Abstract:
An automatic bird feeder and waterer includes both a food and a water reservoir therein, as well as dispensing areas for food and water supplied from the respective reservoirs. The water reservoir comprises a generally cylindrical container installed concentrically through the generally cylindrical food reservoir. The water outlet or dispensing portion is laterally offset by an upturned elbow, which also serves as the lowermost point of the assembly. The feed dispensers may include partial covers to preclude the feeding of larger non-flying animals (squirrels, etc.) therefrom. The device is supported by a rigid support extending downwardly from the elbow. The support column may be anchored in a massive block (concrete, etc.), which may in turn be placed in a decorative container (flowerpot or the like). The entire assembly may be constructed substantially from prefabricated plumbing or pipe components, particularly those formed from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic material. The use of such PVC material allows either adhesive or mechanical fastening of components to one another during assembly of the device.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U. S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/123,374, filed on Mar. 8, 1999. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to apparatus and devices used in the care and feeding of animals, and more specifically to an apparatus for automatically providing food and water for small wild birds (robins, sparrows, finches, etc.) which are commonly found in the vicinity of urban, suburban, and rural homes. The device is constructed of various mating and concentric plumbing and pipe components, and may be constructed substantially of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Small wild birds, such as finches, sparrows, robins, and the like, are typically found throughout many parts of the nation. The sight and sounds of such birds are enjoyable to many persons, who make an effort to encourage such birds to gather in the vicinity of their homes. However, in many cases, particularly in northern climes, such birds will migrate from the area during significant portions of the year. This is not entirely due to the weather; it is often due to the lack of seed or other food being naturally available during much of the year, in various areas. 
     Accordingly, many people have encouraged birds to remain in the area, and/or to gather at or near the homes of those persons, by providing food, water, and/or shelter for such birds. Various devices have been developed in the past for such purposes, but most do not provide all of the sustenance which birds typically require. Most such devices of the prior art provide only solid food, without any provision for water for the birds. Of those devices which have been developed for providing liquids to birds, they are generally directed to providing liquid nourishment to hummingbirds, which commonly feed on liquid nectar from plants and are thus adapted to take liquid provided from a container. However, birds requiring solid food cannot utilize such liquid nourishment. In any event, the lack of water provided with conventional bird feeder units, results in the birds needing to travel elsewhere to find water, and thus at least partially defeats the purpose of such a feeder. 
     Accordingly, a need will be seen for an automatic bird feeder and waterer, which automatically provides both solid food (seed or the like) as well as water for small wild birds and the like. The device must be capable of dispensing both food and water independently, and must be capable of containing a reasonably large supply of both, in order to avoid need for frequent servicing. Finally, the device must also be relatively simple and require little maintenance in its construction and operation. 
     A discussion of the related art of which the present inventor is aware, and its differences and distinctions from the present invention, is provided below. 
     U. S. Pat. No. 4,131,083 issued on Dec. 26, 1978 to John J. Sokol et al., titled “Bird Unit,” describes a bird feeder and waterer unit having concentric feeder and waterer units. However, the waterer component comprises a wide and relatively shallow dish with an upwardly convex central dome and relatively small upturned rim, with only the relatively small volume of the upturned rim providing for the containment of a relatively small amount of water therein. No other water reservoir is provided, thus requiring the water holding rim to be replenished frequently, particularly in hotter and drier climates. In contrast, the present bird feeder and waterer includes an elongate, central water supply which communicates with a single water outlet. The present invention also automatically replenishes the water supply of the water outlet from the central water supply or reservoir until the relatively large reservoir is depleted, without need for manual intervention. 
     U. S. Pat. No. 4,441,458 issued on Apr. 10, 1984 to Robert A. Mercil, titled “Bird Feeder Construction,” describes a hummingbird feeder providing only liquid nutrients. The improvement is actually separate from the conventional hummingbird feeder, and comprises a liquid container installed concentrically upon the line from which the feeder is suspended. The liquid container precludes ants and other insects from being able to reach the feeder by traveling down the suspension line. No rigid, upstanding support is disclosed by Mercil, nor is any means provided for dispensing both solid food and liquids, as provided by the present invention. 
     U. S. Pat. No. 4,691,665 issued on Sep. 8, 1987 to Boby R. Hefner, titled “Hummingbird Feeder,” describes a feeder tank or reservoir having a basin formed externally in the top of the reservoir. The attachment for the suspension line extends upwardly from the center of the basin. The basin is to be filled with cooking oil or other suitable liquid, thereby precluding the travel of ants or other insects down the suspension line to the feeder outlets. Accordingly, the Hefner device is more closely related to the Mercil hummingbird feeder than to the present automatic bird feeder and waterer, with essentially the same distinctions being noted between the Hefner device and the present invention, as were noted between the Mercil device and the present invention. 
     U. S. Pat. No. 5,086,730 issued on Feb. 11, 1992 to Robert S. Figley, titled “Bird Feeder,” describes a feeder for dispensing solid food (seed, etc.) only; no means of dispensing water is provided by the Figley device. The Figley feeder is suspended from above, rather than being supported rigidly from below, as in the present feeder and waterer invention. Figley provides an inverted conical cover extending from the top attachment to the suspension line, downwardly to shield the feed dish from rodents or other non-flying animals. The rigid lower support provided for the present feeder and waterer, and the provision of both food (seed) and water by the present invention, serve to make it distinct from the Figley device. 
     U. S. Pat. No. 5,410,986 issued on May 2, 1995 to Larry W. Washam, titled “Bird Feeder Formed Of A Plurality Of Interconnected Tubular Columns,” describes a feeder providing only solid food (seed), with no provision for supplying water. The device basically comprises a central hollow tubular support column, which also serves as the seed reservoir for the device. A series of diagonally downward branches extend from the central tube, to provide seed to a corresponding series of generally horizontal, flat platforms. No concentric water supply or water reservoir for an external water supply is disclosed by Washam, which features form parts of the present invention. 
     Finally, U. S. Pat. No. 5,549,075 issued on Aug. 27, 1996 to James B. Golden, titled “Automatic Bird Feeder,” describes a relatively complex device having a base with a solid food reservoir therein and an upper unit comprising the food dispensing portion of the device. Powered means are used to lift food from the lower storage supply, upwardly to the food dispensing unit. An electronic sensor detects a depleted food supply in the dispensing unit, and activates the power means to lift additional food up to the dispensing unit. Golden does not provide any water supply or water dispensing means with his feeder, as provided by the present invention. Moreover, the present invention also automatically resupplies the food dispensing portion of the device, but does so without any requirement for mechanized or powered apparatus. 
     None of the above inventions and patents, either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention comprises an automatic bird feeder and waterer, containing both a food and a water reservoir or supply for the food and water dispensing portions of the device. The water reservoir is disposed concentrically through the food reservoir and supply, with the entire unit being supported from below by a rigid support column. The apparatus may be constructed substantially of prefabricated plumbing or pipe components, and is most preferably constructed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic material, which may be adhesively or mechanically secured together. The bottom of the support for the device may be placed in a massive anchor, which may in turn be placed in a decorative container, such as a large flowerpot or other suitable base. 
     Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide an improved automatic bird feeder and waterer containing reservoirs for both food and water, as well as dispensing outlets for both food and water. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide an improved automatic bird feeder and waterer which water reservoir is disposed concentrically through the food reservoir. 
     It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved automatic bird feeder and waterer which may be constructed substantially of prefabricated plumbing and pipe components, using adhesive or mechanical means for assembly. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to provide an improved automatic bird feeder and waterer having means for precluding feeding of squirrels and other non-flying animals therefrom. 
     An additional object of the invention is to provide an improved automatic bird feeder and waterer which prefabricated components thereof, may be formed of polyvinyl chloride or other suitable plastic material. 
     Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved automatic bird feeder and waterer having rigid support means extending therebelow. 
     It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes. 
     These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent upon review of the following specification and drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of the present automatic bird feeder and waterer, showing its general configuration and function. 
     FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the present automatic bird feeder and waterer, showing the various components thereof and their relationships. 
     Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The present invention comprises an automatic bird feeder and waterer, indicated generally by the reference numeral  10  in the two drawing Figures. Preferably, the components used in the construction of the present feeder and waterer  10  comprise various prefabricated plumbing or pipe components and materials. Components formed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or other plastic material are suitable for construction of the present feeder and waterer. However, other suitable materials may be used as desired. The use of prefabricated PVC plumbing components provides economical and rapid construction, with such components being configured for mating assembly with one another. 
     FIG. 2 provides an exploded perspective view of the present feeder and waterer  10 , showing the various components thereof. An elongate central water reservoir  12  is formed of an upper tubular portion  14  and a lower tubular portion  16  of identical diameter. The water reservoir  12  may be formed of a single length of material, if so desired. However, the use of two separate pieces of material  14  and  16  provides for ease of disassembly of the device for maintenance or repair, if required. A connecting sleeve  18  may be used to join the two components  14  and  16 , with clamping means  20  (hose clamps, etc.) being used to secure the connecting sleeve  18  to the two reservoir sections  14  and  16  and to provide an air and liquid tight seal therebetween. 
     The upper end of the water reservoir  12  has a reducer fitting  22  secured thereto, with the smaller diameter upper end of the fitting  22  accepting sealing means  24  (rubber stopper, etc.) therein. A threaded cap  26  may be applied over the seal  24  and screwed onto the reducer  22 , to force the seal  24  securely into the fitting  22  for an air tight seal. Alternatively, some other sealing means may be used, such as an O-ring (not shown) within the cap  26  to seal against the lip of the reducer  22 , if so desired. 
     The opposite lower end of the water reservoir  12  includes a 180 degree elbow or trap component  28  having a first or attachment end  30  secured to the lower component  16  of the water reservoir  12 . The opposite second end  32  of the elbow  28  is left open, to provide a water outlet for the reservoir  12 . It will be noted that due to the partial vacuum formed in the upper end of the water reservoir  12  due to the seal  24  used at the top, that water will not flow to the outlet end  32  of the elbow  28  unless the partial vacuum is relieved in some manner. Accordingly, a breather tube  34  is provided between the two ends  30  and  32  of the elbow  28 . When the water level at the outlet end  32  drops to the level of the breather tube  34 , air enters the tube  34  and rises to the upper end of the water reservoir  12 , where it relieves the partial vacuum therein. This allows the water level within the reservoir  12  to drop slightly, thus raising the water level in the outlet end  32  of the elbow  28  to cover the air inlet end of the breather tube  34 . This assembly serves to automatically assure a constant water level at the outlet end  32  of the elbow  28  of the water reservoir  12 . 
     The elbow  28  used to support the water reservoir  12  and to provide an outlet  32  therefor, is also used as an attachment for supporting the upper structure of the present automatic bird feeder and waterer  10 . A conventional elbow trap, e. g., the elbow trap  28 , is provided with a drain fitting  36  and mating closure cap  38  at the lowermost portion thereof, midway between the two ends  30  and  32 . The cap  38  fits into a larger adapter  40 , which is used to mate the smaller diameter drain fitting  36  of the elbow  28  to a larger diameter support structure, discussed below. The cap  38  is concentrically drilled and a bolt  42  is installed through the hole in the cap  38  and the adapter  40 , with one or more large diameter washers  44  being installed beneath the mating nut  46  to provide a clamping action between the nut  46  and head of the bolt  42  to hold the components  38  and  40  together. The assembly comprising components  38  through  46  need not be liquid tight, as the head of the bolt  42  bears against a stopper  48  positioned in the drain fitting  36  of the elbow  28 , to seal the water therein when the assembly is tightened. 
     A support column or tube  50  is provided to attach to and support the water tube assembly  12 . The column  50  is preferably a relatively large diameter, to provide sufficient strength for the support of the structure. Accordingly, a suitable diameter series of telescoping tubes or sleeves, respectively  52  and  54 , may be used for connecting the lower coupling component  56  to the support column  50 . The smaller sleeve  52  fits closely within the lower end of the lower coupling component  56 , with an intermediate diameter sleeve  54  installed thereto. Finally, the support column  50  is assembled to the intermediate tube  54  to complete the assembly. Alternatively, other attachment means may be used as desired. 
     It will be seen that the various components may be permanently affixed to one another as desired. However, some means of providing for rotational adjustment of the upper structure is preferred. This may be accomplished by loosening the two threaded coupling portions  56  and  58 , and rotating the flanged fitting  40  (and water reservoir structure  12  attached thereto) to the desired position, then tightening the coupling components  56  and  58  to secure the assembly  12  in the desired orientation. Alternatively, other components may be left unsealed from one another, to allow relative rotation therebetween. The two threaded coupling portions  56  and  58  also allow the assembly to be disassembled for compact storage or transport of the feeder and waterer  10  when required. 
     The support column  50  may be formed of PVC plastic pipe or tube, metal pipe, or other suitable structural material as desired. The lower end of the column  50  may be imbedded in a massive support base  60  (concrete, etc.) in order to provide support for the generally vertically oriented feeder and waterer  10  extending upwardly therefrom. The support base  60  may be set into a decorative base enclosure  62  (flower pot, etc.) if so desired, to provide an attractive setting for the feeder and waterer  10 . 
     The food reservoir assembly  64  is essentially formed of a cylindrical section of transparent (or at least translucent) plastic material  66 , such as acrylic (e. g. , Plexiglas, tm), in order to see the quantity of food remaining therein. The food reservoir cylinder or tube  66  is a larger diameter than that used for the water reservoir portion  12 , and is installed concentrically about the water reservoir  12  with the water reservoir  12  residing within the food reservoir  64 . 
     The lower end of the tube  66  includes a closure  68  having a central opening  70  therethrough, through which the lower tube  16  of the concentric water reservoir  12  passes. A series of food dispensing openings  72  are provided in the sides of the bottom food reservoir cap  68 . The lower end of the food reservoir tube  66  includes a plurality of downwardly extending tabs  74 , which abut the inner surface of the floor of the lower cap or closure  68  and define a like number of food dispensing slots  76  therebetween. The lower cap or closure  68  is affixed (glued, screwed, riveted, etc.) to the bottom end of the tube  66 , with the food dispensing openings  72  aligned with the slots  76  of the bottom end of the food reservoir tube  66 . This allows seed or other food to flow through the slots  76  at the base of the tube  66 , and through the dispenser openings  72  of the lower closure  68 . 
     Each of the food dispensing openings  72  includes a tray  78  adjacent thereto, secured to the bottom cap or closure  68  of the assembly by suitable means (adhesive, screws  80 , etc.). Each tray  78  may be formed of a section of PVC (or other material) cap or closure, as in the bottom end closure  68  for the food reservoir  64 . Each tray  78  comprises a floor  82  and partially surrounding wall  84 , with a portion of the wall removed to provide an opening  86  communicating with the corresponding adjacent food dispensing opening  72  of the bottom closure  68  for the food reservoir tube  66 . Thus, seed or other food flows downwardly through the food reservoir  64 , surrounding the concentrically disposed water reservoir assembly  12  therein, to flow outwardly through the gaps  76  in the bottom of the food reservoir tube  66 , through the openings  72  in the bottom closure  68  for the food reservoir  64 , and thence into the trays  78 , where it is accessible to birds. 
     As with most bird feeders, it has been found that non-flying animals which are capable of climbing, particularly squirrels, can gain access to the feed trays  78  unless some additional measures are taken to preclude their access to the feed or seed in the trays  78 . Accordingly, the present automated feeder and waterer  10  includes a guard  88  installed over each of the feed trays  78 . The guards  88  are formed of relatively small diameter 90 degree elbows, with the diameter being sufficient to allow the head of a bird to pass therein to access the seed in the trays  78 . However, the diameter is sufficiently small that the head of a larger animal, such as a squirrel, cannot fit into the elbows and thus cannot access the seed in the trays  78 . Each elbow includes a cutout  90  in the rear portion thereof, which communicates with the tray openings  86  and corresponding food dispensing openings  72  of the lower end cap  68  of the food reservoir assembly  64  to allow feed or seed to flow from the reservoir assembly  64  outwardly to the trays  78  for access by birds. A perch  92  is provided for each tray  78 , since the guards  88  preclude perching upon the edges of the trays. 
     A generally circular, downwardly and outwardly sloping roof or shade  94  is secured about the central area of the food reservoir  64 , thus protecting the food trays  78  thereunder from the elements (rain, snow, etc.). The roof or shade  94  is preferably sealed in place by an upper and a lower ring, respectively  96  and  98 , installed about the circumference of the food reservoir tube  66  and immediately above and below the roof or shade  94 . The sealing of at least the upper ring  96  to the tube  66 , and to the inner circumference of the roof or shade  94 , precludes rainwater runoff from flowing down the outside of the tube  66  and into any gaps between the bottom end of the tube  66  and lower end cap  68 , trays  78 , and/or guards  88 . 
     The upper end of the food reservoir tube  66  includes a food replenishing passage  100  formed through the wall thereof. (The lower edge of the passage  100  is beveled outwardly, to preclude rain or moisture from entering the food reservoir tube  66 .) The passage  100  has a stop block  102  at each lateral edge thereof, which engage the screw mechanisms of the two hose clamps  20  of the water reservoir assembly  12 . The abutting contact of the screw mechanisms of each hose clamp  20  against the corresponding stop  102  precludes relative rotation of the food reservoir assembly  64  about the water reservoir assembly  12 , thus maintaining the positions of the food trays  78  away from the water outlet  32  of the lower elbow  28  of the water reservoir assembly  12 . 
     A rotatable sleeve  104  is installed about the upper end of the food reservoir tube  66 , with the sleeve  104  having a food replenishing passage  106  therethrough. (The rotating sleeve  104  is turned so the passage  106  is facing away from the orientation of view of FIG. 1.) The base of the sleeve  104  is provided with a series of drainage slots  108 , with a fixed stop ring  110  sealed to the outer circumference of the tube  66  immediately below the rotating sleeve  104 . Thus, water which may seep between the sleeve  104  and underlying portion of the food reservoir tube  66 , passes through the drain slots  108  of the rotating sleeve  104  and runs down the outside of the sealing ring  110 , precluding water buildup between the sleeve  104  and upper end of the food reservoir tube  66  and thus into the food tube opening  100 , thereby serving to keep dry the seed or other food within the food reservoir tube  66 . 
     The open upper end of the food reservoir assembly  64  is capped with a reducer fitting  112  having a slightly larger major diameter than the diameter of the upper end of the reservoir tube  66 , and fitting over the upper end of the tube  66 . The smaller diameter of the upper end of the reducer  112  fits closely about the upper tube  14  of the water reservoir assembly  12  to secure it concentrically within the food reservoir  64 , with the water reservoir reducer  22  fitting immediately over the upper end of the food reservoir reducer  112  to preclude entry of rain water, etc. therein. The upper edge of the rotating sleeve  104  may be beveled outwardly, if so desired, to preclude runoff from the food reservoir reducer end  112  from entering the food reservoir tube  66 . 
     Similarly, the upper edge of the food reservoir reducer  112  may also be beveled outwardly, in order to preclude runoff from the upper water reservoir reducer  22  flowing between the larger reducer  112  and the outer surface of the upper portion  14  of the water reservoir  12  and thence into the interior of the food reservoir assembly  64 . A stop ring  114  may be provided about the upper end of the upper water reservoir tube  14 , if desired, to provide a seat for the larger reducer  112 . This maintains a close fit between the upper end of the larger reducer  112  and the adjacent smaller reducer  22  of the upper end of the water reservoir assembly  12 , as the various components are tightened together during assembly. 
     To replenish the food supply in the food reservoir tube  66 , the sleeve  104  at the upper end thereof is rotated so that its opening  106  is aligned with the opening or passage  100  formed through the wall of the upper end of the food reservoir  66 , and food (seed, etc.) is poured into the food reservoir  66 . The quantity of food within the reservoir  66  is easily checked at any time, by means of its transparent or translucent configuration. 
     When the food reservoir  66  has been refilled, the sleeve  104  is rotated to position its opening  106  away from the opening  100  formed through the upper wall of the food reservoir tube  66  (generally as shown in FIG.  1 ), to essentially seal the food reservoir tube  66 . The food supply is automatically distributed to the feeder trays  78  at the bottom end of the reservoir tube  66 , by flowing through the gaps or openings  76  in the bottom of the tube  66  and the openings  72  of the lower end cap  68 , and thence to the trays  78  for consumption by birds. Consumption of the food automatically allows more food to flow to the trays  78 , in the manner described above. 
     The water reservoir assembly  12  is replenished just as easily, by removing the upper cap  26  and the underlying stopper  24  (if any), and filling the reservoir assembly  12  with water. (As the opening of the upper cap  26  releases the partial vacuum within the reservoir  12 , the normally open end  32  of the elbow  28  must be temporarily capped during the filling operation.) The stopper  24  and cap  26  may then be replaced to provide an air tight seal for the upper end of the reservoir assembly  12  and the temporary closure at the outlet end  32  is removed, thus allowing the breather tube  34  across the elbow  28  to regulate the water supply automatically without outside intervention. 
     In summary, the present automatic bird feeder and waterer  10  will serve as a most desirable accessory for most homeowners, and will serve to attract and care for birds at virtually all seasons of the year in most areas of the nation. The large food and water reservoirs  66  and  12  provided by the present feeder and waterer  10 , provide food and water for days, if not weeks, for the typical bird population of most areas. Yet, both the food and water reservoirs  66  and  12  are easily refilled or replenished when required. 
     The numerous conventional components of which the feeder and waterer  10  is constructed, provide for ease of repair and maintenance of the device, as well as long life and economy of operation. The present feeder and waterer  10  may be easily disassembled for transport to another area or home, if so desired. The water outlet end  32  of the device may be capped with a stopper or other appropriate closure (not shown) if desired, for transport of the assembly  10  or to preclude the entry of water into the water reservoir  12  after it has been drained for the winter, to preclude ice formation therein. The present bird feeder and waterer  10  is easily readied for use in the spring, or assembled for use in a new location, essentially as described herein. Accordingly, the present automatic bird feeder and waterer  10  will provide persons with many hours of enjoyable entertainment, watching birds which are attracted to the feeder and waterer  10  as they enjoy the food and water provided. 
     It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the sole embodiment described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.