Having A Perch Patents (Class 119/57.8)
  • Patent number: 11910785
    Abstract: The application discloses an automatic feeding device for poultry. The automatic feeding device poultry comprises a holding barrel and a feeding port; the holding barrel is provided with an accommodating cavity capable of being used for accommodating feedstuff, and a side surface of the holding barrel is provided with an installing hole, the installing hole is communicated with the accommodating cavity; the feeding port is installed in the installing hole, an input end of the feeding port faces downwards and hangs in the accommodating cavity, and an output end of the feeding port extends outwards out of the holding barrel. By arranging the feeding port, the feedstuff is injected into the accommodating cavity and is automatically squeezed to the output end under the action of gravity when in use, so that the feedstuff is eaten by poultry, and does not need to be scattered on the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Inventor: Xiong Li
  • Patent number: 11612146
    Abstract: A mesh feed port for a bird feeder comprises a plurality of intersecting members defining a periodic pattern of openings. The openings include a plurality of first openings sized to receive a seed of a first size in a predetermined orientation, a plurality of second openings sized to receive a seed of a second size distinct from the first size in a predetermined orientation, and a plurality of third openings sized to receive a seed of a third size distinct from the first size and the second size in a predetermined orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventor: Cody Litwiller
  • Patent number: 11197466
    Abstract: A perch configuration for a bird feeder, the bird feeder having a seed container and a seed access area to permit a bird to land thereon to feed from the seed access area, the perch member having a generally inverted U-shaped configuration whereby when a bird perches on the member, there are no sharp edges contacting the bird's claws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Inventor: Paul L. Cote
  • Patent number: 11140876
    Abstract: A hummingbird and oriole feeder having a nectar reservoir that allows the beak of a feeding bird to access a nectar access point to the nectar. An optical sensor senses the bird's beak entering the nectar access point. The optical sensor can include an optical transmitter forming a beam of light that is received by an optical receiver. The intrusion of a bird's beak into the nectar access point, which occurs when the bird is feeding on the nectar, interrupts the beam of light, creating a change in an electrical signal. The electrical signal is sent to a processing unit that counts each time a bird's beak penetrates the nectar access point and displays the count on the display unit. The count can be reset to zero by a reset switch. There can be multiple nectar access points, which are each counted, using a multiplexer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Inventor: Kaden Blair Keith
  • Patent number: 11026442
    Abstract: An animal feed product disclosed herein has a feed mixture disposed in a container, where the feed mixture has a plurality of animal feed particles and seed butter coating each of the animal feed particles. A removable cover is coupled to the container over the cavity to encase the feed mixture. A method disclosed herein relates to heating a seed butter to reduce its viscosity. Animal feed particles are translated through a spraying region and each of the animal feed particles are coated with the heated seed butter to form a seed mixture. The seed mixture is deposited in a container defining a cavity and the feed mixture is compressed in the cavity. Other embodiments are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: RED RIVER COMMODITIES, INC.
    Inventor: Robert Majkrzak
  • Patent number: 10918092
    Abstract: A bird feeder which comprises a seed tube having an upper end and a lower end, the lower end having feed openings therein, a top ring sitting on the upper end of the seed tube, the top ring having a top ring upper portion and a top ring lower portion with the top ring lower portion extending downwardly to engage with the upper end of the seed tube, the top ring upper portion having first and second slots formed therein, a cover removably secured to the top ring, the cover having first and second apertures formed therein, and a hanger having first and second end sections with each of the first and second end sections having an enlarged arrangement located thereat, each of the first and second end sections passing through a respective one of the first and second slots with the enlarged arrangement preventing passage of the ends through the slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Inventor: Paul L. Cote
  • Patent number: 10736306
    Abstract: A hummingbird feeder having the unique features of an umbrella-shaped member containing insect repellent on a retaining post to repel insects from entering the nectar retaining basin. Also included is a multiplicity of shaped openings that are made of silicone and which are removably affixed to the cover of the nectar retaining basin to facilitate easy cleaning of the shaped openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Inventors: Michelle Mohilef, Danielle Mohilef
  • Patent number: 10709108
    Abstract: An automated scent training wheel for training animals to detect and respond to target scents. The automated scent training wheel comprises a rotatable carousel and a plurality of scent receptacles coupled to the rotatable carousel, where the scent receptacles are each configured to hold scent source material therein. The automated scent training wheel also comprises a plurality of sensing systems each disposed at one of the plurality of scent receptacles, wherein each sensing system is configured to automatically detect investigation of the associated scent receptacle by an animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Inventors: Patrick L. Nolan, Simon Prins
  • Patent number: 10681901
    Abstract: A bird feeder is provided with a containing structure including an internal space and at least one feeding opening on an outer surface of the containing structure and communicating with the internal space; a helical structure disposed on the outer surface of the containing structure in the form of a helix wherein pitch is defined as a distance from the crest of one thread of the helical structure to the next thereof; and at least one perch disposed on the outer surface of the containing structure and each disposed directly under the feeding opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Inventor: Tzu Ying Chi
  • Patent number: 10537091
    Abstract: A hummingbird feeder includes a base tray having an upwardly-opening interior for holding food which is attractive to fruit flies and further includes an upper tray which is positionable upon the base tray in a nested relationship and which includes an upwardly-opening interior for holding food, such as nectar, which is attractive to hummingbirds. A top cover for covering the upper tray includes a first aperture through which a fruit fly can exit the base tray and a second aperture through which a hummingbird can access the food of the upper tray. A passageway network extends between the interior of the base tray and the first aperture, and a closure assembly enables a user to selectively shut off or open communication between the interior of the base tray and the first aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Ideology, LLC
    Inventor: Stuart Tyson McFerrin
  • Patent number: 10130079
    Abstract: A U-shaped perch for a bird feeder which is selectively movable between retracted and extended positions with respect to the bird feeder. The perch is horizontally slidably mounted in a support at the lower end of a feed port positioned in a feed opening formed in the bird feeder. The perch is selectively locked in its extended position. The perch and the support cooperate to limit the outward extension of the perch with respect to the support. The perch may also be movably mounted on the bird feeder which does not have a feed port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Inventor: Paul L. Cote
  • Patent number: 10051842
    Abstract: A perch extension for a bird feeder having an elongated perch body that defines a mounting cavity that is adapted to fit at least partially over a perch on a bird feeder. The perch extension may optionally have a support member that is coupled to the perch body, and is further adapted to fit at least partially around the seed container of the bird feeder. The perch extension may optionally define protuberances to provide a snap-fit or press-fit engagement with the bird feeder perch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Classic Brands, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Colwell, Scott Merritt
  • Patent number: 9820473
    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 having a wall defining an interior. The wall has a wall opening to provide access to the interior. A port is mounted on the wall relative to the wall opening. The port includes a protruding portion extending from a surface. The protruding portion defines an opening providing access to the wall opening. A perch has a projecting portion extending from a surface covering the opening defined by the protruding portion. The surface has one or more holes providing access to the opening. The perch is connected to the port such that the projecting portion is moveable to a plurality of positions relative to an axis line extending through a center of the opening defined by the protruding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Classic Brands, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Donegan, Bryan Krueger
  • Patent number: 9210913
    Abstract: A bird feeder includes a tubular container for bird food and a removable base engageable with projections at a lower end thereof to retain it in place to form the bottom of the container. The base has an upper part in the form of a plug insertable into the container and a lower part having an annular outer part on which the upper part can rotate, and includes locking mechanism projections selectively locked into slots in the upper part by rotation. The projections can be disengaged from the slots in a first rotational position and are locked into the slots in a second rotational position, respectively. The upper and lower parts of the base can be separated from one another with a relative rotation between a first, locked position and a third, disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Inventors: Graham Charles Evans, Matthew John Wood
  • Patent number: 9192146
    Abstract: A birdfeeder apparatus that includes a tubular housing having an inner surface that defines an internal cavity. A plate having a first major surface and an opposing second major surface is positioned within the internal cavity. The plate divides the internal cavity into a first chamber that is termed by the first major surface of the plate and a first portion of the inner surface of the tubular housing and a second chamber that is formed by the second major surface of the plate and a second portion of the inner surface of the tubular housing. A gauge mechanism for measuring a desired standard is coupled to the first major surface of the plate. The plate permits a food substance that is inserted into the internal cavity to enter into the second chamber and prevents the food substance from entering into the first chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Inventor: Peter Whitehouse Trogdon
  • Patent number: 9038570
    Abstract: A tube bird feeder comprising a seed tube having a side wall and at least one feed opening in the side wall, a top ring mounted on a top marginal edge of the seed tube, a cover removably engaged with the top ring, at least one perch mounted on the seed tube proximate the feed opening, and a base member removably secured to the seed tube adjacent the bottom marginal edge, the base portion having a protrusion engaging with an aperture in the seed tube proximate the bottom marginal edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: PLC Patents and Trademarks Inc.
    Inventor: Paul L. Cote
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20150136032
    Abstract: A tube type bird feeder comprising a seed tube having a side wall with at least one feed opening therein, a cover removably engaged with the seed tube proximate a top marginal edge of the seed tube, at least one perch mounted on the seed tube proximate the feed opening, and a base member removably secured to the seed tube adjacent the bottom marginal edge of the side wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Paul L. Cote
  • Patent number: 8985053
    Abstract: A feeder comprising an elongate receptacle for food; a removable part; and an elongate restraining pin positioned within the feeder. The direction of elongation of the elongate restraining pin is parallel to that of the feeder. When in an engaged position, the elongate restraining pin is engaged with the removable part so as to couple the removable part to the feeder, and, in a retracted position, is disengaged with the removable part as to uncouple the removable part from the feeder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventors: Matthew John Wood, Graham Charles Evans
  • Publication number: 20150027377
    Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems and methods for attracting different types of wild birds, as chosen by a user. In one implementation, a top section is configured to engage a cap, and a bottom section positioned opposite the top section includes at least one feeding station. A supporting member extends vertically from the bottom section to the top section. The supporting member, the top section, and the bottom section forma frame. A reversible insert has an elongated body extending between a first edge and a second edge. The first edge has a plurality of ports, and the second edge one or more slots. The frame is adapted to receive the reversible insert in an orientation based on a size of the bird seed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Classic Brands, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Donegan, James Carter, Bryan Krueger
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20150000604
    Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide apparatuses and methods for providing different perch positions for feeding birds. In one implementation, a bird feeder having a perch mounted on a wall of a reservoir having an interior configured to hold bird food is provided. The reservoir has a wall opening to provide access to the interior. The perch is rotated to one of a plurality of positions about an axis line extending through a center of the wall opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: Classic Brands, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Donegan, Bryan Krueger
  • Publication number: 20150000603
    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 having a wall defining an interior. The wall has a wall opening to provide access to the interior. A port is mounted on the wall relative to the wall opening. The port includes a protruding portion extending from a surface. The protruding portion defines an opening providing access to the wall opening. A perch has a projecting portion extending from a surface covering the opening defined by the protruding portion. The surface has one or more holes providing access to the opening. The perch is connected to the port such that the projecting portion is moveable to a plurality of positions relative to an axis line extending through a center of the opening defined by the protruding portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: Classic Brands, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Donegan, Bryan Krueger
  • Publication number: 20140373789
    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: June 19, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Lynn HUNTER, James CARTER, Furman O'DELL, Brian K. KREUGER
  • Publication number: 20140360435
    Abstract: A tube bird feeder comprising a seed tube having a side wall and at least one feed opening in the side wall, a top ring mounted on a top marginal edge of the seed tube, a cover removably engaged with the top ring, at least one perch mounted on the seed tube proximate the feed opening, and a base member removably secured to the seed tube adjacent the bottom marginal edge, the base portion having a protrusion engaging with an aperture in the seed tube proximate the bottom marginal edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventor: Paul L. Cote
  • Patent number: 8899179
    Abstract: A bird feeder with a movable lid includes a knob which is grippable by the user of the bird feeder to slide the lid along a suspending cable. The knob includes a U-shaped spring with gripping surfaces that grip the cable. This U-shaped spring is firmly trapped between the knob and the upper surfaces of the lid. This assembly permits easy sliding of the lid against the frictional engagement provided by spring bias so that the lid is held down against the filler opening of the feed reservoir that, but can be slid along the cable against the frictional bias of the spring for easy filling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Classic Brands, LLC
    Inventors: James Carter, Bryan Krueger, Lynn Hunter
  • Patent number: 8863690
    Abstract: A feed dispenser includes a housing and a piston assembly. The piston assembly includes a piston disposed within the housing, the piston and the housing configured to translate relative to each other, and a sheath. The sheath extends about the piston and spring and defines a feed volume with the housing. The feed volume configured to receive feed from a housing chamber of the housing in response to the relative translation of the piston and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Droll Yankees, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Podmaniczky, Scott A. Colwell
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140261200
    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: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Hua Tu, Kenneth W. Mann
  • 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: 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: 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.
  • Publication number: 20140150726
    Abstract: A birdfeeder (10) is provided wherein a housing (20) defines a compartment (21) which is much wider than it is tall or deep. The housing (20) can comprise a plastic tube (30), lateral end lids (40), and a door (50). Perches (60) extend beyond the compartment (21), and a roof (80) is removably attachable to the housing (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Nature's Way LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Keith Moone
  • Publication number: 20140150725
    Abstract: A birdfeeder (10) comprising a housing (20) having a hexagonal tube with an open top and an open bottom. Feed-port inserts (30) and perches (40) are securely but removably attached to the housing (20) via keyed contours. A roof (50) and a base (60) are also securely but removably attached to the housing (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Nature's Way LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Keith Moone
  • Patent number: 8733285
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Wesley Taber
  • Publication number: 20140116344
    Abstract: A wild animal feeder is provided for holding a food block having a passageway therein. The feeder comprises a base member and a roof member. The base and roof members define a food receiving space there between for receiving a food block. A food block engaging member has a proximal end and a distal end. A food block engaging member coupler is provided that is attached to one of the base member and roof member for coupling the food block engaging member to one of the base member and roof member for permitting the food block engaging member to move between a food block engaging position and a food block release position. In the food block engaging position, the food block engaging member is positioned in the food receiving space between the roof and base member to engage the food block for maintaining the food block on the feeder on the food receiving space. In the food block released position, the food engaging member is positioned to permit the food block to be inserted into the food receiving space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Holscher Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph B. Holscher, Steven B. Zehring
  • Publication number: 20140090602
    Abstract: A hummingbird feeder configured to allow a large number of hummingbirds to feed simultaneously is provided. The hummingbird feeder includes a longitudinally extending generally horizontally arranged feeding reservoir. Feeding holes are spaced from one another along the exterior of the reservoir and at positions offset from the apex of the outer surface. The feeder can include removable perches. The feeder is preferably sized such that a hummingbird tongue can reach the lowermost surface of the reservoir so as to prevent pooling of liquid hummingbird feed. The feeder can include a transparent bottom portion to permit observation of the hummingbirds' tongues during feeding. The feeder can also include an auxiliary storage container designed for gravity feeding additional hummingbird feed into the horizontal reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventor: Gregory HINRICHS
  • Publication number: 20140076239
    Abstract: A bird feeder is provided having a seed reservoir with a side wall that has at least one seed access opening and an adjustable feed port assembly. The feed port assembly includes a base mounted to the side wall in a fixed relationship thereto and having a central opening in communication with the seed in the reservoir. Fitted to the base is a rotatable insert having a perch coupled thereto in fixed relationship so that the perch and insert rotate as a unit. The insert is rotatable between two positions, an upright position in which the perch is below the base central opening enabling birds to feed while standing on the perch, and an upside down position in which the perch is above the base central opening, requiring birds to hang upside down from the perch to feed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: William Ray Vaughn, JR., Judith Kim HOYSAK
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8622022
    Abstract: An animal feeder includes a feed reservoir having a cavity for holding a feed material, and a feed dispensing assembly coupled to the feed reservoir. The feed dispensing assembly includes a check valve to allow selective access to the feed material. The check valve inhibits feed leakage from the feed reservoir during pressure fluctuations within the feed reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Kenneth Robert Hepp
    Inventors: Kenneth Robert Hepp, Thomas J. Green
  • Publication number: 20130284100
    Abstract: A tubular bird feeder for seed includes a seed metering valve above the feed holes which may be operated manually, or by a battery powered motor where the battery is charged by a solar cell and the motor responds to a remote control device from the indoors. The perches at the feed holes are made to suddenly buckle when too big of a creature alights thereon. A easy refill procedure uses a swing away cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: Winston MacKelvie
  • Publication number: 20130255581
    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: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Classic Brands, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Donegan, Bryan Krueger
  • Publication number: 20130255582
    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: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Classic Brands, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Donegan, Bryan Krueger
  • Patent number: 8522717
    Abstract: A liquid birdfeeder includes a generally upstanding container having a large opening at its top end and a bottleneck opening at its lower end. A quarter-turn removable cap is screw-threaded onto the top end to seal the top end opening. The lower bottleneck opening is screw-threaded into a central collar of a feeding basin having a plurality of feeding ports. An actuator rod extends longitudinally through the container and is operatively connected to a biased sealing mechanism which selectively seals or opens the bottleneck opening. When the removable cap is screw-threaded onto the top end opening, the cap depresses the actuator rod causing the biased sealing mechanism to move to an open position which allows liquid to flow out from the container into the feeding basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: James S. Carter, Bryan Krueger
  • Patent number: 8485130
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventor: Paul L. Cote
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8459206
    Abstract: A feed port for a bird feeder is disclosed. The feed port includes a body portion having a number of edges defining a first opening through the body portion. A shroud extends from the body portion and depends downwards forming a space rear of the first opening. The shroud further defines a second opening in fluid connection with the first opening. An obstruction extends across the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Aspects, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry D. Colvin
  • Patent number: 8459205
    Abstract: A birdfeeder that is easily packed, delivered, assembled and disassembled. The birdfeeder is comprised of eight ?? thick, flat parts that lock together by taking advantage of gravity and friction created by the use of a keyed mortise and tenon connection, such as that common to wood construction at the turn of the century. The eight parts disassembled pack flat as a kit for shipping and stocking. Once received the birdfeeder kit is easily assembled & disassembled, optionally without the use of tools or fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventors: Douglas Charles Patt, Jr., Brian Benjamin Witlin
  • Publication number: 20130074776
    Abstract: An animal feeder includes a feed reservoir having a cavity for holding a feed material, and a feed dispensing assembly coupled to the feed reservoir. The feed dispensing assembly includes a check valve to allow selective access to the feed material. The check valve inhibits feed leakage from the feed reservoir during pressure fluctuations within the feed reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: GARDNER EQUIPMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth Robert Hepp, Thomas J. Green