Animal husbandry – Feeding device – Trough – bunk – or manger
Reexamination Certificate
2000-06-19
2001-12-04
Jordan, Charles T. (Department: 3644)
Animal husbandry
Feeding device
Trough, bunk, or manger
C119S435000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06325019
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a mobile bird feeder, and more particularly, to one which not only maintains and retains the feed in a dry condition, but resistant to invasion by and access to squirrels.
2. Description of Related Art
The present invention fulfills a long felt need for a bird feeder that retains the feed in a zone where it is impervious to marauding, raiding and destruction by squirrels and is complementary to its surrounding environment.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,977,363 represents one attempt to provide a squirrel-resistant bird feeder with the feeder having a dual-pitched roof and pivoting action that dumps the squirrel as it attempts to move down the roof. However, the device will not perform well for large feeders where the center of gravity is unaffected by the motion of the squirrel.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,389,975 discloses a bird feeder that may be pole-mounted and utilizes baffles with angles that render the feeder unscaleable and inaccessible. However, the use of baffles requires additional moving parts, and will not provide protection those jumping squirrels which may jump from overhead.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,195,460 discloses the use of a singular tubular post as a bird feeder support, with the use of polyvinyl chloride material as cross members to support multiple feeders. However, the polyvinyl tubes must be kept sleek and slippery with regular polishing.
None of the above devices as disclosed, either singularly or in combination, describe a device with the features of the present invention. The present squirrel-proof bird feeder is free of mechanical parts that may be subject to maintenance or deterioration problems such as rust or other types of deterioration, but instead relies on a weather-resistant material, such as methylmethacrylate. The simple geometric configuration of the present invention with the naturally polished, slippery surface prevents the squirrels from obtaining and maintaining a foothold on the feeder. Also, the use of methylmethacrylate deters the rodent from gnawing and thus destroying the feeder.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is an improved bird feeder that makes access for squirrels difficult, as difficult as the owner may require for his own objectives, while facilitating feeding of small birds including song birds and other wild birds.
The invention includes an outer guard or shroud element made from a highly-polished, slippery methylmethacrylate material such as Lucite™ in a geometric configuration which prevents squirrels from gaining or maintaining a foothold, thus denying access to the bird food. The inner food container is anchored underneath the guard element, supported from the under-surface of the guard by tubular support members, the tubular supports also being made of a methylmethacrylate material such as Lucite™.
The transparent guard element is aesthetically pleasing, and allows complete and pleasant viewing of birds while feeding.
It is an object of the invention to provide a bird feeder that is resistant to invasion by squirrels.
It is still another object of the invention to provide a bird feeder that is resistant to destruction by squirrels.
A further object of the invention is to provide a bird feeder that will protect the bird food from adverse weather elements, such as snow, wind, or rain.
A yet further object of the invention is to provide a bird feeder that is highly functional and useful while being aesthetically and architecturally pleasing.
It is another object to provide a structure with no moving parts, that is easy to assemble.
These and other objects of the invention will become apparent from the following description, drawings, and claims.
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Haugen Law Firm PLLP
Jordan Charles T.
Smith Kimberly S
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