Abstract:
A bird feeder having at least one landing area for providing activities to birds as the birds wait for an open feeding area. A plurality of various mechanical elements can be positioned with respect to the landing area to promote interaction between the waiting birds, and allows the birds to feed more ergonomically correct. The bird can choose an individual element and its relation with respect to that element, while feeding. A number of versatile elements and perching positions are available for the bird to feed, or just rest. The bird feeder design better accommodates feeding birds, due to the ergonomic and feeding position benefits.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/286,545, filed Apr. 26, 2001, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/307,719, filed Jul. 25, 2001, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein and made a part hereof, including but not limited to those portions which specifically appear hereinafter. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to a bird feeder having a plurality of mechanical elements which provide landing areas for perching and promote interaction between birds waiting for a feeding station to open for use. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Conventional bird feeders can be positioned with respect to a tree, for example, to provide a location where birds may stop and obtain seed or other feed. Many conventional bird feeders have a perch for the bird to rest upon as it eats from the feeder. However, such conventional bird feeders do not provide a location for other birds to rest or sit if the perch is occupied by a feeding bird. Additionally, such conventional feeders provide no additional areas or activities to promote interaction between the birds waiting to feed. 
     There is an apparent need for a bird feeder which can accommodate more than one feeding bird. 
     These is an apparent need for a bird feeder which provides activities for birds waiting to feed and promotes interaction between the birds congregated at the bird feeder. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of this invention to provide a bird feeder having a plurality of feeding areas to accommodate more than one feeding bird, simultaneously. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a bird feeder having at least one area providing activities for birds waiting to feed. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a bird feeder having suitable mechanical elements to promote interaction between birds. 
     It is yet another object of this invention to provide a bird feeder having a means for supporting or suspending the bird feeder with respect to a tree, a ground surface or another support surface. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide an added performance value to the bird watcher, to promote true bird watching and provide excitement for the watcher with the anticipation of watching the “bird circus.” 
     The above and other objects of this invention are accomplished with a bird feeder having at least one landing area for providing activities to birds as the birds wait for an open feeding area. A plurality of various mechanical elements can be positioned with respect to each landing area to promote interaction between the waiting birds. 
     Preferably, the bird feeder comprises a plurality of perches mounted with respect to a base. Each branch-like perch may extend radially outward from the base of the bird feeder and forms a landing area upon which birds may perch. Preferably, but not necessarily, the perch is generally tubular or cylindrical shaped to allow birds to rest comfortably upon the landing area. 
     In one preferred embodiment of this invention, at least one mechanical element is mounted with respect to a perch to provide activities for the birds waiting to feed and to promote interaction between waiting birds. Further, mechanical elements can have a variety of different colors to provide visual activity to birds congregated about the bird feeder. 
     For example, a trapeze or swing-type mechanical element may be rotationally mounted with respect to at least one landing area. Preferably, but not necessarily, the swing is rotatable about the perch while supporting a weight of a bird positioned upon a seat of the swing. Further, a platform may be connected with respect to at least one perch to provide a support surface for birds to congregate around the bird feeder. The platform may be a ladder-type platform having a plurality of rungs or cross supports, or the platform may form a continuous support surface. The platform may be generally straight or the platform may have an arcuate shape. Preferably, the platform is removably mountable to at least one perch using any suitable mechanical connection. For example, in one preferred embodiment of this invention, the platform forms a plurality of projections which correspond with apertures formed in at least one perch to securely mount the platform with respect to the landing area. It is apparent that more than one mechanical element may be connected with respect to each perch. 
     A container, for example a feed tube, is mountable with respect to the base and preferably has a cylindrical or tubular shape. Preferably, but not necessarily, at least a portion of the container is formed of a transparent or translucent material. The container forms at least one dispensing opening from which a bird may eat the feed contained within the container. Preferably, but not necessarily, the number of dispensing openings corresponds to the number of perches. Thus, a bird can position itself at a perch and eat seed dispensed from a corresponding dispensing opening. 
     In one preferred embodiment of this invention, a top is removably positionable with respect to container to cover at least a portion of the container. Preferably, but not necessarily, at least a portion of the top is formed or fabricated from a transparent or translucent material. Preferably, the top forms at least one wall or ledge which contacts or interferes with at least one wall or ledge formed by the container to securely connect the top to the container. Further, an exterior surface of the container may form at least one projection which interferes with a guard ring to properly position the guard ring with respect to the container. At least a portion of the top and at least a portion of the guard ring preferably have a curved outer surface, for example a concave or convex outer surface, to deter or prevent unwanted animals and/or moisture from entering the interior of the container. 
     In one preferred embodiment of this invention, the base forms a pocket for receiving a support means which supports the bird feeder at a desired position. For example, a support post or pole may be positioned securely within the pocket to support a weight of the bird feeder. The support pole may be securely positioned with respect to the ground or another support surface, to maintain the bird feeder in a generally upward or vertical position. 
     In one preferred embodiment of this invention, a suspending wire or another suitable hanging or suspension means is received within the pocket to suspend the bird feeder from a support member, such as a tree limb or branch. The wire is positioned within the pocket and extends through the bird feeder, along a vertical axis of the bird feeder. A plug connected to an end portion of wire maintains a portion of wire within the pocket and supports a weight of bird feeder as it is suspended from the tree limb or another supporting member. A fastener can be used to suspend the bird feeder from a tree limb or another support member. Preferably, the fastener forms a plurality of apertures through which the wire may be fed to adjust for the tension applied to the fastener by the weight of the bird feeder and/or to adjust a length of the wire between the bird feeder and the support member, to maintain the bird feeder in a desired position with respect to the tree limb and/or the ground. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The drawings show different features of a bird feeder according to preferred embodiments of this invention, wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bird feeder having a plurality of mechanical elements connected to a base, according to one preferred embodiment of this invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bird feeder having a plurality of mechanical elements connected to a base, according to one preferred embodiment of this invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a bird feeder, according to one preferred embodiment of this invention; 
     FIG. 3 b  is a cross-sectional side view of a mechanical element, according to one preferred embodiment of this invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a bird feeder, according to one preferred embodiment of this invention; 
     FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a bird feeder, according to one preferred embodiment of this invention; and 
     FIG. 6 illustrates various mechanical fasteners, each in a perspective view, for suspending a bird feeder with respect to a support member, according to one preferred embodiment of this invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to FIGS. 1-6, a bird feeder  10 , for holding and dispensing bird feed  100 , for example seed, comprises a support structure or base  20 . Base  20  may be formed or fabricated from any suitable material, such as a metal, an alloy, a plastic, or a composite material or any combination thereof. Preferably, base  20  is formed of a weather-resistant material. In one preferred embodiment of this invention, at least one perch  24  is mounted with respect to base  20 . For example, three perches  24  may be mounted with respect to base  20 , as shown in FIGS. 1-5. It is apparent that any number of perches  24  may be mounted with respect to base  20 . Preferably, but not necessarily, each perch  24  is formed or integrated with base  20 . Alternatively, base  20  may form a plurality of apertures  21  within which a perch  24  may be received. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a projection  26  formed at a first end portion of perch  24  may be positioned within one aperture  21  formed in base  20 . In one preferred embodiment of this invention, aperture  21  may have any suitable non-circular shape to prevent undesired rotation of perch  24  within aperture  21 . For example, as shown in FIG. 3, aperture  21  has a keyway shape. Preferably, but not necessary, perch  24  is press-fit into aperture  21  to securely fix perch  24  with respect to base  20 . It is apparent that perch  24  may be fixed or secured with respect to base  20  using any suitable mechanical fastener and/or adhesive. 
     In one preferred embodiment of this invention, perch  24  may comprise a branch-like tubular or cylindrical perch which extends radially outward from base  20  to form a platform or landing area  25 . Landing area  25  may have any suitable size and shape. Preferably, but not necessarily, at least a portion of landing area  25  has a generally tubular or cylindrical shape to allow birds to rest comfortably upon landing area  25 . Landing area  25  allows a bird to position itself with respect to a dispensing opening  75  formed in bird feeder  10  to feed. In certain preferred embodiments of this invention, perch  24  may form a T-shaped extension, for example as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The T-shape extension allows the bird to position itself comfortably with respect to a dispensing opening  75 . For example, the bird can position itself directly forward to dispensing opening  75 , without twisting or contouring its body, while further allowing the bird to move left or right with respect to dispensing opening  75  to allow for individualized comfort of the bird. 
     In one preferred embodiment of this invention, each perch  24  may form a plurality of depressions or indentations  30  and/or a plurality of apertures  32  for receiving various mechanical elements  40 . Mechanical elements  40  may be formed or fabricated from any suitable material such as a metal, an alloy, a plastic or a composite material, or any combination thereof. Preferably, mechanical elements  40  are formed of a lightweight weather-resistant material, such as a plastic or composite material capable of supporting several birds simultaneously. Further, mechanical elements can have a variety of different colors to provide visual activity to birds perched on landing area  25 . 
     For example, as shown in FIG. 1, at least one trapeze or swing-type mechanical element  40  may be rotationally or pivotally mounted with respect to landing area  25 . Preferably, but not necessarily, swing  42  comprises opposing arms  43  each having an end portion  44  which is connectable to perch  24  at depression  30 . In certain preferred embodiments, opposing arms  43  may join together or converge to attach or connect to perch  24  at one connection point or depression  30 . Further, it is apparent that end portion  44  may be rotationally mounted to perch  24  using any suitable mechanical connection. For example, end portion  44  may form a semicircular collar or clamp which can be press-fit onto perch  24  so that swing  42  is rotatable about perch  24  while supporting a weight of a bird positioned upon a seat  46  of swing  42 . Preferably, but not necessarily, at least one swing  42  connected with respect to landing area  25  comprises more than one seat  46 , such as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, to promote interaction between birds perched at landing area  25 . For example, a weight of one bird perched on one seat  46  directly affects interaction with another bird positioned on a second seat  46 , either about or below the first bird. 
     Alternatively, or in addition to at least one swing  42 , as shown in FIG. 2, a platform  50  may be mounted with respect to landing area  25 , for example to provide a support surface for birds to congregate around bird feeder  10 . As shown in FIG. 2, platform  50  may comprise a plurality of cross supports  52  which form a ladder-type platform  50 . Platform  50  allows at least one bird to position itself to feed or to move about bird feeder  10  freely. Platform  50  may be removably connected to at least one landing area  25  using any suitable mechanical connection. For example, in one preferred embodiment of this invention, platform  50  forms a plurality of projections or dimples  55 , as shown for example in FIG.  4 . Projections  55  correspond with apertures  32  formed in perch  24  to securely mount platform  50  to perch  24 . In certain preferred embodiments, platform  50  may have an arcuate shape whereby a first end portion  54  is connected to one perch  24  and a second end portion  56  is connected to a second perch  24  to from an extended landing area  25 , as shown in FIG.  2 . Platform  50  may extend about only a portion of an outer surface of base  20  or in certain preferred embodiments of this invention, platform  50  may form a continuous ring positioned about the outer surface of base  20 . Further, as shown in FIG. 2 for example, more than one mechanical element  40  may be connected with respect to each perch  24 . 
     In one preferred embodiment of this invention, base  20  forms a pocket  60  for receiving a support means for supporting bird feeder  10  at a desired position. For example, a support post or pole  62  may be positioned securely within pocket  60  to support a weight of bird feeder  10  at a first end portion  63  of support post  62 . A second end portion (not shown) of support pole  62  may be securely positioned with respect to the ground or another support surface to preferably maintain bird feeder  10  in a generally upward position. 
     Bird feeder  10  further comprises a feed tube  70  positionable with respect to base  20 . Preferably, but not necessarily, feed tube  70  has a tubular or cylindrical shape having a first end portion  72  which is mountable with respect to base  20 . It is apparent that feed tube  70  may have any suitable configuration or comprise any suitable container. For example, feed tube  70  may have a circular, rectangular or triangular cross-sectional shape and may have any suitable length and volume. First end portion  72  may be connected to base  20  or may be integrated with base  20 . In one preferred embodiment of this invention, as shown for example in FIG. 3, first end portion  72  is positionable within base  20 . A surface  22  formed in base  20  interferes with first end portion  72  to position feed tube  70  with respect to base  20 . As shown in FIG. 3, at least a portion of the first end portion  72  rests or sits on surface  22 . Preferably, but not necessarily, at least a portion of feed tube  70  is formed of a transparent or translucent material, for example a plastic material. It is apparent that feed tube  70  may be formed or fabricated using any suitable material. 
     As shown in FIGS. 1-5, feed tube  70  forms at least one dispensing opening  75 . In one preferred embodiment of this invention, the number of dispensing openings  75  corresponds to the number of perches  24 . For example, as shown in FIG. 1, one dispensing opening  75  is positioned with respect to a corresponding perch  24 . Thus, a bird can perch at landing area  25  and eat seed dispensed from corresponding dispensing opening  75 . Preferably, a portion of feed tube  70  forming each dispensing opening  75  comprises a surface or hood which extends into an interior of feed tube  70  to contain feed  100  within feed tube  70  until a bird removes feed  100  from within feed tube  70  through one dispensing opening  75 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, bird feeder  10  further comprises a top  90  which is removably positionable with respect to feed tube  70  to enclose feed tube  70  to prevent unwanted animals and/or moisture from entering the interior of feed tube  70 . Top  90  can be formed or fabricated using any suitable material, such as a metal, an alloy, a plastic or a composite, and any combination thereof. Preferably, but not necessarily, at least a portion of top  90  is formed or fabricated from a transparent or translucent material. In one preferred embodiment of this invention, top  90  forms at least one wall  92  which contacts or interferes with at least one wall or ledge  78  formed by feed tube  70  to securely connect top  90  to feed tube  70 . It is apparent that wall  92  and/or ledge  78  may comprise a continuous wall or ledge or may comprise a segmented wall or ledge. 
     In one preferred embodiment of this invention, a guard ring  94  is positionable about an exterior surface  74  of feed tube  70 , in order to further prevent or deter unwanted animals or moisture from entering the interior of feed tube  70 . Preferably, but not necessarily, exterior surface  74  forms at least one, preferably a plurality of projections  77 , which interfere with guard ring  94  to position guard ring  94  with respect to a second end portion  76  of feed tube  70 , as shown in FIG.  5 . 
     An outer surface  95  of top  90  may have a general concave shape, as shown in FIG. 4, or a general convex shape, as shown in FIG.  5 . Curved outer surface  95 , whether concave or convex, prevents or deters unwanted animals, such as squirrels, from accessing feed  100  contained within the interior of feed tube  70  as well as prevents moisture, e.g. rain, from entering into the interior of feed tube  70 . In one preferred embodiment of this invention, an outer surface of guard ring  94  has a shape the same or similar to the curved outer surface of top  90 , whether concave or convex, to further prevent or deter unwanted animals from accessing feed  100  as well as prevent moisture from entering into the interior of feed tube  70 . 
     In one preferred embodiment of this invention, a suspending wire  66  or another suitable hanging or suspension means is received within pocket  60  to suspend bird feeder  10  from a tree limb or another suitable support member. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, wire  66  is positioned within pocket  60  and extends through base  20  along a vertical axis  101  of bird feeder  10 . Wire  66  may extend through the interior of feed tube  70  and through top  90 . A plug  67  connected to an end portion of wire  66  maintains a portion of wire  66  within pocket  60  and supports a weight of bird feeder  10  as bird feeder  10  is suspended from the tree limb or another supporting member. 
     In one preferred embodiment of this invention, bird feeder  10  can be suspended from a tree limb using a fastener  110 . Fastener  110  forms at least one aperture  112  for threading wire  66  through fastener  110 . Preferably, fastener  110  forms a plurality of apertures  112  through which wire  66  may be fed to adjust for the tension applied to fastener  110  by the weight of bird feeder  10  and/or to adjust a length of wire  66  between bird feeder  10  and the support member, in order to maintain bird feeder  10  in a desired position with respect to the tree limb or another support member and/or the ground. 
     While in the foregoing specification this invention has been described in relation to certain preferred embodiments, and many details are set forth for purpose of illustration, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this invention is susceptible to additional embodiments and that certain of the details described in this specification and in the claims can be varied considerably without departing from the basic principles of this invention.