Abstract:
A hanger for hanging an object, such as a bird feeder, on an exterior support at a desired orientation relative to the exterior support. The hanger includes a first body having a hook at a first end thereof for mounting on the exterior support, a second body having one of a hook and a loop at a first end thereof for supporting the object, and a connector for orienting one of the first and second bodies with respect to the other of the first and second bodies. One of the first and second bodies includes a generally radially extending arm at a second opposite end thereof. The connector includes an opening defining a central axis for receiving the one of the first and second bodies, and a chamber proximate the opening for receiving the arm in one of a plurality of substantially fixed positions about the central axis.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/588,760, filed Oct. 27, 2006, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/731,318, filed Oct. 28, 2005 and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/800,794, filed May 16, 2006, the entire contents of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to feeders and, more particularly, to an animal feeder, and a hanger, such as a hanger for an animal feeder. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    In one aspect, the invention provides a hanger for hanging an object on an exterior support at a desired orientation relative to the exterior support. The hanger includes a first body having a hook at a first end thereof for mounting on the exterior support, a second body having one of a hook and a loop at a first end thereof for supporting the object, and a connector for orienting one of the first and second bodies with respect to the other of the first and second bodies. One of the first and second bodies includes an arm at a second opposite end thereof, the arm extending generally radially from the one of the first and second bodies. The connector includes an opening defining a central axis for receiving the one of the first and second bodies, and a chamber proximate the opening for receiving the arm in one of a plurality of substantially fixed positions about the central axis. 
         [0004]    In another aspect, the invention provides an animal feeder mountable on an exterior support. The animal feeder includes a housing for containing a feed and defining an opening for providing access to the feed, and a hanger for supporting the animal feeder. The hanger includes a first body having a hook at a first end thereof for mounting on the exterior support, a second body having one of a hook and a loop at a first end thereof for supporting the animal feeder, and a connector for orienting one of the first and second bodies with respect to the other of the first and second bodies. One of the first and second bodies includes an arm at a second opposite end thereof, the arm extending generally radially from the one of the first and second bodies. The connector includes an opening defining a central axis for receiving the one of the first and second bodies, and a chamber proximate the opening for receiving the arm in one of a plurality of substantially fixed positions about the central axis. 
         [0005]    Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an animal feeder according to the present invention. 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  is a partially exploded perspective view of the animal feeder of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  is a section view of the animal feeder taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of a hanger according to the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  is a front view of the hanger of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the hanger of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 7  is a top view of the hanger of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of the hanger of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 9  is a front view of a first portion of the hanger of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 10  is a side view of the first portion of the hanger of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 11  is a front view of a second portion of the hanger of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 12  is a side view of the second portion of the hanger of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 13  is a top view of a third portion of the hanger of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 14  is a section view of the third portion of the hanger taken along line  14 - 14  of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 15  is a front view of the third portion of the hanger of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 16  is a side view of the third portion of the hanger of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the third portion of the hanger of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 18  is a side view of a hanger according to the present invention, with in a first orientation. 
           [0024]      FIG. 19  is another side view of the hanger shown in  FIG. 18  in a second orientation. 
           [0025]      FIG. 20  is an enlarged perspective view of the hanger shown in  FIG. 18 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 21  is an bottom view of the hanger shown in  FIG. 18 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 22  is an exploded perspective view of a hanger according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 23  is an enlarged view of a portion of the hanger shown in  FIG. 22 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 24  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a portion of the hanger shown in  FIG. 22 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 25  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the hanger shown in  FIG. 22 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view of a hanger according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 27  is a perspective view of a hanger according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 28  is a perspective view of a hanger according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 29  is a perspective view of a hanger according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 30  is a perspective view of an animal feeder according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 31  is an exploded view of the animal feeder of  FIG. 30 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 32  is a cross sectional view of the animal feeder of  FIG. 30  in a first position. 
           [0038]      FIG. 33  is a cross sectional view of the animal feeder of  FIG. 30  in a second position. 
           [0039]      FIG. 34  is an exploded view of a portion of the animal feeder of  FIG. 30 . 
           [0040]      FIG. 35  is a perspective view of a portion of the animal feeder of  FIG. 30 . 
           [0041]      FIG. 36  is a perspective view of a portion of the animal feeder of  FIG. 30 . 
       
    
    
       [0042]    Before the various embodiments of the present invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that phraseology and terminology used herein with reference to device or element orientation (such as, for example, terms like “top,” “side”, “upper,” “lower,” “front,” and the like) are only used to simplify description of the present invention, and do not alone indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation. The elements of the feeder and hanger referred to in the present invention can be installed and operated in any orientation desired. In addition, terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” are used herein for purposes of description and are not intended to indicate or imply relative importance or significance. 
         [0043]    Also, the use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0044]      FIGS. 1-3  illustrate an animal feeder  10  and a hanger  12  according to some embodiments of the present invention. The feeder  10  includes a cage or frame  14  and chambers or feed bins  16  selectively supported in the frame  14  for housing animal feed. 
         [0045]    In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3 , the feeder  10  includes first, second, and third chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c , each of which can house a different animal feed to provide animals with a variety of feed choices. Alternatively, each of the first, second, and third chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c  can house a feed intended for a different animal. 
         [0046]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the first, second, and third chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c  each have a generally triangular cross-sectional shape. In other embodiments, the first, second, and third chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c  can have any other cross-sectional shape desired, such as, for example, a circular, rectangular, or other polygonal shape, an irregular shape, and the like. Other embodiments can include one, two, four, or more chambers  16 , each of which can be movably supported in the frame  14 . 
         [0047]    In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3 , the first, second, and third chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c  are formed from transparent or semi-transparent plastic material so that animals can view the feed contained in the first, second, and third chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c . In other embodiments, the first, second, and third chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c  can be formed from other materials, such as, for example, metal, wood, glass, and composites. These other materials can be transparent, translucent, and/or opaque. 
         [0048]    Each of the first, second, and third chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c  can include tracks or other inter-engaging elements (not shown) for removably interconnecting the first, second, and third chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c . Alternatively or in addition, other fasteners, such as, for example, screws, nails, rivets, pins, posts, clips, clamps, and any combination of such fasteners can also be used to hold the first, second, and third chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c  together within the frame  14 . In some embodiments, a single chamber may include one or more partitions to divide the chamber into a plurality of smaller chambers. 
         [0049]    In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3 , the first, second, and third chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c  each include sidewalls  18 , a closed bottom end  20 , an open top end  22 , and a number of openings  24  spaced along the sidewalls  18  for providing access to the interior of the first, second, and third chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c . In such embodiments, the open top end  22  facilitates refilling and cleaning of the first, second, and third chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c.    
         [0050]    In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3 , openings  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c  are equally spaced along the length of the first, second, and third chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c  between upper and lower ends of the first, second, and third chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c . In some embodiments, the upper-most openings  24  are positioned between about one inches and about five inches from the top ends  22  of the first, second, and third chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c  and the bottom-most openings  24  are positioned between about one inches and about five inches from the bottom ends  20  of the first, second, and third chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c . In addition, intermediate openings  24  can be positioned at least five inches from the bottom ends  20  of the first, second, and third chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c.    
         [0051]    As explained in greater detail below, the hanger  12  of the present design prevents undesirable animals from feeding from the feeder  10 , while allowing the feeder  10  to be relatively small in size. Similarly, the hanger  12  of the present invention allows openings  24  to be positioned along the length of each of the first, second, and third chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c  between the top and bottom ends  22 ,  22 , while allowing the feeder  10  to be relatively small in size and also preventing undesirable animals from feeding from the feeder  10 . 
         [0052]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , in some embodiments, hoods  26  extend inwardly from the side wall  18  toward the interior of the first, second, and third chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c  above each of the openings  20 . In these embodiments, the hoods  26  can prevent feed from spilling out of the first, second, and third chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c  when the chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c  are filled with feed. 
         [0053]    In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3 , the frame  14  can include a roof or cover  28 , downwardly extending legs  32 , side members or doors  34  extending between the legs  32 , and openings  36  defined between the legs  32  and the doors  34 . As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the frame  14  can also include perches  40  or other outwardly extending protrusions for supporting animals while the animals feed. In some embodiments, the feeder  10  can be suspended to allow taller animals such as deer to feed from the ground while shorter animals would be unable to reach the feeder  10  from the ground. 
         [0054]    In the illustrated embodiment, the hanger  12  includes an elongated member  46  for supporting the feeder  10  under a branch or overhang. In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3 , at least a portion of the elongated member  46  is a flexible member and can be formed of string, cable, twine, an elastomeric material, and the like. In other embodiments, the elongated member  46  or a portion of the elongated member  46  can be a rigid member, such as, for example, a rod, rigid shaft, or wire. The hanger  12  can also include a hook or a loop  48  secured to an upper end of the elongated member  46  for securing the feeder  10  to a branch or overhang. 
         [0055]    A lower end of the elongated member  46  can be secured to a locking element or locking tab  50 . As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the locking tab  50  has a generally circular shape and includes a notch  52 . In the illustrated embodiment, the notch  52  extends across approximately 120 degrees of the circumference of the locking tab  50 . In other embodiments, the locking tab  50  and the notch  52  can have other shapes, orientations, and relative sizes. 
         [0056]    In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3 , the locking tab  50  is rotatable about an axis of the elongated member  46  and is movable relative to the elongated member  46 , the first, second, and third chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c , and the frame  14  between a locked position and unlocked positions. In the locked position, the locking tab  50  extends across the first, second, and third chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c  and the notch  52  is misaligned with each of the first, second, and third chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c  to secure the first, second, and third chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c  to the elongated member  46  and the frame  14 . In the unlocked positions, the locking tab  50  is moved relative to the first, second, and third chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c  and the notch  52  is moved into alignment with one of the first, second, and third chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c  so that the selected chamber can be removed from the frame  14  for cleaning or filling. 
         [0057]    The locking tab  50  can also include an actuator  56  for moving the locking tab  50  between the locked and unlocked positions. In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the actuator  56  extends downwardly from the locking tab  50  for engagement between an operator&#39;s fingers. In other embodiments, the locking tab  50  and the actuator  56  can have other orientations and shapes. 
         [0058]    As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the hanger  12  includes a flange  60  for supporting the elongated member  46  and the first, second, and third chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c  in the frame  14 . In the illustrated embodiment, the flange  60  includes a central support  62  and three arms  64  extending outwardly from the central support  62 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the elongated member  46  extends through the central support  62  and is prevented from moving laterally with respect to the frame  14 . 
         [0059]    In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3 , the arms  64  extend outwardly through slots  68  in the frame  14  to facilitate movement of the frame  14  and the flange  60  relative to the first, second, and third chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c  along the axis of the elongated member  46 . 
         [0060]    The feeder  12  can also include a biasing assembly  72  supported on the elongated member  46 . In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3 , the biasing assembly  72  includes an elastic member  74  (e.g., a spring) and a collar  76  for supporting the elastic member  74  in the feeder  10 . 
         [0061]    As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the collar  76  can be supported on the elongated member  46 . In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment, the collar  76  can be secured to the elongated member  46  in two or more positions and can be moved between the positions to adjust the spring force applied to the frame  14  by the elastic member  74 . In these embodiments, the elongated member  46  can have two or more outwardly extending protrusions  78  and the collar  76  can include an opening  80  for selectively engaging each of the protrusions  78 . 
         [0062]    In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic member  74  is a compression spring positioned between an underside of the roof  28  and an upper side of the collar  76 . The elasticity and the spring constant of the elastic member  74  are selected to maintain the frame  14  in a first position with respect to the chambers  16 . More particularly, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , when the frame  14  is in the first position, the openings  34  of the frame  14  are substantially aligned with the openings  24  in the first, second, and third chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c  so that an animal can access food in the first, second, and third chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c  through the openings  24 ,  34 . The elasticity and the spring constant of the elastic member  74  are also selected so that when a first predetermined mass (e.g., the mass of a rodent or other mammal or a crow or other large bird) is applied to the frame  14 , the elastic member  74  is compressed and the frame  14  is moved toward a second position in which the openings  34  of the frame  14  are substantially misaligned with the openings  24  in the first, second, and third chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c  so that animals are prevented from accessing food in the first, second, and third chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c  through the openings  24 ,  34 . The elasticity of the elastic member  74  can also be selected so that when a second mass (e.g., the mass of a songbird) is applied to the frame  14 , the elastic member  74  is not compressed and the frame  14  is maintained in the first position. 
         [0063]    In embodiments such as the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3  having two or more protrusions  78  positioned along the elongated member  46 , the collar  76  can be moved along the elongated member  46  to adjust the elastic member  74  so that substantially larger, or alternatively, substantially smaller masses are required to move the frame  14  between the first position and the second position. 
         [0064]    In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3 , the hanger  12  can include a sleeve  86  supported on the elongated member  46  and extending between the hook  48  and the roof  28 . In other embodiments, the sleeve  86  can extend along the elongated member  46  between less than the entire length between the hook  48  and the roof  28 . In yet other embodiments, the sleeve  86  can have a length of at least 3 inches to 4 inches. 
         [0065]    As explained below, in embodiments having a hanger  12 , such as the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3 , the length of the sleeve  86  can be inversely proportional to the height of the first, second, and third chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c  and/or the height of the frame  14 . More particularly, in such embodiments, a sleeve  86  having a relatively large length prevents squirrels, chipmunks, and other small animals from feeding from the feeder  10 , while allowing at least one of the first, second, and third chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c  and the frame  14  to have a relatively small overall size and/or height. 
         [0066]    As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a lower end of the sleeve  86  can be secured to the roof  28  and the sleeve  86  can be supported on the elongated member  46  for movement along the length of the elongated member  46 . In some embodiments, the sleeve  86  can be secured to the sides or tops of the first, second, and third chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c.    
         [0067]    In operation, when an animal contacts the sleeve  86 , the mass of the animal applies a downward force to the roof  28 , causing the sleeve  86  and the frame  14  to move downwardly with respect to the first, second, and third chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c  toward the second position. As explained above, when the frame  14  is in the second position, the openings  34  of the frame  14  are substantially misaligned with the openings  24  in the first, second, and third chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c  so that animals are prevented from accessing food in the first, second, and third chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c  through the openings  24 ,  34 . 
         [0068]    In some embodiments, the distance  87  ( FIG. 1 ) between the top of the sleeve  86  and the closest aperture  24   a  is between about 18.5 inches and about 21.0 inches to prevent animals from clinging to the elongated member  46  above the sleeve  86  and reaching any of the apertures  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c . This distance  87  is also sufficient to prevent animals from reaching the feeder  10  from a branch or overhang that supports the feeder  10 . 
         [0069]    As mentioned above, the length of the sleeve  86  can be inversely proportional to the height of the first, second, and third chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c  and/or the height of the frame  14  and the distance  87  between the top of the sleeve  86  and the closest aperture  24  can be between about 18.5 inches and about 21 inches. Accordingly, in embodiments in which chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c  having relatively short heights are used, a sleeve  86  having a relatively large height can be used to prevent undesirable animals from accessing the feed. Similarly, in embodiments in which chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c  having relatively larger lengths are used, a sleeve  86  having a relatively small height can be used. In addition, in embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3 , in which openings  24  are spaced along the height of the chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c , a sleeve  86  having a relatively large length can be used to prevent undesirable animals from accessing the feed. 
         [0070]    In some embodiments of the present invention, one or more elements of the feeder  10 , such as, for example, the frame  14 , the sleeve  86 , and the first, second, and third chambers  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c  can be formed from a material including a flavor additive. In some such embodiments, the additive can be mixed with a plastic material during forming of the element of the feeder  10 . In these embodiments, the element of the feeder  10  can be formed of a molded plastic material having an additive. 
         [0071]    In some embodiments, additives having a bitter taste are used. In other embodiments, additives having a pepper or spicy flavor are used. In still other embodiments, other additives, including poisons, are added prior to or during forming of the elements of the feeder  10 . In these embodiments, the additive is selected to repel selected animals and to not repel other animals. For example, in some embodiments, the frame  14  is formed with an additive selected to repel mammals and to not repel birds. In some such embodiments, the additive is added in relatively small volumes so that animals are unable to taste the additive unless the animal scratches, claws, or chews on the element of the feeder  10  to expose the additive. 
         [0072]    Alternatively or in addition, one or more of the elements of the feeder  10  can be formed from or at least partially covered (e.g., painted, finished, glazed, brazed, etc.) with materials having microbial-inhibiting properties. In some such embodiments, the inclusion of anti-microbial materials substantially prevents the growth of microorganisms (e.g., e-coli, bird flu, bacteria and the like) on the feeder  10  or portions of the feeder  10 , thereby preventing or minimizing the transmission of microorganisms between animals and/or preventing or minimizing the transmission of microorganisms between animals and humans during cleaning and filling of the feeder  10 . 
         [0073]      FIGS. 4-16  illustrate a hanger  112  according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, the hanger  112  is operable to support an animal feeder on a tree or an overhang. In other embodiments, the hanger  112  can be used to support other hanging decorations (e.g., ornaments, lights, etc.) on a tree or an overhang. 
         [0074]    As shown in  FIGS. 4-16 , the hanger  112  includes a first body  114 , a second body  116  and a connector  118  for connecting the first body  114  to the second body  116  and for facilitating movement of the first body  114  with respect to the second body  116 . 
         [0075]    In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 4-16 , the first body  114  is a generally elongated member having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. In other embodiments, the first body  114  can have other cross-sectional shapes, such as, for example, a triangular, rectangular, trapezoidal, or any other polygonal shape, or any other regular or irregular shape. 
         [0076]    In some embodiments, an upper end of the first body  114  can be shaped to form a substantially V-shaped hook  122 . In the illustrated embodiment, a first leg  124  of the hook  112  is oriented at an angle of between about 80 degrees and about 90 degrees with respect to a second leg  126  of the hook  112 . In these embodiments, the hook  122  is shaped so that interior sides of the first leg  124  and the second leg  126  engage opposite sides of a branch to support the hanger  112  (and a feeder or another decoration supported by the hanger  112 ) on a branch and to prevent the hanger  112  (and the feeder or the other decoration supported by the hanger  112 ) from moving with respect to the branch. More particularly, the engagement between the branch and the interior sides of the first leg  124  and the second leg  126  prevent the hanger  112  from pivoting about an axis A with respect to the branch. 
         [0077]    In embodiments in which the hook  112  is substantially V-shaped, the interior sides of the first and second legs  124 ,  126  engage opposite sides of branches having a number of different sizes. In this manner, the hook  112  can non-movably engage a first branch having a first width and can non-movably engage a second branch having a second, different width. 
         [0078]    As shown in  FIGS. 4-16 , the second body  116  can include a hook or a loop  130  for supporting a feeder or another decoration. As also shown in  FIGS. 4-16 , the connector  118  is positioned between the first and second bodies  114 ,  116 . 
         [0079]    In the illustrated embodiment, the connector  118  includes a first connector body  134  and a second connector body  136  and a fastener  138  for removably securing the first connector body  134  to the second connector body  136 . As shown in  FIGS. 4-16 , the fastener  138  is insertable through openings  139  in the first and second connector bodies  134 ,  136 . In some embodiments, the fastener  138  is a threaded fastener, such as, for example, a screw. In other embodiments, other fasteners, such as, for example, pins, adhesives, and other conventional fasteners, magnets, clips, brackets, and hook and loop fastener material can be used to connect the first and second connector bodies  134 ,  136 . 
         [0080]    As shown in FIGS.  8  and  14 - 17 , the connector  118  includes an upper chamber  140  and a lower chamber  142 . Ribs  146  of the first and second connector bodies  134 ,  136  define a number of cavities  148  circumferentially spaced around the upper chamber  140 . Ribs  150  of the first and second connector bodies  134 ,  136  define a number of cavities  152  circumferentially spaced around the lower chamber  142 . 
         [0081]    In the illustrated embodiment, an arm  156  extends radially outwardly from a lower end  158  of the first body  114  and is selectively engageable in one of the cavities  148  of the upper chamber  140  to secure the first body  114  to the connector  118 . An arm  160  extends radially outwardly from an upper end  162  of the second body  116  and is selectively engageable in one of the cavities  152  of the lower chamber  142  to secure the second body  116  to the connector  118 . 
         [0082]    In operation, an operator secures the first body  114  to the connector  118  and secures the second body to the connector  118  and hangs the hanger  112  on a tree or an overhang. The operator then connects a decoration or a feeder to the hook  130  of the second body  116 . The operator can then readjust the hanger  112  so that the feeder or decoration is facing in a desired direction with respect to the tree or the overhang. More specifically, the operator can reorient the hanger  112  so that a predetermined side of the feeder or decoration is facing in a desired direction with respect to the tree or overhang. 
         [0083]    To adjust the hanger  112 , the operator removes the fastener  138  from the first and second connector bodies  134 ,  136  and moves the arm  156  of the first body  114  from one cavity  148  of the upper chamber  140  to another cavity  148  of the upper chamber  140 . Alternatively or in addition, the operator can move the arm  160  of the second body  116  from a cavity  152  of the lower chamber  142  to another cavity  152  of the lower chamber  142 . As mentioned above, the cavities  148  of the upper chamber  140  and the cavities  152  of the lower chamber  142  are spaced circumfererentially around the respective upper and lower chambers  140 ,  142  and have different relative orientations. Once the operator has adjusted the hanger  112 , the operator can re-hang the hanger  112  and the decoration from the tree or overhang so that the predetermined side of the feeder or decoration is facing in the desired direction with respect to the tree or overhang. 
         [0084]      FIGS. 18-21  illustrate a hanger  212  according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIGS. 18-19 , the hanger  212  includes a first body  214 , a second body  216 , and a connecting arrangement  218  for connecting the first body  214  to the second body  216  and for facilitating movement of the first body  214  with respect to the second body  216  to adjust an axial length L of the hanger  212 . In embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 18-21  having a connecting arrangement  218 , the length L of the hanger  212  can be adjusted for shipping and packaging. 
         [0085]    In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 18-21 , the connecting arrangement  218  includes an upper end  218   a  of the second body  216  wound helically around a lower end  218   b  of the first body  214  for facilitating telescoping movement of the second body  216  along the length of the first body  14 . As shown in  FIGS. 18 and 20 , the connecting arrangement  218  can also include a locking pin  219  for limiting telescoping movement of the second body  216  relative to the first body  214  and for preventing the first and second bodies  214 ,  216  from being separated. 
         [0086]    As shown in  FIGS. 18-21 , the first body  214  can have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape to facilitate telescoping movement of the second body  216  relative to the first body  214 . In other embodiments, the first body  214  can have other cross-sectional shapes, such as, for example, rectangular, oval, polygonal, irregular, etc. In embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 18-21 , the second body  216  can be pivoted relative to the first body  214  to facilitate packaging and shipping of the hanger  212 . 
         [0087]      FIGS. 22-29  illustrate hangers  312  according to alternate embodiments of the present invention. As shown in  FIGS. 22-29 , each of the hangers  312  can include a first body  314  and a second body  316  connected to the first body  314  for sliding movement relative to the first body  314  to change the length of each of the hangers  312 . In some of the illustrated embodiments, the hangers  312  also include connecting arrangements  318  for facilitating movement of the first bodies  314  with respect to the second bodies  316 . 
         [0088]    The embodiments described above and illustrated in the figures are presented by way of example only and are not intended as a limitation upon the concepts and principles of the present invention.