Abstract:
A platform bird feeder is provided including a base platform with a seed tray, a baffle and a center pole having a bottom end connected the tray, the baffle being tiltably and adjustably mounted to the pole above the base. Preferably, the seed tray has a seed protecting grate to hinder squirrels from accessing the seed in the tray. The height of the baffle above the seed tray may be adjusted up and down to allow the user to increase and decrease the seed access space, respectively, between the baffle and the tray. When the baffle is at a desired height, it is secured in place by an adjustable securing mechanism that, while holding the baffle at the desired height, allows the baffle to tilt or wobble when sufficient weight is placed on one side of the baffle.

Description:
[0001]    This application is a continuation of co-pending application Ser. No. 13/865,468, filed Apr. 18, 2013, issuing as U.S. Pat. No. 9,192,147 on Nov. 24, 2015, the priority of which is hereby claimed. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention is related to the field of wild bird care and feeding and, more particularly, to an improved bird feeder having a baffle, the height of which may be adjusted by the user and that is able to tilt when sufficient weight is placed on one side thereof. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Feeding wild birds is a popular activity for many people. Platform bird feeders are useful and versatile feeders that are attractive to a wide variety of birds ranging from small to large in size. Larger birds can deter smaller birds from perching and eating from the platform feeders. Squirrels are also a problem as they are quite attracted to the platform and sit thereon while eating, effectively monopolizing the feeder. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, a need exists for a platform bird feeder that has an adjustable and tiltable baffle to prevent larger birds and squirrels from gaining easy access to the bird seed in the feeder. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    In view of the foregoing, the present invention is directed to a platform bird feeder having a seed tray, a baffle and a center pole that suspends the tray and supports the baffle above the tray. Preferably, the seed tray has a seed protecting grate to hinder squirrels from accessing the seed commonly placed in platform feeder trays. In its preferred shape, the seed tray and baffle are generally circular, and the baffle is dome-shaped. 
         [0008]    The height of the baffle above the seed tray may be adjusted up and down to allow the user to increase and decrease the seed access space, respectively, between the baffle and the tray. When the baffle is at a desired height, it is secured in place by a locking bolt on top of the baffle that passes through an aperture in the center of the baffle, and a locking nut and spring on the underside of the baffle. The bolt includes a longitudinal bore through which the pole passes, and at least one relief cut that allows the bolt to pinch the pole when the locking nut is tightened, securing the bolt, and thereby the baffle, at the desired height. 
         [0009]    The threaded part of the bolt extending through the baffle aperture is received within the center of the spring and into the locking nut. As the locking nut is tightened, the spring, which is positioned on the locking nut, around the locking bolt and underneath the baffle, is compressed and the baffle is thereby supported on top of the spring. When sufficient weight is placed on one side of the baffle, the spring is further compressed on that side, allowing the baffle to wobble and pivot to a tilted position. 
         [0010]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a platform bird feeder with an adjustable, wobbling baffle that hinders the access of large birds and/or squirrels to seed on the platform. 
         [0011]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a platform bird feeder with adjustable baffle in accordance with the preceding object that has a center pole for suspending the platform, the baffle being movable up and down on the center pole and then secured by the user at a desired height above the platform. 
         [0012]    A further object of the present invention is to provide a platform bird feeder with adjustable baffle in accordance with the preceding objects in which the baffle is secured with a locking bolt on top of the baffle and a locking nut and spring on the underside of the baffle, the bolt having at least one relief cut enabling the bolt to pinch onto the pole when the nut is tightened. 
         [0013]    Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a platform bird feeder with adjustable baffle in accordance with the preceding objects in which tightening of the nut compresses the spring against the baffle so that the baffle is supported on top of the spring, the spring enabling the baffle to tilt when sufficient weight is applied on one side of the baffle. 
         [0014]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a platform bird feeder with adjustable baffle in accordance with the preceding objects that includes a base platform having a generally flat seed tray and upwardly directed rim for holding the seed, the top of the tray being covered with a grate to protect the seed from squirrels. 
         [0015]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a platform bird feeder with adjustable baffle in accordance with the preceding objects in which the center pole includes a hook at the top for hanging the feeder on a support element. 
         [0016]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide a platform bird feeder with adjustable baffle in accordance with the preceding objects that is not complex in structure and which can be manufactured at low cost and that effectively deters large birds and squirrels from gaining access to the seed. 
         [0017]    These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a platform bird feeder with adjustable baffle as assembled in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the platform bird feeder shown in  FIG. 1  with the locking nut unlocked from the locking bolt to release the spring tension against the baffle. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is an upper perspective exploded view of the components of the platform bird feeder with adjustable baffle shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 4A  is an upper side perspective view of the base platform for the platform bird feeder shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 4B  is a side view of the base platform for the platform bird feeder shown in  FIG. 4A . 
           [0023]      FIG. 4C  is a top view of the base platform for the platform bird feeder shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . 
           [0024]      FIG. 4D  is an enlargement of Detail A of  FIG. 4C . 
           [0025]      FIG. 5A  is an upper side perspective view of the grate for the platform bird feeder shown in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 5B  is a side view of the grate shown in  FIG. 5A . 
           [0027]      FIG. 5C  is a top view of the grate shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B . 
           [0028]      FIG. 5D  is an enlargement of Detail A of  FIG. 5C . 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the center pole for the platform bird feeder shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 7A  is an upper side perspective view of the baffle for the platform bird feeder shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 7B  is a top view of the baffle shown in  FIG. 7A . 
           [0032]      FIG. 7C  is a bottom view of the baffle shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B . 
           [0033]      FIG. 7D  is a cross sectional view taken along line A-A of  FIG. 7C . 
           [0034]      FIG. 7E  is an enlargement of Detail B of  FIG. 7D . 
           [0035]      FIG. 8A  is an upper perspective view of the locking bolt for the platform bird feeder shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 8B  is a side view of the bolt shown in  FIG. 8A . 
           [0037]      FIG. 8C  is a top view of the bolt shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B . 
           [0038]      FIG. 8D  is an enlargement of Detail A of  FIG. 8C . 
           [0039]      FIG. 9  is a side view of the spring for the platform bird feeder shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . 
           [0040]      FIG. 10A  is an upper side perspective view of the locking nut for the platform bird feeder shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . 
           [0041]      FIG. 10B  is a side view of the locking nut shown in  FIG. 10A . 
           [0042]      FIG. 10C  is a top view of the locking nut shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B . 
           [0043]      FIG. 10D  is a cross sectional view taken along line A-A of  FIG. 10C . 
           [0044]      FIG. 10E  is an enlargement of Detail B of  FIG. 10D . 
           [0045]      FIG. 11  is a side view of the assembled feeder shown in  FIG. 1  when the baffle is tilted in response to the application of force on one side of the baffle. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0046]    Although only one preferred embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it is to be understood that the embodiment is given by way of illustration only. It is not intended that the invention be limited in its scope to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Also, in describing the preferred embodiment and alternate structure, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. It is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. 
         [0047]    As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the present invention is directed to a platform bird feeder with adjustable baffle generally designated by reference numeral  10 . The feeder  10  includes a base platform generally designated by reference numeral  12 , a center pole generally designated by reference numeral  14 , and a baffle generally designated by reference numeral  16 . The baffle is adjustably secured to the center pole  14  using an adjustable securing mechanism generally designated by reference numeral  18 . In the embodiment shown, the adjustable securing mechanism  18  includes a locking bolt  20 , a locking nut  22  and a spring  24 . As can be seen in  FIG. 3 , the feeder  10  also includes a mesh grate  26  fitted in the base platform  12  to block squirrels from accessing seed held in the platform. 
         [0048]    As shown in  FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C , the base platform  12  is generally circular with a substantially flat seed tray  28  and upwardly directed base rim  30 . The rim includes an upper edge  32  and a stepped edge or lip  34  that provides an annular ledge  36  for supporting the mesh grate  26 . The seed tray  28  is provided with small apertures  38  to allow for drainage of water. The center of the seed tray  28  has an upwardly projecting pole mounting boss  40  that preferably includes an internally threaded central aperture  42  to engage the external threads  58  on the bottom of the center pole  14 . The boss is hollow such that the bottom of the base platform has a cylindrical recess (not shown) corresponding in size to the boss. Alternatively, a hex nut  41  may be welded inside the recess so that the center of the nut  41  is in alignment with the central aperture  42 . In this alternate configuration, the threaded end of the center pole goes through the central aperture, which may not be threaded, and is threadedly engaged with the inner threads on the nut  41  that is welded in the recess on the bottom of the base platform. It is preferred, however, to have internal threads within the central aperture  42  so that the nut  41  is not necessary. The base platform  12  is preferably made of metal although other materials such as hard plastic and the like could be used. 
         [0049]    Rather than relying on the annular ledge  36 , the rim  30  of the seed tray  28  may be provided with at least one inwardly directed flange  29 ; in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4A-4D , four flanges  29  are provided spaced around the circumference of the rim.  FIG. 4D  shows detail A from  FIG. 4C  depicting one of the flanges. If the spaced flanges  29  are provided, the flanges  29  support the grate on the base platform in a manner similar to the way in which the annular ledge  36  supports the grate in a seed tray that does not have the flanges. 
         [0050]      FIGS. 5A-5D  are various views of the mesh grate generally designated by reference numeral  26  that is shown in  FIG. 3 . The grate  26  includes a circular rim  46  that is supported on the ledge  36  formed by the rim lip  34  of the base rim  30  when the grate is secured to the base platform  12 . The grate  26  includes a central aperture  48  that aligns with the central aperture  42  in the pole mounting boss  40  to receive and position the center pole  14 . The body of the grate  26  includes a plurality of overlapping strands  50  that form generally square openings  52 . The strands  50  could overlap at other angles to form openings of other shapes as would be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. As with the base platform  12 , the grate  26  is preferably made of metal although other materials such as hard plastic and the like could be used. 
         [0051]    The center pole  14  is illustrated in  FIG. 6 . As shown, the pole includes an elongated straight portion  54  and a hooked end  56 . The bottom end  58  of the straight portion  54  is provided with threads  60  for engagement with the mounting boss  40  in the tray  28  of the base platform  12 . Before threading the pole into the boss, a nut  55  is screwed onto the threads  60 . The nut  55  serves to lock and stabilize the grate  26  and the center pole  14  when the pole  14  is fully screwed into the boss. The hooked end  56  is shown as semi-circular, but other shapes or angles could be used as would be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0052]      FIGS. 7A-7D  show various views of the dome-shaped baffle  16  which includes a central aperture  62  that receives the center pole  14 . The underside  64  of the baffle is concave as can be seen in  FIG. 7D  and includes a circular ridge  66  around the central aperture  62  as best seen in the  FIG. 7E  enlarged view. The inner diameter of the spring  24  is larger than the outer diameter  68  of the ridge  66  so that the top of the spring  24  fits over the ridge  66  and is seated against the underside  64  of the baffle  15  around the ridge  66  when the feeder  10  is assembled. 
         [0053]      FIGS. 8A-8C  depict various views of the locking bolt  20  which includes a head generally designated by reference numeral  70  and a shaft generally designated by reference numeral  72 . The bolt  20  has a longitudinal bore  74  through both the head  70  and the shaft  72  for receiving the center pole  14 . The diameter of the bottom  76  of the head  20  is larger than the diameter of the top  78  of the shaft  72  so that the lower edge of the head forms a radially extending seating surface  80 . The diameter of the head  20  is also greater than the diameter of the central aperture  62  of the baffle  16 . As a result, the seating surface  80  is in abutment with the top  82  of the baffle around the central aperture  62  when the feeder  10  is assembled. 
         [0054]    In the embodiment shown, the head  20  has a generally dome shaped top  84  and ribbed sides  86 . The ribbed sides  86  assist the user in holding the head  20  to prevent rotation when tightening the locking nut  22  on the bolt shaft  72 . As best seen in  FIG. 8D , the ribs  88  are preferably rounded which makes gripping of the bolt more comfortable for the user. 
         [0055]    The shaft  72  of the bolt  20  has an upper portion  78  adjacent the head  20  and a lower portion  90  with external threads  92 . The lower portion  90  has an axially extending channel formed by two relief cuts  94 , one cut  94  through each symmetrical side  96  of the lower portion. While two relief cuts  94  are shown, three, four or more cuts could be made in the lower portion  90 . 
         [0056]    The relief cuts  94  enable the symmetrical sides  96  of the bolt  20  to be pinched against the pole  14  when the locking nut  22  is screwed onto the threads  92  and tightened around the lower portion  90 , locking the bolt  20  in a desired position on the pole. The threads  92  are pitched to engage with corresponding threads  98  on the locking nut  22  (see  FIGS. 10A and 10D ). The two symmetrical sides  96  at the lower portion  90  of the shaft  72  have a tapered end  100  with a smaller diameter than the lower portion  90 . While the sides are discloses herein as symmetrical, it is also possible to have sides of different sizes by offsetting the relief cuts from the center of the shaft. The symmetrical sides are preferred, however. 
         [0057]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , the spring  24  is a coiled element or compression spring as is known in the art. The spring  24  fits over the lower portion  90  of the bolt as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The top  102  of the spring  24  is seated around the ridge  66  on the underside  64  of the baffle  16  as described above. The bottom  104  of the spring  24  is supported on ledge  106  of the locking nut  22  as will be described hereinafter. 
         [0058]      FIGS. 10A-10D  provide various views of the locking nut, generally designated by reference numeral  22 . The nut  22  includes a generally cylindrical neck  108  and a base generally designated by reference numeral  110  that is concentric with, and has a larger diameter than, the neck  108 . The difference in diameters creates the ledge  106  on the upper surface  112  of the base upon which the spring  24  is seated when the feeder is assembled. 
         [0059]    An axial central bore generally designated by reference numeral  114  extends through the base  110  and the neck  108  to accommodate the center pole  14 . The upper part  116  of the bore  114  in the neck  108  is generally cylindrical, while the lower part  118  of the bore  114  in the base  110  (see  FIG. 10D ) is tapered inwardly. The bore upper part  116  includes internal threads  98  for engagement with the external threads  92  on the lower portion  90  of the bolt  20 . The outer wall of the neck may have axial ridges  91  that serve to limit sideways movement of the lower end of the spring (see  FIG. 10A ). Alternatively, the entire outer diameter of the neck may be made larger to achieve the same effect. The ridges also facilitate molding of the internal threads  98 . 
         [0060]    As noted above, the bore  118  in the base  110  of the nut  22  tapers to a bottom opening  119  which has a diameter  121  smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft  72  of the bolt  20 . The tapered ends  100  of the symmetrical sides  96  fit into the base bore  118  and are squeezed together by the tapering bore  118  as the nut is tightened on the bolt  20 . When fully tightened, the tapered ends  100  may extend through the bottom opening  119  in the nut and be visible from the bottom surface  120  of the base  110 . 
         [0061]    Similarly to the head  70  of the bolt  20 , the base  110  of the nut  22  has ribbed sides  122  to assist the user when tightening the nut onto the locking bolt. As best seen in  FIG. 10C , the ribs  124  are rounded which makes rotation of the nut more comfortable for the user while still providing a good gripping surface. The bottom surface  120  of the nut base  110  is flat but could have other shapes and/or curvatures. 
         [0062]    While the adjustable securing mechanism  18  is embodied herein as a locking bolt  20 , locking nut  22  and spring  24 , other mechanisms could be used to mount the baffle  16  to the pole  14  while providing for height adjustment and the present invention is intended to include all such mechanisms. 
         [0063]    Also, as illustrated in the drawings and described herein, the platform  12  and baffle  16  are generally circular with the baffle slightly larger to overhang the outer edge  32  of the platform. Other shapes and sizes will occur to those skilled in the art and such alternate shapes and sizes are encompassed within the present invention. Further, other shapes for the dome-shaped baffle  16  could be used such as conical, pyramid and the like without departing from the present invention. 
         [0064]    To assemble the feeder, the user first passes the lower portion  58  of the pole  14  through the aperture  74  in the locking bolt  20  starting from the head  70 . The baffle  16  is then mounted on the pole by passing the pole  14  through aperture  62  starting from the top side  82  of the baffle. Next, the spring  24  is placed over the shaft  72  of the bolt  20 , and then the pole  14  is passed through the bore  114  in the locking nut  22 , starting from the neck  108 . The nut can then be screwed onto the shaft  72  of the bolt  20  until the tapered ends  100  reach the base bore  118 , at which point the baffle is secured to the pole by the adjustable securing mechanism  18 . The nut  55  is screwed onto the threads  60  at the bottom end  58  of the pole, and then the pole is inserted through the aperture  48  in the grate  26 . The bottom end  58  of the pole  14  is thereafter threadedly engaged with the internal threads  42  of the boss  40 . When fully tightened, the grate  26  and center pole  14  are held firmly against either the annular ledge  36  or, when provided, the flanges  29  on the base platform  12  by the threaded connection between the pole and the boss and the locking action of nut  55 . 
         [0065]    When the feeder is assembled as shown in  FIG. 1 , the baffle rides on the upper end  102  of the spring  24  and is held against the center pole  14  by the locking bolt  20  and locking nut  22  at a height chosen by the user. When the nut is fully tightened against the bolt, the spring is not fully compressed as can be seen in  FIG. 1 . Therefore, when weight is applied to the top  65  of the baffle  16 , the spring will further compress to allow the baffle to move downwardly until the ridge  66  on the underside  64  of the baffle comes into abutment with the upper edge  128  of the neck  108  of the nut. At the same time the spring provides for tilting movement of the baffle when force is applied to one side of the baffle as shown in  FIG. 11 . The result is a wobbly baffle that prevents squirrels from remaining thereon should they attempt to land on the baffle. 
         [0066]    Adjusting the height of the baffle thereafter is very simple. The user has only to loosen the nut  22  until the squeezing pressure on the symmetrical sides  90  is released, allowing the adjustable securing mechanism  18  to slide up or down on the pole. When the desired height is reached, the user tightens the locking nut  22  onto the locking bolt  20  which again squeezes the sides  90  to pinch the pole and hold the adjustable securing mechanism in place. 
         [0067]    To disassemble the feeder, the user simply performs the assembly steps in reverse, starting by unscrewing the bottom end  58  of the pole from the base platform, sliding off the grate  26 , and then unscrewing the nut  55 . The user then unscrews the nut  22  and slides it off the lower portion  58  of the pole  14 , followed by the spring  24 , the baffle  16  and the bolt  20 . 
         [0068]    As described herein, the platform feeder of the present invention provides an adjustable baffle which allows the consumer to decide what size of bird can be fed by controlling the seed access space between the baffle and the platform. The baffle also deters squirrels from landing on the feeder as the squirrel&#39;s weight causes the baffle to wobble, resulting in the squirrel sliding off the baffle and past the platform to the ground. The grate mounted on the base also serves to block squirrel access to the seed in the feeder. 
         [0069]    The foregoing descriptions and drawings should be considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. The invention may be configured in a variety of shapes and sizes and is not limited by the dimensions of the preferred embodiment. Numerous applications of the present invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is not desired to limit the invention to the specific examples disclosed or the exact construction and operation shown and described. Rather, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.