Having A Perch Patents (Class 119/52.2)
  • Patent number: 11344007
    Abstract: A bird feeder has an outer housing, an internal floor portion, an internal floor portion, an inner housing and port. The outer housing has an interior cavity. The internal floor portion is affixed to an inner periphery of the outer dividing the interior cavity into an upper interior cavity and a lower interior cavity. The inner housing is located within the upper interior cavity and forms a first reservoir configured to hold bird feed. The outer housing and the inner housing form an inner access corridor in the upper interior cavity. The outer housing has at least one upper access aperture therein to allow access to the inner access corridor and at least one lower aperture therethrough to allow access to the lower interior cavity. The inner housing includes at least one feeding aperture for allowing access to bird feed within the first reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Inventor: Raymond Sharp
  • Patent number: 11297804
    Abstract: The storm proof bird feeder may comprise a feed dispensing tube, a feeding plate, a floating collar, and a seed reservoir. The storm proof bird feeder may be a feeding station adapted to feed birds. The feed dispensing tube may dispense bird seed from the seed reservoir onto the feeding plate from whence the bird seed may be consumed. A gap height of a seed gap between the bottom of the feed dispensing tube and the feeding plate may be adjustable such that the gap height may be changed in correlation with the size of the bird seed being dispensed. The adjustment of the gap height and the use of the floating collar surrounding the feed dispensing tube may improve the operation of the storm proof bird feeder in adverse weather conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Inventor: John C. Brown
  • Patent number: 11284602
    Abstract: An animal feeder apparatus includes a hopper defining a cavity configured to store granular animal feed; a cup mounted with respect to the hopper and defining a concavity; and a spout defining a passageway. The spout and passageway are positioned such that, when the cavity contains the granular animal feed, the granular animal feed flows from the cavity, through the passageway, and into the concavity of the cup. The cup, hopper, and passageway are configured and arranged such that the animal feed does not flow as a result of granular friction when the concavity contains more than a predetermined amount of feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Inventor: Timothy Lee Griswold
  • Patent number: 11172653
    Abstract: The squirrel repelling bird feeder comprises a first pole section, a second pole section, a cable, a baffle, and a bird feeder. The squirrel repelling bird feeder may be adapted to feed birds from the bird feeder. The bird feeder may be suspended above the ground via the first pole section and the second pole section. The baffle may prevent squirrels from accessing bird seed in the bird feeder. The bird feeder may be lowered via the cable for refilling. The feeder may be retained in an elevated position by securing an end of the cable to an anchor located on the second pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Inventors: John Reed, Undrella Reed
  • Patent number: 11161534
    Abstract: A portable cooler includes a first semicylindrical member defining a first aperture in a first side and a second aperture in a second side thereof. A second semicylindrical member is hingedly coupled with the first semicylindrical member. A cradle is removably positioned in the first semicylindrical member. The cradle can rotate with respect to the first semicylindrical member within the space defined by the first semicylindrical member. First and second wheels are rotatably coupled with the first semicylindrical member. First and second axles extend through the wheels and first semicylindrical member and into the cradle. The axles allow independent rotation of the cradle, the first semicylindrical member and the wheels to maintain a substantially horizontal rotational orientation of the cradle with respect to the first semicylindrical member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Inventor: Julius Trnovec
  • Patent number: 11109573
    Abstract: A rotary bird feeder device includes a direction indicator and a bird feeder. Through the combination of the direction indicator and the bird feeder, not only the direction indicator indicates the direction for others, but also birds feed on the bird feeder above the direction indicator, which has strong ornamental, smart and reasonable structure design, and strong practicality. The bird feeder has a rotating function to facilitate cleaning of the outside of the bird feeder. By providing a bird feeding space for storing birdseed in the direction indicator, the direction indicator has the function of a bird feeder, and the space design of the direction indicator is skillfully utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Inventor: Hui Liang
  • Patent number: 11066226
    Abstract: A shipping container is disclosed having a body wherein a cavity is formed, a lid adapted to close a top of the body and a support configured as a gimbal. The gimbal support has an outer cage configured to be fitted in the cavity and sized so as to contact the walls of the cavity, an inner cage restrained to the outer cage and rotatable relative thereto about at least one first rotation axis (A) and a cradle restrained to the inner cage and rotatable relative to the outer cage about at least one second rotation axis (B) perpendicular to the first rotation axis (A), the cradle being configured to receive and hold one or more objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: DRYCE S.R.L.
    Inventor: Carmine Marotta
  • Patent number: 11051494
    Abstract: A bird feeding system that can be filled after pressing a release button on a cap assembly connected to a body that includes a reservoir. The cap assembly may be opened to provide access to the reservoir. A lid of the cap assembly is released by depressing a first side of the release button. The lid is moved from a closed position to an open position using a bias of a spring assembly upon the release of the lid. The lid moves from the closed position to the open position along a rotation path created by a hinge at a second side. The lid is held in the open position by the spring bias, and the open position provides access to the reservoir through the cap opening. Birdseed is received through the cap opening into the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: CLASSIC BRANDS, LLC
    Inventors: Robert W. Donegan, Bryan Krueger, John Bruno, Lindsey Nifong, John Putz, Stephen Combs, Lynn Hunter
  • Patent number: 10609908
    Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide apparatuses and methods for facilitating filling and cleaning of bird feeders that are aesthetically pleasing and adaptable for attracting different types of birds. In one implementation, a bird feeder includes a port having a surface extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The proximal end has a connecting portion configured to connect to a reservoir. The surface has one or more openings defined therein. A small seed converter is insertable into the port, and the small seed converter includes a plurality of teeth extending from an edge. The plurality of teeth are configured to narrow the one or more openings for dispensing small sized seed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Classic Brands, LLC
    Inventors: Robert W. Donegan, Bryan Krueger, John W. Bruno
  • Patent number: 10188081
    Abstract: There is provided a port and perch insert for fitting into an aperture through a wall of a container of a birdfeeder. The port and perch insert comprises a port (34), a perch (32), and a snap fit element which flexes to snap over an edge of the aperture and retain the port and perch insert to the container (12). The snap fit element comprises: a protrusion which snaps over the edge of the aperture to engage against an inside surface of the container; a flexible root portion which connects the snap fit element to a main body of the port and perch insert, and a paddle portion (56) which is pushable from outside the container once the port and perch insert has been fitted to the container, to allow the port and perch insert to be removed from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Inventors: Graham Evans, Matthew Wood
  • Patent number: 9980468
    Abstract: A bird feeder system includes a tray, a packaging system, and a housing. The tray defines a receptacle configured to hold a consumable, such as bird seed. The packaging system is configured to retain the consumable in the receptacle of the tray. At least part of the packaging system is configured to open to allow access to the consumable in the receptacle. The housing has a tray engagement structure configured to secure the tray to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Mitchell Marketing Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Jan M. Long
  • Patent number: 9826720
    Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide an aesthetically pleasing bird feeder hanger display. In one implementation, a bird feeder comprises a bottle, a display insert, and a hanger. The bottle has a transparent, elongated body extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The proximal end is configured to attach to a cap, and the distal end is configured to attach to a basin. The display insert is sized and configured to extend along a length of the bottle in the interior from the cap to the basin. The display insert has a rigid, planar surface with a proximal tab and a distal tab defined therein. The hanger has a proximal hook and a distal hook. To display the hanger through the transparent, elongated body of the bottle, the proximal hook is configured to engage the proximal tab, and the distal hook is configured to engage the distal tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Classic Brands, LLC
    Inventors: Robert W. Donegan, Bryan Krueger, Jennifer Ouimette
  • Patent number: 9801357
    Abstract: A hummingbird feeder includes a base tray having a receptacle defining an upwardly-opening interior for holding food which is attractive to fruit flies and further includes a top cover which is positionable atop the base tray. The receptacle has a substantially circular opening through which the food is placed into the interior of the receptacle, and the receptacle interior is bordered by upwardly-directed cylindrical walls which encircle the interior. The top cover has a top portion for covering the receptacle interior and a cylindrical portion which extends downwardly from the top portion. The cylindrical portion is accepted by the cylindrical walls of the receptacle when the top cover is placed atop the base tray, and each of the top portion and the cylindrical portions include through-slots which provide a hummingbird with access to the interior of the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Inventor: Joyce Felknor
  • Patent number: 9686968
    Abstract: A bird feeder system includes a tray, a packaging system, and a housing. The tray defines a receptacle configured to hold a consumable, such as bird seed. The packaging system is configured to retain the consumable in the receptacle of the tray. At least part of the packaging system is configured to open to allow access to the consumable in the receptacle. The housing has a tray engagement structure configured to secure the tray to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Mitchell Marketing Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Jan Long
  • Patent number: 9351479
    Abstract: A birdfeeder that is easy to disassemble and clean and re-assemble. The birdfeeder further having a configuration such that it can be affixed to like birdfeeders to increase the amount of birdfood being offered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: AMERIHUA INTERNATIONAL ENTERPRISES INC.
    Inventors: David Chen, Leighton Chen
  • Patent number: 9155285
    Abstract: A portable water feeder for pets comprises a water storage bottle, a water tray for pets, a bottle stopper and curved sliding surface set on the inner bottom side of the water tray; the bottle stopper has a radial water outlet; when the water storage bottle is in the closing state, the head of the bottle stopper presses against the root of the curved sliding surface, so that water cannot leak from the water storage bottle; when the water storage bottle is rotated to be in use and squeezed, the bottle stopper moves a distance towards the outside of the bottle mouth, so that the water flow path between the water storage bottle and the water tray is clear and water flows from the water storage bottle into the water tray for pets to drink. The water feeder is watertight and simple in structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Shenzhen Xingrisheng Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Liedang Li
  • Patent number: 9038569
    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: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: Lynn Hunter, James Carter, Furman O'Dell, Brian K. Kreuger
  • Patent number: 8931434
    Abstract: A bird feeder includes a seed reservoir formed as two or more telescopic components, which are reducible in size when not in use and which may be telescopically expanded by the owner thereof when in use to define a full-length seed reservoir. The bottom end of the reservoir is received in a base having a conically-shaped seed spreader situated therein, and the upper section of the reservoir is mounted to the underside of a hemispherically-shaped, anti-squirrel dome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventor: Hua Tu
  • Patent number: 8857374
    Abstract: There are generally two styles of modern bird feeders: the tubular feeder with a tubular reservoir and several perches attached to the tubular reservoir at various positions around the reservoir, and the more traditional rectangular bin style with one or two feeding stations. These bin feeders are constructed to feed only general bird seed of mixed variety and are not selectively configurable to feed a specific small seed like thistle. The disclosed bin feeder includes removable and repositionable bin sidewalls with appropriately shaped upper and lower longitudinal edges to exclusively provide appropriate openings for thistle feed along one of the longitudinal edges or an appropriate opening for generally larger seed along the other of the longitudinal edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Classic Brands, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Donegan, James Carter, Bryan Krueger
  • Patent number: 8833301
    Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide apparatuses and methods for providing different perch positions for feeding birds. In one implementation, a bird feeder includes a reservoir, a port, and a perch. The reservoir is configured to hold bird food and has an opening in a wall to provide access to the bird food. The port is mounted on the wall providing access to the opening in the wall. The perch permits a bird may access the port, and the perch connected such that the perch may be moved to a plurality of positions around the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Classic Brands, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Donegan, Bryan Krueger
  • Patent number: 8833302
    Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide apparatuses and methods for providing different perch positions for feeding birds. In one implementation, a bird feeder includes a reservoir and a perch. The reservoir has an interior configured to hold bird food and an opening in a wall to provide access to the interior of the reservoir. The perch is connected to the wall such that the perch may be moved to a plurality of positions around the opening in the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Classic Brands, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Donegan, Bryan Krueger
  • Patent number: 8763556
    Abstract: A hummingbird feeder having one or more soft petal feeding ports, each port having a three-dimensional simulated flower made of a soft, flexible plastic or rubber-type material having a durometer reading not to exceed 50A based on ASTM standard D2240 is provided. The petals are pliable so as to be easily manipulated by a hummingbird coming into contact with them, and provide a texture and resistance comparable to that of natural flower petals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventor: William R. Vaughn, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8662016
    Abstract: A sock-like bird feeder comprising a tubular feeder body constructed of flexible cloth, fabric or lightweight plastic which may be folded, flattened or collapsed for storage and/or shipment. One or more feed baffles are positioned in the interior of the feeder body and are constructed of a cloth or fabric material. The flexible nature of the feed baffles permits the feed baffles to also be flattened, folded or collapsed along with the feeder body for storage and/or shipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Raymon W. Lush
  • Patent number: 8651054
    Abstract: A bird feeder has a body member, a base, and at least one feed port member. The body member is used for storing bird food having a top end, a bottom end and a sidewall with the sidewall of the body member defining at least one feeding aperture. A base is attached to the bottom end of the body member to prevent bird food from exiting the body member. The at least one feed port member is interfittingly engaged within at least one feeding aperture. The port member includes a frame member and a mesh insert attached to the frame member. The feed port member is releasably secured within the feeding aperture of the body member. In operation, the feed port member can be easily removed from the body member for easy cleaning or adapting to a particular bird feeder construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Aspects, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry D. Colvin, Rolf Richter
  • Publication number: 20140026817
    Abstract: The Sure Feed Bird Feeder would consist of an upper feeder and would be filled with bird feed by means of a removable top. The middle of the unit would feature a funnel bowel, while the bottom of the unit would feature a collection tray. To use the Sure Feed Bird Feeder, the owner would simply hang it or pole-mount it in any desired location. The birds would feed from the top of the unit, and any scattered feed would be caught by the funnel and deposited into the bottom collection tray to be recycled. Once in place, this using would prevent scattered seed from falling to the ground causing unnecessary waste and would extend the longevity of the owners purchased feed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Richard Jess Diaz
  • Publication number: 20130276710
    Abstract: A bird-operated interactive bird feeder is provided. The interactive bird feeder attracts birds and dispenses a substantially predetermined amount of bird feed (e.g. bird seed) when a bird operates a tool. Bird feed is held in storage in a feed hopper (i.e. housing) above a stage. An aperture is provided in the bottom of the housing large enough for the enclosed feed to flow freely from the housing to the stage. However, the aperture is equipped with the tool that causes the feed to bridge. When a bird operates the tool, the tool disrupts the bridged feed causing feed flow for a period of time, and then rebuilds the feed bridge when the bird ceases operation of the tool. Avid bird watchers can therefore enjoy watching birds for extended periods of time since the birds encounter larger amounts of feed at the stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: Robert Wesley Taber
  • Patent number: 8468972
    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: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: Lynn Hunter, James Carter, Furman O'Dell, Brian K. Krueger
  • Publication number: 20130133582
    Abstract: The present invention is a bird feeder that includes a base with a perimeter surrounding a floor, the floor having a raised center portion and at least one sloping portion extending to the perimeter; an edge attached to and extending from the perimeter; a plurality of risers extending from the perimeter at least partly up the at least one sloping portion toward the raised center portion. The subject bird feeder also includes an outer shell having at least one outer wall and supported by the plurality of risers; an inner shell having at least one inner wall and shaped to fit closely inside the outer shell; and, a removable lid shaped to cover the top of the outer shell. The outer shell may include cutouts that extend through the walls. The inner shell may be transparent. The bird feeder may also include a cord to allow it to be hung.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: Umbra LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Cheng, Teddy Luong
  • Publication number: 20130068167
    Abstract: A wild bird feeder configured with perches and seed openings that are positioned to encourage certain sizes and species of birds and/or discourage certain sizes and species of birds. A wild bird feeder including a watering station and a feeding station. A wild bird feeder with a seed holder and a plurality of feeding stations vertically spaced apart on the seed holder. A diffuser mounted within the seed holder to define a seed collection point corresponding to at least one of the feeding stations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY
    Inventor: CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120318200
    Abstract: An apparatus is for removably receiving a container of nutrient material for dispensing the nutrient material to birds. The apparatus has a frame and a body. The body has a receptacle for removably receiving a rim of the container. The body is mounted to the frame for pivoting relative to the frame between a first configuration in which the receptacle is downwardly oriented, and a second configuration in the receptacle is upwardly oriented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: Central Garden & Pet Company
    Inventors: Thomas Van Dyk, Daehwan Kim
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120285386
    Abstract: A bird feeder comprising of a free spinning plate guards to prevent unwanted pests such as squirrels from accessing the seed within the feeder. Whereas birds can feed while resting on perches which protrude outwardly from the bottom portion of the feeder, non-flying pest animals such as squirrels must approach the feeder along its outer periphery, traversing the plate guards in the process. As the pest tries to climb onto the feeder and access the seed, the plate guards spin; preventing the pest from having a stable footing and thus fall off the feeder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: ABSOLUTELYNEW, INC.
    Inventors: Robert E. Miller, Tristan Christianson
  • Publication number: 20120240864
    Abstract: A bird feeder is disclosed wherein a plurality of spaced-apart metal mesh tubes extend upwardly from a tray to a bird seed reservoir. In one embodiment, the tubes are curved much like a barrel stave. In another embodiment, the tubes are elongated and straight cylinders. In another embodiment, the tubes are helical in shape. The tubes are spaced sufficiently apart to enable birds to pass therebetween so that the birds may gain access to the feed in the tubes from all sides of the tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: Tom BARTAK
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120111278
    Abstract: A wild bird feeder comprising a container and a base. A cable extends through the container and 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. In use, the cover can be detached from the dome to expose a first opening and/or the cover and dome can be detached from the hopper to expose a second opening to pour bird seed into the bird feeder, the star shaped opening of the cover frictionally engaging the cable to retain the cover and/or the cover and dome in their respective open positions during re-filling of the bird feeder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    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: 20120037078
    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: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Ernest Bradley
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110226186
    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: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: Lynn Hunter, James Carter, Furman O'Dell, Brian K. Krueger
  • Publication number: 20110220029
    Abstract: A wild bird feeder configured with perches and seed openings that are positioned to encourage certain sizes and species of birds and/or discourage certain sizes and species of birds. A wild bird feeder including a watering station and a feeding station. A wild bird feeder with a seed holder and a plurality of feeding stations vertically spaced apart on the seed holder. A diffuser mounted within the seed holder to define a seed collection point corresponding to at least one of the feeding stations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: Mario A. Olmos, Eric Juergens, Charles E. Bain, Larry Sternal
  • Patent number: 8011322
    Abstract: A bird feeding assembly includes a plurality of feeders. Each of the feeders includes a housing that has a bottom wall and a perimeter wall that is attached to and extends upwardly from the bottom wall. The perimeter wall has a fill opening extending therethrough. A chute has an open first end and an open second end. The first end is attached to the perimeter wall and is in fluid communication with the fill opening. The second end of the chute is positioned above the perimeter wall. Bird feed is positionable in the chute to fill the housing with the bird feed. A mounting bracket is attached to the chute. A strap is removably coupled to the mounting brackets of each of the bird feeders and extendable around a vertical support. A coupler on the strap couples the strap in a closed loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel G. Jackson
  • Patent number: 8006642
    Abstract: Protection of the pole of a vertically slideable bird feeder and the prevention of loss of bird feed if the filled or partially filled feeder is removed from the pole is accomplished by a specially designed protective sheath located within the feed tube housing of the feeder and around the pole. The upper end of the sheath is held in place within a channel formed in the feed filling funnel. The lower end of the sheath is held in place within a second channel formed in the bird feed tray on which the feed tube housing rests. Upstanding walls within the filling funnel are configured to ensure that feed is poured into the feed tube housing with minimal loss of feed at the pole. The feed filling funnel, feed tube housing, protective sheath, and bird feed tray, are all vertically moveable as a single unit along the pole, without causing damage to or undue feed residue buildup on the pole, while maintaining the integrity of the feed in the feed tube housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Zenith Innovation, LLC
    Inventor: Peter S. Vosbikian
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110107973
    Abstract: An animal feeder formed from assembling a corrugated tube to a base portion. The feeder has an orifice underneath a corrugation of the tube for exit of feed, thereby protecting the feed exit orifice from the effects of inclement weather. The animal feeder may have a weighting material added within the base to provide stability when free standing, or may be secured via straps to a fixed object such as a tree, selectively either at ground level or at an elevated level. The base is secured to the corrugated tube by flexible extensions that have protrusions that engage the inside of one of the ridges of the corrugations of the tube. Securing rings may alternately be utilized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventor: Bryan Jenkins
  • 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
  • Patent number: RE48343
    Abstract: There are generally two styles of modern bird feeders: the tubular feeder with a tubular reservoir and several perches attached to the tubular reservoir at various positions around the reservoir, and the more traditional rectangular bin style with one or two feeding stations. These bin feeders are constructed to feed only general bird seed of mixed variety and are not selectively configurable to feed a specific small seed like thistle. The disclosed bin feeder includes removable and repositionable bin sidewalls with appropriately shaped upper and lower longitudinal edges to exclusively provide appropriate openings for thistle feed along one of the longitudinal edges or an appropriate opening for generally larger seed along the other of the longitudinal edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Classic Brands, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Donegan, James Carter, Bryan Krueger