Abstract:
A bird deterrent apparatus for preventing birds from landing near a location to be protected, such as, but not limited to, a boat. The bird deterrent apparatus is easy to install and remove, and does not interfere with the normal use of the location. The bird deterrent apparatus comprises a line retractor, a retractable barrier line, and associated hardware and barrier line guides to secure the line retractor and the barrier line to structural elements in proximity to the location to be protected from perching birds and their associated debris.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of applicants&#39; co-pending patent application U.S. Ser. No. 11/293,779, filed on Dec. 1, 2005, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application U.S. Ser. No. 60/632,901 filed on Dec. 3, 2004. The entire disclosure of each of these patent applications is hereby incorporated by reference into this specification. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates generally to animal deterrent devices, and more particularly to an apparatus for deterring birds from landing near a location to be protected, such as, but not limited to, a boat. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     The related art has disclosed various devices for deterring birds from landing. Reference may be had, e.g., to U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,285 entitled “Sea Bird Marine Craft Protector”. This patent discloses a net-like device that covers a boat to prevent sea birds from landing on the boat. The device is custom sized to the boat that it is designed to protect, and requires a plurality of support rods to hold the net above the surface of the boat. The device may also contain a reel for letting out and winding up the protector net. The device may also require the addition of support rods to hold the netting above the boat&#39;s structure. In addition, the netting is affixed to the rail of the boat, and as such, is not able to protect the boat rails and periphery of the boat from birds. 
     Reference may further be had to U.S. Pat. No. 5,476,062 entitled “Seagull Guard”. This patent discloses a device that prevents birds from flying near and landing on a boat by using a post centrally mounted on a boat, with a series of cables extending from the top of the post to peripheral points on the boat. Although the device may be practical on a motorboat, it would be difficult to install on a sailboat due to masts, booms, and other hardware associated with a sailboat. In addition, this device will not protect a boat&#39;s periphery nor will the device be effective in deterring smaller birds due to the large spacing between cables. In addition, the device may require deck or hull modifications to accommodate the support pole. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,341,759 entitled “Sea Bird Deterrent For Boats and Navigation Aids” discloses a device for deterring birds from landing that includes at least two posts with line extending between the posts. The device disclosed in the patent is intended to be used as a permanent installation on the top of a boat or buoy, and is designed to protect the top surface of the boat or buoy. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,607 entitled “Bird deterrent apparatus for Protection of a Body of Water”, there is disclosed a device for protecting a body of water from birds by using a series of wires permanently installed over the surface of a body of water. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,713,160 entitled “Retractable Bird deterrent apparatus” discloses a device used on buildings and ledges for deterring birds from landing. The device retracts through folding mounting brackets and supports. A wire barrier contained between the mounting brackets and supports remains in place, along with the permanently installed mounting brackets and supports. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,418,674 entitled “Bird Repellant Method and System” also discloses a line barrier bird deterrent system that is permanently installed, and not easily removed or moved out of the way. The system disclosed in the patent is often times used on buildings and ledges. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,088 entitled “Bird deterrent apparatus”, a permanently attached set of supports and wires is disclosed that deters birds from roosting or nesting on building ledges and the like. 
     The bird deterrent devices of the related art are generally permanent or require a significant amount of time to remove and subsequently replace. Many boats, and in particular sailboats, require the deck and associated rigging to be free of items that may either interfere with the proper functioning of the boat or that may create a hazardous condition through entanglement with rigging or sailors. 
     The bird deterrent devices of the related art also do not protect the boat&#39;s periphery, such as rails and lifelines, from birds and their associated debris. 
     Several of the bird deterrent devices of the related art, for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,476,062 and 6,082,285 are designed primarily for use with power boats. These devices may not be practical to install and remove from a sailboat due to the placement of masts, booms, and other hardware on a sailboat. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a bird deterrent apparatus that can be easily installed on any location, including all boats, and in particular sailboats, and is easy to remove and store when the location is in use. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a bird deterrent apparatus that protects all parts of the boat, including the boat&#39;s periphery, from birds and their associated debris. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a bird deterrent apparatus that is self-stowing, and can be retracted and stowed in a compact manner while the location is in use. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a bird deterrent apparatus that conforms to the lines and symmetry of a boat, and in particular a sailboat, and is aesthetically pleasing and in harmony with the design of a boat, and in particular a sailboat. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a bird deterrent apparatus comprising a barrier line for preventing birds from landing near a location to be protected from said birds, a line retractor having a line spool for storing and delivering said barrier line, a line retractor spring for tensioning and retracting said barrier line, said line retractor spring operatively connected to said line spool, and a rail clamp attached to said line retractor for mounting and demounting said line retractor on a structural element. 
     The bird deterrent apparatus of the present invention is easily retracted and stowed so as not to interfere with the use of a location such as the deck of a boat. The bird deterrent apparatus of the present invention, when used on a boat, protects all parts of a boat, including the boat&#39;s periphery, from birds and their associated debris. The bird deterrent apparatus may be used to protect any location from birds, and is not just limited to boats. Such locations may include, but are not limited to, outside decks, outside dining tables and bars, swim platforms, docks, and any other location where the landing, perching or habitation by birds is undesirable. When used on a boat, the bird deterrent apparatus of the present invention conforms to the lines and symmetry of a boat, and in particular a sailboat, and is aesthetically pleasing and in harmony with the design of a boat, and in particular the aesthetics of a sailboat. When retracted, the bird deterrent apparatus of the present invention is unobtrusively mounted to a rail, mast, boom or other part of the boat that requires protection from birds and their associated debris. To use the bird deterrent apparatus of the present invention, a barrier line is deployed from the line retractor and attached to a terminating point. The barrier line may be held in place with line guides to keep long lengths of barrier line in place. To remove the bird deterrent apparatus of the present invention, the barrier line is simply retracted into the line retractor. The ease at which the bird deterrent apparatus of the present invention is placed in use and removed from use makes it ideal for sailboats and other recreational boats where the boat owner desires to optimize the time that is spent using the boat, and further desires to minimize the time that is spent maintaining the boat and preparing the boat for use. The bird deterrent apparatus is also ideal for locations where it is desirable to exclude birds, but where it is desirable for the bird deterrent apparatus to be removed while the location is in use. Examples of such locations include, but are not limited to, outside decks, outside dining areas, outside bars, swim platforms, docks, and boathouses. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be described by reference to the following drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view from the first side of a line retractor; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a line retractor with the first side removed; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view from the second side of a line retractor; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a line retractor with the second side removed; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an upper barrier line guide assembly that may be used with the line retractor; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a lower barrier line guide assembly that may be used with the line retractor; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates the use of a bird deterring apparatus on a sailboat rail and lifeline assembly; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a tubular line retractor according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a cutaway view of a tubular line retractor; and 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded view of a stacking spring assembly contained in the tubular line retractor. 
     
    
    
     The present invention will be described in connection with a preferred embodiment, however, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention to the embodiment described. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by this specification, drawings, and the appended claims. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     For a general understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals have been used throughout to designate identical elements. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view from the first side of a line retractor  100  according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The line retractor  100  allows one to temporarily extend a length of line in close proximity above a potential bird perching location. As is known to one skilled in the art, a line placed in close proximity above a potential bird perching location deters birds from perching. It is speculated that the line not only prevents a bird from perching, but also confuses and alarms the prospective perching bird when they encounter the line. Using the line retractor  100  allows one to deploy such a line when needed, and retract and remove such a line when it is not desirable to have the line in place. Various guide assemblies, as will be described later in this specification, may also be used to assist with the proper placement and retention of such as line, referred to herein as a barrier line  109 . The line retractor  100  may be made of plastic, stainless steel, brass, or the like. The line retractor  100  may be mounted to various parts of a floating vessel, such as the stern rail of a sailboat, using rail clamps  113  that are attached to said line retractor  100 . The line retractor  100  may contain one or more rail clamps  113 . The rail clamps  113  may be shaped to accommodate the point of attachment, and may be made of a plastic, a metal, or a composite. For example, the rail clamps  113  may be shaped as a circle to accommodate a round rail such as a stern rail of a sailboat. The rail clamps  113  may also, in some embodiments of the present invention, contain a tightening mechanism such as a threaded screw, a worm gear, a ratcheting lever, or the like. The line retractor  100  also contains an internal spool, a spring mechanism, and other mechanical elements that are illustrated clearly and further explained by way of  FIG. 2 . The line retractor  100  may have a faceplate side  101 . The faceplate side  101  protects the internal mechanism of the line retractor  100 , and may also be used to provide advertising, such as the name of the manufacturer of the invention. The faceplate side  101  made be made from a plastic, a metal, or a composite. The line retractor  100  may also have a perimeter side  103  and a top side  105  to further protect the internal mechanism of the line retractor  100 . The perimeter side  103  and the top side  105  may be made from a plastic, a metal, or a composite. The internal mechanism of the line retractor  100  contains barrier line  109  that may be made of monofilament line, nylon line, gel spun polyethylene fibers, metal wire, or the like. The barrier line  109  exits the line retractor  100  through a barrier line guide hole  107 . The barrier line guide hole  107  prevents the barrier line  109  from becoming entangled or fouled in the internal mechanism of the line retractor  100  while the barrier line  109  is being deployed or retracted. The terminating end of the barrier line  109  may contain a barrier line retainer  111  that allows one to fasten the barrier line  109  to a terminating point on the marine object. In this specification, marine object refers to any object that encounters the water, such as powerboats, sailboats, buoys, swim platforms, life rafts, submarines, and the like. The barrier line retainer  111  may, in some embodiments of the present invention, be made from a plastic, a metal, or a composite, and may contain a mechanism to securely retain one end of the barrier line  109 . The barrier line retainer  111 , in other embodiments of the present invention, may be an eyelet, a snap, a clip, a clasp, or the like. The barrier line retainer  111  may, in some embodiments of the present invention, include a swivel mechanism to prevent the barrier line  109  from becoming twisted, entangled, or otherwise snarled. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of a line retractor with the first side removed ( 200 ) is shown. With the first side removed, one side of the internal mechanism of the line retractor can be seen. One spool is used to facilitate the extension and retraction of the barrier line  109 . A line spool  209  (not shown in  FIG. 2 , refer to  FIG. 4  and the accompanying description) retains the barrier line  109 . The line retractor spring coil  213  is a constant force spring which is used to provide the mechanical energy storage required to maintain tension on the barrier line  109  and to assist in the retraction of the barrier line  109 . Other embodiments of the present invention may use springs known to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The line spool  209  may be made from a plastic, a metal, or a composite. The line spool  209  and the line retractor spring coil  213  interact by way of a hub  211  that is attached to the line spool  209 , and in some embodiments of the present invention, is made from the same material as the line spool  209 . The hub  211  retains one end  201  of the line retractor spring coil  213  such that as the barrier line  109  is extended and thus rotationally removed from the line spool  209 , the line retractor spring coil  213  is wound about the hub  211  in a direction opposite to the pre-stressed curvature of the line retractor spring coil  213 , storing energy from the extension of the barrier line within the line retractor spring coil  213  that may be used at another time to assist with the retraction of said barrier line. The line retractor spring coil  213  may be made of coiled spring steel, plastic, stainless steel, or the like. The line retractor spring coil  213  is wound with sufficient tension to allow the barrier line  109  to be deployed with moderate tension, preventing tangles and knots in the barrier line  109 . Once the barrier line  109  is deployed, the line retractor spring coil  213  maintains tension on the barrier line  109 . The line retractor spring coil  213  also provides for mechanical energy storage sufficient to allow the barrier line  109  to be retracted and wound on the line spool  209 . The line spool  209  is retained about a rotational axis using a spindle arrangement that contains a first line spool spindle  203  and a second line spool spindle. The line retractor spring coil  213  is retained about a rotational axis using a spring coil spindle  204 . The first line spool spindle  203  is attached at one end to the first side  223 , and, in some embodiments of the present invention, may be made from the same material as the first side  223 . A second line spool spindle (not shown) is attached at one end to the second side  423 , and, in some embodiments of the present invention, may be made of the same material as the second side  423 . The spring coil spindle  204  is attached at one end to the inner wall  227 , and, in some embodiments of the present invention, may be made from the same material as the inner wall  227 . Materials that can be used for the first side include plastics, metals, composites, and the like. To provide rigidity to the overall assemblage of parts, and to ensure that the line retractor spring coil  213  and the line spool  209  maintain the alignment needed for proper functioning, an inner wall  227  is used. The inner wall  227  may be made from a plastic, a metal, or a composite. The first side  223  contains screw guide holes  221  within which screws  225  are placed. The screws  225  are fastened into the second side  423  once the line retractor spring coil  213  and the line spool  209  are placed on their corresponding spindles with the barrier line  109  in place, and each T fitting  217  that is fastened to or a part of the rail clamp  113  is located in a T slot  219 . The second side  423  may, in some embodiments of the present invention, contain advertising, such as the name of the manufacturer of the bird deterrent apparatus. 
       FIG. 3  represents a perspective view from the second side of a line retractor of the bird deterring apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. The barrier line  109  is shown partially extended for clarity in illustration. A brake adjustor  301  is shown protruding through a hole in the faceplate side  101 . The brake adjustor  301  is attached to the brake  205  that is housed within the line retractor  100 , and is used to enable or disable the functioning of the brake  205 , as will be further explained by way of  FIG. 4  and the associated description to follow. 
     Now turning to  FIG. 4 , a perspective view of a line retractor with the second side removed is depicted.  FIG. 4  shows the opposing side of the internal mechanism depicted in  FIG. 2 . The first side  223  as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 2  includes the faceplate side  101 , the perimeter side  103  and the top side  105 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3 . The first side  223  mates to the second side  423  using, in some embodiments of the present invention, screws  225  that pass through screw guide holes  221  and enter screw holes  401 .  FIG. 4  also provides a view of the line spool  209  that uses a series of locking edges  215  to engage the brake  205  in the event of a sudden barrier line release during deployment or removal. The sudden release of a barrier line without a brake could potentially strike a person, pet or an object with a rapidly accelerating barrier line retainer  111 . The brake  205  makes use of a safety spring  206  that serves to engage the brake  205  in a locking edge  215  and thus halt the angular velocity of the line spool  209  in the event of a barrier line release. Once the barrier line  109  is deployed, the brake adjustor  301  may be moved so as to disable the brake operation. Disabling the brake in this manner prevents unintended engagement of the brake  205  with the locking edges  215  should an object or bird impact or bounce off the barrier line  109 . 
     In use, the barrier line  109  may be deployed in shorter lengths, such as lengths of under ten feet to protect designated areas of marine objects. The barrier line  109  may also be deployed in longer lengths, such as lengths in excess of ten feet, and may be deployed in lengths of up to eighty feet or more. To use longer line lengths and to follow the contours of the areas to be protected, the barrier line  109  may require intermediary guide structures to ensure that the barrier line  109  is held in place and does not sag or move. An example of such an application is a sailboat lifeline and rail assembly. Birds often times perch on the lifelines of a sailboat, leaving droppings on the deck and lifelines that are undesirable. 
     Moving ahead,  FIG. 7  shows the application of a bird deterrent apparatus of the present invention on a sailboat lifeline and rail assembly  700 . The sailboat lifeline and rail assembly is typically located along the perimeter of a sailboat. Vertical supports known as stanchions  703  are used to hold the lifelines  701  in place. In many sailboats, there is a lower lifeline and an upper lifeline. The sailboat lifeline and rail assembly  700  also may contain a stem rail  705  to retain one end of each lifeline  701 . A deck toe rail  707  may also be present. In use, the line retractor  100  is mounted to a support structure such as a stem rail  705  on a sailboat lifeline and rail assembly  700 . The barrier line  109  is mounted in a horizontal position in close proximity above each lifeline  701 . The barrier line  109  serves as both a visual and a physical deterrent to birds. The small diameter of the barrier line  109  prevents birds from perching on said barrier line  109 . In addition, the placement of the barrier line  109  in close proximity above the object to be protected, such as a sailboat lifeline  701 , serves as a physical deterrent to prospective perching birds. The thin and sometimes opaque barrier line  109  is visible to birds, but may also serve to confuse and distress birds that observe the barrier line  109  in close proximity to a potential perching location, thus deterring the birds from landing. To provide adequate support for the barrier line  109  above said lifeline  701 , and to insure the barrier line  109  follows the contour and path of the lifeline  701 , barrier line guides may be used. 
       FIG. 5  shows an upper barrier line guide assembly  500  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The upper barrier line guide assembly  500  allows for placement of a barrier line  501  in close proximity above an area to be protected from perching birds, such as an upper life line area of a sailboat. The upper barrier line guide assembly  500  mounts to a structural element such as a stanchion  703  using a clamp such as an upper barrier line guide stanchion clamp  507 . The upper barrier line guide stanchion clamp  507  may contain an interior  509  that is shaped to accommodate the vertical support structure. The upper barrier line guide stanchion clamp may also contain a tightening means for improved retention on a vertical support structure. Attached to the upper barrier line guide stanchion clamp  507  is an upper barrier line guide  503  that contains an eyelet  505 . The barrier line  109  is retained by the eyelet  505 , providing support and stabilization of the barrier line. The upper barrier line guide  503  places the barrier line  109  in close proximity above an an area to be protected, such as the upper lifeline area of a sailboat, thus protecting the upper lifeline from perching birds and their associated debris. 
       FIG. 6  shows a lower barrier line guide assembly  600  according to one embodiment of the present invention. To protect an area such as the lower lifeline area of a sailboat from perching birds, a barrier line  109  is placed in close proximity above the area to be protected from perching birds. The lower barrier line guide assembly  600  provides support for a barrier line  109  in close proximity above the area to be protected from perching birds by attaching to a structural element with a clamp such as a lower barrier line guide stanchion clamp  601 . A lower barrier line guide  603  may, in one embodiment of the present invention, be a hole placed in the lower barrier line guide stanchion clamp  601  in such a way that the barrier line  109  travels freely through the lower barrier line guide  603 . The lower barrier stanchion clamp  601  may contain an interior  605  that is shaped to accommodate the vertical support structure. The lower barrier line guide stanchion clamp  601  may also contain a tightening means for improved retention on a vertical support structure. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a tubular line retractor of the bird deterrent apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.  FIG. 8  shows a tubular line retractor  800  that is mounted parallel to a stanchion, rail or other support on the floating vessel. The tubular line retractor  800  is made of a cylindrical body  801  that may be made of stainless steel, plastic, brass, or the like. The cylindrical body  801  contains two end caps  803  that seal the internal mechanism from the elements. The tubular line retractor  800  is fastened to a stanchion, rail or other support using a rail clamp  805 . The rail clamp  805  may contain a strap  807 , a hinge  809 , a flare  811 , a loop  813 , and a lever  815 . The rail clamp  805  allows for easy placement and removal of the tubular line retractor  800 . In use, the barrier line  109  exits a barrier line guide hole  817  and may be fastened to a terminating point on the floating vessel using a barrier line retainer  111 . 
       FIG. 9  is a cutaway view of a tubular line retractor  900  showing the internal mechanism of the tubular line retractor  900 . A spool  901  carries and retains the barrier line  109 . The barrier line  109  travels from the spool  901  through an interior barrier line guide  909  and exits from the tubular line retractor  900 . The spool  901  is mechanically connected to at least one spring retention shell  903 . The spring retention shell  903  contains a spring (not shown in  FIG. 9 , refer to  FIG. 10 ) to assist in winding and unwinding the barrier line  109  about the spool  901 . The spool  901  is connected to a shaft  905  that may be connected to a brake  907  that will reduce the angular velocity of the spool  901  such that the barrier line  109  is retracted with a linear velocity that is low enough to prevent barrier line breakage and to maintain a safe working environment. 
       FIG. 10  is an exploded view of a stacking spring assembly  1000  that is used to maintain tension on the barrier line  109 . The stacking spring assembly  1000  contains at least one spring retention shell  903  that retains a spring  1005 . The spring  1005  is held in place at one end by a spring retention spindle  1001  that may further contain a slot  1003 . The spring is further retained by a spring terminating end  1007  that engages with an interior point of the spring retention shell  903 . 
     To use the bird deterrent apparatus of the present invention, the line retractor  100 , or in another embodiment of the present invention, the tubular line retractor  800 , is mounted to an originating point. The barrier line  109  is deployed from the line retractor  100  until such time as an adequate terminating point is reached. The barrier line  109  is attached to the terminating point using a barrier line retainer  111 . The area below the extended barrier line  109  from the originating point to the termination point of the barrier line is protected from perching birds and their associated debris. In one embodiment of the present invention, the barrier line  109  is maintained in close proximity above the surface that is to be protected from perching birds. An upper barrier line guide assembly  500  and a lower barrier line guide assembly may be used to support the barrier line  109 . 
     It is, therefore, apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the various objects of the present invention, an apparatus for deterring birds from landing. While the various objects of this invention have been described in conjunction with preferred embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of this specification, drawings, and the appended claims.