Bird repellant device for use on transparent surface
A device for preventing birds from flying into transparent objects is disclosed. The device comprises a thin, narrow streamer that is flexible in the wind. The streamer may have reflective properties and have an adhesive portion.
The present invention relates to devices used to deter birds from flying into windows, doors or buildings, specifically surfaces that are designed from transparent materials, such as glass.
Many buildings are designed today with a focus on open air and natural light within the buildings. To achieve such results, buildings are built using more and larger windows. Such buildings, though aesthetically pleasing, present a hazard for birds. In many instances, the birds' instincts do not allow the bird to recognize large, transparent barriers. Consequently, birds are prone to fly into such windows and doors, causing injury to themselves, and possibly killing themselves.
Designs have been contemplated to deter the birds from flying into windows or doors. For instance, Countryman, U.S. Pat. No. 2,603,485, and Young, U.S. Pat. No. 5,588,251, teach of spider web designs applied to transparent windows as a deterrent to flying birds. However, it is not necessarily pleasing to the eye to have a spider web located on every window of a house or building. Furthermore, the stationary placement of such deterrents can limit the size of a window that will effectively be protected from a bird flying into the window. Thus, an appealing, minimally invasive, efficient window deterrent is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention provides an efficient, eye-pleasing window deterrent for birds that is economically feasible. The invention consists of a thin streamer that is attached to a window pain or other transparent surface. The lightweight streamer is relatively narrow and may be of any desired length.
When the streamer is attached to a transparent surface, it notifies the birds that a barrier exists at the streamer's attachment location. The streamer is designed so that it can twist and turn in varying wind conditions, providing an added visual deterrent for the birds. The streamer may also make noise when it comes into contact with the base surface, thereby providing an audible deterrent as well. Additionally, the streamer's preferred design uses a shiny material that reflects sunlight and images to alert birds. The streamer may be further pleated or creased to multiply the reflective properties.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structures. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention.
The streamer 14 may be manufactured in any color and/or metallic shade that a consumer may prefer to match a person's house or decor. Alternatively, the streamer 14 may be fabricated from a clear or transparent material which would be less noticeable to consumers and may be considered more aesthetically pleasing. Likewise, as previously stated, the streamer's may be of any length preferred by the user, and may be manufactured so that the user may adjust the length by simply cutting the streamer with a scissors. A flexible material, such as Mylar or foil, may be used for the streamer, provided that the material remains flexible outdoors in all weather conditions. The streamer 14 should be designed without perforations along the length of the streamer 14. While perforations would not affect the movement of the streamer 14, they would invariably reduce the lifetime of the streamer. Because the streamer 14 is preferably formed from a thin, flexible, lightweight material, any unnecessary cuts or slits in the streamer 14 will increase the chance of the streamer 14 to tear or shred and, thus, be ineffective.
The present invention has an advantage over previous designs in that it may deter birds over a larger scope of surfaces than previous designs. For instance as previously noted, the streamer 14 may be applied to the side of a house, as shown in
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention.
Claims
1. A device for repelling birds from physical contact with a structural surface, said device comprising:
- an elongated filament;
- means for anchoring said filament to said structural surface; and
- said filament further including a major lengthwise portion thereof being disengaged from said anchoring means.
2. The device according to claim 1 wherein said major lengthwise portion is non-perforated throughout its length.
3. The device according to claim 1 wherein said lengthwise portion is separated a predetermined distance from said structural surface by said anchoring means.
4. The device according to claim 1 wherein said elongated filament is comprised of a reflective material.
5. The device according to claim 4 wherein said elongated filament comprises pleats.
6. The device according to claim 1 wherein said elongated filament has a length and a width, said length being greater than said width.
7. The device according to claim 1 wherein said elongated filament comprises a flexible material.
8. The device according to claim 7 wherein said elongated filament being capable of producing an audio alarm when said elongated filament contacts said structural surface.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 3, 2004
Publication Date: Aug 4, 2005
Inventor: Gerard Geiger (Jackson, WI)
Application Number: 10/770,843