Broken wing bird effigy

Systems, devices, apparatus and methods for deterring birds and other animals from structures such as but not limited to cell towers, communications towers, buildings and areas to be protected. A broken wing effigy of the species to be deterred is suspended from an upper suspending structure and a lower suspending structure. The effigy body and wing appendage can each be molded or otherwise produced from rubber, plastic, or any other suitable material. Hangers can be attached to structures such as towers, buildings and the like. A C shaped hanger can be used for hanging an effigy which allows for the effigy to be able to move, such as rotate and simulate a live bird. Hanging linkages between the hanger and a molded bird body, can allow for a plurality of rotation movements there between. Wing linkages between the molded bird body and a molded wing can allow for an additional plurality of rotation movements there between.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to deterring birds and animals, and in particular to systems, devices, apparatus and methods for preventing birds and animals from areas and structures, such as but not limited to buildings, cell towers and communication towers with broken wing bird effigies. The invention is adapted to keep birds, for example vultures such as but not limited to turkey vultures and black vultures, eagles, osprey, owls, turkey vultures, and/or birds of prey from congregating in an area where one of their own species has been injured or killed. The invention is particularly useful to protect areas or structures that are susceptible to damage from birds, such as, for example, buildings, masts, or radio towers such as cell telephone towers or beacon towers which can comprise antennas or sensitive electronics. By keeping animals such as, for example and not by way of limitation, birds, from congregating in such areas, damage from the birds, their talons, and their droppings can be prevented.

BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART

Over the years birds and animals have been known cause billions of dollars in damage, maintenance, repairs, liability, and health risks each year. Birds of prey such as vultures are known to roost on communication and broadcast towers, as well as power and communication lines. Defecations by roosting vultures have been known to interfere with the operation of expensive equipment and create unsafe and unpleasant conditions for workers who climb the towers to service and install equipment. Furthermore, businesses and homeowners adjacent to vulture roosts can be adversely affected by vulture droppings and unpleasant odors.

Various types of deterrents have been applied over the years, such as noise making devices, chemicals, and visual deterrent objections.

However, using noisemakers and pyrotechnics are not desirable since they can be disruptive to neighboring businesses and homeowners and provide limited release.

Chemical deterrents are impractical because of the large perching areas, and would also interfere with operation and maintenance on the towers, and can be dangerous to workers as well as the neighboring public.

Other deterrents, such as visual objects, such as reflecting, tape and balloons can be impractical to apply and would not be effective with different types of birds, and the like.

Research in has noted that suspending carcasses of real dead vultures proved to be a highly efficient method for controlling bird activity on or around the tested towers. Avery et al., Dispersing Vulture Roasts on Communication Towers, J. Raptor Res. 36(1), pages 45-50 2002

While shown to be effective, the securing and suspending of actual dead vulture carcasses from communication towers and other structure would not be practical in all applications and would not be a long-term solution. Suspending carcasses can also represent a bio-hazard, and in any even such carcasses rot and decay, and are not long lasting.

Also, in order to procure such carcasses in the quantities that are commercially feasible, large number of animals would necessarily be killed in order to provide the carcasses. Such treatment of live animals may be considered to be inhumane.

Thus, the need exists for solution to the above problems with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A primary objective of the present invention is to provide systems, devices, apparatus and methods for deterring birds and other animals from structures such as but not limited to cell towers, communications towers, buildings and areas to be protected by suspending replica effigies of the birds to be deterred, with the effigies having broken wings.

A secondary objective of the present invention is to systems, devices, apparatus and methods for deterring birds and other animals from areas to be protected, by mounting moveable replica bird effigies with broken wings which can vibrate and/or oscillate in the wind that appear to mimic live birds that are struggling in place.

A third objective of the present invention is to systems, devices, apparatus and methods for deterring birds and other animals from areas to be protected, by mounting moveable replica bird effigies with broken wings which can pivot up and down and/or swivel that appear to mimic live birds that are struggling in place.

A fourth objective of the present invention is to systems, devices, apparatus and methods for deterring birds and other animals from areas to be protected, by mounting moveable replica bird effigies with broken wings having a plurality of rotation points that appear to mimic live birds that are struggling in place.

The present invention can include systems, devices, apparatus and methods that have one or more of the following features and/or steps, which alone or in any combination may comprise patentable subject matter.

The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art in that it helps reduce, and, in many cases, eliminate, the hazards and damage associated, for example, with bird droppings by helping to eliminate the primary cause of these droppings—the birds themselves. It is desired to keep such unwanted birds from collecting, in, on or near a subject structure.

When the systems, devices, apparatus and methods of the present invention are employed, for example, in cell and communication tower applications, the unwanted birds can become agitated and confused, and quickly migrate to another property or structure that presents a less threatening sight picture.

To an approaching bird, the effigy with broken wings of the invention looks life-like or lifeless depending upon the effigy, often creating a confused and agitated state in the approaching unwanted birds. These agitated and confused emotions are easily transferred bird-to-bird exponentially creating confusion among an approaching flock, and thereby causing the flocks to move on to another location. In this manner the effigy, and its manner of use, cause the deterring of unwanted birds from the subject structure.

The broken wing effigies of the present invention can be molded from any material such as plastic, resin or rubber materials or compounds, or can be fabricated from any other material and by any other means in the art, and thus eliminates the inhumane treatment of animals and the potential biohazards associated with handling dead carcasses.

Use of the systems, devices, apparatus and methods of the invention to deter birds from entering subject areas or structures is a humane approach to unwanted bird deterrence. Other methods of deterring unwanted birds or other animals, such as the use of firearms, explosives, loud noises or other means can be harmful to the birds and may present a danger to the users themselves.

Subject structures such as cellular telephone or communication towers using the apparatus and method of the invention can thus safely and effectively keep unwanted birds or other animals from causing damage to such subject structures. Towers that are free of unwanted birds are not only safer to work upon and service but the associated communications equipment suspended on or near these towers tend to have a longer in-service life as a result of being free from bird droppings and other damage cause by unwanted birds or other animals.

The effigy internal structure may be molded in place within the effigy so as to provide a supporting structure for hanging the effigy. Non-limiting examples of exemplary effigy internal structures are depicted in the figures of the drawings.

The effigy can represent any bird with broken wing or animal with broken wing, including any animal that is desired to be deterred, and is typically, but not necessarily, an effigy of a dead animal of the species desired to be deterred.

The present systems, devices, apparatus and methods of the invention overcome the shortcomings of the prior art by providing, in an embodiment, a system and method for disposing a bird effigy in a position such that it appears to be dead and thus has a repelling effect on unwanted birds. In an embodiment, the effigy may be suspended from a structure in a head down orientation.

Another embodiment can include a hanger system with a moving bird effigy replica with broken wing, for deterring birds, that can comprise a hanger bracket having an upper end and a lower end a bird effigy supported in the hanger bracket between the upper end and the lower end, and a mount mechanism for attaching the hanger bracket to support structure, wherein the bird effigy is movable within the hanger bracket.

The hanger bracket can include C shaped bracket, with the upper end being an upper exposed end of the C shaped bracket, and the lower end being a lower exposed end of the C shaped bracket.

The moveable mechanism can include an armature plate imbedded in the bird effigy. The moveable mechanism can include a rotating member for allowing the bird effigy to rotate relative to the ledge on the post. The rotating member can include bearings for allowing one member to rotate relative to another member.

A broken wing embodiment an include a bird body separately molded about a bird armature plate, and a wing separately molded about a wing armature plate.

A method of making a moveable bird effigy, can include the steps of providing molds having a shape of a bird body effigy and bird wing effigy, inserting armature plates in separate mold, injecting or pouring a curable material, such as but not limited to resin, and the like, into the mold, curing the resin and armature plates together to form the bird effigy body and the bird wing effigy part, mounting the cured bird body effigy and bird wing part on a s support structure, and moving the cured bird effigy relative to the support structure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Other technical advantages may become readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after review of the following figures and description.

As used herein, “effigy” includes within its meaning a replica of a dead bird other animal of any species, or a live bird or other animal or any species, can be fabricated from any material, but for example, may be fabricated from a rubber or plastic material. The effigy is preferably, but not necessarily, a three dimensional effigy having an outer surface in the three-dimensional shape of a live or dead bird or another animal.

In an embodiment, the invention can comprise a bird-shaped effigy comprising an internal supporting structure for supporting the features of the effigy, such as wings, and for suspending the effigy from a supporting structure. In further embodiments, the bird-shaped effigy may further comprise an internal support structure that is attached either directly or indirectly to a supporting cable, and wherein the supporting cable is attached to the supporting structure for suspending said effigy from the supporting structure. In still further embodiments, the internal effigy support structure may comprise attachments to a first cable for attaching to an upper suspending structure and a second cable for attaching to a lower suspending structure, and can include, in either the first or second cable, components for tensioning the cable or cables.

In still further embodiments, the bird-shaped effigy is further defined as having, a plurality of wings, wherein the at least one extending element is further defined as a plurality of supporting elements, one or more supporting elements for each wing of the bird-shaped effigy. The structure may be further defined as being completely contained internally in the shaped effigy. The effigy may further be defined as providing the appearance of a dead bird. The effigy may further be defined as representing in a specific species of animal or bird including, for example, a turkey buzzard, vulture, eagle, osprey, hawk or other species.

A list of the components will now be described.1Internal support structure central element2elongate rod3,4supporting elements5connectors6plurality of holes9first cable10optional connection rod11connector12second cable13plate14bracket15threaded rod16optional cable tightening feature100effigy101subject structure102unwanted bird103upper suspending structure200hanger bracket for spending moveable effigy bird embodiment210C shaped hanger bracket211top eye bolt212upper legs214back leg216lower legs219bottom eye bolt220elongated rod222upper hook228lower hook230chain240wino plate242top bent edge244side wings245slots248bottom bent edge250replica effigy bird (such but not limited to a vulture)260pipe to pipe clamp mount270cell/communication tower272vertical support on tower260300stand support or moveable bird effigy replica embodiment310vertical post312upper horizontal leg320ledge mounting armature plate322top plate portion324front bent edge326rear bent edge330bottom swivel mount base plate340bearings348upper swivel mount base plate340effigy base348effigy rudder350effigy support legs360effigy body armature plate362bent tip portion363support holes364winds365slots366bent wing edges369rear portion370effigy vertical support rods371inner side opening for axle374372rocker arm374axle on bottom of rocker arm376upper pivot end380horizontal slider arms382effigy support axle383elongated inner end slots in slider arms380390front support posts392lower pivot ends on front support posts400bird replica effigy405hollow inside portions of effigy400

Broken Wing Effigy Embodiments500broken wing effigy505hanger similar to C shaped hanger bracket210C510ball joint rod end with male part held by nut on hanger515anchors for support structure520bird armature plate521front end522flat bottom edge523convex curved top edge524oblong openings525rear end526vertical parallel openings527top bent edges in rear end528Bottom bent edges in rear end529slots between bent edges527and528530threaded rod for bird armature plate535top ball joint rod end for threaded rod545bottom ball joint rod end for threaded rod550wing armature plate551front end552flat bottom edge553convex curved top edge554oblong openings555rear end557rear bent edge558bottom bent edge559slot bet peen bent edges557and558560threaded rod for wing armature plate565top ball joint rod end for threaded rod600hanging linkage connection with first plurality of linkages610ball joint ale612bushings615cotter pin617clevis pin620double swivel linkage621clews pin621cotter pin622top joint624bottom joint630anchor swivel linkage632anchor swivel top joint634anchor swivel mid joint636anchor swivel lower end637clevis pin639cotter pin700wing linkage connection with second plurality of linkages715clevis pin717cotter pin719bushings720double swivel linkage722top joint724bottom jointclevis pin727cotter pin729bushings770bird body pocket780wing body pocket800alternative hanging linkage connection with chain links810top clevis shackle815top lock pin820chain links830bottom clevis shackle835bottom lock pin900alternative wing linkage connection with single chain type link910top clevis shackle915top lock pin920chain links930bottom clevis shackle935bottom lock pin1100alternative hanger to body connection with cable1010compression coupler with threaded end to hanger1019threaded socket in hanger10207×7 stainless steel cable1030bottom compression coupler1040coupler with threaded socket end1100alternative body to wing connection with cable11207×7 stainless steel cable1130coupler1140compression coupler with upper threaded end1150compression coupler with lower threaded end1160coupler with threaded socket ends

Referring now toFIG.1, an embodiment of the internal support structure of the invention is depicted. This internal support structure may be utilized to provide structural support for the effigy as it is suspended from a structure to be protected, or “subject structure”, such as a cell or communication tower, or from a nearby structure. Internal support structure central element1may be attached to supporting elements3and4such that supporting elements3and4are disposed to extend away from internal support central element1. Elongate rod2can extend through central element1forming distal and proximate ends which terminate in connectors5for attaching to a first cable9or second cable1, or both, or, alternatively, optional extension rod10.

Connector11can attach cable9to extension rod10. Use of optional extension rod10allows for the adapting of the internal support structure to various sizes and shapes of birds. First and second cables9and12may be utilized to suspend the effigy from any structure such as a tree a communication equipment tower, building structure, or any other structure for which is desired to deter birds or other animals from approaching, nesting in, or alighting upon. For example, first cable9may attach to an upper suspending structure, and second cable12may attach to a lower suspending structure. Internal support structure central element1is depicted in exemplary fashion inFIG.1as being fabricated from sheet metal with formed, bent side walls.

However,FIG.1can be fabricated from any material, and formed in any shape that provides sufficient strength to support the supporting elements3and4, and rod2. Thus, internal support structure central element1can be welded, cast, molded, assembled from multiple components; can be fabricated from composite materials, metal, plastics or any other material; and may take any shape as long as it provides sufficient strength to support the supporting elements3and4, and rod2.

In certain alternate embodiments in which internal support structure central element1can be fabricated from a sheet material, it may comprise at least one cutout or hole of arbitrary shape6in order to lighten the structure. In the exemplary embodiment depicted inFIG.1, internal support structure central element1comprises a plurality of holes6. In an embodiment, the outer surface of the effigy100may enclose internal support central element1and the supporting elements3and4. Thus the internal support structure may comprise internal support structure central element1, supporting elements3and4, rod2, and optional extension rod10.

Referring now toFIG.2a, an effigy100is depicted suspended from first cable9and second cable12. The internal support structure is embedded within the effigy100. In a typical application, the effigy100is suspended head downward, although this is not necessary. In a downward-oriented suspension, first cable9is attached to an upper suspending structure such as a portion of a cell or communication tower, tree or other structure. Second cable12can be attached to a lower suspending structure and can comprise components for adjusting to provide tension in the cables in order to keep the effigy from swaying ire the wind and causing damage to the structure. Connector11is shown for reference. InFIG.2a, the head of effigy100is in the downward position.

Referring now toFIG.2b, a cutaway view of effigy100is depicted, allowing the internal supporting structure to be seen. The internal support structure may be, but is not necessarily, embedded completely within the effigy100. This can be accomplished, for example, by molding the internal support structure into the effigy100during the fabrication process. The “internal support structure” can be defined as the structure attached to in and internal to the effigy that provides mounting points and supporting structure internal to the effigy so as to keep effigy portions such as wings or other effigy features from sagging due to the force of gravity when the effigy is suspended.

In the exemplary embodiment of the invention depicted in the drawings, the internal support structure can comprise internal support structure central element1, supporting elements3and4, and rod2. An exemplary process may be described as creating a mold for the effigy100, placing the internal support structure within the mold, and molding the effigy around the internal support structure so that only cable12and extension rod10extend outside of molded effigy100.

Extending supporting elements3and4, which are attached to central element1, can extend into a feature of the effigy100such as the wing area of a bird, providing support for each wing. In the example shown inFIG.2b, it can be seen that the wings of the effigy100can in some embodiments, represent a large amount of mass of the effigy100, thus requiring internal support from extending elements3and4. Some effigies, which are smaller, cannot require extending support elements3or4. Other effigies, which may be larger representing larger species of birds or animals, may require at least one or a plurality of extending support elements3and4to support each of the feature of the effigy, such as, for example, a wing. It is to be understood that the scope of the invention includes all sizes of birds and, animals, and that other types of animals may be represented by effigies having particular structural needs, thus, the scope of the invention includes any number of extending support elements3or4to support features of such effigies, and that the effigy100depicted in the figures of the drawing is but one example of many effigies included within the scope of the invention. Connector11is shown for reference. Rod2and first cable9are depicted for reference.

Referring now toFIG.3, effigy100is depicted again in cutaway view showing the internal central structure element1and rod2. Cable12, which is connected to rod2extends to optional cable tightening feature comprising elements13,14,15, and16. These elements are further depicted in greater detail inFIGS.4aand4b. Referring now toFIGS.4aand4bit can be seen that the tension in cable12can be adjusted by the tensioning means provided by use of at least one, and preferably a plurality of, cable clamp16mounted onto plate13. Plate3may be bolted, welded or otherwise attached to L bracket14which comprises a threaded hole adapted to receive threaded rod15in a threaded engagement, allowing threaded rod15to be tightened against L bracket14by tightening nut15aUsing this feature of the invention, the effigy100may be suspended and cable12maybe placed into tension such that the effigy is prevented from swaying or swinging in the wind. Threaded rod15can be utilized to secure the apparatus to any structure. In this manner, an effigy can be suspended and, cables12and9can be placed into tension, safely securing the effigy in place and preventing, movement of the effigy caused by forces generated by wind, rain or other environmental forces.

Referring now toFIG.5, an exemplary use of an effigy of the invention in which the effigy is suspended upside down from a subject structure in order to repel unwanted birds from alighting on the subject structure is depicted. Effigy100, which can be an effigy of a dead bird such as dead vulture or turkey vulture, or any other fowl such as a turkey is suspended from a subject structure101. A first end of first cable9is attached to an upper suspending structure103which may be a portion of a cell or communication tower, tree or other structure103(depicted as a tower inFIG.5) and a second end of first cable9is attached to optional extension rod10or rod2as hereinbefore described and depicted inFIG.1. Second cable12may be attached on a first end to a lower suspending structure104and can comprise means for adjusting to provide tension in the cables in order to keep the effigy from swaying in the wind and causing damage to the structure, such as the tensioning means depicted inFIGS.4aand4b. In use, the effigy may cause an agitated state in approaching unwanted bird102, causing unwanted bird102to fly away from the subject structure101as depicted by arrow A.

In an embodiment, the invention can also comprise a method for deterring birds or animals from an area, comprising the steps of: providing an effigy comprising an internal supporting structure having a distal and proximate ends; providing a first cable attached to the distal end and a second cable attached to the proximate end; suspending the effigy by attaching the first cable to an upper suspending structure, and attaching the second cable to a lower suspending structure; and tensioning said second cable such that the effigy does not sway due to environmental conditions. The method may also be further defined in that the effigy can be suspended in a head down disposition. The effigy can either be an effigy or replica of a live or dead animal, and it can be shaped in the form of a buzzard, vulture, osprey, hawk or eagle, and/or other birds of prey, and other birds and the like.

In still further embodiments, the effigy can be an effigy of a live bird or animal such as an eagle, osprey, hawk, or Coopers hawk. The live effigy can be presented in a heads up or other orientation, supported by a structure that rotatably attaches the bird to a supporting structure, allowing, the live bird effigy rotate in such a manner that weathervanes in the wind, meaning that it rotates due to the force of the wind on its surfaces such that it either faces into or away from the wind direction. Such effigies f live birds operate to present the appearance of a dominating territorial bird, which may repeal approaching unwanted birds. As an example, an effigy of a live bald eagle may be used to repel, or deter, an osprey from approaching a subject structure because the effigy of the live bald eagle presents a dominating presence to the osprey. Ospreys will not generally nest under bald eagle.

Any of the effigies described herein may take the form of a vulture, turkey vulture, black vulture, buzzard, osprey, eagle, hawk, owl or Coopers hawk.

FIG.6Ais a perspective front view of another embodiment200of a C shaped hanger bracket210with upside down suspended bird replica effigy250FIG.6Bis a rear view of the C shaped hanger bracket210with upside down suspended bird replica effigy250shown inFIG.6A.FIG.6Cis a front view of the C shaped hanger bracket210with upside down suspended bird replica effigy250shown inFIG.6A.

FIG.7Ais a perspective view of the C shaped hanger bracket210shown inFIG.6A.FIG.7Bis a front view of the C shaped hanger bracket210shown inFIG.7A.FIG.7Cis a left side view of the C shaped hanger bracket210shown inFIG.7A.FIG.1Dis a top view of the C shaped hanger bracket210shown inFIG.7A.

FIG.8Ais a perspective front view of the elongated support rod220and wing armature plate240used to support the suspended bird replica effigy250in the C shaped bracket210shown inFIG.7A.FIG.8Bis a front view of the elongated support rod220and wing armature plate240ofFIG.8A.FIG.8Cis a side view of the elongated support rod220and wing armature plate240ofFIG.8A.FIG.8Dis a top view of the elongated support rod220and wing armature plate240ofFIG.8A.

FIG.9Ais a front perspective view of the elongated support rod220and wing armature plate240ofFIG.8Amounted in the suspended bird replica effigy250.FIG.9Bis a front view of the elongated support rod220and wing armature plate240ofFIG.8Amounted in the suspended bird replica effigy250ofFIG.9A.FIG.9Cis a side view of the elongated support rod220and wing armature plate240ofFIG.8Amounted in the suspended bird replica effigy250ofFIG.9A.

Referring toFIGS.6A-9Ca C shaped hanger bracket210that can be formed from metal, such as but not limited to galvanized steel, stainless steel and the like. The bracket210can be formed from one pipe being bent into a C shape. Alternatively, the C shaped bracket can be formed from straight pipe sections having upper legs212and back leg214and lower legs216that can be welded together, and the like. The top outer end and bottom outer end can have through-holes to allow for a top eye bolt211and bottom eye bolt219to be mounted therein, by screwable threads.

An elongated support rod220can have an upper end with an upper hook222and lower end with a lower hook228. A wing shaped armature plate240can have a top bent edge242and bottom bent edge248with the edges having openings therethrough for allowing a midportion of the elongated support rod to pass therethrough. The bent edges242,248can be also attached to the mid portion of the rod220by welding, and the like. The rod220and wing shaped armature plate240can also be formed from metal, such as but not limited to galvanized steel, stainless steel and the like.

In one preferred embodiment a mold having a shape of a bird effigy can have the wing shaped armature plate240placed into the mold with the pre-attached elongated rod220. The lower part of the elongated rod220can be intended to extend from a head portion of the bird replica effigy, with an upper part of the rod220extending out from a rear portion of the bird replica effigy250. Material, such as but not limited to resin, plastic, and, the like can be injected into the mold. The material can cure about the wing plate240passing into the parallel slots245, about the bent edges242,244, and about the side wings244which can partially extend into the wings of the bird replica effigy250. The injected material can lock to the wing plate240and elongated rod220when the material cures. The result can have the lower part of the elongated rod220can be intended to extend from a head portion of the bird replica effigy250, with an upper part of the rod220extending out from a rear portion of the bird replica effigy250.

For the final assembly, the upper hook22on the elongated rod20with upside down bird replica effigy250can be attached to the top eye bolt211attached to an upper leg212of the C shaped bracket210. The lower hook228on the bottom of the elongated rod220can be attached to one end of a chain230. The opposite end of the chain230can be attached to a bottom eye bolt219which is attached to a lower leg216of the C shaped bracket210.

FIG.10is a perspective view of the C shaped hanger bracket210with mounted upside down suspended bird replica effigy250ofFIGS.6A-9Cmounted to a tower structure270.

Referring toFIGS.6A-10, back leg214of the C shaped bracket210can be attached to a vertical support272on a cell/communication tower272by known techniques, such as but limited to clamps, such as a pipe to pipe clamp set260shown inFIGS.11A,11B and11C.

When mounted, the bird replica effigy250is somewhat loose based on the hooks222,228and eye bolt fasteners211, and chain230. Wind allows the bird replica effigy250move in place with vibrations and oscillations. The wing spans on the bird replica effigy250can also partially rotate relative to the C shaped bracket210. The movements of the upside down bird replica effigy250can appear to look like a bird struggling in place to live birds, which would deter similar live birds from approaching the structure270that the bird replica effigy250is mounted to.

FIG.11Ais an enlarged front view of a prior art pipe to pipe clamp mount260used to attach the C shaped hanger bracket200to the support leg272on the cell/communications tower shown270inFIG.10,FIG.11Bis a left side view of the pipe to pipe clamp mount260ofFIG.11A.FIG.11Cis a top view of the pipe to pipe clamp mount260ofFIG.11A. The clamp mount260can have two pairs of curved flange plates with one pair wrapped about the back leg214of the C shaped bracket210, and the other pair of curved flange plates wrapped about a vertical support272on the communications tower270. Threaded rods with nuts that can thread thereon cyan then attach the C shaped hanger bracket200to the vertical tower270

In one embodiment, the C shaped bracket210can have a height of approximately 69 inches and a width of approximately 40 inches. The bird replica effigy250can have a length of less than approximately 69 inches and a spread wing span of approximately 34 inches.

FIG.12Ais an upper front right side perspective view of a stand support for a moveable bird effigy replica embodiment300.FIG.12Bis a right side view of the stand support for a moveable bird effigy replica embodiment300ofFIG.12A.FIG.12Cis a left side view of the stand support for a moveable bird effigy replica embodiment300ofFIG.12A.FIG.12Dis a top view of the stand support for a moveable bird effigy replica embodiment300ofFIG.12A.FIG.12Eis a bottom view of the stand support for a moveable bird effigy replica embodiment300ofFIG.12A.

FIG.13Ais another right side view of the stand support for a moveable bird effigy replica embodiment300ofFIG.12Awith the effigy400facing to the right,FIG.13Bis another right side view of the stand support for a moveable bird effigy replica embodiment300ofFIG.13with the effigy400rotated ninety degrees.

FIG.14Ais a front head view of the stand support for a moveable bird effigy replica embodiment300ofFIG.12Awith effigy400head end raised.FIG.14Bis a cross-sectional view of the stand support for a moveable bird effigy replica embodiment300ofFIG.14Aalong arrows14B.

FIG.14Cis a left side view of the stand support for a moveable bird effigy replica embodiment300ofFIG.14Bwithout the effigy400.

FIG.15Ais another front head view of the stand support for a moveable bird effigy replica embodiment300ofFIG.12Awith effigy400head end lowered.FIG.15Bis a cross-sectional view of the stand support for a moveable bird effigy replica embodiment300ofFIG.15Aalong arrows14B.FIG.15Cis a left side view of the of the stand support for a moveable bird effigy replica embodiment300ofFIG.14Bwithout the effigy400.

FIG.16is an enlarged exploded view of the components of the stand support for a moveable bird effigy replica embodiment300referenced in the previous FIGURES without the effigy400.

Referring toFIGS.12A-16, this embodiment can include a vertical post310having an upper horizontal leg312, that can be formed form metal such as but not limited to galvanized metal, stainless steel and the like. A single pipe can have an upper bent portion. Alternatively, the vertical post310can be welded to the horizontal leg312.

A ledge mounting armature metal plate320can have a front bent edge322and a rear bent edge324, and top plate portion322. The horizontal leg312can pass through holes in the front bent edge322and a rear bent edge324, and be attached together by welding, and the like. The armature metal plate320can be made from galvanized metal, stainless steel and the like.

Fixably attached to the upper surface of the top plate portion322of the armature plate320can be a bottom swivel mount metal base plate330. Bearing(s)335can separate the bottom swivel base plate330from an upper swivel mount metal base plate338. Fixably attached to the top surface of the upper swivel mount metal base plate338can be an effigy metal base340. A rear facing rudder348can be fixably attached to a back of both the metal base plate338and metal base340.

Extending upward from the effigy metal base340can be a pair of metal effigy support legs350attached thereto. The upper ends of the support legs350can pass through the support holes363in the effigy body armature plate and insert into the lower ends of hollow effigy vertical support rods370.

The effigy body armature metal plate360can be formed underneath or within the lower body part of the effigy400and be molded to the effigy400as described in the previous embodiment. The effigy body armature metal plate360can have a tip portion362extending under a neck portion of the bird replica effigy440, side wings364with bent wing edges366extending under wing portions of the bird effigy replica440, and rear portion369extending under the tail portion of the bird replica effigy400. Slots365in the armature plate360can allow for bottom portions of the molded effigy400to better adhere together.

Inside a hollowed out portion405of effigy440can be a horizontal axle374having rotatable ends which pass into openings371in inner side portions of effigy vertical support rods370. Extending upward from the rotatable axle374can be a rocker arm372having an upper end pivotally attached to upper ends376of front support posts390. The bottom ends392of front support posts390can be pivotally attached outer ends of horizontal slider arms380. Elongated slots383along inner ends of horizontal slider arms380can allow for the horizontal slider arms380to slide about rotatable effigy support axle386. The rotatable effigy support axle386has outer ends pivotally attached to inner portions of upper ends of the effigy vertical support rods370.

Parts and plates, and other components are preferably made of metal, such as but not limited to galvanized steel, stainless steel, and the like. Other types of material, can possibly be made of plastic, and the like.

Referring toFIGS.12A,13A,138,14A,14B15A,15B,16and10, the vertical post310can be mounted to a vertical support272on a tower270by pipe to pipe clamp mount260. When mounted, wind pushing against one side of rudder348can allow for the bird replica effigy400to rotate relative to the ledge portion of the horizontal leg312by the bearing(s)335between upper swivel mount base plate338and bottom swivel base plate330on the armature plate320attached to the horizontal leg312. The rudder348can function similar to a weather vane, which make the bird replica effigy, such as a bird of prey, which can include but is not limited to an eagle appear alive.

Referring toFIGS.12A-12C,14A-14C,15A-15C and16, wind pushing against a back of the bird replica effigy400can cause the effigy head portion to pivot down. The upper ends of the front support posts390can be mounted to an inner surface within a hollowed out inside head portion of the effigy400. The effigy head portion can pivot downward by the bottom ends of front support posts390pivoting at392to outer ends of horizontal arms380while inner slots383slide about rotatable axle383which rotates relative to vertical support rods370. And the effigy head portion also pivots downward based on outer ends of front support posts390pivoting with the upper end of rocker arm372which has a lower end which rotates relative to rotatable axle374which is also rotatably attached to vertical support rods370.

Broken Wing Effigy Embodiments

FIG.17Ais a front perspective view of a broken vine effigy500attached to a hanger505mounted to a left support of a support structure.FIG.17Bis another front perspective view of a broken wing effigy500attached to a hanger mounted to a left support of a support structure.

FIG.18Ais a front perspective view of a broken wing effigy500attached to a hanger505mounted to a right support of a support structure.FIG.18Banother front perspective view of a broken wing effigy500attached to a hanger505mounted to a right support of a support structure.

Referring toFIGS.17A-18B, the broken wing effigy can be mounted by anchors515to a support structure such as but not limited to a tower, and the like, previously described. The anchors515can include, but are not limited to brackets, bolts, other fasteners, and the like, such as those previously described.

FIG.19Ais an upper front perspective view of the bird armature plate520with hanging linkage connection600, and the wing linkage connection700with wing armature plate550within the broken wing effigy500ofFIGS.17A-18B.FIG.19Bis another upper front perspective view of the bird armature plate520with hanging linkage connection600, and the wing linkage connection700with wing armature plate550within the broken wing effigy500ofFIGS.17A-18B.FIG.19Cis an upper rear perspective view of the bird armature plate520with hanging linkage connection600, and the wing linkage connection700with wing armature plate550within the broken wing effigy500ofFIGS.17A-18B.FIG.190is another upper rear perspective view of the bird armature plate520with hanging linkage connection600, and the wing linkage connection700with wing armature plate550within the broken wing effigy500ofFIGS.17A-18B.

FIG.19Eis another front perspective view ofFIG.17Awith the bird armature plate with hanging linkage connection, and the wing linkage connection with wing armature plate positioned adjacent the broken wing effigy500attached to a hanger505mounted to a left support.

FIG.20Ais a front view of the bird armature plate520with hanging linkage connection600, and the wing linkage connection700with wing armature plate550ofFIGS.19A-19B.FIG.20Bis a rear view of the bird armature plate520with hanging linkage connection600, and the wing linkage connection700with wing armature plate550ofFIGS.19A-19B.

FIG.20Cis a left end view of the bird armature plate520with hanging linkage connection600, and the wing linkage connection700with wing armature plate550ofFIGS.20A-20B.FIG.20Dis a right end view of the bird armature plate526with hanging linkage connection600, and the wing linkage connection700with wing armature plate550ofFIGS.20A-20B.

FIG.20Eis a top view of the bird armature plate520with hanging linkage connection600, and the wing linkage connection700with wing armature plate550ofFIGS.20A-20B.FIG.20Fis a bottom view of the bird armature plate520with hanging linkage connection600, and the wing linkage connection700with wing armature plate550ofFIGS.20A-20B.

Bird Body Armature Plate520

FIG.21Ais an upper front perspective view of the bird armature plate520with threaded rod530used inFIGS.19A-20E.FIG.21Bis an upper rear perspective view of the bird armature plate520with threaded rod535inFIG.21A.FIG.21Cis a lower front perspective view of the bird armature plate520with threaded rod530inFIG.21A.FIG.21Dis a lower rear perspective view of the bird armature plate520with threaded rod530inFIG.21A.

Referring toFIGS.20A-21D, the bird armature plate520can be formed from metal such as but not limited to galvanized metal, stainless steel and the like. The bird armature plate can have a narrow nose shaped front end521and a generally rectangular rear end525. Along the top of bird armature plate520from the front end521to the start of the rear end526can be a curved convex curved surface523. Along the bottom of the bird armature plate520can be a flat bottom edge522running from the front end521to the rear end526.

A plurality of oblong openings524can through the side walls of the bird armature plate520between the front end521and the rear end526.

The generally rectangular rear end525can have top bent edges527with a slot529therebetween, and bottom bent edges528with a slot529therebetween. A pair of parallel vertical openings526can pass through front and rear sides of the bird armature plate520.

A threaded rod530having an upper end a top ball point rod end535and a bottom ball point rod end545. The threaded rod530can be oriented in a vertical position by the slots529between top bent edges527and bottom bent edges528. The threaded rod530can be formed from metal, such as but not limited to galvanized metal, stainless steel, and the like.

The main bird body part of the effigy500can be formed by being molded about the bird armature plate520and threaded rod530, in a similar manner to the previous embodiments.

FIG.22Ais an upper front perspective view of the wing armature plate550with threaded rod560used inFIGS.19A-20E.FIG.22Bis an upper rear perspective view of the wing armature plate550with threaded rod560inFIG.22A.FIG.22Cis a lower front perspective view of the wing armature plate550with threaded rod560inFIG.22A.FIG.22Dis a lower rear perspective view of the wing armature plate550with threaded rod560inFIG.22A.

Referring toFIGS.20A-20F, the wing armature plate550, can include a narrow rounded front end551with a convex curved top edge553to that runs to a rear end555and a flat bottom edge557therebetween. A plurality of oblong openings554can run from one side to the opposite side through the wing armature plate550. A portion of the bottom edge552can have a bottom bent edge558, and a portion of the rear end555can have a bent rear edge557. A slot55formed where the rear bent edge557meets an upper end of the bottom bent edge558can support a threaded rod560in a vertical orientation. A top ball joint555can be attached to the top of the threaded rod560. The wing armature plate550and the threaded rod560can be made from metal, such as but not limited to galvanized metal, stainless steel and the like.

The wing part of the effigy500can be formed by being molded about the wing armature plate55and threaded rod560in a similar manner to the previous embodiments.

FIG.23Ais a perspective view of the hanging linkage connection600between the hanger505and the threaded rod connection point535,530of the bird body part of the broken wing effigy500ofFIGS.19A-19E.

FIG.23Bis an exploded view of the hanging linkage connection600between the hanger505and the threaded rod connection point535, of the bird body part of the broken wing effigy500ofFIG.23A.

FIG.24Ais a perspective view of the double swivel top linkage620ofFIGS.23A-23B.FIG.24Bis a front side view of the double swivel top linkage620ofFIG.24A.FIG.24Cis a top view of the double swivel top linkage620ofFIG.24A.

FIG.25Ais an upper front perspective view of the anchor swivel linkage630ofFIGS.23A-23B.FIG.25Bis a lower front perspective view of the anchor swivel linkage630ofFIGS.23A-23B.

Referring toFIGS.19E-21D, the hanging linkage connection600can include a first plurality of linkages between the male ball joint610on the bottom51of the hanger500, and the top ball point rod end535on the threaded rod530.

The hanging linkage connection600includes the top prongs of a double swivel linkage62rotatably attached to the ball joint rod end610by a clevis pin617passing through opposite facing nylon type bushings612, and held in place by a cotter pin615. The bottom prongs of the double swivel linkage620is rotatably attached to the upper prongs of an anchor swivel linkage630by a clevis pin621held in place by another cotter pin621CP.

The anchor swivel linkage630includes lower end prongs639which can be rotatably attached to a ball joint rod end635on top of threaded rod636by a clevis pin637held in place by a cotter pin639.

Referring toFIG.23A, the hanging linkage connection600allows for a plurality of rotation points as shown by the curved arrows at the ball joint male610, the clevis pin with bushings612, the double swivel top joint622, the double swivel bottom joint624, at clevis pin621, the anchor swivel top joint632, the anchor swivel mid joint634, and the clevis pin636.

The plurality of rotation points in the hanging linkage connection600allows for the main bird body part of the broken wing effigy690to easily move, and swing, and swivel with the wind, up to eight or more points of rotation. The linkages in the hanging linkage connection600, can be made from metal, such as but not limited to galvanized metal, stainless steel, and the like.

FIG.26Ais a perspective view of the wing linkage connection700between the threaded rod connection point of the bird body part with the threaded rod attached to the wing armature plate ofFIGS.19A-19E.FIG.26Bis an exploded view of the wing linkage connection between the threaded rod connection point of the bird body pail with the threaded rod attached to the wing armature plate ofFIG.26A.

Referring toFIGS.19E-20D,22A,22B and26A-26Bthe wing linkage connection700can include a double swivel linkage720similar to the double swivel linkage620previously described. The upper prongs of the double swivel linkage720can be rotatably attached to the bottom ball joint rod end545of the threaded rod530with bushings719and clevis pin715held in place by a cotter pin715held in place by a cotter pin725. The bottom prongs of the double swivel linkage720can be rotatably attached to the top ball joint565on the threaded rod560with bushings729and clevis pin725held in place by cotter pin729.

The plurality of rotation points n the wing linkage connection730allows for the wing part of the broken wing effigy500to easily move, and swing, and swivel with the wind, up to six or more points of rotation.

The linkages in the hanging linkage connection700, can be made from metal, such as but not limited to galvanized metal, stainless steel, and the like.

FIG.27Ais an enlarged view showing the wing pocket780in the wing part of the broken wing effigy500for the wing linkage connection700shown inFIGS.17A-18B.

FIG.27Bis an enlarged view of the bird pocket770in the bird part of the broken wing effigy500for the wing linkage connection700shown inFIGS.17A-18B, and27A.

Referring toFIGS.19E and27A=27B, plastic shaped pockets can be located in the sides of the main bird part, and in the wing part of the broken wing effigy500to allow for the wing part and the main bird part to be physically spaced close to each other. The plastic cups can be located inside the molds as the main bird body and wing part of the effigy500are separately formed. The pockets770and780allow for ends of the linkages in the wing linkage connection700to be partially counter-sunk into the molded main bird body and partially counter-sunk into the molded wing. The pockets770,780allow for the wing part and main bird part of the effigy500to be drawn close together within inches of each other.

While, some bushings have been shown and described, any metal to metal connect areas, can also include additional bushings as needed. Bushings can include but are not limited to those formed from nylon, nylon composites, elastomeric materials, composites, and the like.

Chain Connection Embodiment

FIG.28Ais a perspective view of an alternative hanging linkage connection800between the hanger505and the threaded rod connection point830/835of the bird body part of the broken wing effigy500ofFIGS.19A-19Ewith chain links.FIG.28Bis an exploded view of the alternative hanging linkage800ofFIG.28A.

Referring toFIGS.19E and28A-28B, the alternative hanging linkage connection800can include the locking pin815of a top cl vis shackle810rotatably attached to the ball joint61attached to the hanger505. The top clevis shackle810attached to an upper link of a metal chain820. The lower end of the metal chain820can be attached to a bottom clevis shackle830, and the locking pin835of the bottom clevis shackle83can be rotatably attached to the ball joint rod end535of the threaded support rod53for the bird armature plate.

The alternative hanging linkage connection800can also allow the broken wing effigy500to move, sway and rotate in the wind similar to the previous embodiment.

FIG.29Ais a perspective view of an alternative wing linkage connection900between the threaded rod connection point545of the bird body part with the threaded rod530attached to the wing armature plate520ofFIGS.19A-19Ewith single chain type link900.FIG.29Bis an exploded view of the alternative wing linkage900ofFIG.29A.

Referring toFIGS.19E and29A-29B, the alternative wing linkage connection900will also allow the molded wing part of the broken wing effigy to sway and rotate in the wind similar to the previous embodiment.

Cable Connection Embodiment

FIG.30Ais a perspective assembled view of another alternative hanger to bird body connection1000.FIG.308is a exploded perspective view of the alternative hanger to bird body connection1000ofFIG.30A.

FIG.31Ais a perspective assembled view of an alternative bird body to wing connection1100.FIG.318is an exploded perspective view of the alternative bird body to wing connection1100ofFIG.31A.

FIG.32is a perspective cross-sectional view of 7×7 cables1020/1120that care be used in the alternative connections shown inFIGS.3A-31B. Cables1020/1120can include, but is not limited to an aircraft galvanized steel cable wire rope, 1/16″, 7×7, which is constructed of 7 outer strands of 7 wires per strand that can be twisted, manufactured by ALEKO® products of Kent, Wash.

Referring toFIGS.19E,30A,30B and32, a 7×7 steel cable1020having an upper end with coupler1020that is compression fitted, and an upper threaded end that is attached into a threaded socket1019in the hanger505. The bottom of the cable1020is attached to a compression coupler1030having a lower threaded end which threads into an upper threaded socket of a coupler1040. The bottom of the coupler1040can have a threaded socket that fits over the threaded end of threaded rod530which is attached to bird armature plate510, as previously described.

Referring toFIGS.19E and31A,31B and32, a steel cable1120having an upper end attached to a compression coupler1140, which has an upper threaded end, which inserts into a lower threaded socket of a coupler1130. The coupler1130can have an upper threaded socket that is attached about the lower threaded end of threaded rod530. The bottom of cable1120can be attached to a compression coupler1150, which has a lower threaded end that can be attached to an upper threaded socket of coupler1160. The coupler1160can have a lower threaded socket that attaches about the threaded rod560which is attached to wing armature550, which as previously described.

Other couplers, such as but not limited to swivel linkages, such as hose previously described, and can be included with the cable embodiments.

Bird effigies can cover other bird types than those shown and described. The types of effigies, can include but are not limited to vultures, turkeys, crows, grackels, seagulls, cranes, osprey, hawks, and the like.

Although specific advantages have been e numerated above, various embodiments may include some, none, or all of the enumerated advantages.