US20110192350A1 - Squirrel-proof bird feeder and feed level control device - Google Patents
Squirrel-proof bird feeder and feed level control device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20110192350A1 US20110192350A1 US13/066,425 US201113066425A US2011192350A1 US 20110192350 A1 US20110192350 A1 US 20110192350A1 US 201113066425 A US201113066425 A US 201113066425A US 2011192350 A1 US2011192350 A1 US 2011192350A1
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- Prior art keywords
- feed
- housing member
- level control
- outer housing
- bird feeder
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- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 16
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 241000555745 Sciuridae Species 0.000 abstract description 13
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 abstract description 2
- 241000269800 Percidae Species 0.000 description 4
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000004513 sizing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 2
- 241000269799 Perca fluviatilis Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000001055 chewing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004043 responsiveness Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K39/00—Feeding or drinking appliances for poultry or other birds
- A01K39/01—Feeding devices, e.g. chainfeeders
- A01K39/0113—Feeding devices, e.g. chainfeeders with means to prevent other animals or insects, e.g. squirrels or ants, from eating also
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K39/00—Feeding or drinking appliances for poultry or other birds
- A01K39/01—Feeding devices, e.g. chainfeeders
- A01K39/012—Feeding devices, e.g. chainfeeders filling automatically, e.g. by gravity from a reserve
Definitions
- This invention relates to a squirrel-proof bird feeder and more particularly to a means for denying feeding access to squirrels by way of a unique connection system between inner and outer housing members of the feeder. More particularly, this invention relates to a unique feed level control device which may be used on various types of bird feeders.
- squirrel-proof bird feeders Many types have been previously provided but it is believed that they suffer from certain disadvantages.
- some of the squirrel-proof bird feeders of the prior art are constructed of wood or plastic which may be damaged by an aggressive squirrel.
- the mechanisms of the prior art for closing feed ports of a bird feeder if a squirrel moves onto the feeder are not reliable and are difficult to maintain.
- the squirrel-proof feeders of the prior art do not have adequate feed level control devices associated therewith.
- a squirrel-proof bird feeder which includes an inner housing member comprising a plurality of vertically spaced-apart housing segments which are comprised of expanded metal, woven wire, perforated metal or mesh materials, the sizing of the openings thereof which prevents feed contained therein from passing outwardly therethrough. Between each of the housing segments, a feed level control device is positioned which defines feed openings therein. A modified form of the feed level control device is positioned at the lower end of the lower most housing segment which functions as a feed dispenser.
- the inner housing member is positioned within an outer housing member with the outer housing member being vertically movable with respect to the inner housing member.
- the outer housing member has a plurality of vertically spaced-apart housing segments with a feed opening being provided between adjacent housing segments and a feed opening being provided at the lower end of the outer housing.
- a spring connects the outer housing member to the inner housing member which normally causes the feed openings in the outer housing member to register with the feed openings in the inner housing member. If a squirrel should move onto the outer housing member, the outer housing member moves downwardly with respect to the inner housing member so that the feed openings in the outer housing member no longer register with the feed openings in the inner housing member.
- a novel feed level control device is also disclosed which is ideally suited for use with the bird feeders described herein but which may be used with a variety of different feeders. Modified forms of the bird feeder are also disclosed.
- a further object of the invention is to provide a squirrel-proof bird feeder which is comprised entirely of metal.
- a further object of the invention is to provide a squirrel-proof bird feeder which may be comprised of woven wire, expanded metal, perforated metal or wire mesh.
- a further object of the invention is to provide a squirrel-proof bird feeder which is reliable.
- Yet another object of the invention is to provide a feed level control device for use with the preferred embodiment but which may also be used with other types of bird feeders which are not squirrel-proof.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the bird feeder of this invention with the feed openings in the inner housing member communicating with the feed openings in the outer housing member;
- FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the feeder of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the feed level control device of this invention.
- FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view of the device of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 is a bottom elevational view of the device of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view of the feeder of FIG. 1 with the broken lines illustrating the manner in which the outer housing member moves downwardly with respect to the inner housing member should a squirrel move on to the outer housing member;
- FIG. 7 is a partial bottom perspective view of the feeder of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a modified form of the invention.
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a bird feeder having the feed level control device of this invention mounted thereon;
- FIG. 10 is a partial side sectional view of the feeder of FIG. 9 ;
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a modified form of the feeder of FIG. 9 with the feed level control device of this invention mounted therein.
- the bird feeder of FIGS. 1 and 2 is referred to by the reference numeral 10 and is seen to include an outer housing member 12 which vertically movably embraces an inner housing member 14 .
- the housing members 12 and 14 are shown to be cylindrical, they could have a square or rectangular cross-section.
- the housing members 12 and 14 are constructed of a metal material rather than plastic or wood to prevent squirrels from chewing on the same.
- Housing member 12 will be described as having an upper end 16 and a lower end 18 .
- Housing member 12 includes a plurality of vertically spaced-apart housing segments 20 , 22 and 24 . Although housing member 12 is shown to have three housing segments, inner housing member 12 could have any number of housing segments.
- Housing segment 20 includes an upper ring 26 and a lower ring 28 having an expanded metal or mesh wall 30 secured thereto and extending therebetween.
- a guide slot 32 is provided at the upper end of segment 20 as seen in FIG. 2 .
- Segment 22 includes an upper ring 34 and a lower ring 36 having an expanded metal or mesh wall 38 secured thereto and extending therebetween.
- a plurality of rigid support wires 40 are secured to lower ring 28 and upper ring 34 to maintain the segments 20 and 22 in a spaced-apart relationship.
- the spacing of lower ring 28 and upper ring 34 creates a ring-shaped feed opening therebetween which is designated by the reference numeral 42 .
- a plurality of perches 44 are pivotally secured to upper ring 34 of segment 22 as seen in FIG. 2 .
- Segment 24 includes an upper ring 46 and a lower ring 48 having an expanded metal or mesh wall 50 secured thereto and extending therebetween.
- a plurality of rigid support wires 52 are secured to lower ring 36 and upper ring 46 to maintain the segments 22 and 24 in a spaced-apart relationship.
- the spacing of lower ring 36 and upper ring 46 creates a ring-shaped feed opening therebetween which is designated by the reference numeral 54 .
- perches 44 are pivotally secured to upper ring 46 of segment 24 .
- Housing member 12 includes a ring-shaped support 56 which is positioned below lower ring 48 of segment 24 .
- a plurality of rigid support wires 58 are secured to and extend between lower ring 48 of segment 24 and the ring-shaped support 56 to maintain lower ring 48 and support 56 in a spaced-apart relationship and to define a ring-shaped feed opening 60 therebetween.
- perches 44 are pivotally connected to support 56 .
- the size of the openings in the expanded metal or mesh walls 30 , 38 and 50 is such so as to prevent squirrels from feeding therethrough as will be described in more detail hereinafter.
- inner housing member 14 will be described as having an upper end 60 and a lower end 63 .
- Housing member 14 includes a plurality of housing segments which are referred to by the reference numerals 64 , 66 and 68 .
- the number of housing segments in housing member 14 will correspond to the number of housing segments in housing member 12 .
- Housing segment 64 preferably includes an upper ring (not shown) and a lower ring with an expanded metal or mesh wall 72 secured thereto and extending therebetween.
- Housing segment 66 preferably includes an upper ring 74 and a lower ring 76 with an expanded metal or mesh wall 78 secured thereto and extending therebetween.
- Housing segment 68 includes an upper ring 80 , a lower ring 82 with an expended metal or mesh wall 84 secured thereto and extending therebetween. It should be noted that the rings described above may not be necessary in all embodiments.
- the size of the openings in walls 72 , 78 and 84 is such that feed contained in the associated segment cannot pass outwardly therethrough.
- the numeral 86 refers to a feed level control device which also serves as a feed port and which is positioned between the lower end of housing segment 64 and the upper end of housing segment and which is secured thereto.
- the numeral 86 ′ refers to a feed level control device and feed port which is positioned between the lower end of housing segment 66 and the upper end of housing segment 68 and which is secured thereto.
- the numeral 86 ′′ refers to a device which is identical to devices 86 and 86 ′ but which does not function as a feed level control in the true sense of the word. Device 86 ′′ is positioned at the lower end of housing segment 68 and is secured thereto. Inasmuch as devices 86 , 86 ′ and 86 ′′ are identical, only device 86 will be described in detail.
- Device 86 includes a cup-shaped or ring-shaped trough 88 including a bottom wall 90 and an upstanding side wall 92 .
- Bottom wall 90 is provided with very small openings 94 formed therein for drainage purposes but which are sized sufficiently small enough to prevent feed from passing therethrough.
- Device 86 includes a truncated funnel-like portion 96 which includes an upper side wall 98 and a sloped wall portion 100 extending downwardly and inwardly therefrom.
- a plurality of supports 102 extend from portion 96 to the trough 88 to define spaced-apart openings 104 therebetween.
- Device 86 includes a hollow tubular portion 106 , the lower end of which communicates with opening 108 formed in bottom wall 90 of trough 88 as seen in FIG. 5 .
- tubular portion 106 of device 86 ′′ is closed by a cap 110 which performs a dual purpose which will be described hereinafter.
- All of the devices 86 , 86 ′ and 86 ′′ are formed from a metal material.
- the device 86 presents feed openings 104 between the lower end of segment 64 and the upper end of segment 66 .
- Device 86 ′ presents feed openings 104 ′ between the lower end of segment 66 and the upper end of segment 68 .
- device 86 ′′ presents feed openings 104 ′′ between the lower end of segment 68 and the support 56 .
- Inner housing member 14 includes a cap or cover 112 and a hanger 114 .
- Cap 112 has an inside diameter sufficiently large enough so as to be able to receive the upper end of housing member 12 therein.
- Housing segment 64 includes a guide 116 extending therefrom as seen in FIG. 2 .
- the bird feeder 10 is assembled as follows.
- the upper end of spring 118 is secured to cap 110 so that spring 118 is positioned in tubular portion 106 ′′.
- Inner housing member 14 is then extended downwardly into the open upper end of outer housing member until the lower end of device 86 ′′ rests on support 56 with guide 116 being received in guide slot 32 .
- the lower end of spring 118 is then connected to support 56 .
- spring 118 will yieldably urge outer housing member 12 to its upper position wherein feed openings 104 of device 86 will register with feed opening 42 , feed openings 104 ′ of device 86 will register with feed opening 54 and feed openings 104 ′′ will register with feed opening 60 .
- Bird feed is then poured into the upper end of inner housing member 14 with the tubular portions 106 and 106 ′ causing feed to be maintained on the devices 86 and 86 ′, up to the level of the upper end of the tubular portions 106 and 106 ′ thereby functioning as level control devices in the manner described in my previous U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,198,104 and 7,302,911 so that bird feed will be available at different levels within the inner housing member 14 .
- Birds may perch on the perches 44 and feed from the troughs 88 , 88 ′ and 88 ′′ and/or the feed openings 104 , 104 ′ and 104 ′′ on devices 86 , 86 ′ and 86 ′′.
- the openings in the segments 64 , 66 and 68 of inner housing 14 are such that the bird feed therein will not flow outwardly therethrough. If a squirrel should jump or move onto the outer housing member 12 , the weight of the squirrel will cause the outer housing member 12 to move downwardly with respect to the inner housing member 14 which will cause the feed openings 42 , 54 and 60 to move downwardly with respect to the feed openings 104 , 104 ′ and 104 ′′ to close the same to deny the squirrel access to the feed.
- the sizing of the openings in the walls 30 , 38 and 50 is such that the squirrel cannot reach therethrough or feed therethrough.
- the spring 118 causes the outer housing member 12 to move upwardly to its upper position so that feed openings 42 , 54 and 60 again register with the feeding areas of the devices 86 , 86 ′ and 86 ′′.
- Different springs 118 may be utilized to change the responsiveness of movement of the outer housing member 12 relative to inner housing member 14 .
- FIG. 8 illustrates a modified form of the invention which is referred to by the reference numeral 210 and which includes an outer housing member 212 and an inner housing member 214 .
- the only difference between feeder 210 and feeder 10 is that the housing members of feeder 210 are constructed of metal woven wire rather than the expanded metal or mesh of feeder 10 .
- the feeder 210 utilizes the devices 86 , 86 ′ and 86 ′′.
- FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a further embodiment of the feeder and which is designated by the reference numeral 310 .
- the feeder 310 is very similar to the feeder disclosed in my U.S. Pat. No. 6,047,661 except that feeder 310 has two “hour glass” feeder bodies 312 and 314 with a device 86 positioned therebetween and with a device 86 , less the tubular portion, positioned at the lower end of body 314 .
- the feeder 310 is not squirrel-proof but utilizes the improved device 86 previously described to function as feed level control devices.
- FIG. 11 illustrates yet another embodiment of the feeder but which is not squirrel-proof.
- the feeder 410 of FIG. 11 is much like the feeder 310 except that three feeder bodies 412 , 414 and 416 are utilized rather than two feeder bodies.
- a device 86 is positioned between the lower end of feeder body 412 and the upper end of feeder body 414 and a device 86 is positioned between the lower end of feeder body 414 and feeder body 416 .
- a device 86 less the tubular portion, is mounted at the lower end of feeder body 416 .
- the two uppermost devices 86 in FIG. 11 act as feed level control devices.
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Abstract
Description
- This is a divisional application of Applicant's earlier application Ser. No. 12/454,281, filed May 15, 2009, entitled A SQUIRREL-PROOF FEEDER AND FEED LEVEL CONTROL DEVICE.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- This invention relates to a squirrel-proof bird feeder and more particularly to a means for denying feeding access to squirrels by way of a unique connection system between inner and outer housing members of the feeder. More particularly, this invention relates to a unique feed level control device which may be used on various types of bird feeders.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- Many types of squirrel-proof bird feeders have been previously provided but it is believed that they suffer from certain disadvantages. First, some of the squirrel-proof bird feeders of the prior art are constructed of wood or plastic which may be damaged by an aggressive squirrel. Secondly, it is believed that the mechanisms of the prior art for closing feed ports of a bird feeder if a squirrel moves onto the feeder are not reliable and are difficult to maintain. Third, it is believed that the squirrel-proof feeders of the prior art do not have adequate feed level control devices associated therewith.
- This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key aspects or essential aspects of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, this Summary is not intended for use as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
- In the preferred embodiment, a squirrel-proof bird feeder is described which includes an inner housing member comprising a plurality of vertically spaced-apart housing segments which are comprised of expanded metal, woven wire, perforated metal or mesh materials, the sizing of the openings thereof which prevents feed contained therein from passing outwardly therethrough. Between each of the housing segments, a feed level control device is positioned which defines feed openings therein. A modified form of the feed level control device is positioned at the lower end of the lower most housing segment which functions as a feed dispenser. The inner housing member is positioned within an outer housing member with the outer housing member being vertically movable with respect to the inner housing member. The outer housing member has a plurality of vertically spaced-apart housing segments with a feed opening being provided between adjacent housing segments and a feed opening being provided at the lower end of the outer housing. A spring connects the outer housing member to the inner housing member which normally causes the feed openings in the outer housing member to register with the feed openings in the inner housing member. If a squirrel should move onto the outer housing member, the outer housing member moves downwardly with respect to the inner housing member so that the feed openings in the outer housing member no longer register with the feed openings in the inner housing member.
- A novel feed level control device is also disclosed which is ideally suited for use with the bird feeders described herein but which may be used with a variety of different feeders. Modified forms of the bird feeder are also disclosed.
- It is therefore a principal object of the invention to provide an improved squirrel-proof bird feeder.
- A further object of the invention is to provide a squirrel-proof bird feeder which is comprised entirely of metal.
- A further object of the invention is to provide a squirrel-proof bird feeder which may be comprised of woven wire, expanded metal, perforated metal or wire mesh.
- A further object of the invention is to provide a squirrel-proof bird feeder which is reliable.
- Yet another object of the invention is to provide a feed level control device for use with the preferred embodiment but which may also be used with other types of bird feeders which are not squirrel-proof.
- These and other objects will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
- Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the bird feeder of this invention with the feed openings in the inner housing member communicating with the feed openings in the outer housing member; -
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the feeder ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the feed level control device of this invention; -
FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view of the device ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 is a bottom elevational view of the device ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view of the feeder ofFIG. 1 with the broken lines illustrating the manner in which the outer housing member moves downwardly with respect to the inner housing member should a squirrel move on to the outer housing member; -
FIG. 7 is a partial bottom perspective view of the feeder ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a modified form of the invention; -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a bird feeder having the feed level control device of this invention mounted thereon; -
FIG. 10 is a partial side sectional view of the feeder ofFIG. 9 ; and -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a modified form of the feeder ofFIG. 9 with the feed level control device of this invention mounted therein. - Embodiments are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying figures, which form a part hereof and show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments. These embodiments are disclosed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. However, embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense in that the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.
- The bird feeder of
FIGS. 1 and 2 is referred to by thereference numeral 10 and is seen to include anouter housing member 12 which vertically movably embraces aninner housing member 14. Although thehousing members housing members -
Housing member 12 will be described as having anupper end 16 and alower end 18.Housing member 12 includes a plurality of vertically spaced-apart housing segments housing member 12 is shown to have three housing segments,inner housing member 12 could have any number of housing segments. -
Housing segment 20 includes anupper ring 26 and alower ring 28 having an expanded metal ormesh wall 30 secured thereto and extending therebetween. Preferably, aguide slot 32 is provided at the upper end ofsegment 20 as seen inFIG. 2 .Segment 22 includes anupper ring 34 and alower ring 36 having an expanded metal ormesh wall 38 secured thereto and extending therebetween. A plurality of rigid support wires 40 are secured to lowerring 28 andupper ring 34 to maintain thesegments lower ring 28 andupper ring 34 creates a ring-shaped feed opening therebetween which is designated by thereference numeral 42. Preferably, a plurality ofperches 44 are pivotally secured toupper ring 34 ofsegment 22 as seen inFIG. 2 . -
Segment 24 includes an upper ring 46 and alower ring 48 having an expanded metal ormesh wall 50 secured thereto and extending therebetween. A plurality ofrigid support wires 52 are secured to lowerring 36 and upper ring 46 to maintain thesegments lower ring 36 and upper ring 46 creates a ring-shaped feed opening therebetween which is designated by thereference numeral 54. Preferably, perches 44 are pivotally secured to upper ring 46 ofsegment 24. -
Housing member 12 includes a ring-shapedsupport 56 which is positioned belowlower ring 48 ofsegment 24. A plurality ofrigid support wires 58 are secured to and extend betweenlower ring 48 ofsegment 24 and the ring-shapedsupport 56 to maintainlower ring 48 andsupport 56 in a spaced-apart relationship and to define a ring-shapedfeed opening 60 therebetween. Preferably, perches 44 are pivotally connected to support 56. The size of the openings in the expanded metal ormesh walls - For purposes of description,
inner housing member 14 will be described as having anupper end 60 and alower end 63.Housing member 14 includes a plurality of housing segments which are referred to by thereference numerals housing member 14 will correspond to the number of housing segments inhousing member 12. -
Housing segment 64 preferably includes an upper ring (not shown) and a lower ring with an expanded metal ormesh wall 72 secured thereto and extending therebetween.Housing segment 66 preferably includes anupper ring 74 and alower ring 76 with an expanded metal ormesh wall 78 secured thereto and extending therebetween.Housing segment 68 includes anupper ring 80, alower ring 82 with an expended metal ormesh wall 84 secured thereto and extending therebetween. It should be noted that the rings described above may not be necessary in all embodiments. The size of the openings inwalls - The numeral 86 refers to a feed level control device which also serves as a feed port and which is positioned between the lower end of
housing segment 64 and the upper end of housing segment and which is secured thereto. The numeral 86′ refers to a feed level control device and feed port which is positioned between the lower end ofhousing segment 66 and the upper end ofhousing segment 68 and which is secured thereto. The numeral 86″ refers to a device which is identical todevices Device 86″ is positioned at the lower end ofhousing segment 68 and is secured thereto. Inasmuch asdevices only device 86 will be described in detail. -
Device 86 includes a cup-shaped or ring-shapedtrough 88 including abottom wall 90 and anupstanding side wall 92.Bottom wall 90 is provided with verysmall openings 94 formed therein for drainage purposes but which are sized sufficiently small enough to prevent feed from passing therethrough.Device 86 includes a truncated funnel-like portion 96 which includes anupper side wall 98 and asloped wall portion 100 extending downwardly and inwardly therefrom. A plurality ofsupports 102 extend fromportion 96 to thetrough 88 to define spaced-apartopenings 104 therebetween.Device 86 includes a hollowtubular portion 106, the lower end of which communicates with opening 108 formed inbottom wall 90 oftrough 88 as seen inFIG. 5 . It should be noted that the upper end oftubular portion 106 ofdevice 86″ is closed by acap 110 which performs a dual purpose which will be described hereinafter. All of thedevices FIG. 2 , thedevice 86 presents feedopenings 104 between the lower end ofsegment 64 and the upper end ofsegment 66.Device 86′ presents feedopenings 104′ between the lower end ofsegment 66 and the upper end ofsegment 68. As seen inFIG. 1 ,device 86″ presents feedopenings 104″ between the lower end ofsegment 68 and thesupport 56. -
Inner housing member 14 includes a cap or cover 112 and ahanger 114.Cap 112 has an inside diameter sufficiently large enough so as to be able to receive the upper end ofhousing member 12 therein.Housing segment 64 includes aguide 116 extending therefrom as seen inFIG. 2 . - The
bird feeder 10 is assembled as follows. The upper end ofspring 118 is secured to cap 110 so thatspring 118 is positioned intubular portion 106″.Inner housing member 14 is then extended downwardly into the open upper end of outer housing member until the lower end ofdevice 86″ rests onsupport 56 withguide 116 being received inguide slot 32. The lower end ofspring 118 is then connected to support 56. At that time,spring 118 will yieldably urgeouter housing member 12 to its upper position whereinfeed openings 104 ofdevice 86 will register withfeed opening 42, feedopenings 104′ ofdevice 86 will register withfeed opening 54 and feedopenings 104″ will register withfeed opening 60. Bird feed is then poured into the upper end ofinner housing member 14 with thetubular portions devices tubular portions inner housing member 14. Birds may perch on theperches 44 and feed from thetroughs feed openings devices - As stated above, the openings in the
segments inner housing 14 are such that the bird feed therein will not flow outwardly therethrough. If a squirrel should jump or move onto theouter housing member 12, the weight of the squirrel will cause theouter housing member 12 to move downwardly with respect to theinner housing member 14 which will cause thefeed openings feed openings walls - When the squirrel moves from the
outer housing member 12, thespring 118 causes theouter housing member 12 to move upwardly to its upper position so thatfeed openings devices Different springs 118 may be utilized to change the responsiveness of movement of theouter housing member 12 relative toinner housing member 14. -
FIG. 8 illustrates a modified form of the invention which is referred to by thereference numeral 210 and which includes anouter housing member 212 and aninner housing member 214. The only difference betweenfeeder 210 andfeeder 10 is that the housing members offeeder 210 are constructed of metal woven wire rather than the expanded metal or mesh offeeder 10. As seen inFIG. 8 , thefeeder 210 utilizes thedevices -
FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a further embodiment of the feeder and which is designated by thereference numeral 310. Thefeeder 310 is very similar to the feeder disclosed in my U.S. Pat. No. 6,047,661 except thatfeeder 310 has two “hour glass”feeder bodies device 86 positioned therebetween and with adevice 86, less the tubular portion, positioned at the lower end ofbody 314. Thefeeder 310 is not squirrel-proof but utilizes theimproved device 86 previously described to function as feed level control devices. -
FIG. 11 illustrates yet another embodiment of the feeder but which is not squirrel-proof. Thefeeder 410 ofFIG. 11 is much like thefeeder 310 except that threefeeder bodies device 86 is positioned between the lower end offeeder body 412 and the upper end offeeder body 414 and adevice 86 is positioned between the lower end offeeder body 414 andfeeder body 416. Adevice 86, less the tubular portion, is mounted at the lower end offeeder body 416. The twouppermost devices 86 inFIG. 11 act as feed level control devices. - Although the invention has been described in language that is specific to certain structures and methodological steps, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific structures and/or steps described. Rather, the specific aspects and steps are described as forms of implementing the claimed invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be practiced without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.
Claims (6)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US13/066,425 US20110192350A1 (en) | 2009-05-15 | 2011-04-14 | Squirrel-proof bird feeder and feed level control device |
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US12/454,281 US7992520B2 (en) | 2009-05-15 | 2009-05-15 | Squirrel-proof bird feeder and feed level control device |
US13/066,425 US20110192350A1 (en) | 2009-05-15 | 2011-04-14 | Squirrel-proof bird feeder and feed level control device |
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US12/454,281 Division US7992520B2 (en) | 2009-05-15 | 2009-05-15 | Squirrel-proof bird feeder and feed level control device |
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US20110192350A1 true US20110192350A1 (en) | 2011-08-11 |
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US12/454,281 Active 2029-09-30 US7992520B2 (en) | 2009-05-15 | 2009-05-15 | Squirrel-proof bird feeder and feed level control device |
US13/066,425 Abandoned US20110192350A1 (en) | 2009-05-15 | 2011-04-14 | Squirrel-proof bird feeder and feed level control device |
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US12/454,281 Active 2029-09-30 US7992520B2 (en) | 2009-05-15 | 2009-05-15 | Squirrel-proof bird feeder and feed level control device |
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Cited By (2)
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US20150000602A1 (en) * | 2013-06-26 | 2015-01-01 | Aspects, Inc. | Adapter sleeve for bottom of feeders |
US20150114300A1 (en) * | 2013-10-28 | 2015-04-30 | Rick Patterson | Reinforced feeder for livestock |
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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WO2008085822A2 (en) * | 2007-01-03 | 2008-07-17 | Pets International, Ltd. | Wild bird feeder |
US10463025B2 (en) | 2010-05-03 | 2019-11-05 | Classic Brands, LLC | Reversible insert for bird feeder |
USRE48343E1 (en) | 2010-05-03 | 2020-12-08 | Classic Brands, LLC | Hopper type wild bird feeder |
US8857374B1 (en) | 2011-05-13 | 2014-10-14 | Classic Brands, LLC | Hopper type wild bird feeder |
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US20150114300A1 (en) * | 2013-10-28 | 2015-04-30 | Rick Patterson | Reinforced feeder for livestock |
US9288965B2 (en) * | 2013-10-28 | 2016-03-22 | Rick Patterson | Reinforced feeder for livestock |
Also Published As
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US20100288200A1 (en) | 2010-11-18 |
US7992520B2 (en) | 2011-08-09 |
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