Abstract:
A swinging bird perch assembly is provided for birds of various types. The perch assembly includes an arch-shaped frame supporting an elongated rod there between. The frame may be configured as a flat u-shaped lattice structure having a first end attached to a first end of the elongated rod and a second end attached to a second end of the elongated rod. The width of the lattice structure of the frame is adapted to accommodate various birds at one time. An attractant item may dangle from an upper end of the lattice structure. Alternatively, a feeder assembly may be attached to the elongated rod to hold a given quantity of a food source for the bird.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Technical Field 
         [0002]    The invention relates to bird perches and is more particularly concerned with a portable swinging perch including an attracting dangler and a feeder. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    All bird species require food, water, shelter and nesting spots. Birders who understand how to attract more specific species such as hummingbirds will create sanctuaries in their backyards to fulfill all those basic bird needs. Hummingbirds are popular backyard birds that are naturally aggressive and territorial about their favorite feeding areas such as feeders and flowerbeds. Many male hummingbirds will find suitable branches nearby to stake out the area so they can more easily chase off competing hummingbirds away from the best feeding areas and nesting sites. 
         [0005]    Birders will frequently place perches near a hummingbird feeder to encourage the hummingbird to sit and swing for extended periods of time conveniently adjacent to their source of food. Birders find quite enjoyment in creating these backyard sanctuaries to attract hummingbirds as well as various types of birds that may be observed. 
         [0006]    There are various ways to attract a hummingbird such as by planting various specific types of plants or flowers. For example, hummingbirds are attracted to various bright colored tubular flowers like yellow, orange, pink. Bleeding hearts, impatiens, petunias, salvias, bee balm, columbine, cannas, viburnums, honeysuckles and many other flower, tree and shrub species will attract a variety of hummingbirds. While bright colors are very attractive to hummingbirds, an important factor in drawing a hummingbird is to provide flowers that produce plenty of nectar as hummingbirds seek out nectar-rich flowers. Conventionally, commercial nectar concentrates, mixes and/or homemade hummingbird nectar recipes are filled in feeders in an attempt to draw hummingbirds close to a particular location. However, conventional feeders do not include a convenient location for a bird to perch or swing. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    An object of the present invention is to provide a swinging bird perch assembly. The perch assembly includes an arch-shaped frame supporting an elongated rod there between onto which the bird may perch and swing. The frame may be configured as a flat u-shaped lattice structure having a first lattice end attached to a first end of the elongated rod and a second lattice end attached to a second end of the elongated rod. The width of the lattice structure of the frame is adapted to accommodate various birds at one time. An attractant item may be provided to dangle from an upper end of the lattice structure. Alternatively, a feeder assembly may be attached to the elongated rod to hold a given quantity of a food source for the bird. 
         [0008]    This and other objects, features, and/or advantages may accrue from various aspects of embodiments as described in more detail below. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    Various exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, wherein like reference numerals refer to identical or similar components or steps, with reference to the following figures, wherein: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary bird perch assembly with a feeder assembly attached thereto according to this subject disclosure. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the bird perch assembly with the feeder assembly attached thereto. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  depicts a side view of the bird perch assembly with the feeder assembly attached. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  shows a top view of the bird perch assembly with the feeder assembly attached. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  illustrates a bottom view of the bird perch assembly with the feeder assembly attached. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  depicts a front perspective view of the bird perch assembly. 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a cross section illustration of section view taken at line A-A in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a partial cross section illustration of section view taken at line B-B in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  shows a front perspective view of the frame. 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  depicts a top view of the frame. 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  shows a bottom view of the frame. 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  illustrates an exploded lower view of an end of the frame. 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  depicts an exploded lower side view of an end of the frame. 
           [0023]      FIG. 14  shows an exploded view of the upper portion of the frame with the hanger and attracting element. 
           [0024]      FIGS. 15-16  illustrate various exploded views of the attracting element. 
           [0025]      FIGS. 17-20  depict various views of the hanger. 
           [0026]      FIG. 21  shows a front perspective view of the feeder assembly attached to the rod. 
           [0027]      FIG. 22  shows a rear perspective view of the feeder assembly attached to the rod. 
           [0028]      FIG. 23  depicts an exploded view of the feeder assembly. 
           [0029]      FIGS. 24-25  illustrate various views of the feeder container. 
           [0030]      FIGS. 26-28  show various views of the feeder cap. 
           [0031]      FIG. 29  depicts a retainer attached to a rod. 
           [0032]      FIG. 30  is a perspective view of a circular cage of the retainer. 
           [0033]      FIG. 31  is a perspective view of a clip of the retainer. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0034]    Particular embodiments of the present invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the figures. 
         [0035]      FIGS. 1-3  illustrate an exemplary swing or bird perch assembly  10  according to this subject disclosure. The bird perch assembly  10  includes an elongated rod  20  enclosed within an arch shape frame  30 . As shown in top view in  FIG. 4 , a hanger  40  is fastened to an upper end of the frame  30 . An attracting element  50  hangs from the upper end  32  of the frame  30  to draw birds to the perch assembly  10 . A bird feeder assembly  60  is attached to the rod  20 . 
         [0036]      FIGS. 5-6  depict various views of the elongated rod  20  attached to the frame  30 . Particularly,  FIG. 5  shows a bottom view of the perch assembly  10  and  FIG. 6  shows a front view of the perch assembly without the feeder assembly  60 . The elongated rod  20  is fastened at a first end  21  to a first lower end  31  of the frame  30 . A second end  22  of the elongated rod  20  is fastened to a second lower end  32  of the frame  30 . The first and second ends  21 ,  22  of the elongated rod  20  may be fastened to the frame  30  in a variety of different ways. 
         [0037]      FIGS. 7-8  show one exemplary attachment that can be made between the elongated rod  20  and the frame  30 . More specifically,  FIG. 7  is a cross section illustration of section view taken at line A-A in  FIG. 2 , and  FIG. 8  is a partial cross section illustration of section view taken at line B-B in  FIG. 1 . In each figure, the elongated rod  20  is shown including a hollow recess  23  countersunk into the first and second ends of the elongated rod  20 . The hollow recess  23  is adapted to receive laterally extending support members  34 . The laterally extending support members  34  extend inward from the first and second lower ends  31 ,  32  of the frame  30 . In assembly, the extending support member  34  is positioned within the hollow recesses  23  in a secure manner. 
         [0038]    It is to be understood that other suitable fasteners may be used, such as a different locking configuration, an adhesive and/or any other suitable fastening attachment mechanism according to this subject disclosure. According to one aspect of this subject disclosure, the rod  20  may be substantially rotationally secured to prevent rotation of the rod  20  while a bird is perched on it thereby making the perching and swinging process easier for the bird. 
         [0039]      FIGS. 9-11  show various views of the arch shape frame  30 .  FIG. 9  shows a front perspective view of the frame  30 .  FIGS. 10 and 11  show a top and bottom view of the frame  30 . The frame  30  is a single piece contiguous structure having an upper end  33  of the arch and a first leg  35  and a second leg  36  that extend downward from the upper end  33  of the frame  30 . 
         [0040]    The frame  30  includes a lattice structure  37  disposed between a pair of outer elongated rims  38  that border the frame  30  along its length. The advantage of the lattice structure  37  is to permit various birds to grab onto the perch assembly  10  about the frame  30  at the same time. That is, some birds may rest and swing on the elongated rod  20  while others may hang from the lattice structure  37  of the frame  30 . It is to be understood that the design for the lattice structure  37  may take a variety of different shapes and sizes and configurations. 
         [0041]      FIG. 12  shows an exemplary construction for the frame  30 . As shown, the outer elongated rims  38  may have a fold  39  that can be folded back over onto itself to provide a smooth outer peripheral edge to the outer edges of the frame  30 . As shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the lattice structure  37  can take a variety of different aesthetic shapes and/or configurations to suitably allow various birds to support themselves on the lattice structure  37  of the frame  30 . 
         [0042]      FIGS. 14-16  show an enlarged view of the hanger  40  and attracting element  50  attached to the upper end  33  of the frame  30 . The attracting element  50  hangs downward and is attached by an upper link  51  and a hook  55  to the upper end  33  of the frame  30 . The attracting element  50  may be configured in the shape of an iridescent jewel. As shown in this embodiment, the attracting element  50  includes a first larger jewel  52  attached by a lower link  53  to a smaller jewel  54 . 
         [0043]    The attracting element  50  may be a colorful blown glass piece such as an iridescent red glass element. The colorful element  50  may be made from a variety of different colors and shapes or sizes. Colors may be selected bright and to mimic various bright colored tubular flowers like yellow, orange and/or pink. Constructing the attracting element  50  to mimic bleeding hearts, impatiens, petunias, salvias, bee balm, columbine, canvas, viburnums, honeysuckles and many other flowers in shape, size and/or color will attract a variety of different hummingbirds. 
         [0044]    The attracting element  50  may include a Ultra-Violet (UV) or other protective coating and/or may be made from a durable, polycarbonate to prevent fading from extended UV exposure and to maintain the sharp brilliant iridescent color of the coating. The attracting element  50  may be made from a crystal-clear, eco-friendly recycled piece of glass, polymer or any suitable material according to this subject disclosure. 
         [0045]      FIGS. 17-20  illustrate an exemplary embodiment for the hanger  40 . As shown, the hanger  40  includes an enclosed aperture  41  in an upper hook through which another hanger may be secured to attach the hanger  40  to another adjacent element such as a limb of a tree or the like. It is to be understood that the enclosed aperture may be an open hook and/or various other configurations capable of providing an opening for hanging to another element. 
         [0046]    The hanger  40  is shown including four arms  42  that extend outward from a common base  43  of the hanger  40  below the enclosed aperture  41 . The arms  42  extend outward from the base  43  outward to a distance that is substantial equidistant to the elongated rim  38  on the frame  30 . Various hooks  44  are formed at distal ends  45  of the arms  42 . The hooks  44  extend downward and inward from the distal ends of the arms  42  in a hook shape adapted to clamp onto the elongated rim  38  of the frame  30 . It is to be understood that various constructions are possible for the hanger  40  capable of including one or more extending arm(s) having hook portions that are adapted to clasp onto the outer edges of the lattice structure  37 . 
         [0047]      FIGS. 21-22  show and exemplary feeder assembly  60  attached to the elongated rod  20  according to this subject disclosure. As shown exploded in  FIG. 23 , the feeder assembly  60  includes a feeder container  70 , a cap  80 , and a retainer  90 . In position, the container  70  is secured by the retainer  90  to the elongated rod  20  in an upright position. 
         [0048]      FIGS. 24-25  depict the container  70  having an internal cavity  71  including an open top  72  and a closed bottom  74 . The container  70  includes various fasteners  73  disposed at the upper end near the open top  72 . The container  70  has an elongated circular body with a flared out neck portion  75  onto which the fasteners  73  are disposed. In use, the circular cage  91  of the retainer  90  rests against the flared out neck portion  75  of the container  70 . 
         [0049]    It is to be understood that the container  70  may take a variety of different sizes and/or shapes according to this subject disclosure. Although shown as a cylindrical tubular shape, the container  70  can be constructed of any shape, such as in a shape to represent a flower or other item or design suitable for attracting a bird to the feeder assembly  60 . 
         [0050]    The feeder container  70  may be made from crystal-clear, eco-friendly recycled glass with a UV coating. The feeder container  70  may take a variety of different sizes, colors and/or shapes, such as the cylindrical shape shown herein or may take on the shapes of a flower, such as a long tubular flower in which the extended tubular portion including a container space or cavity  71  for holding a feeding substance. 
         [0051]    The container  70  may be used for a variety of different purposes. In one instance, the container  70  can be used as mentioned above as a feeder for various edible substances. Alternatively, the container could be used to place various items such as twigs, leaves or the like for the various birds to retrieve items from within its cavity to build a nest or the like. 
         [0052]      FIGS. 26-28  depict an exemplary illustration of the feeder cap  80 . The cap includes an aperture  81  provided in a top  82  of the cap  80 . The aperture  81  may be adapted to receive a beak of a bird, such as the long beak of a hummingbird. Various gripping protrusions  83  may be provided on an outer surface of the cap to assist in the grasping of the cap  80 . As shown in  FIG. 28 , the protrusions  83  may be shaped to mimic a flower or other flowers attractive to a bird, such as petals on a plant of a tubular flower which is attractive to a hummingbird. Alternatively, no protrusion may be provided in the shape of the cap  80 . As with the container  70 , the cap  80  may take a variety of different sizes and/or shapes suitable to closing off the cavity within the container  70  are contemplated within the scope of this subject disclosure. 
         [0053]    As shown in  FIG. 27 , various female fasteners  84  are provided on an inner surface of the cap  80 . The female fasteners  84  are adapted to mate with and to be secured to the male fasteners  73  disposed on an outside surface of the container  70 . It is to be understood that any number of different fasteners may be used to secure the cap  80  to the container  70 , such as a snap locking mechanism connection and/or any other suitable connection for securing the cap  80  to the container  70 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 29  shows the container retainer  90  attached to the elongated rod  20 . It is to be understood that the retainer  90  may take a number of different sizes and/or shapes suitable for securing the container  70  to the perching assembly  10  as contemplated within the scope of this subject disclosure. That is, the container retainer may be constructed to attach to the various component parts of the perch assembly  10 , such as the frame, the holder, the attractant element and/or any other component in the perch assembly  10 . 
         [0055]    For exemplary purposes, the retainer  90  is shown including a spiral cylindrical cage  91  and a clip  100 . The spiral cylindrical cage  91  is attached to the clip  100  such that the spiral cylindrical cage  91  is positioned in a specific predetermined direction to orient the container  70 , such as in a vertical orientation as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0056]    The spiral cylindrical cage  91  is adapted to receive the outer surface of the container  70  within its inner formed diameter. The spiral cylindrical cage  91  may be formed by an elongated tubular wire  92  having an inner circular diameter substantially equal to an outer surface of the container  70 . The spiral cylindrical cage  91  is provided to secure the container  70  in an upright position. It is to be understood that any holder construction and/or suitable holding structure may be used in place of the spiral cylindrical cage  91 . For example, a single element such as a strap or a band may be used and/or any other shape capable of securing the container  70  to the perching assembly  10 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 31  shows an exemplary construction for the clip  100 . The clip  100  has a contoured fork construction. The clip  100  has a first leg  101  and a second leg  102  connected by a clip base  103 . The first leg  101  extends from the base  103  with a contour having a partial curve  104  adapted to fit around a portion of the rod  20 . The first leg  101  extends from the base  103  outward and inwardly into a first inward pinched neck  106  adapted to be secured against the rod  20  on a first side of the first partial curve  104 . The first leg  101  further includes a second pinched neck  106  portion adapted to be secured against the rod  20  on a second side of the first partial curve  104 . 
         [0058]    The second leg  102  extends from the base  103  with a contour having a partial curve  107  adapted to fit around another portion of the rod  20 . The second leg  102  extends from the base  103  outward and inwardly into another first inward pinched neck  105  adapted to be secured against the rod  20  on a first side of the first partial curve  107 . The second leg  107  further includes a second pinched neck  106  portion adapted to be secured against the rod  20  on a second side of the second partial curve  107 . 
         [0059]    The perch assembly  10  may be hung in an open area near hummingbird feeders or nectar-rich flowers for hummingbirds, since those are the areas where dominant birds, such as hummingbirds, will most likely be attracted to a swinging perch to monitor their food and territory. Other placement options may include hanging the perch assembly  10  under a mister in a shady area to provide a convenient perch for bathing hummingbirds and/or placing the swing near a hummingbird house or nesting area so parent birds can stay close to their young and fledgling chicks and to have a safe perch when learning to fly. As mentioned previously, hummingbirds are territorial and tend to chase competing hummingbirds away from the best feeding areas and nesting sites. As such, the perch assembly  10  provides a ready-made swinging perch for the birds to use when monitoring their favorite territories. The advantage of providing the perch assembly is to encourage hummingbirds to come back to the same spot so that birdwatchers can enjoy their company and watch them closely and carefully. 
         [0060]    It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes or modifications may be made to the above described embodiment without departing from the broad inventive concepts of the invention. It is understood therefore that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiment which is described, but is intended to cover all modifications and changes within the scope and spirit of the invention.