Abstract:
A hummingbird feeder attachable to a brim of a hat is intended to allow for the observation of hummingbirds from a close perspective is herein disclosed. The feeder apparatus comprises a tube having a consumable fluid, a feeding nozzle, and a perch. The feeder further comprises an extended arm providing a spring clamp which attaches to the hat brim. The feeder is positioned in front of the wearer&#39;s face, thereby allowing for close observation of the hummingbird while it feeds. Additionally, the brim clip is designed in the shape of a mouth piece allowing a user to anchor the feeder in his/her mouth.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in a notarized Official Record of Invention on Dec. 12, 2008, that is on file at the offices of Montgomery Patent and Design, LLC, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to bird feeders, and in particular, to a hummingbird feeder attachable to a user&#39;s person for close-up viewing of birds. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many people enjoy the presence of birds on their property and, in order to attract them, place bird feeders in their yards. These feeders not only attract the birds, but they also serve as a food source in the winter months when the birds&#39; natural food sources are in short supply. 
     One (1) type of bird everyone enjoys seeing is the hummingbird. These birds are not only small and delicate, but they are capable of hovering in mid-air while feeding, and are simply amazing to observe. It is because of this fact that most hummingbird feeders are placed near windows of homes such that people can view these birds and their feeding habits up close. However, such feeders do not provide an intimate, unblocked close-up view of the birds. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide bird feeders which provide close-up, unfettered viewing of birds during feeding. U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,127, issued in the name of Leslie, describes a wearable device for feeding birds which comprises a helmet and a plurality of offset hanging bird feeding structures. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Many such devices do not provide a sufficiently intimate view of a bird during feeding. Also, many such devices are cumbersome to assemble or operate or are uncomfortable to don. Furthermore, many such devices are not readily transportable and adjustable. Accordingly, there exists a need for a bird feeder without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for a hummingbird feeder which is adjustable and portable and which provides a user with an intimate view of birds during feeding. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to comprise a user-mounted hummingbird feeder to allow for the observation of hummingbirds from a close perspective. The apparatus comprises a feeding tube assembly, a feeding nozzle, and an outwardly extending holding rod. 
     Another object of the present invention is to position the feeding tube assembly in front of the user&#39;s face for close observation of the hummingbirds during feeding. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide containment of a volume of fluid suitable for feeding hummingbirds, such as sugar water, in order to act as an attractant and feeder for the birds. The fluid is contained within a feeding tube portion of the feeding tube assembly. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to allowing hummingbirds to access fluid contained in the feeding tube assembly via the feeding nozzle. The feeding nozzle comprises a funnel-shaped nozzle located at a top end of the feeding tube assembly. The feeding nozzle further comprises an internal orifice accessible by a long beak of the hummingbird. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to attract hummingbirds to the feeding nozzle. The nozzle further comprises an attractive decorative hollow appendage and a colorful façade such as a flower or a circular disc. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to enable attachment of the apparatus to a hat of the user. The holding rod comprises a brim mounting clip at a top end which provides a clamping fit to the brim of the hat. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide additional securement of the holding rod to the user&#39;s hat with a securing clip bard located along an inner surface of the brim mounting clip. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to allow the user to selectively adjust the vertical position of the feeding tube assembly by motioning one (1) of a plurality of adjustable pivoting members located at each end portion of the holding rod. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to allow the user to selectively remove the feeding tube from the holding rod for purposes such as filling or cleaning. The feeding tube is slidingly removable and insertable within a centrally located circular collar aperture located at a bottom end of the holding rod. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to allow a user to support the apparatus with their mouth. The brim mounting clip comprises a “U”-shape which enables a comfortable mouthpiece type use of the brim mounting clip for alternate viewing of the birds during feeding. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of filling the feeding tube with a feeding fluid, inserting the feeding nozzle into the feeding tube, inserting the feeding tube into the collar aperture of the holding rod, attaching the holding rod to a brim portion of a hat with the brim mounting clip, adjusting the vertical position of the feeding tube assembly relative to the hat by motioning the adjustable pivoting members of the holding rod, donning the hat, observing a bird during feeding, and selectively supporting the apparatus by placing the brim mounting clip in the user&#39;s mouth. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side environmental view of a user-mounted hummingbird feeder  10  depicting usage upon a hat  110 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the user-mounted hummingbird feeder  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3   a  is a close-up view of a second pivoting member  54  of the user-mounted hummingbird feeder  10  depicting an engaged state thereof, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3   b  is a close-up view of a second pivoting member  54  of the user-mounted hummingbird feeder  10  depicting a disengaged state thereof, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 4  is a side environmental view of the user-mounted hummingbird feeder  10  depicting usage within a user&#39;s  100  mouth  120 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 10 
                 user-mounted hummingbird feeder 
               
               
                 20 
                 feeding tube assembly 
               
               
                 24 
                 feeding tube 
               
               
                 26 
                 rim 
               
               
                 28 
                 stopper 
               
               
                 29 
                 stopper orifice 
               
               
                 30 
                 feeding nozzle 
               
               
                 31 
                 nozzle orifice 
               
               
                 40 
                 holding rod 
               
               
                 42 
                 first holding rod connector 
               
               
                 43 
                 indentation 
               
               
                 44 
                 second holding rod connector 
               
               
                 45 
                 first pivoting member 
               
               
                 46 
                 collar 
               
               
                 48 
                 collar aperture 
               
               
                 49 
                 perch 
               
               
                 50 
                 brim mounting clip 
               
               
                 52 
                 clip barb 
               
               
                 53 
                 mounting aperture 
               
               
                 54 
                 second pivoting member 
               
               
                 56 
                 protuberance 
               
               
                 80 
                 fluid 
               
               
                 100 
                 user 
               
               
                 110 
                 hat 
               
               
                 115 
                 brim 
               
               
                 120 
                 mouth 
               
               
                 150 
                 hummingbird 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 4 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a user-mounted hummingbird feeder (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , attachable to a brim  115  of a hat  110  and intended to allow for the observation of hummingbirds  150  from a close perspective. The apparatus  10  comprises a feeding tube assembly  20 , a feeding nozzle  30  designed to attract a hummingbird  150 , and an outwardly extending holding rod  40  which may be clipped thereto a brim  115  portion of the hat  110  or held in a user&#39;s  100  mouth  120 . The apparatus  10  is positioned in front of a facial area of a user  100 , thereby allowing for close observation of the hummingbird  150  during feeding. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a side environmental view of the apparatus  10  depicting usage upon a hat  110 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a feeding tube assembly  20  further comprising a feeding tube  24 , and a feeding nozzle  30 . The apparatus  10  also comprises a holding rod  40  and a brim mounting clip  50 . 
     The feeding tube  24  provides containment of a volume of fluid  80  such as a sugar water solution or other nectar imitating fluids used in feeding of hummingbirds  150  in a conventional manner. The feeding tube assembly  20  comprises a top-mounted funnel-shaped feeding nozzle  30  which provides an internal nozzle orifice  31  allowing the hummingbird  150  to access the fluid  80  located in a subjacent feeding tube  24  using its long narrow beak (see  FIG. 2 ). The feeding tube  24  provides an attachment means to an extending holding rod  40  being approximately twelve (12) inches long which enables attachment of the apparatus  10  to a brim portion  115  of a hat  110 , or similar hat feature, worn upon a user&#39;s  100  head. The holding rod  40  positions the feeding tube  24  at a position, preferably in front of the user&#39;s  100  facial area, thereby allowing close-up viewing of the hummingbird  150  as it feeds in a normal manner. Additionally, the holding rod  40  provides enhanced positioning of said feeding tube  24  in relation to the user&#39;s  100  face, via adjustable pivoting members located at each end portion of said holding rod  40 , thereby enabling variable vertical positioning of said feeding tube  24  (see  FIG. 2 ). The brim mounting clip  50  comprises a plastic one-piece molded clamping fixture, thereby allowing secure mounting of the apparatus  10  thereto a brim portion  115  of the brimmed hat  110 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an exploded view of the hummingbird feeder with cap mount  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The feeding tube assembly portion  20  of the apparatus  10  comprises a feeding tube  24 , a stopper  28 , and a feeding nozzle  30 . The feeding tube  24  comprises a plastic or glass cylindrical-shaped container having a perpendicularly extending rim portion  26  along a top perimeter edge being similar thereto a test-tube and being approximately two (2) to four (4) inches long having a round open top region allowing secure attachment of a tapered rubber or plastic stopper  28  into. The stopper  28  in turn provides an attachment means to the feeding nozzle  30  being inserted into an integrally-molded stopper orifice portion  29  formed along a vertical center of the stopper  28 . The feeding nozzle  30  comprises an attractive decorative hollow appendage which extends upwardly having a funnel shape. The feeding nozzle  30  is envisioned to be made of colorful plastic being shaped like a flower, a circular disc, or the like, thereby effectively luring the hummingbird  150  thereto the apparatus  10 . 
     The holding rod  40  comprises a linear member approximately twelve (12) inches long and approximately one-quarter (¼) of an inch in diameter. The holding rod  40  further comprises a first holding rod connector  42  which provides pivoting attachment to a collar  46  at a lower end portion thereof and a second holding rod connector  44  which provides pivoting attachment thereto a second pivoting member portion  54  of the brim mounting clip  50  at an upper end portion (see  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b ). 
     The collar  46  comprises a ring-shaped member which provides removable attachment thereto the feeding tube  24  via insertion of said feeding tube  24  into a centrally located circular collar aperture  48  being particularly sized so as to slidingly receive said feeding tube  24  through. Upon being completely engaged downwardly into the collar  46 , the rim portion  26  of the feeding tube  24  supportingly comes into contact with a top surface portion of said collar  46 . The collar  46  further comprises a perch  49  and a first pivoting member  45  protruding horizontally from opposing outer vertical surfaces of said collar  46  being integrally-molded into said collar  46 . The perch  49  comprises a “T”-shaped horizontal appendage on which a hummingbird  150  may stand, thereby being positioned for feeding from the aforementioned feeding nozzle  30 . 
     The brim mounting clip  50  comprises a “U”-shaped clamping fixture extending in a horizontal plane and having an interior gap which emulates a profile of a cap brim  115 , thereby allowing secure mounting to. The brim mounting clip  50  further comprises a securing clip barb  52  along an inner surface to grip the cap brim  115  surface. The brim mounting clip  50  also comprises a second pivoting member  54  which provides attachment of the brim mounting clip  50  thereto the holding rod  40  (see  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b ). 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b , a close-up view of a second pivoting member  54  of the apparatus  10  depicting engaged and disengaged states, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The holding rod  40  provides a three-piece hinging assembly providing an angularly adjustable attachment at opposing end portions, thereto the collar  46  and brim mounting clip  50 , thereby providing single-axis motioning along a vertical plane. The lower end of the holding rod  40  comprises a first holding rod connector  42  being in mechanical communication with a first pivoting member portion  45  of the collar  46 . In like manner, the other end portion of the holding rod  40  comprises a second holding rod connector  44  being in mechanical communication with the respective second pivoting member  54  portion of the brim mounting clip  50 . 
     Although said first  42  and second  44  holding rod connectors comprise identical form and function, for simplicity sake, only the attachment of the second holding rod connector  44  and the second pivoting member  54  are illustrated here. The rotational relationship between said second holding rod connector  44  and the second pivoting member  54  is accomplished via integrally-molded and interlocking features comprising opposing protuberance portions  56  of the second pivoting member  54  and correspondingly shaped and positioned indentation portions  43  of the second holding rod connector  44  as seen in  FIG. 3   b . The protuberances  56  and corresponding indentations  43  comprise interlocking hemispherical shapes arranged along a common horizontal axis, thereby allowing arcuate vertical motioning of the holding rod  40 . Furthermore, it is envisioned that the second holding rod connector  44  is to be formed so as to apply a pinching interference fit with the included second pivoting member  54  to provide a friction-holding effect, thereby securing the holding rod  40  in position following manual adjustment thereof. However, it is envisioned that other means of securing an included angle between said second holding rod connector  44  and second pivoting member  54  may be utilized in addition to the preferred embodiment illustrated here, and therefore should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the apparatus  10 . 
     The brim mounting clip  50  provides a means to mount the apparatus  10  upon a stationary structure such as a wall, railing, post, or the like using a nail or screw via an integrally-molded mounting aperture  53  centrally located upon said brim mounting clip  50  and adjacent to the second pivoting member  54 . 
     The “U”-shape of the brim mounting clip  50  allows a user  100  to alternately hold said clip  50  within their mouth  120  (see  FIG. 4 ). The brim mounting clip  50  is similar in shape as popular mouthpieces used for sporting activities such as football, being comfortably held between a user&#39;s  100  teeth in a conventional manner. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a side environmental view of the apparatus  10  depicting usage within a user&#39;s  100  mouth  120  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The previously described brim mounting clip  50  provides an additional hummingbird  150  feeding experience by allowing a user  100  to secure the apparatus  10  within their mouth  120 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be utilized as indicated in  FIGS. 1 and 4 . 
     The method of utilizing the preferred embodiment of the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: preparing a volume of hummingbird feeding fluid  80  such as sugar water solution or other nectar imitation fluid; pouring a desired quantity of said fluid  80  into the feeding tube  24 ; inserting the feeding nozzle  30  into the stopper  28  until obtaining a snug fit; inserting the stopper  28  into the open-top portion of said feeding tube  24  until snug; attaching the holding rod  40  and attached collar  46  thereto a brim portion  115  of a user&#39;s hat  110  using the attached brim mounting clip  50 ; inserting the feeding tube assembly  20  into the collar aperture portion  48  of the collar  46  until the rim portion  26  of the feeding tube  24  makes contact with the collar  46 ; adjusting the attitude and angle of the holding rod  40  to motion the feeding tube assembly  20  thereto a desired position; occupying an outdoor area being frequented by hummingbirds  150  while giving care to hold the apparatus  10  as still as possible upon the brimmed hat  110 ; allowing one (1) or more hummingbirds  150  to feed from the feeding nozzle  30  as desired or until the fluid  80  is depleted; repeating the above fluid  80  preparation and hummingbird  150  feeding activity as desired; and, enjoying an enhanced hummingbird  150  feeding experience afforded a user  100  of the present invention  10 . 
     The apparatus  10  may also be alternately utilized being held therein a user&#39;s  100  mouth  120  by biting down upon said brim mounting clip  50  and feeding the hummingbirds  150  as previously described above, using the present invention  10 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.