Having A Perch Patents (Class 119/52.2)
  • 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
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110083609
    Abstract: A tube bird feeder comprising a seed tube having an open top and an open bottom, a cover fitting on top of the seed tube to cover the open top, a base portion which is removably secured to the side wall, and a removable seed port structure mounted in a seed access opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventor: Paul L. Cote
  • Patent number: 7921808
    Abstract: A bird feeder comprises a feed container, a connector having an open passage therethrough, a feeding tray, a funnel and a collection container. The feeding tray includes a sleeve into which the connector extends to provide a self refilling feed mound from which birds eat. Discarded seeds and seed hulls fall into the funnel and into the collection container. The feeding tray includes a disk located below an upper edge of the funnel to maximize collection of seed hulls and discarded seeds. In some embodiments, the feeding tray is pivotally attached to the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Lester E. Frazier
  • 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: 20110067635
    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: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: DROLL YANKEES, INC.
    Inventors: Betsy PUCKETT, Marco WO, James Vincent BONNEMA
  • 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: 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: 20100269756
    Abstract: A bird feeder for effectively deterring squirrels and other unwanted animals from accessing the bird feed deposited therein. The bird feeder includes a pair of feeder bins positioned at generally opposite ends of the feeder and a pivot device positioned approximately midway between and removably coupled with the pair of feeder bins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: John F. Trout
  • Publication number: 20100258054
    Abstract: A bird feeder comprises a feed container, a connector having an open passage therethrough, a feeding tray, a funnel and a collection container. The feeding tray includes a sleeve into which the connector extends to provide a self refilling feed mound from which birds eat. Discarded seeds and seed hulls fall into the funnel and into the collection container. The feeding tray includes a disk located below an upper edge of the funnel to maximize collection of seed hulls and discarded seeds. In some embodiments, the feeding tray is pivotally attached to the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventor: Lester E. Frazier
  • Patent number: 7798099
    Abstract: A modular bird feeder system has a plurality of different modular bird feeder components which can be interchangeably connected based on user preference. All components are slideably mounted on a vertically standing pole. The slideable components include a feed filling funnel, an upper feed tray, a lower feed tray, a squirrel guard, and a feeder unit position adjustment handgrip which controls the upward and downward movement along the pole of the integral bird feeder unit which is assembled. An adjustable locking pin extending from the pole is used to maintain the bird feeder unit in the uppermost bird feeding position on the pole, regardless of which components are being used. When the pin is removed, the handgrip facilitates control of the bird feeder unit as it slides from its bird feeding position to a user-friendly, convenient feed filling position on the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Zenith Innovation, LLC
    Inventor: Peter S. Vosbikian
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100147222
    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: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventor: Peter S. Vosbikian
  • Patent number: 7735453
    Abstract: A bird feeder has a bird food storage container, an upper feeding station platform, and a feeder base assembly located below and spaced apart from the container and the platform. The base assembly is attached to the container by an elongated bolt and threaded nut attachment, so it is thus easily separated from the container for ease of cleaning and food replenishment. The base assembly is made up of a feeder tray which catches and collects fallen food from the container, and a tray holder. The feeder tray, removeably mounted within the tray holder, has a perforated bottom with holes sized for water drainage, but which are sized small enough to retain bird food on the tray. The feeder tray also has a circumscribing upper rim which allows for easy removal and replacement of the tray from and into the tray holder. The tray holder has a circumscribing upper perch rim, spaced apart from the rim of the feeder tray when the tray is positioned within the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventor: Peter S. Vosbikian
  • Publication number: 20100089330
    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: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph E. McMullen
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100043714
    Abstract: A feeder assembly is used in a feed distribution system having a feed supply conduit. The feeder assembly includes a pan member, which is preferably elongated in configuration, in a shape of two intersecting circles. The feeder assembly also includes at least one fill port for receiving feed from the feed supply conduit and for providing feed onto a base portion of the pan member. The at least one fill port is defined through an outer grill member which is operatively associated with the pan member. Like the pan member, the outer grill member has a rim member which is preferably elongated in configuration, in a shape of two intersecting circles. The outer grill member defines a plurality of apertures therethrough through which birds can eat the feed presented on the base portion of the pan member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Theodore J. Cole, Lionel L. Kreger, Charles R. Bird
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20090283046
    Abstract: A bird feeding port assembly (1) for mounting to a bird feed containment housing (2) through an opening in the wall of the housing (2), the assembly (1) defining a feeding area (4) having an opening to the housing (2), a support frame (3) which is adapted in use to secure the assembly (1) to the housing (2) such that the opening to the housing allows seed to flow into the feed area (4), and a closure member (9) which is moveable between a first extended position in which the closure member (9) extends outwardly from the outward side of the assembly (1) leaving the feeding area (4) open and a second retracted position in which the closure member (9) overlies the feeding area (4) and prevents access thereto. The feeding area (4) may comprise a bowl (4) that can project outwardly from, or be located within, the containment housing (2). The closure member (9) can pivot or slide between the first and second positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: CRANSWICK PET AND AQUATICS PLC
    Inventor: Derek James Black
  • Publication number: 20090260576
    Abstract: A bird feeder has a bird food storage container, an upper feeding station platform, and a feeder base assembly located below and spaced apart from the container and the platform. The base assembly is attached to the container by an elongated bolt and threaded nut attachment, so it is thus easily separated from the container for ease of cleaning and food replenishment. The base assembly is made up of a feeder tray which catches and collects fallen food from the container, and a tray holder. The feeder tray, removeably mounted within the tray holder, has a perforated bottom with holes sized for water drainage, but which are sized small enough to retain bird food on the tray. The feeder tray also has a circumscribing upper rim which allows for easy removal and replacement of the tray from and into the tray holder. The tray holder has a circumscribing upper perch rim, spaced apart from the rim of the feeder tray when the tray is positioned within the holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventor: Peter S. Vosbikian
  • 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: 7540262
    Abstract: A bird feeder having a rechargeable electrical power source and a solar energy system that collects solar energy, converts it into electrical energy, and uses the electrical energy to recharge the rechargeable electrical power source is disclosed. The rechargeable electrical power source can be used to power a wide variety of electrical devices, such as microphones, radio receivers or transmitters, cameras, audio recording and playback devices, video recording and playback devices, loud speakers, lighting elements, timing devices, remote controls, motors, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: World Factory, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory G. Kuelbs
  • Publication number: 20090133636
    Abstract: A hummingbird feeder includes a solar panel power source for illuminating a reservoir of liquid hummingbird food so that the hummingbird can find it at night. The solar panel itself preferably hangs below the feeder in a flexible manner so that it can collect the maximum amount of sunlight and swing in the breeze. An LED attached to the solar power source is positioned to illuminate the liquid reservoir from within the reservoir. The parts that comprise the feeder are easily disassembled for washing and cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Simon Nicholas Richmond
  • Patent number: 7530330
    Abstract: A combination birdfeeder and fountain for outdoor use in one contained unit. The combination birdfeeder and fountain includes both a feeding station, and a fountain unit with circulating water. The combination birdfeeder and fountain addresses the basic needs of birds by providing a food storing and dispensing area, a fountain for drinking and bathing, and includes a means for illuminating the birdfeeder and fountain at night. The device may be operated by conventional power sources including AC, DC or solar energy, and may also include a heating means to warm the device in cold environments. An ornamental lighted device may be placed on top of the birdfeeder and fountain to further provide ornamental features, and illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventor: Maritza Valle
  • 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: 7506611
    Abstract: A collapsible feeder for birds, squirrels and the like and comprises a feeder body including a base and a rim. A series of hollow body segments of graduated diameters extend upwardly from the base within the rim to form a feeder body. The segment of smallest diameter is joined to the base and has a plurality of feed outlet openings formed therein to enable feed from within the feeder body to pass outwardly therefrom onto the base inwardly of the rim. A feeder lid is provided at the upper end of the segment of greatest diameter when the feeder body is in the extended position. The body segments include structure for yieldably maintaining the feeder in its straight extended position for filling and hanging. At least some of the body segments are comprised of a perforated metal material to enable the visual observation of the feed level within the feeder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Inventor: Raymon W. Lush
  • Patent number: 7503282
    Abstract: A rigid, multi-tier bird feeder which is comprised of a plurality of stacked non-collapsible bird feeder bodies to as to provide a multi-tiered bird feeder having a large capacity. The multi-tiered bird feeder includes perches thereon as well as even feed baffle plates positioned therein which maintain a certain amount of feed thereabove even though the main level of feed has dropped therebelow. The multiple feeder bodies may be selectively removably secured together to enable a wide variety of possible feeder configurations. Each of the feeder bodies may have a truncated-cone shape joined to another truncated cone-shaped feeder body so as to define lantern shape or an hourglass shape. Each of the feeder bodies may also define a lantern shape or an hourglass shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Inventor: Raymon W. Lush
  • Patent number: 7484475
    Abstract: An animal feeder is provided that includes a collapsible feedbox and a base for resting on a predetermined surface. The feedbox is configured to collapse as feed is distributed from the feeder. The feedbox is configured to collapse as the feed level is depleted thereby providing a visual indication of the feed levels within the feedbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Inventor: Richard C. Milliner
  • Patent number: 7469656
    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: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: Lynn Hunter, James Carter, Furman O'Dell, Brian K. Krueger
  • Publication number: 20080210172
    Abstract: An anti-squirrel bird feeder comprising a feed cylinder and an anti-squirrel carousel. The carousel is spring biased in an open position wherein feed opening in the feed cylinder may be accessed by birds resting on perches disposed on the carousel. Upon receiving a weight above a predetermined amount, the spring bias is overcome resulting in the carousel sliding down the cylinder until a shut-off flanges blocks access to the feed openings. The spring force at which the feeder will close may be made adjustable and the feed openings may empty into a trough having weep holes for removing water from the feed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Jack P. Waikas
  • Patent number: 7406926
    Abstract: A bird feeder port, especially suited for dispensing fine sized birdseed and configured for insertion through an exterior wall of a bird feeder; the port comprising a feed distributor with an open front portion accessible to a bird and in addition having at least an upper portion and a lower portion; said lower portion having an aperture in the lowermost floor portion through which bird seed is in use presented and can be eaten by a feeding bird. The aperture preferably comprises a slot and has a width of between 5 and 13 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: C J Wildbird Foods Limited
    Inventor: Robert Kenneth Nock
  • Patent number: 7347162
    Abstract: A bird feeder provides a feed container extending downwardly, a limited support surface positioned around the feed container at a lower end thereof and having one or more feeding ports, the limited support surface being adapted for supporting a feeding animal in proximity to the one or more feeding ports, a biasing mechanism adapted for supporting the limited support surface at a lower end of the feed container and for allowing a limited amount of vertical movement of the limited support surface, and one or more portal shields affixed to the biasing mechanism and adapted to open and close the feeding ports, wherein the biasing mechanism is further adapted to open and close the feeding ports with the portal shields in response to the limited amount of vertical movement upwardly and downwardly, respectively, of the limited support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Zieff, John Stone, Douglas F. Melville, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080029035
    Abstract: A bird feeder having an LED lighting system that is powered by solar energy. The bird feeder may also include an active cover plate with a pair of transparent light diffusers to diffuse light into the food reservoir of the feeder and below the feeder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventor: Jun Gou
  • Publication number: 20080022936
    Abstract: A bird feeder provides a feed hopper constructed concentrically around a vertical central axis and having a plurality of feeding ports evenly distributed around the central axis, and a cable reel mounted to the feed hopper and adapted to store and provide a cable for supporting the bird feeder along the central axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Applicant: OPUS, Inc.
    Inventors: John Stone, Benjamin Beck, Thomas Hagerty, Douglas Marsden
  • Patent number: 7305936
    Abstract: A bird feeder comprising a hopper suspended above ground by a hanger for holding granular bird seed, and a collapsible feed trough through which the seed flows. The trough consists of a series of pivotally interconnected ramps that unfold during deployment into a zigzag configuration. An uppermost ramp is fixedly secured to the hopper, and successive lower ramps are pivoted to each other in an angular “zigzag” arrangement. Each ramp is inclined relative to the horizontal approximately thirty degrees. Each ramp has a discharge hole at its lower end that is large enough for seed to fall through to a lower ramp. In response to vibration, seeds exit the hopper and travel through the trough. When the feeder is to be stored or shipped, the trough is collapsed by folding the ramps into a nested, retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Inventor: Mark W. Tippetts
  • Patent number: 7302911
    Abstract: A bird feeder of the tube-type having a vertically disposed hollow body portion formed of metal mesh material or a clear plastic material. The body portion has a plurality of inverted, truncated funnel members or baffles positioned therein in a vertically spaced-apart relationship which maintain a certain amount of feed at that level even though the main feed supply has dropped below that funnel member or baffle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Inventor: Raymon W. Lush
  • Patent number: 7273021
    Abstract: A wild bird game feeder, having a cylindrical shell with a closed flat bottom and a lid which is removable or which has a bung, through which game bird feed may be introduced. Within the interior of the cylindrical shell is a partition and partition top which defines and encloses a smaller subspace within the interior space of the cylindrical shell. An opening in the partition allows feed to flow into the smaller space. An access opening is defined in the sidewall of the cylindrical shell, giving external access to the smaller space within the partition and partition top. A curvilinear hood is positioned medially above the access opening. A perch or ledge is provided along the bottom edge of the access opening for the benefit of smaller game birds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventor: Ralph Edward Russell
  • Patent number: 7263950
    Abstract: A bird feeder wherein a housing includes a plurality of modular hopper elements with a floor underlying and supporting the hopper elements and a roof overlying the hopper elements, the hopper elements including impermeable side walls juxtaposed to form a hopper assembly of maximum capacity and minimum footprint and a front wall with feed apertures to enable birds to access bird food within the hopper element. Each hopper may be selectively removed and replaced without disturbing the other elements. In one embodiment, the hopper elements form segments of an inverted frustoconical hopper assembly which may be selectively and individually removed from the bird feeder without disassembling the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: David W. Swift, Edward J. Holliday, Christopher T. Rich
  • Patent number: 7261056
    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 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: Lynn Hunter, James Carter, Furman O'Dell, Brian K. Krueger
  • Patent number: 7237507
    Abstract: A selective bird feeder is provided. The selective bird feeder includes a selective housing having a side wall and a base. A cover supported by the side wall of the selected housing and a seed holder is contained within the selective housing. The selective housing restricts access of relatively large birds and predators, while allowing access of smaller birds, such as song birds, to the interior space in which the seed holder is disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Droll Yankees, Inc.
    Inventor: Betsy P. Colwell
  • Patent number: 7234416
    Abstract: A pest-proof bird feeder for supplying bird feed to song birds includes a storage container for bird food. A cap is mounted on the upper end of the storage container. A lower collar is mounted on the lower end of the storage container. An inner cylinder extends from the base. The inner cylinder has a plurality of food ports. A baffle located toward the lower end of the storage container for directing the supply of bird food to the food ports. A barrier is located in the inner cylinder. An outer sleeve is mounted to slide on the inner cylinder. A lower cable extends substantially from the center point of the barrier. The lower cable is connected to the center point of the perch. An upper cable extends from the storage container and the cap to suspend the bird feeder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas Hoff
  • Patent number: 7234418
    Abstract: A hummingbird feeder having a cover portion and a bottom portion of a base, as well as a nectar reservoir, is disclosed. The cover portion includes a reservoir coupling region, a feeding region, and a first mating region. The reservoir coupling region is configured to be coupled to the nectar reservoir. The feeding region is configured to accommodate a beak of a hummingbird to access nectar. The a bottom portion includes a second mating region, which is configured to mate with the first mating region of the cover portion. Preferably, the bottom portion further includes a retaining wall located within an outer ridge of the bottom portion. The retaining wall retains liquid within an inner region of the bottom portion and restricts liquid from flowing to an outer region of the bottom portion, providing easier maintenance and less mechanical force on the cover portion during feeder use. The reservoir optionally contains a wide opening for easy maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Daisy Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: W. Grady Fort, II, Randy Alan Love, Michael Ray Stephens
  • Patent number: 7198004
    Abstract: A bird feeder of the tube-type having a vertically disposed hollow body portion formed of metal mesh material or a clear plastic material. The body portion has a plurality of inverted, truncated funnel members or baffles positioned therein in a vertically spaced-apart relationship which maintain a certain amount of feed at that level even though the main feed supply has dropped below that funnel member or baffle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: Raymon W. Lush
  • Patent number: 7185605
    Abstract: A multi-tier feeder which is comprised of a plurality of mesh feeder bodies stacked one upon the other in a collapsible fashion and which include even feed baffle plates positioned therein in a vertically spaced-apart relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Raymon W. Lush
  • Patent number: 7185606
    Abstract: A bird feeding assembly includes a tubular member that has a top end and a bottom end. A rod extends through the tubular member. The rod has a pair of outer ends extending in opposite directions with respect to the rod. A pair of loops is attached to the rod. A first cord has a first end positioned within the tubular member and a second end attached to and extending downwardly from the rod. A second cord has a first end positioned within the tubular member and a second end attached to and extending downwardly from the rod. Each of a pair of bird feeders is attached to one of the second ends of the first and second cords. A pulley apparatus is coupled to each of the cords and is adapted for selectively lifting or lowering the bird feeders with respect to the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Paul P. Racine
  • Patent number: 7168392
    Abstract: A bird feeder having a rechargeable electrical power source and a solar energy system that collects solar energy, converts it into electrical energy, and uses the electrical energy to recharge the rechargeable electrical power source is disclosed. The rechargeable electrical power source can be used to power a wide variety of electrical devices, such as microphones, radio receivers or transmitters, cameras, audio recording and playback devices, video recording and playback devices, loud speakers, lighting elements, timing devices, remote controls, motors, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: World Factory, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory G. Kuelbs
  • Patent number: 7162972
    Abstract: A window bird feeder. In a described embodiment, a window bird feeder includes a bird feed storage compartment bounded by an arch fastened to a base. The arch has openings therethrough for dispensing bird feed from the storage compartment onto the base. A rail on a front wall of the storage compartment separates a bird feed dispensing area of the base from a bird positioning area of the base. An upper lip and a lid of the bird feeder are configured for ease of filling the storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Robert S. Stachowiak