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.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to a bird feeder and, more particularly, to a hummingbird feeder. 
   2. Background of the Invention 
   A conventional hummingbird feeder typically includes a small-mouth bottle and a base. Due to presence of high sugar content in hummingbird nectar, which results in accumulation of solids and growth of mold inside the bottle and base, cleaning of the feeder must be frequent to maintain a desirable level of performance. Such frequent cleaning is considered by many users to be difficult for several reasons. For example, the users must use a variety of brushes that can fit into the small mouth of the bottle to clean the interior. Cleaning using a rag or sponge is generally impractical. 
   Accordingly, there is a clear need for novel hummingbird feeders that are easy to clean. Preferred embodiments of the invention are configured to provide a base that can easily be separated for cleaning. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   One embodiment of the invention provides a hummingbird feeder that includes a nectar reservoir, a cover portion and a bottom portion. 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 bottom portion includes a second mating region. The second mating region is configured to mate with the first mating region. 
   Preferably, the bottom portion also includes a retaining wall located within and affixed to the bottom portion for retaining liquid within an inner region of the bottom portion that is defined by the retaining wall. The retaining wall preferably restricts liquid from flowing to an outer region of the bottom portion, the outer region lying outside the retaining wall and within an outer ridge of the bottom portion. 
   Preferably, the bottom portion includes a mounting region configured to receive a mounting pole. The mounting region preferably includes a sleeve that has 3 contact pads defining an inner diameter of about one inch. 
   Preferably, the hummingbird feeder further includes a perching region. The perching region can be attached to either the cover portion or the bottom portion. For example, the perching region can be attached to the first mating region or the second mating region. Preferably, each of the first mating region and the second mating region includes four mating members. Preferably, the four mating members are equally spaced. 
   The feeding region includes at least one feeding port that is configured to accommodate a beak of a hummingbird to access nectar. Preferably, the feeding port has an opening of about one-eighth of an inch. 
   Preferably, the reservoir coupling region includes a spiral thread. Preferably, the reservoir coupling region has a circular shape. Preferably, the circular shape has a diameter ranging from between about two inches and about three inches. Preferably, the diameter is about two and one-half inches. 
   Another preferred embodiment of the invention includes a hummingbird feeder that includes a nectar reservoir and a base. The reservoir is configured to contain nectar in the interior of the reservoir. The reservoir further includes a mouth through which the nectar flows into and out of the interior of the reservoir. The base is configured to be coupled to the mouth of the reservoir. The feeder includes a mating region for coupling a cover portion of the base and a bottom portion of the base. In addition, the feeder includes a feeding region that is configured to accommodate a beak of a hummingbird to access nectar within the feeder. The bottom portion includes a retaining wall for retaining liquid within an inner region of the bottom portion defined by the retaining wall, and for restricting liquid from flowing to an outer region of the bottom portion. 
   Preferably, the mouth of the reservoir includes a diameter of about 60 mm. Preferably, the reservoir has a capacity of about 16 to 32 fluid ounces. Preferably, the reservoir includes a hanging device disposed on a top end of the reservoir. 
   The mating region includes at least one cover mating unit and at least one bottom mating unit. Preferably, the mating region includes four cover mating units and four base mating units. 
   Preferably, the feeder further includes a perching region. Preferably, the perching region includes a perching ring that is attached to the mating region. For example, the perching region can be attached to the cover portion. Alternatively, the perching region can be attached to the bottom portion. 
   The feeding region is disposed on the cover portion. Preferably, the feeding region includes at least one feeding port. The at least one feeding port is configured to accommodate a beak of a hummingbird. 
   Another exemplary hummingbird feeder of the present invention includes a reservoir, a cover portion, and a bottom portion. The reservoir is configured to contain nectar in an interior of the reservoir. The reservoir comprises a mouth through which the nectar flows into and out of the interior of the reservoir. 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 mouth of the reservoir. The feeding region is configured to accommodate a beak of a hummingbird to access nectar. The bottom portion includes a second mating region configured to mate with the first mating region. 
   Preferably, the mouth of the reservoir includes a first spiral thread and the reservoir coupling region of the cover includes a second spiral thread. The second spiral thread is configured to couple with the first spiral thread to provide an air tight seal. 
   Preferably, the first mating region and the second mating region are configured to provide a water-tight seal. 
   The cover portion includes a top surface. Preferably, the feeding region is disposed on the top surface. Preferably, the top surface is configured to slope down from the reservoir coupling region to an outer edge of the cover portion. Preferably, the feeding region includes at least one feeding port. Each feeding port is configured to accommodate a beak of a hummingbird. Preferably, there are ten feeding ports equally spaced on the top surface. Preferably, the feeding region includes a raised surface that surrounds at least one feeding port. Preferably, the raised surface is configured in the shape of a flower. Preferably, the bottom portion includes a retaining wall that retains liquid within an inner region of the bottom portion defined by the retaining wall and restricts liquid from flowing to an outer region of the bottom portion. 
   In another embodiment of the present invention, a base of a hummingbird feeder contains a coupling region configured to couple with a reservoir of the hummingbird feeder. The base also includes a feeding region surrounding the coupling region that contains at least one feeding port configured to accommodate a beak of a hummingbird. A mating region surrounds the feeding region, wherein the mating region is configured to detachably couple a cover portion of the base to a bottom portion of the base. The mating region preferably includes four pairs of cover mating units and bottom mating units, where each of the cover mating units is attached to the cover portion of the base and each of the bottom mating units is attached to the bottom portion of the base. The bottom portion includes a retaining wall that retains liquid within an inner region of the bottom portion defined by the retaining wall and restricts liquid from flowing to an outer region of the bottom portion. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention in its fully assembled condition, which can be configured to be mounted on a mounting pole or be hung on a tree. 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram showing the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1  in its disassembled condition. 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates the perspective views of a cover portion and a bottom portion of an exemplary base of the invention. 
       FIG. 3B  illustrates a bottom portion of a hummingbird feeder that includes a retaining wall, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  depict the top views of the cover portion and the bottom portion, respectively, of  FIG. 3 . 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  depict the side views of the cover portion and the bottom portion, respectively, of  FIG. 3 . 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  depict the bottom views of the cover portion and the bottom portion, respectively, of  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 7  depicts the details of a cover portion mating member and a bottom portion mating member that couple the cover portion and the bottom portion of  FIG. 3A . 
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart showing an exemplary method for using the exemplary hummingbird feeder shown in  FIG. 3 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1  is a diagram showing a preferred embodiment of the invention. Hummingbird feeder system  100  includes reservoir  200 , feeder base  300 , and optional hanging cap  400 .  FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram showing the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1  in its disassembled condition.  FIGS. 3A and 3B  show the perspective views of cover portion  350  and respective bottom portions  360  and  370 .  FIGS. 4A and 4B  show the top views of cover portion  350  and bottom portion  360 .  FIGS. 5A and 5B  show the side views of cover portion  350  and bottom portion  360 .  FIGS. 6A and 6B  show the bottom views of cover portion  350  and bottom portion  360 .  FIG. 7  shows the details of mating region  330 .  FIG. 8  is a flowchart showing an exemplary method for using the exemplary hummingbird feeder shown in  FIG. 3A . 
   Feeder base  300  includes coupling portion  310 , feeding region  320 , mating region  330 , and optional perching region  340 . Feeder base  300  includes cover portion  350  and bottom portion  360  (see  FIGS. 2–3A ). Cover portion  350  and bottom portion  360  are preferably completely detachable from each other. Cover portion  350  and bottom portion  360  are attached to each other at mating region  330 . 
   Hummingbird feeder system  100  can be configured to be hung on a support member, such as a tree branch. For example, hanging cap  400  can be configured to include loop  420  that can be used to receive a chain, a rope, or the like for hanging purposes. Hanging cap  400  is configured to be coupled to top region  220  of reservoir  200 . 
   In a different embodiment, bottom portion  360  can be configured to include mounting cave  362  (see  FIG. 6B ) to receive a mounting pole. For example, mounting cave  362  can be configured to receive a standard pipe that serves as the mounting pole. Preferably, mounting cave  362  is configured to receive a cylindrical mounting pole. For example, mounting cave  362  is appropriately sized to receive a standard pipe with a nominal diameter of about one inch. Mounting cave  362  is preferably between about one-half inch to one inch deep. Mounting cave  362  preferably includes at least one tooth  365 , which is configured to provide snug fit with the cylindrical mounting pole. 
   Reservoir  200  is configured to contain nectar. Preferably, reservoir  200  is configured to store about 16 to 32 fluid ounces (oz) of nectar. Preferably, reservoir  200  has mouth  210  (see  FIG. 7 ) having a diameter of about 2.5 inches or larger. This diameter allows a user&#39;s hand or a sponge or rag to reach into the interior of reservoir  200  for cleaning purposes. Reservoir  200  may have a rectangular prism shape as shown in  FIG. 1 . Alternatively, reservoir  200  may be configured to have a cylindrical or another shape. In other words, reservoir  200  can be of any shape or have any capacity so long as it is configured to be coupled to feeder base  300 . Preferably, as depicted in  FIG. 1 , reservoir  200  has a translucent appearance. The translucent quality of reservoir  200  provides several benefits. For example, the translucent characteristics allow easy determination of nectar level within reservoir  200  as well as provide a more aesthetic appearance. 
   Reservoir  200  and feeder base  300  can be coupled using any known coupling mechanism. As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the preferred coupling mechanism includes complementary spiral threads on each of reservoir  200  and feeder base  300  that lock onto each other. For example, coupling portion  310  of feeder base  300  may be configured to include feeder mating unit  312 , and mouth  210  may be configured to include a reservoir mating unit (not shown) that locks with feeder mating unit  312 . Exemplary embodiments of the invention use complementary spiral threads as feeder mating unit  312  and the reservoir mating unit (not shown). 
   As depicted in  FIG. 2 , feeder base  300  includes cover portion  350  and bottom portion  360 . Further, mating region  330  (depicted in  FIG. 1 ) includes one or more pairs of cover mating member  335  (hereinafter also referred to as “cover mating unit”) and base mating member  336  (hereinafter also referred to as “bottom mating unit”). Cover mating member  335  is preferably integrated to cover portion  350 , and bottom mating member  336  is preferably integrated to bottom portion  360 . Preferably, in the case of more than one cover and base mating member, the mating members are equally spaced. 
   In the preferred embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , perching region  340  includes a perching ring  342 . As depicted, perching ring  342  is configured to be part of bottom portion  360  and is connected to four base mating members  336 . In another embodiment, perching region  340  can be configured to be attached to cover mating members  335  or otherwise be integrated as part of cover portion  350 . 
   As discussed above, coupling portion  310  includes feeder mating unit  312  which is configured to mate with corresponding reservoir mating unit (not shown) associated with reservoir  200 . Preferably, as shown in  FIG. 4 , coupling portion  310  has a circular shape. The circular shape is desirable for accommodation of a reservoir that has a circular coupling region. Coupling portion  310  may have a different shape, for example, a square shape coupling portion that can be used to couple with a reservoir with a similar square shape coupling region. In that embodiment, mating unit  312  would not include a spiral thread. Instead, mating unit  312  may employ known snap-on mechanism. In summary, coupling portion  310  can be configured to any shape to correspond with the shape of a coupling region of a reservoir. 
   Feeding portion  320  is configured to attract hummingbirds and to allow the birds to retrieve nectar within. Exemplary feeding region  320  shown in the drawings includes 10 feeding ports  322 . Each feeding port  322  is appropriately sized to accommodate the beak of a hummingbird. Preferably, one or more feeding ports  322  are shaped like a flower as depicted in the drawings. Preferably, feeding ports  322  are further configured to include an attractive color that would attract hummingbirds. For example, feeding ports  322  are preferably red or other natural colors of flowers. 
     FIGS. 3A ,  5 A,  5 B, and  7  depict details of cover portion  350  and base portion  360  according to preferred embodiments of the present invention. As depicted in  FIG. 5A , cover portion  350  includes a cylindrical mating ridge  354  whose diameter is preferably less than that of circular cover portion top  356 . As further depicted in  FIGS. 3A and 5B , base portion  360  is preferably in the shape of a hollow cylindrical dish including an outer ridge  364 . In a preferred embodiment, the outer diameter of mating ridge  354  is about the same as the inner diameter of bottom portion outer ridge  364 , such that, when cover portion  350  and bottom portion  360  are brought together, ridge  354  fits snugly within outer ridge  364  and rim  358  comes to rest on the top of bottom portion outer ridge  364 . Accordingly, a substantially watertight seal between the cover portion mating region and the bottom portion may be formed. 
     FIG. 7  illustrates a side view of cover portion mating member  355  and bottom portion mating member  356 . In an exemplary embodiment, member  355  includes a top region  355   a  and a lower region  355   b , the latter of which has a somewhat “backwards L” shape when viewed in cross section from the outside. 
   In the example depicted in  FIG. 7 , bottom portion mating member  356 , deposed on the outer surface of ridge  364 , has a shape substantially that of an upside down “L”. As depicted more clearly in  FIG. 3A , top horizontal region  356   a  of mating member  356 , and lower portion  355   a  of cover mating member  355  preferably include slight ridge regions  356   c  and  355   c , on their respective horizontal surfaces. 
   Preferably, the dimensions and position of mating member  356  are such that, when mating ridge  354  rests within outer ridge  364 , and cover portion  350  and bottom portion  360  are mutually rotated in a clockwise direction with respect to one another, lower portion  355   b  engages and comes to rest underneath portion  356   a  of bottom portion mating member. As depicted in  FIG. 7 , the horizontal position of portion  335   b  with respect to that of  356   b  is such that ridge regions  355   c  and  356   c  (see  FIG. 3A ) interlock. Accordingly, when feeder  100  is suspended or otherwise held by the top reservoir, bottom portion  360  is nevertheless affixed securely to the cover portion, so that counterclockwise rotation and the potential for dislodging of the bottom portion are reduced. 
     FIG. 3A  additionally illustrates optional perch  342 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the example shown, perch  342  forms a ring that is joined to bottom portion  360  through mating members  356 , although perch  342  may alternatively be joined to cover portion  350 . Preferably, the diameter of the ring is such that, when cover portion  350  and bottom portion  360  are joined and a hummingbird perches with its feet on the ring, its beak can conveniently reach a hole in feeding port  322 . Preferably, the width of the ring is between about an eighth of an inch and a quarter of an inch, such that a hummingbird can conveniently grip the perch during feeding. 
     FIG. 3B  illustrates a bottom portion  370  of a humming bird feeder that includes a retaining wall  372  that lies within outer ridge  364 , according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, wall  372  forms a cylinder that is concentric with ridge  364 , where the cylinder height CH is sufficient to retain hummingbird nectar within region  374 , and prevent spillage of nectar into outer region  376 . Preferably height CH is sufficient to abut a lower surface  361  (see  FIG. 6A ) of cover portion  350  when cover portion  350  and base portion  360  are securely affixed together. Preferably, the diameter D 1  of retaining wall  372  is greater than the diameter D 2  of a circle defining the outer points of the holes of feeding ports  322 , with respect to the center of cover  350 . Accordingly, each feeding port hole is located over a portion of region  374  that contains hummingbird nectar when cover  360 , affixed to bottom portion  370 , is joined to reservoir  200  containing nectar, and the whole assembly is arranged according to  FIG. 1 . An advantage of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3B , is that the weight of liquid residing within feeder base  300  is reduced by limiting the nectar to region  374 , as opposed to when it also resides in region  376 . Thus, less force is placed on cover portion mating members  355  (see  FIG. 7 ) by the weight of bottom portion  360  and nectar contained therein. Additionally, because liquid is contained only within region  374  during feeder use, cleanup of bottom portion  360  especially in outer portions, is made easier due to less tendency for spillage and seepage to the outside of feeder base  300 . 
     FIG. 8  is a flowchart showing an exemplary method for using the exemplary hummingbird feeder shown in  FIG. 2 . 
   In step  802 , a suitable nectar reservoir is selected. Selection of the nectar reservoir depends on one simple consideration: whether a mouth of the nectar reservoir can be securely coupled to coupling region  310  of feeder base  300 . As noted above, reservoir  200  is an exemplary reservoir that can be used. 
   In step  804 , reservoir  200  is filled with nectar. 
   In step  806 , reservoir  200  is coupled to feeder base  300 . In a preferred embodiment that includes corresponding spiral threads on each of reservoir  200  and coupling portion  310 , hummingbird feeder base  300  is twisted clockwise relative to reservoir  200 . If feeder base  300  includes cover portion  350  and bottom portion  360 , these two components are preferably assembled together first prior to coupling reservoir  200  to feeder base  300 . As discussed above, coupling of cover portion  350  and bottom portion  360  can be accomplished by mating one or more pairs of corresponding feeder mating unit  335  and base mating unit  336 . 
   In step  808 , hummingbird feeder base  300  and reservoir  200  are placed in an operating position. As discussed above, if feeder base  300  includes mounting cave  362 , feeder base  300  can be mounted on a mounting pole. 
   In step  810 , once feeder base  300  and reservoir  200  are properly placed in position, nectar within reservoir  200  flows from reservoir  200  into feeder base  300  via coupling region  310 . 
   In step  812 , if an equilibrium is reached, the process goes to step  814 . Otherwise, nectar continues to flow until the equilibrium is reached. Similarly, as nectar is consumed (or evaporated or otherwise lost due to spillage, etc.), nectar flows from reservoir  200  into feeder base  300  to maintain the air pressure equilibrium. 
   In step  814 , if service is needed, the process goes to step  816 . Service can involve refilling or cleaning. 
   In step  816 , hummingbird feeder base  300  is taken off, e.g., removed from the mounting pole or from a hang hole. 
   In step  818 , reservoir  200  is de-coupled from hummingbird feeder base  300 . In the preferred embodiment that includes corresponding spiral threads on each of reservoir  200  and coupling portion  310 , hummingbird feeder base  300  is twisted counter-clockwise relative to reservoir  200 . 
   In step  820 , if a user observes that reservoir  200  requires cleaning, a user can simply follow the following steps. For example, in step  822 , to clean reservoir  200 , the user can use his or her hand or a sponge to wipe clean the interior of reservoir  200 . This is possible because mouth  210  is large enough so that a brush in not needed. 
   If reservoir  200  does not need cleaning, then in step  824 , a user can determine whether to clean feeder base  300 . If a user suspects or knows that feeder base  300  requires cleaning, then in step  826  cover portion  350  is separated from bottom portion  360 . This can be done by decoupling mating units  335  and  336 . Again, cleaning of the interior of feeder base  300  can then be easily accomplished. 
   If the feeder does not require cleaning, then the user proceeds directly to step  804 , reservoir  200  is placed up-side-down, and refilled with nectar. After the necessary servicing steps are completed, the reservoir is coupled to the feeder once more in step  806 . 
   The foregoing disclosure of the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many variations and modifications of the embodiments described herein will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the above disclosure. The scope of the invention is to be defined only by the claims appended hereto, and by their equivalents. 
   Further, in describing representative embodiments of the present invention, the specification may have presented the method and/or process of the present invention as a particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described. As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps set forth in the specification should not be construed as limitations on the claims. In addition, the claims directed to the method and/or process of the present invention should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention.