DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DETERRING BIRDS FROM LANDING ON OBJECTS

Abstract

A device and method for deterring birds from landing on objects such as, for example, boats and other watercraft. The device includes a plurality of reels that are pre-loaded with a length of string. Each reel is releasable secured to an object to be protected or an adjacent support structure and then the string is deployed from the reel. A hook tied to the end of the string engages with the eyelet or ring portion of a “zip” tie fastener that is secured to a different portion of the object or support structure so as to cause the string to be suspended over the object. The network of strings suspended above the object deters birds from landing on and thus soiling the object and the general area over which the strings are deployed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a non-provisional of U.S. Application Ser. No. 60/692,088, filed Jun. 20, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a device and method for deterring birds from landing on objects.

2. Description of Related Art

Birds, particularly marine such as sea gulls, tend to land on objects that are located in close proximity to where the birds normally hunt, eat, nest or digest their food. In a short period of time, objects on which or in the vicinity of which birds congregate tend to become soiled with bird excrement.

Bird excrement is unsightly, and due to its acidic pH can cause long-term damage to valuable objects such as pleasure boats and related structures. Pleasure boaters, in particular, spend many hours cleaning bird excrement from their boats each year. Furthermore, bird excrement may present health risks to humans.

Prior art devices for deterring bids from landing on and thus soiling objects include, for example, ribbons, shiny objects, flags, banners and other wind driven spinning devices. Such devices, when properly deployed, can be effective in deterring birds from landing on objects, provided there is a sufficient amount of wind to cause the devices to move and thereby scare the birds. However, such devices are not particularly effective in low wind conditions. Plastic owls and other simulated predators can also be effective at deterring birds for a period of time, but such devices eventually lose their effectiveness once the birds determine that the devices are non-threatening.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a device and method for deterring birds from landing on objects such as, for example, boats and/or other watercraft. The device comprises a reel that is pre-loaded with a length of retractable string. The reel is releasable secured to a first portion of an object and then the string is deployed from the reel. In a preferred embodiment, a hook tied to the string engages with an eyelet or ring portion of a “zip” tie or other fastener that is secured to a second portion of the object thereby suspending the string between the first portion and the second portion of the object. The suspended string deters birds from landing on and thus soiling the object to which the device is attached and/or objects in the vicinity of the object to which the device is attached. Preferably, two or more devices according to the invention are used in combination with each other to form a network of strings that protect an object from birds.

In the preferred method of the invention, a plurality of reels that are pre-loaded with a length of retractable string are attached at multiple locations to a boat (e.g., to the grab rail, the cleats etc.) using a hook-and-loop fastening strap (e.g., VELCRO). Once the reels are fastened securely to various portions of the boat, the individual strings are then extended from the respective reels to one or more elevated positions some distance away from the reels. Once extended, the strings are preferably fastened to an eyelet or a ring using a swivel hook, clasp, hook or other fastening device. Each extended, retractable string from each reel, may either be fastened to a separate tie strap ring or to a common tie strap ring. The ring is an integrated component of the self-tightening plastic tie that is generally placed on the antennae, light post, radar post, flag post, arch, or other elevated position. Once in place, this network of extended strings effectively deters birds from attempting to land on the boat, and thus protects the boat from becoming soiled with bird excrement.

The foregoing and other features of the invention are hereinafter more fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims, the following description setting forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention, these being indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the present invention may be employed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the front of a preferred embodiment of a reel according to the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a boat protected by the device and method according to the invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view taken from the front of the reel shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view taken from the rear of the reel shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a zip tie according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIG. 1, the device and method for deterring birds from landing on an object according to the present invention comprises fastening at least one and more preferably a plurality of reels 10 to the object. Each of the reels 10 is pre-loaded with a length of retractable string 20. A hook 30 is fastened to the end of each string 20. The hook 30 allows the end of the string 20 to be fastened to one portion of the object. Each of the reels 10 also includes a strap 40 for attaching the reels 10 to different portion of the object.

With reference to FIG. 2, each of the plurality of reels 10 is removably secured to a separate portion of the object to be protected, which in FIG. 2 is depicted as a boat 50. The reels 10 are removably secured to various portions of the boat 50 using the straps 40. String 20 is withdrawn from each reel 10, and the hook 30 fastened to the end of each string 20 is removably secured to a different portion of the boat 50, or to a string 20 withdrawn from another reel 10. After the slack in the strings 20 is taken up in the reels 10, the strings 20 collectively create a network of lines that are suspended above the boat 50 or other object to be protected. The network of lines constitutes a non-lethal flight annoyance that effectively discourage birds from landing on the object.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, each reel 10 preferably comprises a front portion 60, a spool portion 70 and rear portion 80. The spool portion 70 is rotatably captured between the front portion 60 and rear portion 80 when the front portion 60 and the rear portion 80 are connected to each other (e.g., threadedly or by snap-fit engagement). The spool portion 70 preferably includes a handle 90 that projects from a front side of the spool portion 70. A raised circular portion 100 is also provided on the front side of the spool portion 70. The raised circular portion 100 is slightly smaller than a circular opening 110 provided in the front portion 60 of the reel 10. The raised circular portion 100 is received within the circular opening 110 when the spool portion 70 is captured between the front portion 60 and the rear portion 80 of the reel 10. The handle 90 allows a user to rotate the spool portion 70 independent of the front portion 60 and the rear portion 80.

The rear portion 80 of the reel 10 includes a sidewall 120. A hole 130 is provided in the sidewall 120. The rear portion 80 of the reel 10 can be provided with a pair of slits through which the strap 40 can be passed. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the strap 40 is formed of a 6-inch long ¾″ wide piece of double-sided hook and loop fastener material such as VELCRO. It will be appreciated that other fastening materials may also be used.

An annular ring 140 can be formed on the inner side 150 of the rear portion 80 of the reel 10. The annular ring 140 can serve as a bearing surface for a circular sidewall 160 formed in a rear side 170 of the spool portion 80.

The front portion 60, the spool portion 70 and the rear portion 80 of each reel 10 is preferably manufactured from a UV-resistant injection-molded plastic material, but may be made of other materials such as metal. Plastic is preferred because it does not rust or corrode and does not need to be painted or lubricated to function as intended. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the reel is white in color, but other colors may be used. In the presently most preferred embodiment of the invention, the reel is approximately three inches in diameter and measures about 1-inch thick when the front portion 60 is connected to the rear portion 80.

String 20 is wound around the spool portion 70. The string 20 can be of any composition, but about 15 lb to about 35 lb test monofilament fishing line is preferred. 25 lb test monofilament fishing line is presently most preferred. To wind the string 20 on the spool portion 70, a first end 180 of the string 20 is preferably passed through a hole 190 in the spool portion 70. A split-shot sinker 200 having a diameter larger than the hole 190 in the spool portion 70 can be compressed onto the string 20 near the first end 180 to prevent the first end 180 of the string 20 from being withdrawn through the hole 190 in the spool portion 70. It will be appreciated that a variety of means can be used to prevent the string 20 from being withdrawn through the hole 190 in the spool portion 70. Preferably, the annular ring 140 formed on the inner side 150 of the rear portion 80 does not extend far enough into the spool portion 70 to cover any portion of the hole 190. Thus, the split-shot sinker 200 will not interfere with rotation of the spool portion 70.

After a desired amount of string 20 has been wound on the spool portion 70, the second end 210 of the string 20 is passed through the hole 130 formed in the rear portion 80 of the reel 10, and the front portion 60 and the rear portion 80 of the reel 10 are connected to each other to rotatably capture the spool portion 70 therebetween. About fifty feet of string 20 is usually sufficient when the device is being used to protect an object such as a boat 50, but greater or lesser lengths of string 20 can be used as desired. It will be appreciated that the opening 130 through which the second end 210 of the string 20 can alternatively be formed in the front portion 60 of the reel 10 or through an opening 130 formed in combination between the front portion 60 and the rear portion 80 of the reel 10.

A hook 30 can be fastened to the second end 210 of the string 20. Additional hooks can optionally be fastened to the string 20 at one or more points along the length of the string 20, if desired. Preferably, the hook 30 is fastened to a swivel 220, which is attached to the string 20. The swivel 220 allows the string 20 to alleviate twists. A #1 size brass swivel-hook commonly used in sport fishing can be used for this purpose. Alternatively, other clasps or hook-type devices can be used. The hook 30 is preferably formed of brass, stainless steel or plastic.

The hook 30 allows the second end 210 of the string 20 to be releasably secured to the object to be protected, to a string 20 drawn from another reel 10, or a supporting structure adjacent to the object to be protected. However, in many cases it may be necessary to attach a “zip” tie fastener 230 such as shown in FIG. 5 to the object, string 20 or supporting structure in order to provide a place to attach the hook 30. The “zip” tie fastener 230 shown in FIG. 5 includes a pair of eyelets 240a, 240b to which one or more hooks 30 can be removably secured or through which the hook(s) can be passed. The “zip” tie fastener 230 further comprises an end 250 that can be pressed through a one-way ratcheting box-clasp 260 after the body 270 of the “zip” tie fastener 230 has been wrapped around the portion of the object, string 20 or support structure. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the “zip” tie fastener 230 measures approximately 6½ inches in length from the eyelets 240a, 240b to the end 250.

Installation of “zip” tie fastener 230 such as shown in FIG. 1 requires that one simply wrap the “zip” tie fastener around a device, pole, antennae or other suitable fixture in the location where the hook 30 is to be fastened. Once wrapped around this fixture, the end 250 of the “zip” tie fastener 230 is fed through the one-way ratcheting box-clasp 260 to permanently affix the “zip” tie fastener 230 in place. The “zip” tie fastener 230 is small and inconspicuous, and is preferably made of UV resistant material (e.g., nylon).

To deter birds from landing on and thus soiling an object, a user must deploy a reel 10 such that the string 20 is suspended above the object to be protected. The reel 10 can be removably secured to a portion of the object to be protected or to a supporting structure adjacent to the object to be protected using the strap 40. The hook 30 can be fastened another portion of the object, a string from another reel 10, a support structure and/or a “zip” tie fastener 230 connected to any of the foregoing. Rotation of the handle 90 of the reel 10 causes the spool portion 70 to rotate between front portion 60 and the rear portion 80 of the reel 10. Because the hole 130 is stationary, rotation of the spool portion 70 causes the string 20 to wrap around the spool portion 70 and draw the string taut between the hook 30 and the reel 10. Preferably, an integral “V” shaped tie-down 280 extends from the outer side 290 of the front portion 60 of the reel 10. The string 20 can be wrapped around the “V” shaped tie-down to keep the string 20 taut between the hook 30 and the reel 10.

In the preferred method of the invention, a plurality of reels 10 are secured at various different portions of an object to be protected and/or to adjacent supporting structure. The strings 20 from the reels 10 are suspended over the object to be protected to create a network, web, matrix or array of strings 20 over the object. The network of strings 20 interfere with the flight of birds, causing a non-lethal annoyance that deters them from landing on and congregating on the object. The network of strings 20 should be placed above the highest point of the object to be protected, such as an antenna or mast extending upwardly from a watercraft. The installation of five reels is typically sufficient to deter sea gulls and other marine birds from landing on and thus soiling the surface of a 30-foot cruiser type boat. A greater or lesser number of reels can be installed as needed to protect larger or smaller objects.

The reels 10 can be removed from the object simply by unhooking the hooks 30 from the “zip” tie fasteners 230 or other supporting structure and cranking the handle 90 to retract the string 20 back into the reel 10. The reel 10 can be removed from the object or supporting structure by unfastening the strap 40.

In addition to boats, the device and method according to the invention can be used to protect swimming pools. In such an arrangement, at least one, and more preferably a plurality of reels is releasably fastented to appropriate stationary first portions of the swimming pool (e.g., a fence or railing), and the strings is fastened to one or more second portions of or adjacent to the object such that the strings are suspended above and over the pool area. The device and method can also be used to protect landscapes, ponds, decks, roofs of homes, carports, gardens and other structures or areas where birds tend to land and congregate.

The device and method according to the invention is best utilized to deter birds from landing on boats and related structures (e.g., docks, piers and buoys). As previously noted, best results are obtained when two or more reels are used to create a matrix or web of extended strings above the object. The device and method of the invention are quite effective at preventing sea gulls and other marine birds from landing on boats.

In another embodiment of the invention, several (e.g., five or six) of the devices are sold as a kit, pre-assembled with string, hook and strap. The color of the devices is not critical, and could be made to be inconspicuous on the particular object to be protected. The kit according to the invention could be packaged in a clear poly bag with a cardboard “header” card on the top of the bag with installation instructions. Packaging methods could differ with no effect on the device and/or its method of use.

The device and method of the present invention takes very little time to install on a boat or other object, typically no more than 10 minutes. The device and method of the invention is superior to prior art devices due to its simplicity of installation, and because it does not rely on sunshine or air movement to deter birds from landing on the protected object or structure. Furthermore, no tools are required for installation or removal of the device.

The following example is intended only to illustrate the invention and should not be construed as imposing limitations upon the claims.

EXAMPLE

Four reels such as shown in FIG. 1 were deployed to protect the front portion of a 30-foot pleasure boat that was docked at Cedar Point Marina, Sandusky, Ohio. The reels were releasably secured to the grab rail of the boat, spaced approximately 6-feet apart. The strings were withdrawn from the reels and fastened to the eyelet of a “zip” tie fastener that was wrapped around the top portion of an antenna extending above the cabin of the boat. The slack string was retracted into the reels and the strings were secured to “V” shaped tie downs on each reel to keep the strings taut. After the reels were deployed, the boat was exposed to the risk of being soiled by birds for several days. No bird excrement was noted on the front portion of the boat, but other boats in the vicinity, including boats protected using prior art bird deterrent devices, were heavily soiled by bird excrement during the test period.

Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and illustrative examples shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method of deterring birds from landing on an object, comprising:

releasably securing a plurality of reels to different portions of the object and/or a supporting structure adjacent to the object, the reels each comprising a spool portion on which a length of string having a hook fastened thereto is wound; and

releasably securing the hook fastened to each string to an eyelet of a “zip” tie fastener that has been permanently secured to the object to form a network of strings above the object that interferes with the flight of birds.

2. The method according to claim 1 wherein the object a boat or a portion thereof.

3. The method according to claim 1 wherein the plurality of reels are releasably secured to the object and/or the supporting structure adjacent to the object using a strap made of double-sided hook and loop fastener material.

4. The method according to claim 1 wherein the string is a monofilament fishing line.

5. The method according to claim 4 wherein each of the plurality of reels includes a handle for rotating the spool portion to wind the string onto the spool portion and thereby retract the string into the reel.

6. The method according to claim 2 wherein each of the plurality of reels is releasably secured to a grab rail of the boat in a spaced apart manner.

7. The method according to claim 6 wherein each of the hooks is releasably secured to the eyelet of a “zip” tie fastener that is permanently secured to antenna or other elevated structure of the boat.

8. A kit of materials for use in deterring birds from landing on an object, comprising:

a plurality of reels, each reel comprising a spool portion on which a length of string having a hook fastened thereto is wound, and a strap for releasably securing the reel to the object and/or a supporting structure adjacent to the object; and

a plurality of “zip” tie fasteners, each “zip” tie fastener having an eyelet to which one or more hooks fastened to the lengths of string can be releasably engaged.

9. The kit of materials according to claim 8 wherein the strap on each of the plurality of reels comprises a double-sided hook and loop fastener material.

10. The kit of materials according to claim 8 wherein the string wound on the spool portion of the plurality of reels is a monofilament fishing line.

11. The kit of materials according to claim 8 wherein each of the plurality of reels includes a handle for rotating the spool portion to wind the string onto the spool portion and thereby retract the string into the reel.

12. A device for use in deterring birds from landing on an object, the device comprising a reel comprising:

a front portion provided with a circular opening;

a spool portion having a raised circular portion on a front side that is slightly smaller than the circular opening provided in the front portion, a handle projecting from the front side, and a circular sidewall formed in a rear side,

a rear portion that is removably connectable to the front portion to rotatably capture the spool portion therebetween, the rear portion having an annular ring formed on an inner side for serving as a bearing surface for the circular sidewall formed in the rear side of the spool portion, and a sidewall provided with an opening,

a strap extending from an outer side for mounting the reel to an object; and

a length of string having a first end extending through a hole in the spool into a rear cavity, a middle portion that is wound around the spool portion, and a second end extending through the opening formed in the sidewall of the rear portion of the reel; and

a hook attached to the second end of the string.

13. The device according to claim 12 wherein the front portion and the rear portion are formed of plastic and are removably connectable to each other via snap-fit engagement.

14. The device according to claim 12 wherein the hook is made of brass and is connected to a brass swivel that is tied to the second end of the string.

15. The device according to claim 12 wherein the reel further comprises an integral tie down on an outer side of the front portion of the reel.

16. The device according to claim 12 wherein the strap is made of a double-sided hook and loop fastener material.

17. The device according to claim 12 wherein the string is made of a monofilament fishing line.

18. The device according to claim 12 wherein the reel has a diameter of about 3″ and a thickness dimension of about 1″ measured from a front side of the front portion to a rear side of the rear portion.

19. The device according to claim 12 further comprising a “zip” tie fastener comprising:

an eyelet to which the hook tied to the second end of the string can be removably secured; and

an end that can be pressed through a one-way ratcheting box-clasp after a body portion has been wrapped around an object.

20. The device according to claim 19 wherein the “zip” tie fastener is formed of nylon.