Top-fill hummingbird feeder with float valve base closure mechanism

A top-fill hummingbird feeder is provided having a liquid container with a liquid flow opening at a lower end and a removable cap at an upper end, a feeding basin positioned below the liquid container, and a sealing mechanism associated with the liquid flow opening and the feeding basin. The sealing mechanism includes a bottle seal assembly configured for removable coupling with a base of the feeding basin, and a float valve captured by said bottle seal assembly to prevent rotation thereof while allowing the float valve to move upwardly and downwardly with changing nectar levels in the feeding basin. The feeding basin is filled by gravity feed of the liquid in the container through the liquid flow opening when the sealing mechanism is open. When the feeding basin reaches a full position, the liquid nectar raises the float valve which, in turn, acts to close the liquid flow opening.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is related to the field of bird feeders and, more particularly, to top-fill hummingbird feeders.

2. Description of the Related Art

People who live in an area inhabited by hummingbirds frequently try to promote their presence by the use of hummingbird feeders. Hummingbird feeders differ from ordinary bird feeders because hummingbirds feed on nectar or simulated nectar, which are liquid, instead of the dry food consumed by most birds. Simulated nectar is typically formed from water sweetened with sugar or honey. In many hummingbird feeders, the nectar (or simulated nectar) is stored in a reservoir and conveyed to simulated flowers where a perch may be provided so that the hummingbird can land and, having a long, slender beak, insert it into the access apertures in the simulated flower and feed.

Most hummingbird feeders have one of two basic designs. One includes an inverted top container which empties into a lower reservoir or feeding basin from which the birds feed. The vacuum at the top of the container (or put another way, the outside air pressure) keeps the liquid in the top container from draining out too rapidly. The other common feeder design consists of a container with holes in its cover through which the hummingbirds reach to feed. This latter style of feeder suffers from the problem that it must be refilled very often, because the level of food is constantly being reduced by the feeding.

The so-called “vacuum-type” feeders also have problems. For example, they can only be filled by dismantling the feeder and removing the top container from its feeding position. Ordinarily, the consumer must invert the feeder in order to refill it, with the attendant risks of spillage, and requires a certain amount of manual dexterity to create the necessary vacuum. Moreover, because a vacuum is required, these designs are limited to a single opening for filling and cleaning. This opening is typically small, which restricts access to the interior of the container and makes it more difficult to effectively clean the container. Additionally, vacuum feeders can corrode or be inefficient, permitting the nectar to leak and creating an increased risk of insect contamination.

One product which has been available in the market is the Garden Song Top Fill Hummingbird Feeder from Opus Incorporated. The Opus feeder includes an upstanding liquid container with a large top opening and a small cylindrical lower opening which is screw-threaded into an upstanding cylindrical collar positioned in the center of a feeding basin or liquid tray. The top opening is closed with a cover that seals the container to create a vacuum as the liquid level recedes downwardly in the container. An internal, rotatable ring or valve mechanism has an upstanding cylindrical wall which surrounds the cylindrical collar inside the feeding basin.

The wall of the cylindrical collar has a plurality of ports, and the cylindrical wall of the rotatable ring has a plurality of corresponding openings. When the openings in the rotatable ring are aligned with the ports of the collar using an externally accessible lever, nectar can flow out of the container lower opening, through the aligned ports and openings, and into the feeding basin or liquid tray. When the rotatable ring is rotated using the externally accessible lever, so that its openings are not aligned with the ports of the collar, the nectar flow from the container to the feeding basin is cut off. In this condition, the cover can be removed from the container top opening for (re)filling the container without nectar in the container flowing out through the collar to flood and overflow the feeding basin or liquid tray. This design also permits the top opening to be large enough to facilitate easy cleaning of the bottle.

There have also been modular designs for hummingbird feeders in which a common functional feeding module is utilized in conjunction with changeable decorative outer claddings. However, such prior art hummingbird modular feeders suffer the same drawbacks as discussed above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a hummingbird feeder which includes a generally upstanding reservoir bottle or liquid container containing a column of nectar and having a large opening at its top end. A removable top or cap is screw-threaded onto the top end to close and cover the top end opening. The top is vented to prevent a vacuum condition and allow atmospheric pressure to act on the column of nectar. The bottom of the bottle or container has a lower bottom opening, preferably in the form of a bottleneck-shaped cylindrical extension with external threads that can be screw-threaded into an upstanding well of a feeding basin that has a plurality of feeding ports in a known arrangement. A generally cylindrical float valve positioned in the feeding basin well and floating in the liquid nectar acts to close the bottleneck central opening when the feeding basin is filled with liquid nectar to the prescribed level. When the level of liquid nectar drops, the vertical height of the float valve within the basin is also lowered which allows fluid from the container to flow through the bottleneck opening to refill the basin.

According to a first embodiment, the wall forming the cylindrical extension of the bottleneck converges radially to form a conical closure having a sloped outer surface. A small opening at the apex of the conical closure allows nectar to flow from the liquid container into the feeding basin when the float valve, which has a central portion configured to engage the conical closure in a first position, is spaced away from the sloped outer surface in a second position.

According to a second embodiment, the free or lower end of the bottleneck extension is provided with a seal plate having a small central opening with conically tapered side walls. The float valve has a complementarily tapered truncated conical projection that plugs the central opening when the valve rises to an upper position.

In a third embodiment, the cylindrical well is provided a flat sealing edge portion that surrounds a hollow center portion having an inverted truncated conical shape with sloped sides. Contained and vertically movable within the center portion is a plug that fits in sealing engagement with the sloped sides. The plug is mounted on a post which initiates vertical movement of the plug in response to a lever arm coupled at a first end to the post and at a second end to a float. When the float is in a low position, the lever arm exerts sufficient force on the post and the plug to lift them upwardly to open the hollow center portion of the well so that nectar can flow into the feeding basin. As the float rises, and with it the second of the lever arm, the post and plug are allowed to move downwardly in response to liquid pressure in the container to seal the hollow center portion.

In a fourth embodiment which is similar to the third embodiment, the well has a sealing plate with a generally cylindrical central hole. The plug has a post portion that is vertically movable within the hole, and an enlarged head that seals the hole when the plug is in its lowered position. As with the third embodiment, movement of the plug to open the hole is initiated by a float and lever mechanism responsive to nectar level in the feeding basin.

According to a fifth embodiment, the free or lower end of the bottleneck extension is provided with a seal plate having a central opening and a downwardly projecting nozzle positioned under the seal plate. The nozzle has a liquid flow channel that extends from the nozzle tip to the central opening in the seal plate. When the float valve is in a lower position, liquid flows from the container through the channel and into the feeding basin. When the float rises to an upper position, a float seal on the float valve engages the nozzle tip to seal off the liquid flow channel.

In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide a reliable, consumer-friendly hummingbird feeder having a liquid-holding container or bottle with a large open top for easy top filling and cleaning of the container.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a hummingbird feeder in which the liquid-holding container or bottle does not have to be inverted after filling and which does not rely on a vacuum condition in the liquid-holding container or bottle to control the flow the nectar into the feeding basin.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a hummingbird feeder with a liquid-holding container or bottle having a bottleneck-shaped lower end with an opening that is received within an upstanding cylindrical well on the feeding basin and opened and closed by a sealing or valve mechanism in the form of a float valve positioned in the well.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a hummingbird feeder in accordance with the preceding objects and one embodiment, in which the bottleneck-shaped lower end of the container is provided with a bottom having a cone-shaped surface and/or opening, preferably located centrally therein, to mate with a cone-shaped surface and/or projection on the upper surface of the float valve that closes the opening when the liquid nectar in the feeding basin reaches a prescribed level.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a hummingbird feeder in accordance with the preceding objects, in which a centering mechanism within the upstanding basin well keeps the float valve aligned with the opening in the bottom surface of the container lower end.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a hummingbird feeder generally in accordance with the preceding objects and another embodiment in which the bottleneck-shaped lower end of the container is provided with a bottom opening that is closed by a plug that is vertically moved by a lever arm and float mechanism coupled to the plug and responsive to nectar level in the feeding basin.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a hummingbird feeder generally in accordance with the preceding objects and another embodiment in which the bottleneck-shaped lower end of the container is provided with a seal plate and a downwardly projecting nozzle with a liquid flow channel, and the float has a float seal that engages the nozzle tip to seal off the liquid flow channel when the float is in an upper position.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a hummingbird feeder in accordance with the preceding objects, which has components that can be easily manufactured from readily available and known materials and that can be easily assembled for ease and economy of manufacture and easily disassembled and reassembled for easy cleaning and which will be sturdy and long lasting in operation and use.

These and other objects of the invention, as well as many of the intended advantages thereof, will become more readily apparent when reference is made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Five preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in detail herein. However, it is to be understood that the embodiments are given by way of illustration only. It is not intended that the invention be limited in its scope to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Also, in describing the preferred embodiments, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. It is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

As shown inFIG. 1, a top-fill hummingbird feeder in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is generally designated by reference numeral10. The feeder consists of a reservoir bottle or liquid container generally designated by reference numeral12, a feeding basin generally designated by reference numeral14, and a sealing or valve mechanism generally designated by reference numeral16. As shown in the enlarged view ofFIG. 2, the sealing or valve mechanism16includes a float valve20configured for engagement with the lower end of the liquid container12.

The liquid container12has an upstanding neck22forming a large opening24at its upper end13for easy filling and cleaning of the liquid container. The bottom of the liquid container forms a generally cylindrical bottleneck-shaped extension26with external threads28so that it can be screw-threaded into the mating threads of a cylindrical wall29of an upwardly extending cylindrical well30of the feeding basin14. At the free end32of the bottleneck extension26, the cylindrical wall27forming the bottleneck converges radially to form a sealing wall or closure40having a sloped outer surface41. At the apex of the conical closure40is a small central opening42. The diameter of the central opening42is much smaller than the diameter of the bottleneck, as shown inFIG. 2, and preferably includes a downwardly tapering conical side wall43.

A removable top or cap50, secured in place such as by threads54that mate with corresponding threads (not shown) inside the cap, closes off the large opening24at the upper end13of the liquid container12when the cap is tightened. The cap50is vented to prevent a vacuum condition and to allow atmospheric pressure to act on the column of nectar being fed into the feeding basin from the container.

Preferably, the feeding basin14is generally circular in plan view and may be made in two parts including a cover60and a base62molded of suitable polymer material. When the feeder is assembled, the cover60and the base62are sealingly coupled to one another in any manner suitable for sealingly joining plastic parts, such as by a threaded engagement, adhesive, or other known connecting mechanism, to form the basin14.

The basin cover60has a central opening64through which the bottleneck extension26of the container extends. The cover is also molded to include a plurality of openings66spaced around a periphery thereof for receiving feeding ports68. The feeding ports68preferably include an ornamental part70to enhance the overall appearance of the feeder and increase its attractiveness to the hummingbirds. In the preferred embodiment shown inFIG. 1, the ornamental part70resembles flower petals. The cover is also preferably formed with perches72to support the hummingbirds when feeding.

The upwardly extending cylindrical well30is preferably integrally molded with the basin base62, but it can be formed separately and then attached to the bottom inner surface74of the base in any manner known by persons of ordinary skill in the art to be suitable for sealingly joining plastic parts.

The base62includes a bottom76and a curved, upwardly directed base wall78that define a fluid holding area88of the base. The upwardly extending cylindrical well30is preferably centrally positioned with respect to the bottom76and projects above the upper wall17of the basin14. The wall29of the cylindrical well30has slots93at its lower edge which allow liquid nectar in the fluid holding area88to move freely in and out of the well.

As shown inFIG. 2, the sealing or valve mechanism16includes a float valve20positioned inside the upwardly extending well30. The float valve20has a float90and a spacing member92. The periphery91of the float90conforms with, but is spaced slightly away from, the inner wall97of the well30, thus centering the float valve20in the well30. Hence, with the float90floating on the surface of the liquid nectar95, the float valve20can move up and down with the level of the liquid nectar in the basin14. The spacing member92keeps the float valve20spaced at a minimum vertical distance or height above the bottom74of the basin base62, regardless of the nectar level.

Preferably, the float90is generally cylindrical or disc-shaped to conform with the wall29of the cylindrical well30. In its preferred embodiment, the float90has a substantially flat bottom surface94that is coupled to or integral with the spacing member92. The upper surface96of the float has a central portion98that slopes downwardly toward the center of the float90at an angle that substantially complements the sloped surface41of the conical closure40on the bottleneck26of the liquid container. At the bottom of the sloped central portion98of the float upper surface96, an annular channel89is formed that surrounds an upwardly extending, tapered projection99.

When the feeding basin14is full, the level of the nectar95raises the float valve20to bring it into abutment with the sloped surface41of the closure40of the bottleneck. In this position, the tapered projection99is received within and closes the central opening42in the closure40, preventing further nectar in the container12from flowing into the basin. As the feeder is thereafter used by feeding birds, the level of nectar95in the basin14will drop. Since the float valve20rises and falls with the nectar level, the lowering of the nectar95creates a space between the surface41of the closure40and the upper surface96of the float90, once again allowing liquid to flow from the container12into the basin14through the opening42until the basin is again filled so as to bring the upper surface96of the float90into abutment with the sloped surface41of the closure40. In this way, the feeder basin is continually refilled by the quantity of liquid in the container.

To assemble the feeder from an empty state, the bottleneck portion26of the liquid container12is screwed into the internal threads28on the wall29of the cylindrical well30, bringing the closure40to a position near, but spaced above, the sloped portion of the float90. The liquid container is then filled through the open top thereof. As liquid nectar95enters the container12, the nectar is permitted to flow into the fluid holding area88of the feeder basin14through the central opening42in the closure40and the slots93in the well30. As the basin fills up, the float valve20rises with the liquid level in the basin until the sloped surfaces41,98of the closure and the float are in abutment and the projection99on the float is fully inserted within the closure central opening42. In this position, the opening42is closed by the projection99and the abutment of the sloped surfaces98,41on the upper surface96of the float90with the lower surface of the closure40. The flow of liquid nectar into the basin is thus stopped and the remainder of the container can be filled as desired. Thereafter, the container can be topped off and/or refilled at any time, as needed, by opening the top thereof and adding additional liquid. The upward pressure of the float valve20against the closure40once the basin is full keeps too much liquid from entering the basin and overflowing therefrom.

To disassemble the feeder for cleaning, the steps taken to assemble the feeder are reversed. The container12is unscrewed from the well30of the basin14and both parts can then be washed in water, preferably with warm soapy water, and then rinsed. Reassembly is then accomplished as described above.

As already noted, the sealing of the closure opening42when the basin14is full allows the container12to be refilled through the top opening without allowing fluid in the basin to escape through the feed ports66. This configuration greatly increases convenience to the user as compared with hummingbird feeders that have to be inverted for filling in that inversion-fill feeders cannot be “topped off” without losing all of the liquid nectar still in the base since the entire feeder must be turned upside down to fill the reservoir and replace the base.

A float valve style hummingbird feeder in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention is shown inFIGS. 3-6and is generally designated by reference numeral100. The feeder consists of a reservoir bottle or liquid container generally designated by reference numeral112, a feeding basin generally designated by reference numeral114, and a sealing mechanism generally designated by reference numeral116that includes a float valve120and a seal plate122configured for engagement with the lower end132of the liquid container112. A removable top or cap150, secured in place such as by threads154that mate with corresponding threads155inside the cap, closes off the large opening156at the upper end of the liquid container112when the cap is tightened. The cap150is vented to prevent a vacuum condition and allow atmospheric pressure to act on the column of nectar being fed into the feeding basin from the container in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

The bottom of the liquid container112forms a generally cylindrical bottleneck-shaped extension126with external threads128so that it can be screw-threaded into the mating threads127of a wall129of an upwardly extending cylindrical well130of the feeding basin114, shown inFIG. 3A. The bottleneck extension126has an open lower end132, which is partially closed by the seal plate122when the bottleneck extension126is screw-threaded into the cylindrical well130and its lower end132engages the periphery of the seal plate122. The seal plate122is preferably made of any soft elastomer, rubber or other flexible sealing material such as urethane, etc.

According to the second embodiment, the float valve120has a central opening71through which the well130extends. The central opening71is spanned across its diameter by a bridge73having a truncated conical projection140positioned in a center thereof. The wall129of the well130is split to form opposing channels75that receive the bridge73as shown inFIG. 3A.

The seal plate122has a central aperture136through which nectar in the container112flows to fill the feeding basin114when the float valve120is in the open position shown inFIG. 5. The aperture136preferably has a conical side wall tapering downwardly to complement the shape of the tapered truncated conical projection140. The open position is obtained when the level138of the nectar in the feeding basin is low and the float valve120, floating in the nectar, is also low so that the projection140is spaced away from the opening136in the seal plate122to form a flow channel125. As nectar flows into the feeding basin114, however, the level of the nectar and, in turn, the vertical position of the float valve120and the projection140on the bridge73thereof, rises until the float valve reaches its upper position at which point the feeding basin is “full”.

In the “full” position shown inFIG. 6, the upwardly directed projection140with the truncated conical shape extending from the center of the bridge73of the float valve120is received within the central aperture136in the seal plate122. The projection140thereby closes or plugs the aperture136to prevent further flow of nectar from the container112into the feeding basin through the flow channel125.

An upstanding guide pin142is preferably positioned centrally in a protrusion144at the base of the feeding basin114directly below the well130. The pin142is received within a bore146formed in the center of the float valve120in order to laterally align the projection140with respect to the aperture136during upward and downward movement of the float valve120.

A float valve style hummingbird feeder in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention is shown inFIGS. 7-10and is generally designated by reference numeral200. The feeder consists of a reservoir bottle or liquid container generally designated by reference numeral212, a feeding basin generally designated by reference numeral214, and a sealing or valve mechanism generally designated by reference numeral216. The liquid container has a large opening at its upper end that is closed by a removable cap in the same manner as in the second embodiment and with corresponding reference numerals, and therefore a discussion thereof will not be repeated here.

The bottom of the liquid container212forms a generally cylindrical bottleneck-shaped extension226with external threads228so that it can be screw-threaded into the mating threads of a cylindrical wall229of an upwardly extending cylindrical well230of the feeding basin214, as shown inFIG. 7A. The bottleneck extension226has an open lower end232configured to engage with and be sealed by the sealing or valve mechanism216.

The sealing or valve mechanism216includes a float240connected by a lever244to a seal assembly, generally designated by reference numeral242. The seal assembly242includes a plug250mounted on the upper end of a generally vertical post252positioned centrally within the upwardly extending well230. The lever244is pivotally mounted at a central part thereof by a pivot pin254to a base260of the cylindrical well230. A first end256of the lever244is received through a port245in the side of the base260and is coupled to a lower portion of the post252. A second end258of the lever244is coupled to the float240by a pivot pin255.

The base260of the cylindrical well230includes a flat sealing edge portion262that surrounds a hollow center portion264having an inverted truncated conical shape with sloped sides266(seeFIG. 9). The sealing edge portion262closes off the open lower end232when the bottleneck extension226is screw-threaded into the well230. The plug250has an inverted truncated conical shape complementary with that of the hollow center portion264so that the sloped outer surface268of the plug250fits in sealing engagement with the sloped side surface266of the center portion264when the two are in abutment.

The plug250is vertically movable within the hollow center portion264between an upper position (shown inFIG. 9) and a lower position (shown inFIG. 10) in response to vertical movement of the post252upon which the plug250is mounted. Vertical movement of the post252is initiated by the position of the float240which, in turn, is determined by the fluid level270in the feeding basin214. When the fluid level is low, as inFIG. 9, the float240is also in a low position. The weight of the float240combined with the mechanical advantage of the lever244, provides enough force to lift the post252and the plug250against the fluid pressure in the container212. In this upper position, the plug250is pushed up from the hollow center portion264so as to be spaced therefrom sufficiently to open a fluid flow channel280between the outer surface268of the plug250and the mating side surface266of the well base center portion264.

As the float240rises with the fluid level270, the lever244pivots on pin254to allow the plug250to move downwardly to the lower position shown inFIG. 10. In the lower position, the plug comes into sealing engagement with the side surface266of the well base260, closing the fluid flow channel280and forming a seal so as to prevent additional nectar from entering the feeding basin214. Fluid pressure in the container also helps to keep the seal closed.

A float valve style hummingbird feeder in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown inFIGS. 11-15and is generally designated by reference numeral300. The feeder consists of a reservoir bottle or liquid container generally designated by reference numeral312, a feeding basin generally designated by reference numeral314, and a sealing mechanism generally designated by reference numeral316. The liquid container has a large opening at its upper end that is closed by a removable cap in the same manner as in the second and third embodiments and with corresponding reference numerals, and therefore a discussion thereof will not be repeated here.

The bottom of the liquid container312forms a generally cylindrical bottleneck-shaped extension326with external threads328so that it can be screw-threaded into the mating threads of a cylindrical wall329of an upwardly extending cylindrical well330of the feeding basin314, shown inFIG. 11A. The well includes an inner flange having a generally flat upper surface333that supports the sealing mechanism. The bottleneck extension326fits within the well330and has an open lower end332configured to engage with and be sealed by the sealing or valve mechanism316.

The sealing or valve mechanism316includes a float340connected by a lever344to a seal assembly, generally designated by reference numeral342. The seal assembly342includes a sealing plate351with a hole349therein and a plug generally designated by reference numeral350movably mounted in the hole. The lower surface353of the sealing plate351is in sealing abutment with the upper surface333of the well flange331so that, when the bottle is screwed into the well, the lower end332of the bottleneck comes into sealing engagement with the upper surface381of the sealing plate351and fluid can only escape from the bottle through the hole349in the plate351.

The plug350includes a post383that extends through the hole349and an enlarged head385on the upper end of the post383above the sealing plate351. The outer diameter of the post383is smaller than the inner diameter of the hole349, while the outer diameter of the head is larger than the hole diameter so as to completely cover the upper mouth of the hole. The plug functions as a valve to close the hole349. Specifically, gravity and water pressure391act on the upper surface387of the head385to push the plug350downwardly and bring the lower surface389of the head into sealing abutment with the upper surface381of the sealing plate351. When the plug is in this lower position, as shown inFIG. 15, fluid cannot flow through the hole349.

The lever344is pivotally mounted at a central part thereof to a base360of the well330by a pivot pin354. A first end356of the lever344is received through a port345in the side of the base360and extends under the plug350. A second end358of the lever344is coupled to the float340by a pivot pin355.

The plug350is vertically movable within the hole349between an upper position (shown inFIG. 14) and a lower position (shown inFIGS. 12 and 15) in response to vertical movement of the first end356of the lever344. Vertical movement of the lever first end356is initiated by the position of the float340which, in turn, is determined by the fluid level370in the feeding basin314(seeFIGS. 14 and 15). When the fluid level is low, as inFIG. 14, the float340is also in a low position. The weight of the float340acts on the lever344, which pushes the plug350upwardly against the fluid pressure in the container312. In this upper position, the plug350is pushed up such that the lower surface389of the head385is spaced above the upper surface381of the sealing plate351. This spacing exposes the hole and, since the outer diameter of the post383is smaller than the inner diameter of the hole349, fluid is enabled to flow around the post and through the hole349to fill the basin314. As is evident, the weight of the float must be greater than the weight of the plug and the fluid pressure in the container312.

As the float340rises with the fluid level370, the lever344pivots on pin354to allow the plug350, in response to gravity and fluid pressure in the container, to move downwardly to the lower position shown inFIGS. 12 and 15. In the lower position, the lower surface389of the head385comes into sealing engagement with the upper surface381of the sealing plate351, closing the hole349and forming a seal so as to prevent additional nectar from entering the feeding basin314. As is evident, the float must have a buoyancy greater than its weight.

A float valve style hummingbird feeder in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown inFIGS. 16-29and is generally designated by reference numeral400. As shown inFIG. 16, the feeder consists of a reservoir bottle or liquid container generally designated by reference numeral412, a feeding basin generally designated by reference numeral414, and a sealing mechanism generally designated by reference numeral416. The bottom of the liquid container412forms a generally cylindrical bottleneck-shaped extension426with external threads428and a lower edge429. The sealing mechanism416includes a bottle seal assembly, generally designated by reference numeral502, and a float valve, generally designated by reference numeral504, that is configured for engagement with the bottle seal assembly502. A removable top or cap450closes off the large opening456at the upper end of the liquid container412and is vented to prevent a vacuum condition in the container in the same manner as in the previous embodiments.

The feeding basin414includes a base462and a removable cover460. The base has a bottom476and an upwardly directed outer wall477. The cover460is preferably dome-shaped, with a central opening464at the upper end of the dome and a downwardly directed outer wall465. Two arms506project downwardly from the upper end of the dome adjacent the central opening464as shown inFIG. 17. At the lower end of each arm is a coupling element508which will be described more fully hereinafter.

The lower edge510of the cover outer wall465is configured to form a sealing connection with an upper edge512of the base outer wall477when the basin is assembled. The central opening464in the cover460receives the bottleneck extension426and has an inner edge514configured to generally conform with the outer surface of the container412. The bottom476of the base462is provided with a guide structure generally designated by reference numeral520that will be described hereinafter.

As shown inFIG. 18, the bottle seal assembly502includes a bottle collar generally designated by reference numeral522, a bottle seal generally designated by reference numeral524, and a nozzle member generally designated by reference numeral526.

As best seen inFIG. 18A, the bottle collar522is preferably a single-piece molded assembly having an upper part, generally designated by reference numeral528, with a substantially cylindrical outer wall530and a lower part, generally designated by reference numeral532, also having an outer wall534defining a substantially cylindrical shape. The inner surface536of the bottle collar upper part528has internal threads538that allow the bottleneck extension, with its external threads428, to be screw-threaded into the collar522to couple the bottleneck extension to the collar.

As shown inFIGS. 17,18A and21, the upper part outer wall530includes two upper alignment recesses541on opposing sides thereof. At the base of each recess541is a coupling element540, preferably formed integrally with the upper part wall530, that engages with the coupling elements508on the lower ends of the cover arms506to lock the cover460to the bottle collar522when the feeder is assembled. According to a preferred embodiment, the coupling element540on the upper part outer wall530is a rib or flange that extends circumferentially across each upper alignment recess541and is generally parallel with an upper edge543of the bottle collar522(seeFIG. 21). The coupling elements508on the cover arms506are preferably formed by an inwardly directed lip or tooth. When the cover460is pushed downwardly onto the base462to assemble the feeding basin, the arms506slide within the upper alignment recesses541until the lip508passes over the rib540and snaps into engagement against the lower surface of the rib. As would be understood by persons of skill in the art, the coupling elements could have alternate configurations provided the coupling element on the collar upper part is complementary with the coupling element of the cover.

The inner surface542of the lower part532is generally smooth and defines a central opening544. As shown inFIGS. 18A,19and20, a slot546is formed in the lower part532and passes through opposing sides of the lower part wall548. The generally cylindrical outer wall534of the lower part532of the bottle collar522includes at least one lower alignment recess, generally designated by reference numeral550, and preferably, there are two lower alignment recesses550arranged on opposing sides of the lower part532of the bottle collar522. Preferably, the lower alignment recesses550are in generally vertical alignment with the upper recesses541in the upper part outer wall530, and the opposing sides of the lower part outer wall534having the lower alignment recesses550are substantially orthogonal to the opposing sides that are slotted at546. According to one preferred embodiment shown inFIG. 18A, the lower alignment recesses are flat notches552on opposing sides of the lower part outer wall534of the bottle collar. These flat notches552are cut into the opposing sides so that the recessed surface of the notch in relationship with the lower part outer wall534creates a stop545on either side of the flat notch. In addition, the flat recessed surfaces of the notches are preferably tapered from top to bottom.

The guide structure520in the base462is configured to engage with the lower alignment recesses550on the bottle collar lower part532to ensure proper orientation of the bottle seal assembly502and the float valve504within the feeding basin414when the feeder is assembled (seeFIGS. 17 and 26). According to a preferred embodiment, the guide structure520in the base includes two upwardly extending opposed guide panels554that are generally planar and substantially parallel with one another. The panels554are spaced from one another at a distance that allows the bottle collar lower part to be received therebetween when the lower alignment recesses550are positioned to be in substantially parallel relationship with the guide panels. When the bottle collar522is positioned between the panels554of the guide structure520, the slot546is between and substantially parallel with the panels554. As would be understood by persons of skill in the art, the lower alignment recesses could have alternate configurations provided the guide structure is complementary therewith to secure the bottle collar to the basin base.

The upper edges of the guide panels554include a connecting element556that engages with a complementary structure, generally designated by reference numeral558, on the outer surface of the bottle collar. During feeder assembly, the lower part532of the bottle collar is inserted between the guide structures520with the flat notches552aligned with the panels554so that the panels are received within the notches. When the collar is fully inserted, the connecting elements556on the upper edges of the panels554are engaged with the complementary structure558on the outer surface of the bottle collar. According to a preferred embodiment, the complementary structure558is an angled notch560transverse to the flat notches and positioned near the top of the lower part532of the bottle collar and in vertical alignment with the flat notch. The connecting element556is an inwardly directed lip that snaps into engagement with the angled notch560to secure the bottle collar to the base of the basin. In addition, when the bottle collar has been secured to the basin base, the positioning of the guide panels within the flat notches552and between the stops545prevents the collar from rotating relative to the basin base. As would be understood by persons of skill in the art, the complementary structure and the connecting element could have alternate configurations provided that they work cooperatively to secure the collar to the base.

According to a preferred embodiment, the outer surface530of the upper part532has a diameter that is greater than the outermost diameter (adjacent the top) of the outer surface534of the lower part532, with the flat notches being inset within the outer surface534of the collar lower part532. Therefore, when the collar is fully inserted and coupled to the guide structure with the guide panels554fitted within the flat notches552as described above, the outer surfaces530of the upper recesses541formed in the upper part528are substantially flush with an outer surface562of the guide panels554. The coupling element540on the upper part outer surface530projects outwardly therefrom to provide the lip that engages with the coupling element508of the cover arms506as described above.

The bottle seal524may be configured as a flat ring with a central opening564, similar to a washer or gasket, and may be made of cork or other compressible material capable of forming a liquid seal when brought into abutment with the lower edge572of the bottleneck extension426. The central opening564in the bottle seal524is smaller in diameter than the open end429of the bottleneck extension426, and the outer circumference566of the bottle seal524is preferably the same as the circumference of the outer surface568of the bottleneck extension at the open end429. Hence, when the bottle seal524is assembled as shown inFIG. 18, the upper surface570of the bottle seal is in abutment with the lower edge572of the bottleneck extension and forms a seal therewith, and the outer circumference566of the bottle seal524is flush with the outer surface568of the bottleneck extension426. In addition, because the central opening564in the bottle seal524is smaller in diameter than the open end429of the bottleneck extension426, the bottle seal partially closes the open end of the bottleneck extension when the bottleneck extension is screw-threaded into the cylindrical collar522and the lower edge572of the extension engages the upper surface570of the bottle seal, as will be further discussed hereinafter.

The nozzle member526includes a generally cylindrical base574that is substantially planar, with an upper surface576and a lower surface578. Integrally formed with the base574is a downwardly extending nozzle580that projects from a central area of the nozzle member base574. A central channel582extends through the base574and the nozzle580. The channel582is open at the upper surface576of the base and also open at a tip584of the nozzle. Preferably, the channel has inwardly tapering walls so that the opening at the nozzle tip584is smaller than the opening586at the base upper surface576. The outer surface of the nozzle580is also preferably tapered toward the tip584. However, the nozzle may be any shape so long as it has a lower edge or surface configured for sealing engagement with the float valve504to be described hereinafter.

While the bottle seal524and nozzle member526have been described as two elements, they may be formed as a single component. According to one preferred embodiment, the bottle seal is an overmolded silicon piece subsequently molded as one piece to the nozzle member.

Where the lower end of the upper part528of the bottle collar522meets the upper end of the lower part532, an inwardly extending, annular shelf588is formed that creates a shoulder with wall element589at the upper part lower end. When the nozzle member526and bottle seal524are assembled and the bottleneck extension is fully threaded into the collar, a lower surface578of a peripheral portion of the nozzle member base574is in abutment with and supported by shelf588, and the bottle seal524is on top of the nozzle member526with the bottle seal lower surface590in abutment with the upper surface576of the nozzle member. Both the bottle seal and the nozzle member are centered by the shoulder wall element589. When so assembled, the bottle seal524and nozzle base574effectively close most of the open end429of the bottleneck extension leaving only the central channel582to provide a liquid flow path from the container412into the feeding basin414.

As shown inFIGS. 23-25, the float valve504includes a float generally designated by reference numeral590and a float seal generally designated by reference numeral592. The float590has a bottom part594with a substantially flat lower surface596, an upstanding outer wall598and an inner wall600. The inner wall600extends upwardly from the bottom part594and defines a central area, generally designated by reference numeral602, of the float. The central area602is preferably cylindrical although other shapes could be used provided the central opening is able to receive the collar522. The outer wall598also extends upwardly from the bottom part594and is spaced from the inner wall600to define an open chamber, generally designated by reference numeral604. The open chamber604is delimited by the bottom part594, the outer wall598and the inner wall600. The chamber604is generally annular, but the outer wall598is provided with spaced cutouts606for receiving nectar. These spaced cutouts606come into alignment with the feeding ports466in the cover460when the feeder is assembled. The float590is made of a material that will float in water and/or nectar so that, as the nectar level in the feeding basin rises, the float moves to an upper position and when the nectar level drops, the float moves to a lower position. Accordingly, the float may be shaped in any number of configurations with or without an open chamber, provided the material from which the float is made is sufficiently buoyant to move up and down with corresponding changes in the nectar level.

Extending across the central area602is a bridge, generally designated by reference numeral610, that substantially bisects the central area602. The bridge610has two arms612in linear alignment with one another. The arms612extend inwardly into the central area602and are joined by a center piece614having generally cylindrical sides616and a flat upper surface618(seeFIGS. 25 and 26).

The float seal592is inset within or otherwise secured to the center piece614. As shown inFIG. 24, the center piece614may have a hollow area into which the float seal592is inserted. The float seal592is preferably inset within the center piece614so that an upper surface620of the float seal is flush with the upper surface618of the center piece (seeFIG. 24). Alternatively, the float seal may project upwardly from the center piece or be recessed therein so that the upper surface of the float seal is higher or lower than the upper surface of the center piece, respectively. In addition, the float seal may be composed of multiple pieces stacked upon or otherwise arranged with each other to present an upper surface suitable for engagement with the nozzle tip. In one preferred embodiment, the float seal is an insert molded seal592as shown inFIG. 24.

The float seal592is positioned in the center piece614so as to be directly below the nozzle tip584when the feeder is assembled. The float seal592is preferably made of any soft elastomer, silicon, rubber or other flexible sealing material. The nozzle580is made of a less flexible material than the float seal592to ensure that the nozzle will seat itself in the float seal to close the channel582in the nozzle member526when the float is in the upper position.

To assemble the feeder400, the float valve504is positioned within the feeding basin414as shown inFIG. 20. Particularly, the annular portion of the float is received within the feeding basin with the outer wall598and cutouts606adjacent the base outer wall477and the inner wall600surrounding the guide panels, and the bridge610extending between the guide panels. The bottle seal assembly is then received within the basin by aligning the slot in the bottle collar lower part with the arms of the bridge in the central area of the float, and engaging the lower alignment recesses with the guide structure, as shown inFIGS. 19,21and25. Once the bottle collar522is coupled to the guide panels554in the feeding basin base462by engaging connecting elements556into the angled notches560, as shown inFIGS. 25 and 26, the positioning of the bridge within the slot in the bottle collar captures the float valve504to prevent the float from rotating. The float valve504is free, however, to move up and down with the nectar level.

The basin cover460is then coupled to the basin base462by engaging the coupling elements508on the cover arms with the coupling rib or flange540on the outer surface of the collar upper part (seeFIG. 17). The positioning of the cover arms506within the recesses541serves to align the cover to key the position of the feeding ports to be directly over the cutouts606as shown inFIG. 27. The bottleneck extension of the container is then screw threaded into the collar522to couple the container to the feeding basin.

Before the feeder is filled with nectar, or when the nectar level is low, the flat lower surface596of the float bottom part594rests on, or is near, the bottom476of the feeding basin base462in the lower position as shown inFIG. 28. In this lower position, the nozzle tip584of the bottle seal assembly502is spaced from the float seal, allowing nectar, when poured into the container, to flow into the feeding basin. As nectar flows into the feeding basin, the level of the nectar and, in turn, the vertical position of the float valve rises. When sufficient nectar has been received within the basin, the float valve504, floating in the nectar, reaches its upper position at which point the feeding basin is “full”.

In the “full” position shown inFIG. 29, the float seal592comes into sealing engagement with the tip584of the nozzle580. With the nozzle tip seated in the float seal, the float seal closes or plugs the central channel582in the nozzle member526to prevent further flow of nectar from the container into the feeding basin through the central channel.

In all five of the embodiments described herein, a float valve is used to control the amount of liquid nectar allowed to enter the feeding basin of the top-fill hummingbird feeder. By venting the cover or cap50of the container holding the liquid nectar in each embodiment, atmospheric pressure can be used to dispense the nectar when the float valve is open. When the feeding basin is full, the float in conjunction with the nectar level automatically prevents further filling of the feeding basin. As such, overflow of the basin in response to temperature-related expansion of the air in the container from night to day time periods is also prevented.

A representative location of a vent15in the cap50is shown inFIG. 30. While the vent can be located anywhere in the cap, the location of the vent15under the support feature11used to hang the feeder, as shown inFIG. 30, is advantageous as the support feature11helps to minimize the entry of water and debris into the feeder which could potentially contaminate the nectar inside. A simple filter or screen could also be added to minimize entry of foreign matter such as dirt or insects through the vent hole. In an alternative vent style, grooves or cuts may be formed in the cap threads to allow venting through the cap threads so that a vent hole is not necessary.

A second embodiment of a vented cap according to the present invention is shown inFIGS. 31A and 31B. In this embodiment, the vent hole151is formed as part of a mounting structure700used to hang the feeder.

All of the foregoing feeder embodiments support a wide array of container shapes; the only requirement is that the bottleneck extension is of a uniform size and configuration to be secured within the basin and/or basin-cooperating structures. Examples of possible container shapes are depicted inFIGS. 32A through 32E. These same shapes are shown in perspective view inFIGS. 33A through 33E. The present invention is not intended to be limited to these container shapes, however, as would be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art.

The foregoing descriptions and drawings should be considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. The invention may be configured in a variety of shapes and sizes and is not limited by the dimensions of the preferred embodiment. Numerous applications of the present invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is not desired to limit the invention to the specific examples disclosed or the exact construction and operation shown and described. Rather, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.