Perch for a bird feeder

A perch configuration for a bird feeder, the bird feeder having a seed container and a seed access area to permit a bird to land thereon to feed from the seed access area, the perch member having a generally inverted U-shaped configuration whereby when a bird perches on the member, there are no sharp edges contacting the bird's claws.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to bird feeders and more particularly, relates to an improved perch structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of bird feeders is well known in the art. The feeding of birds, particularly during inclement weather, is widely practised. Most of the bird feeders comprise a container which will house the seeds or other bird feed and allow for distribution of the seed to the birds at positions whereby they can feed. Typically, the bird seed is allowed to feed by gravity to a position proximate to one or more bird perches upon which the bird can land and eat the seed.

Many different types of seed feeders are known and one particular type includes that which is known as “squirrel proof”. These squirrel proof feeders incorporate a mechanism to prevent squirrels from feeding. Some of the mechanisms include weight sensitive technology which denies access to the seed when a weight above a certain predetermined amount lands on the perch. Other mechanisms use mechanical barriers such as baffles on poles.

In all instances, the bird feeders provide a perch area on which the birds can land and stay while they access the seed from the feeder. The perches may form a portion of the feeder itself or may be provided as a separate member.

One type of perch which is widely used is a stamped metal piece. With this process, the metal is cut or stamped and the piece is secured to the bird feeder. It has been noted by Applicant that such perches appear uncomfortable for some birds and they will not remain for very long on the perch.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a perch for a bird feeder and which perch will maximize comfort of the birds at the feeder.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided, a bird feeder having a seed container and a seed access arrangement, a perch structure located proximate the seed access area to permit a bird to land thereon to eat from the seed access area, the improvement comprising a plurality of perch members, at least one of the perch members having a somewhat generally inverted U-shaped configuration whereby when a bird perches on the member, there are no sharp edges contacting the bird's claws.

As discussed above, the perch structure may form a portion of the feeder or alternatively, may be a separate component which is attached to the feeder.

In the embodiment described herein, the bird feeder will include a seed tube which has an open top and an open lower end. The seed tube is preferably cylindrical in configuration and may be formed of any suitable material with a preferred material being a transparent plastic material to provide visual access to the container's interior and thereby show the seed level.

A cover is designed to fit on top of the open top end of the seed tube. Preferably, the cover is removably attached to the seed tube and there are different arrangements known in the art. Preferably, the cover will be in a locking/unlocking relationship with the top of the seed tube.

Preferably, the bird feeder of the present invention uses a seed tube base which is removably attached to the open lower end. This presents the advantage that access may be had to the bottom of the seed tube where moisture may accumulate and result in spoilage of the seed.

In a preferred embodiment, the perch forms a portion of the shroud which surrounds the seed openings as will be described in greater detail hereinbelow. The perch may also function as a stand for the seed container. In a preferred embodiment, the perch or stand has a plurality of circular elements which extend completely about the seed container with a plurality of radial elements extending between the circular elements. Gaps are formed between the circular elements and radial elements.

Each of the circular elements and radial elements preferably is formed to have an inverted U-shaped configuration wherein there is provided a substantially flat upper surface upon which the birds would perch. Extending downwardly from each side of the upper surface are side walls which merge with the substantially flat upper surface to form rounded corners.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings in greater detail and by reference characters thereto, there is illustrated a bird feeder of the squirrel resistant type and which bird feeder is generally designated by reference numeral10.

Bird feeder10is comprised of a seed tube generally designated by reference numeral12, a cover generally designated by reference numeral14, a hanger generally designated by reference numeral16, a shroud generally designated by reference numeral18, and a stand (forming a portion of shroud18) generally designated by reference numeral20. Bird feeder10also includes a funnel generally designated by reference numeral22and a seed tube base generally designated by reference numeral24.

Seed tube12defines a seed container having a cylindrical wall28. Seed tube12has an open upper end30and an open lower end32.

Located at open upper end30is a an upper ring34which sits on seed tube12. Upper ring34includes a lower circular wall36and an upwardly tapering wall38. Upper ring34also includes an upper side wall40which has protrusions42extending outwardly therefrom. Preferably, there are provided a pair of such protrusions42each being diametrically opposed to the other. A pair of recesses44are provided in upper side wall40for reasons which will become apparent hereinbelow. Also, an upwardly extending wall46defines a slot48. There are two such structures located on upper ring34.

Cover14, as may be seen inFIGS. 8 and 9, has a domed top wall52and a vertical side wall54extending downwardly therefrom. There is also provided a sloping wall56which terminates in a drip edge58. Protrusions60are provided on the inner surface of vertical side wall54. Preferably four such protrusions are provided. A pair of diametrically opposed protrusions60are designed to engage with protrusions42to hold the cover in position. A second pair of protrusions60engage within recesses44as is known in the art. Cover14also has a pair of recesses62formed in domed top wall52with an aperture64being located thereat.

Hanger16comprises a relatively stiff wire68. Wire68passes through aperture64and is provided with an enlarged portion70which sits under upper ring34and is thereby retained in position. In an alternative embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 15 and 16, wire68passes through cylindrical wall28with enlarged portion70retaining the wire.

Funnel22, best illustrated inFIGS. 17 and 18, has an upper wall76with a plurality of protrusions78being formed thereon. Each protrusion78is designed to fit within an aperture formed in the bottom portion of cylindrical wall28of seed tube12. To aid in locking and unlocking, a sloping wall80is provided thereon.

Funnel22also has a lower wall82which is funnel shaped to help direct seeds as will be discussed hereinbelow. A middle wall section84extends downwardly from upper wall76and is spaced from lower wall82. Threads86are provided on the interior of middle wall84. A drainage member88extends outwardly from middle wall section84and has a U-shaped drainage channel90formed therein for reasons which will become apparent hereinbelow. It will be noted that there are gaps92between sections of middle wall section84to direct any water away from the feed openings.

Seed tube base24, as may be seen inFIG. 13, has an upper side wall98which has a plurality of threads100thereon. Threads100are designed to engage with threads86formed on middle wall section84of funnel22. A plurality of feed openings102are provided in side wall96of seed tube base24. As will be noted, there is provided a rim protrusion104which extends partially about the upper portion of feed openings102. This arrangement allows rainwater to pass to the side of the feed openings102.

Shroud18has a lower side wall108with a plurality of feed openings110therein. An upper side wall112is directed to lower side wall108. A baffle114extends circumferentially around the shroud and is located on upper side wall112such that it is above feed openings110to provide protection from the weather such as rain. It is obviously important that the baffle is located above the feed openings while also being close to the feed openings. An interior bottom wall has a plurality of drainage apertures116formed therein.

Located inwardly of the seed tube base is a longitudinally extending post generally designated by reference numeral120. Post120is formed of a cylindrical wall121having a top wall123. Located internally of post120is a rod122which has a flange124formed at the top end thereof. A lower portion126of rod122has screwthreads128formed thereon. Extending about rod122is a coil spring130which has a first end biased against top flange124. A base member132is provided and is connected to the seed tube base by means of screws134. A cap136is screwthreadedly engaged with lower portion126by screwthreaded engagement with screwthreads128.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 4, rod122has an enlarged portion123at its upper end.

Stand20, as seen in the drawings, also functions as a perch for the birds. Stand or perch20is comprised of a plurality of circular elements140which extend completely around the shroud. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two such circular elements although more may be utilized if so desired. A plurality of radial elements142extend between and connect circular elements140. A plurality of gaps144are formed by this structure.

Each of circular elements140and radial elements142is designed to have somewhat flat upper surface146. On each side of upper surface146, a pair of side walls148extend downwardly. The transition between upper surface146and side walls148is provided by arcuate corners150.

The arrangement is such that no sharp corners are present when the birds land on circular elements140or radial elements142. The birds appear to be more comfortable with this arrangement.

It will be understood that the above described embodiment is for purposes of illustration and that changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.