use but protected from being reused. A transparent reservoir containing bird seed is connected with a feeding base. The feeding base is threaded to an adaptor portion of the reservoir. A locking means between the internal threads of the adaptor portion and the external threads of the feeding base discourages the assembled wild bird feeder from being taken apart and refilled. The wild bird feeder converts from a first storage and shipping configuration to a second feeding configuration by partially unthreading the feeding base from the adaptor so bird seed is supplied to the bottom portion of the feeding base. A plurality of perches are supported by the feeding base. The perches are moved from a stored position to approximately a horizontal deployed position when the second feeding configuration is realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph E. McMullen
  • Patent number: 7861671
    Abstract: A liquid birdfeeder includes a generally upstanding container having a large opening at its top end and a bottleneck opening at its lower end. A quarter-turn removable cap is screw-threaded onto the top end to seal the top end opening. The lower bottleneck opening is screw-threaded into a central collar of a feeding basin having a plurality of feeding ports. An actuator rod extends longitudinally through the container and is operatively connected to a biased sealing mechanism which selectively seals or opens the bottleneck opening. When the removable cap is screw-threaded onto the top end opening, the cap depresses the actuator rod causing the biased sealing mechanism to move to an open position which allows liquid to flow out from the container into the feeding basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: James S. Carter, Bryan Krueger
  • Patent number: 7827936
    Abstract: A bird feeder that includes a bird feed holder having open top and bottom ends, a plurality of feeding ports disposed in a sidewall defining the holder, a plurality of perches each associated with an inlet of an associated feeding port and a removable base for engaging with the bottom end of the holder, the removable base having a closed position for sealing the bottom end of the holder so as to retain the bird feed therein and an open position in which the base is removed from the holder to enable access to the bottom end of the holder. One embodiment has a manually operated latch member supported by the base and supported for radial engagement so as to enable releasable securing of the removable base to the holder. In another embodiment a manually operated latch couples to a main body portion, the latch being supported for rotation with respect to the main body portion to releasably secure the base assembly to the housing. Also disclosed is a feeder support apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Droll Yankees, Inc.
    Inventors: Betsy Puckett, Marco Wo, James Vincent Bonnema
  • Publication number: 20100229800
    Abstract: An apparatus for allowing animals, including birds, to forage food from a foraging holes disposed on said platform. Preferably the holes are covered with a frangible sheet that has to be broken by the animal or bird to access the food in the foraging holes. The sheet is made of a material that hides the content of the holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventor: Emily LEVINE
  • Patent number: 7789040
    Abstract: A bird feeder includes a cradle for attachment to a jar of jelly or jam, and one or more perches that are disposed near the opening of the jar when the cradle is attached to the jar so a bird may light on a perch and feed from the jar. The bird feeder may include a flower portion with a circular opening for attracting birds, and may also include one or more connector loops for hanging the bird feeder with the attached jar. The perches may be straight, curved, U-shaped or any other suitable configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Gold Crest Distributing, LLC
    Inventor: Frederic J. Liethen
  • Publication number: 20100192864
    Abstract: An elongated, tubular bird feeder comprising one or more pairs of interlocking feeder ports, where the feeder ports are of identical constructions, such that each feeder port mates with an identical feeder port. Each port defines an external perch and an external shield that is curved to fit the contour of the tube, a neck which fits tightly into an opening in the tube, and a reduced diameter portion that defines an end face, from which projects two interlocking features: a horizontally-oriented blade member; and a vertically-oriented generally sector-shaped member. When two ports are pushed together into diametrically-opposed side openings in the tube, with end faces located proximate one another, the two sector members will be located adjacent one another to define an essentially semi-circular upper region, and the two blades will be located next to one another to define an essentially horizontal blade member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: Droll Yankees, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Colwell, John Walsh
  • Patent number: 7739982
    Abstract: A squirrel resistant bird feeder having a seed container, a seed tray mounted below the seed container, a shroud extending about the seed member and seed tray, the shroud having openings in a lower portion thereof, with a spring member mounted internally of the seed container and being enclosed by a central tube, the spring member having a first end thereof abutting a portion of the seed tray and a second end acting on the cover and shroud. Any excessive weight placed on the shroud or cover will cause the shroud to move downwardly covering the seed tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventor: Paul Côté
  • Patent number: 7721676
    Abstract: A bird feeder is provided having a pivotal wire bail to allow the top cap to be lifted and rotated away from the top opening for easy filling of bird food without unnecessary spillage. Additionally, the invention provides for a detachable base cap having a spring clip retention feature that holds the base cap in place when in use but provides for its intentional removal when desired for cleaning purposes. The feeder has an optional detachable tray where birds can rest while feeding. The invention also provides multiple embodiments, having a body constructed of metal or plastic alternatives. The metal bodies, preferably tubular in shape, are each formed of perforated or expanded metal, having holes therethrough, the size of the holes being dependent upon the size of the seed or other feed selected. The plastic tube feeder provides feeder ports for seed access, as well as rotatable perches for the birds to rest on while feeding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Backyard Nature Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel A. Bloedorn
  • Patent number: 7694652
    Abstract: A bird feeder with a magnetically supported perch includes a bird feeder with a feed hopper body having a feed access opening therein to permit feeding birds to access bird feed stored within the bird feeder and a perch assembly mounting element mounted on the feed hopper body and a magnetic perch assembly including a longitudinally elongated perch bar having inner and outer ends. The perch bar includes a perch bar magnet section adjacent the inner end thereof, the perch bar magnet section being magnetically attracted to the perch assembly mounting element such that the perch bar is releasably magnetically mounted on and extends outwards from the perch assembly mounting element whereby the perch bar magnet is adapted to serve as a perch for birds landing thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventor: Patrick S. Fahey
  • Patent number: 7685969
    Abstract: A liquid bird feeder provides a liquid container having a bottom opening, a liquid tray adapted to attach to the liquid container and adapted to immerse the bottom opening in liquid, wherein the liquid tray includes a bottom port passing through the liquid tray and vertically aligned with the bottom opening, and a valve mechanism adapted to selectively couple the bottom port of the liquid tray to the bottom opening for filling purposes, or to close the bottom port and couple the bottom opening to the liquid tray for supplying liquid from the liquid container to the liquid tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: John Stone, Oliver McLachlan, David Harting
  • Patent number: 7673586
    Abstract: A birdcage accessory for holding food items is configured with a body and a perch displaceably mounted to the body to adjust its position relative to variously shaped and dimensioned food items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: J.W. Pet Compnay, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Willinger, Klaus Woltmann, Ryan Rutherford
  • Patent number: 7669553
    Abstract: A bird feeding system may include a platform that is sized and configured to catch at least a portion of the bird feed that may fall from a bird feeder. The platform may include a frame and a catching portion, which may have a permeable construction. The frame may be configured to be moved between a collapsed position for storage and an expanded position for use. Advantageously, the platform may be connected to different types and configurations of bird feeders and/or other structures using attachment members that are adjustable in length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventors: Travis White, Ann Pritt
  • Patent number: 7621232
    Abstract: A bird feeder has a tubular body member having an open bottom end. A base member interfittingly engages the bottom end of the tubular body member The base member is releasably secured to the tubular body member by the engagement of a spring-biased pin that communicates with an aperture through the wall of the tubular body member. Preferably, there are two spring-biased locking pins on opposing sides of the feeder with corresponding lock eye apertures. User manipulatable buttons, which are mechanically linked to the locking pins, are depressed to cause the locking pins to retract to permit releasable attachment of the tubular body member of the feeder thereon enabling easy access to the interior of the feeder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Aspects, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Bescherer
  • Patent number: 7610875
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a bird feeder having a removable tray. The removable tray may be generally circular and may have an opening that wraps around a telescoping support section. Further, the removable tray may have a convex portion which acts to counter-balance the bird feeder. The removable tray is especially useful for cleaning and/or refilling the bird feeder. The bird feeder may be collapsed in a first position for storage or transportation or may be opened telescopically in a second position for use. The bird feeder may further have a perch to allow a bird to rest while visiting the bird feeder and/or may have a concave portion on the top surface which may be used to prevent insects or other animals from accessing the bird food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Akerue Industries
    Inventor: Bruce Randall Webber
  • Patent number: 7610876
    Abstract: A hollow tube type bird feeder configured with at least one ergonomically dimensioned feeder station. The feeder station includes a circumferentially keyed circular feeder portal/circumferentially keyed circular perch portal pair for engaging and coupling with a mating keyed feeder portal insert and a mating keyed perch portal insert. The tube has an open top end with external threads and an open bottom end with external threads. The feeder also includes an internally threaded cover cap for rotationally engaging and securing the open top portion of the feeder tube and an internally threaded base for rotationally engaging and securing the bottom portion of the feeder tube. Feeder components are constructed from recyclable materials and easily cleaned; and the feeder can be easily assembled or disassembled without tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Inventor: Raymond Charles Schulz
  • Publication number: 20090249689
    Abstract: The present invention includes a reservoir on a base supported at an elevation by a support member above a plurality of plants to be watered. A mechanical fill assembly, containing a flush valve and a float connected to a water supply line, automatically keeps the reservoir filled with water for extended periods. The plants are watered by gravity through a plurality of main valves in the reservoir that provide a controlled amount of water to main lines extending to each group of plants. Branch lines extend from each main line that terminate at perforated plant lines at each plant to be watered. A plant valve controls the amount of water each plant will receive on a continuous basis. In a further embodiment of the invention, a bird porch is attached to the reservoir to automatically provided a bird waterer and to provide a bird feeder. Also, a removable fertilizer tray can be provided to fertilize the plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventor: Tri Tran
  • Publication number: 20090205572
    Abstract: A bottle cap for fitting on a mouth of a bottle to form a bird feeder is disclosed. The bottle cap comprises a first chamber with a opening for receiving the mouth of the bottle, wherein the bottle cap snaps onto the mouth of the bottle. A second chamber is provided with a closed bottom. A sealing ring is located between the first and second chambers so as to provide a seal between the bottle cap and the mouth of the bottle when the bottle cap is snapped onto the mouth of the bottle, wherein liquid is free to move between the first and second chambers. At least one feeding port is provided in a side wall of the second chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Stewart C. Gardner
  • Publication number: 20090188432
    Abstract: The present invention is a wild bird feeder with the features that make it safe and easy to use but protected from being reused. A reservoir containing bird seed is connected with a feeding base using an adaptor. The feeding base is threaded to the adaptor which in turn is threaded to the reservoir. A stop attached to the feeding base and a locking adaptor seat keeps the assembled wild bird feeder from being taken apart and refilled. The wild bird feeder converts from a first storage position to a second feeding position by partially unthreading the feeding base from the adaptor so bird seed is supplied to the bottom portion of the feeding base. A plurality of perches are supported by the feeding base. The perches are moved from a stored position to a properly deployed position when second feeding position is realized. A label is placed on the reservoir to provide a logo, directions for use and bird seed data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventor: Joseph E. McMullen
  • Patent number: 7555996
    Abstract: A birdcage feeder assembly is configured with a feeding unit, which includes a cup and a transparent shield shaped and dimensioned to minimize the distribution of food debris from the cup, and a holder operative to removably couple the feeding unit to the birdcage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: J.W. Pet Compnay, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Willinger, Klaus Woltmann
  • Patent number: 7549392
    Abstract: In a feeder for dispensing flowable feed material, such as potable liquids and particulate solids, to birds and other animals, in which a hopper supplies such feed material to an access port in a feeding station positioned below the hopper, a refilling feature permits facilitated replacement of feed stock, as necessary. A hopper, for example a feed containing reservoir, is mountably receivable on a feeder support structure, which, while mounted thereto, is pivotable between an inverted position, in which an opening therein is appropriately located to permit outflow of feed therethrough while actively providing feed material to the feeding station for animal access, and another position in which the reservoir opening is oriented to prevent outflow of feed, thereby permitting removal of the reservoir from the feeder for refilling, or replacement thereof with a pre-filled replacement reservoir, without significant spillage of the contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventor: Lawrence I. Wechsler
  • Patent number: 7549394
    Abstract: A bird feeder perch assembly comprising a flange and a perch rod with at least one pivot member located at a distal end; the pivot members extending axially along an axis in a direction generally perpendicular to the perch rod; where the flange has an attachment that allow it to be attached to the side wall of a bird feeder body; the flange comprising an underside portion that in use is in direct contact with said side wall of a bird feeder body; the flange having at least one recess in the underside and an aperture therethrough located adjacent the recess or between the recesses; the aperture and recess being configured to accept the perch member; a pivot member being housed within the recess and the perch rod extending through the slot, such that in use the perch member may pivot, from a retracted position in which the perch is alongside the feeder body to an extended position in which the perch projects outwardly from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: C J Wildbird Foods Limited
    Inventor: Robert Kenneth Nock
  • Patent number: 7540260
    Abstract: A bird feeder has telescopically aligned inner and outer cylindrical housings with opposed surfaces of complementary shape that are reverse tapered in a substantially vertical direction to enable guided vertical movement of the housings with respect to each other. The housings have openings in their side walls which are substantially in alignment when the outer housing is in an upper position and misaligned when the outer housing is in a lower position. A compression spring centrally located about the vertical axis of the feeder is confined within a lower portion of the feeder and biases the outer housing to its upper position. When the outer housing is moved to its lower position by the weight of a squirrel overcoming the biasing force of the compression spring, the housing openings are substantially misaligned such that no significant through opening exists, thereby preventing access to the birdseed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher T Rich, Robert T. Cruz, Edward J. Holliday
  • Patent number: 7516715
    Abstract: A bird feeder includes a support and a body including at least one feeding station which is rotatably mounted to the support such that the body can be oriented in a feeding position and a refilling position. The body including a receiving chamber with an opening and a scoop at least partially receiveable in the receiving chamber. To refill the feeder, the scoop is removed from the body to scoop a quantity of feed. The scoop is then inserted, upwardly into the downwardly facing opening in the chamber in the refilling position. The body is then pivoted to the feeding position. Operation of gravity transfers the feed in the scoop to feeding station or stations which are located in the body of the feeder at a position below the open end of the scoop when received in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventor: Michael K. Conlon
  • Patent number: 7513217
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser for automatically providing cold water to animals. There is a first container, configured to contain ice, and having a plurality of holes disposed therethrough; a first and second supporting member each coupled to the first container, and extending vertically therefrom to support the first container. Of the first container there is a first and second portion removably couplable to the other. The first and second portions are substantially identical. Further, the first portion and the second portion are coupled at a substantially vertical interface. Also, the first portion and the second portion are coupled at a substantially horizontal interface. Additionally, there is a second container, substantially below the first container, configured to contain water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Inventor: Rona Leach
  • Publication number: 20090031962
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a bird feeder having a removable tray. The removable tray may be generally circular and may have an opening that wraps around a telescoping support section. Further, the removable tray may have a convex portion which acts to counter-balance the bird feeder. The removable tray is especially useful for cleaning and/or refilling the bird feeder. The bird feeder may be collapsed in a first position for storage or transportation or may be opened telescopically in a second position for use. The bird feeder may further have a perch to allow a bird to rest while visiting the bird feeder and/or may have a concave portion on the top surface which may be used to prevent insects or other animals from accessing the bird food.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Bruce Randall Webber
  • Publication number: 20090020075
    Abstract: A feeder is disclosed comprising an elongate receptacle for food; a removable part; and an elongate retractable member positioned within the feeder whereby the direction of elongation of the retractable member is parallel to that of the feeder, wherein, in an engaged position, the retractable member is engaged with the removable part so as to couple the removable part to the feeder, and, in a retracted position, is disengaged with the removable part as to uncouple the removable part from the feeder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Matthew John Wood, Graham Charles Evans
  • Patent number: RE43999
    Abstract: A birdseed dispenser and birdfeeder incorporating the same are provided. The dispenser has a base assembly mounted to a first opening formed in the sidewall of the birdseed reservoir, including a front plate having a second opening formed therein, a flange extending around the second opening and projecting away from the front plate, and an end wall supported by the flange such that the flange and end wall together define a chamber. The dispenser also includes an apertured piece received in the chamber having a first seed aperture of a first configuration and a second seed aperture of a different configuration. The apertured piece is moveable between a first orientation, which places the first seed aperture in a seed accessible state permitting birds access to the seed, and a second orientation to place the second seed aperture in the seed accessible state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: Lynn Hunter, James Carter, Furman O'Dell, Brian Krueger
  • Patent number: RE44081
    Abstract: A birdseed dispenser and birdfeeder incorporating the same are provided. The dispenser has a base assembly mounted to a first opening formed in the sidewall of the birdseed reservoir, including a front plate having a second opening formed therein, a flange extending around the second opening and projecting away from the front plate, and an end wall supported by the flange such that the flange and end wall together define a chamber. The dispenser also includes an apertured piece received in the chamber having a first seed aperture of a first configuration and a second seed aperture of a different configuration. The apertured piece is moveable between a first orientation, which places the first seed aperture in a seed accessible state permitting birds access to the seed, and a second orientation to place the second seed aperture in the seed accessible state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: Lynn Hunter, James Carter, Furman O'Dell, Brian Krueger