Abstract:
A birdfeeder that is easy to disassemble and clean and re-assemble. The birdfeeder further having a configuration such that it can be affixed to like birdfeeders to increase the amount of birdfood being offered.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/727,510, filed Nov. 16, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to a bird feeder and, more particularly, to a hummingbird feeder. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A conventional hummingbird feeder typically includes a small-mouth bottle and a base. Due to the presence of high sugar content in hummingbird nectar, which results in accumulation of solids and growth of mold inside the bottle and base, frequent cleaning of the feeder is necessary to maintain a desirable level of performance. Such frequent cleaning is considered by many users to be difficult for several reasons. For example, the users must use a variety of brushes that can fit into the small mouth of the bottle to clean the interior. Cleaning using a rag or sponge is nearly impossible. 
     Accordingly, there is a clear need for novel hummingbird feeders that are easy to clean. Preferred embodiments of the invention are configured to provide a base that can easily be separated for cleaning. 
     SUMMARY 
     This and other unmet needs of the prior art are met by compounds and methods as described in more detail below. 
     Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a device of the type disclosed above which avoids the disadvantages inherent in conventional systems. In particular, the birdfeeder is to be constructed using a minimum number of components, the components are to be easily separable from one another, and the capable of being cleaned by readily available techniques (such as the dishwasher) and without the use of special cleaning chemicals. 
     A birdfeeder comprising: (a) a base portion; (b) a cover detachably coupled to the bottom portion, the cover comprising a threaded portion and at least one feeding port; (c) a reservoir comprising an open end and a closed end and defining a volume for storage of bird food, the open end of the reservoir additionally comprising a threaded portion adapted to complimentarily engage the threaded portion disposed in the cover, the reservoir in fluid communication with the base portion so as to supply bird food to the base portion such that the bird food is available to birds by the at least one feeding port; and (d) a cap detachably coupled to the reservoir. 
     In some embodiments, the base portion additionally comprises at least one perch support and at least one perch. 
     In certain embodiments, the base portion additionally comprises at least one engagement structure adapted to receive a tab disposed on an interior surface of the cover so as to detachably couple the base portion and the cover. 
     In certain embodiments, the reservoir additionally comprises a lip disposed proximal to the closed end and the cap additionally comprises at least one tab adapted to engage the lip so as to detachably couple the cap to the reservoir. 
     In certain embodiments, the reservoir additionally comprises at least one indentation disposed proximal to the closed end and the cap additionally comprises at least at least one ridge adapted to mate with the indentation so as to prevent rotation of the cap relative to the reservoir. 
     In certain embodiments, the base portion comprises a recessed area and at least one tab disposed in the recessed area and the cap comprises at least one channel and a complementary number of grooves extending at least substantially orthogonal thereto, the tabs of the recessed area being of sufficient size to traverse the channels and the grooves in the cap such that two similarly configured birdfeeders could be attached together. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A better understanding of the exemplary embodiments of the invention will be had when reference is made to the accompanying drawings, wherein identical parts are identified with identical reference numerals, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  provides one embodiment of a single hummingbird feeder of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the hummingbird feeder shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an assembly of two of the hummingbird feeders shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4A  provides a top perspective view of one embodiment of the cap component as used in the hummingbird feeder shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4B  provides a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of the cap component as used in the hummingbird feeder shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4C  provides a top view of one embodiment of the cap component as used in the hummingbird feeder shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4D  provides a bottom view of one embodiment of the cap component as used in the hummingbird feeder shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4E  provides a side view of one embodiment of the cap component as used in the hummingbird feeder shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4F  provides a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the cap component as used in the hummingbird feeder shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5A  provides a top perspective view of one embodiment of the reservoir component as used in the hummingbird feeder shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5B  provides a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of the reservoir component as used in the hummingbird feeder shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5C  provides a top view of one embodiment of the reservoir component as used in the hummingbird feeder shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5D  provides a bottom view of one embodiment of the reservoir component as used in the hummingbird feeder shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5E  provides a side view of one embodiment of the reservoir component as used in the hummingbird feeder shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5F  provides a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the reservoir component as used in the hummingbird feeder shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6A  provides a top perspective view of one embodiment of a cover component as used in the hummingbird feeder shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6B  provides a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a cover component as used in the hummingbird feeder shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6C  provides a top view of one embodiment of a cover component as used in the hummingbird feeder shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6D  provides a bottom view of one embodiment of a cover component as used in the hummingbird feeder shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6E  provides a side view of one embodiment of a cover component as used in the hummingbird feeder shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6F  provides a second side view of one embodiment of a cover component as used in the hummingbird feeder shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6G  provides a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a cover component as used in the hummingbird feeder shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7A  provides a top perspective view of one embodiment of a base portion component as used in the hummingbird feeder shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7B  provides a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a base portion component as used in the hummingbird feeder shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7C  provides a top view of one embodiment of a base portion component as used in the hummingbird feeder shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7D  provides a bottom view of one embodiment of a base portion component as used in the hummingbird feeder shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7E  provides a side view of one embodiment of a base portion component as used in the hummingbird feeder shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7F  provides a second view of one embodiment of a base portion component as used in the hummingbird feeder shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7G  provides a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a base portion component as used in the hummingbird feeder shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  provides a cross-sectional view of the hummingbird feeder shown in  FIG. 1  and includes detailed views of the attachment of the base portion and cover components and of the attachment of the reservoir and cap components. 
         FIG. 9  provides a cross-sectional view of the assembly of hummingbird feeders shown in  FIG. 3  and includes a detailed view of the attachment of the base portion of one hummingbird feeder to the cap of a second hummingbird feeder. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The exemplary embodiments illustrated and described herein relate to birdfeeders. However, it should be understood that the inventive concepts described herein are applicable to a wide range of articles that are assembled to one another. Such articles may include, but are not limited to, birdfeeders, birdhouses, insect feeders, squirrel feeders, and other similar articles. While the description presented herein is directed to a birdfeeder, it should be understood that the inventive concepts are not limited solely to birdfeeder embodiments. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a birdfeeder  100  formed from four components.  FIG. 2  provides an exploded view of the four components of birdfeeder  100  shown in  FIG. 1 : a cap  200 , a reservoir  300 , a cover  400 , and a base portion  500 .  FIG. 3  illustrates an assembly  600  of two of the hummingbird feeders  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , identified respectively as  100   a  and  100   b.    
       FIG. 4A  provides a top perspective view of cap  200 . Cap  200  has disposed on its upper surface  210  an annular structure  220 . The annular structure  220  has a plurality of vertical channels  240  disposed on its outer surface such that each channel  240  extends substantially from the top of the annular structure  220  to the intersection of the annular structure with upper surface  210 . Each channel  240  intersects with a groove  250 . Grooves  250  are oriented about the circumference of annular structure  220 . The interior of annular structure  220  encircles hanging mount  230  which provides structure by which the birdfeeder may be suspended, using a string, a hook, or other suitable means from a tree branch, trellis, or the like. 
     Cap  200  may be formed from a variety of different materials including, but not limited to, metal or plastic (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene, etc.) and may be formed by any of a variety of different processing techniques including, but not limited to, stamping or injection molding. 
       FIG. 4B  provides a bottom perspective view of cap  200 . Cap  200  has disposed on an interior surface  260  a plurality of tabs  270  and at least one substantially vertically oriented ridge  280 . 
       FIG. 4C  provides a top view of cap  200  revealing four channels  240  and four grooves  250 . The cap may have disposed thereon any number of channels (and a corresponding number of grooves), including a single channel; however, it is preferred that the number of channels (and grooves) range from two to four. 
       FIG. 4D  provides a bottom view of cap  200  revealing four tabs  270  and four ridges  280 . The cap may have disposed thereon any number of tabs, including a single tab; however, it is preferred that the number of tabs range from two to four. The cap may also have disposed thereon any number of ridges, including zero; however, it is preferred that the number of ridges range from two to four. 
       FIG. 4E  provides a side view of cap  200 .  FIG. 4F  provides a cross-sectional view of cap  200  showing hanging mount  230 . 
       FIG. 5A  provides a top perspective view of reservoir  300 . Reservoir  300  has a closed end  310  and an open end  320 . Proximal to the closed end are a number of indentations  330  disposed on exterior surface  335  corresponding to the number of ridges  280  disposed on cap  200 . The closed end  310  of reservoir  300  is sized so as to mate with the bottom of cap  200  such that exterior surface  335  is smaller than interior surface  260  to allow tab(s)  270  to engage lip  340  thereby securing cap  200  to reservoir  300 . In embodiments where one or more ridge  280  is disposed on cap  200 , the ridges are aligned with the indentations  330  to allow the cap to slide over the closed end of the reservoir. The ridges prevent the cap from rotating relative to the reservoir because the ridges occupy the space formed by the indentations. Tabs  270  provide an interference fit over lip  340  that prevents the cap from falling off the closed end of the reservoir. The open end of the reservoir  320  has a threaded portion  350  on its exterior. 
     Reservoir  300  may be formed from a variety of different materials including, but not limited to, metal or plastic (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene, etc.) and may be formed by any of a variety of different processing techniques including, but not limited to, milling or blow-molding. Alternatively, reservoir  300  may be formed from two parts—a double open ended tubular portion and a cap portion that is affixed to the end of the tubular portion distal the threaded portion. In such embodiments, the cap portion may be welded, brazed, soldered, glued or heat welded to the tubular portion. 
       FIG. 5B  provides a bottom perspective view of reservoir  300  detailing the open end  320  into which bird food may be deposited into the reservoir. 
       FIG. 5C  provides a top view of reservoir  300  detailing closed end  310 .  FIG. 5D  provides a bottom view of reservoir  300  detailing open end  320 .  FIG. 5E  provides a side view of reservoir  300 .  FIG. 5F  provides a cross-sectional view of reservoir  300 . 
       FIG. 6A  provides a top perspective view of cover  400 . The upper surface  410  of cover  400  has disposed thereon an annular projection  420 . The interior of annular projection  420  has a threaded portion  430  adapted to mate with threaded portion  350  of reservoir  300  to fixedly attach reservoir  300  to cover  400 . The upper surface  410  of cover  400  also has disposed thereon one or more feeding ports  440  where a bird may obtain the bird food contained in the bird feeder. Each feeding port  440  may be decorated with a flower  450 . The flower may be an integral part of cover  400  or may be separately constructed and then attached to the cover. The annular projection  420  may descend below the bottom lip  460  of cover  400 . 
     Cover  400  may be formed from a variety of different materials including, but not limited to, metal or plastic (e.g., polypropylene, polyethlyene, etc.) and may be formed by any of a variety of different processing techniques including, but not limited to, stamping or injection molding. 
       FIG. 6B  provides a bottom perspective view of cover  400 . The interior surface  470  of cover  400  has disposed thereon one or more tabs  480 ; however, it is preferred that the number of tabs  480  range from two to four. 
       FIG. 6C  provides a top view of one embodiment of cover  400  showing six feeding ports  440  surrounded by six integral decorative flowers  450 .  FIG. 6D  provides a bottom view of cover  400  showing four tabs  480  and six feeding ports  440 . 
       FIGS. 6E and 6F  each provide a side view of cover  400 .  FIG. 6G  provides a cross-sectional view of cover  400  revealing a threaded portion  430  disposed in the upper half of annular projection  420 . 
       FIG. 7A  provides a top perspective view of base portion  500 . Disposed about outer surface  510  of base portion  500  are one or more perch supports  520  that hold perch  530  in a fixed position around outer surface  510 . The outer surface  510  of base portion  500  terminates in upper lip  540 . Upper lip  540  is sized and configured such that when cover  400  is attached to base portion  500 , that bottom lip  460  rests atop upper lip  540 . Cover  400  attaches to base  500  by the interaction of tabs  480  with grooves  550  located in engagement structure  560 . The grooves  550  should be of equal number to tabs  480 . To affix the cover to the base, the cover is aligned over the base portion such that upper lip  540  is covered by bottom lip  460  and the cover is rotated relative to the base portion such that tabs  480  enter grooves  550 , establishing an interference fit, until tabs  480  are prevented from further movement by stopper  570 . Because ridge  545  extends upwardly higher than upper lip  540  and because the open end of reservoir  300  descends below the top of ridge  545  when assembled, the bird food contained in reservoir  300  does not spill out of the birdfeeder. 
     Base portion  500  may be formed from a variety of different materials including, but not limited to, metal or plastic (e.g., polypropylene, polyethlyene, etc.) and may be formed by any of a variety of different processing techniques including, but not limited to, stamping or injection molding. 
       FIG. 7B  provides a bottom perspective view of base portion  500  revealing recess area  580 . Disposed on interior surface  585  within recess area  580  are one or more tabs  590 . The number of tabs  590  should correspond with the number of channels  240  in cap  200 . The tabs  590  should be sized such that the width of the tab fits within the width of the channel and that the height of the tabs fit within the height of the grooves. In this manner, a user may affix multiple birdfeeders together by stacking one atop the other such that tabs  590  descend channel  240  and then rotating one birdfeeder relative the other such that tabs  590  engage grooves  250  thereby establishing an interference fit between the birdfeeders and securing them together. 
       FIG. 7C  provides a top view of base portion  500  revealing four perch supports  520 ; however, any number of perch supports may be used, and in “perchless” embodiments perch supports may not be needed at all. 
       FIG. 7D  provides a bottom view of base portion  500  revealing four tabs  590 .  FIGS. 7E and 7F  provide side views of base portion  500 . 
       FIG. 7G  provides a cross-sectional view of base portion  500  showing how recess area  580  compensates for the hanging mount  230  from a birdfeeder that is attached thereto. 
       FIG. 8  provides a cross-sectional view of hummingbird feeder  100  and the complimentary engagement of threaded portions  320  and  430 . To refill the birdfeeder, the birdfeeder is disassembled by unscrewing the two threaded portions  320  and  430 , refilling the reservoir and then re-screwing the two threaded portions together.  FIG. 8  also provides a detailed view for the attachment of cap  200  to reservoir  300  by aligning the ridges  280  with the indentations  330  and snapping the cap  200  onto the closed end  310  of the reservoir  300  such that the tabs  270  engage lip  340 .  FIG. 8  additionally provides a detailed view of the attachment of cover  400  to base portion  500  by aligning tabs  480  with grooves  550  in engagement structure  560  and rotating until tabs  480  contact stoppers  570 . Additionally, projection  555  assists in securing and retaining tabs  480  within grooves  550 . 
       FIG. 9  provides a cross-sectional view of a stacked assembly of hummingbird feeders  600 .  FIG. 9  also provides a detailed view of the attachment of one birdfeeder  100   a  to a second birdfeeder  100   b . Specifically, annular structure  220  of birdfeeder  100   b  is inserted into recess area  580  of birdfeeder  100   a  such that tabs  590  of birdfeeder  100   a  descend channels  240  in birdfeeder  100   b . Birdfeeder  100   a  is then rotated relative to birdfeeder  100   b  such that tabs  590  of birdfeeder  100   a  engage grooves  250  of birdfeeder  100   b  to secure the birdfeeders together. Because these birdfeeders have complimentary configured parts, any number of birdfeeders can be “stacked” and attached together in this manner. 
     Because each of the components of the birdfeeder are attached to one another by an interference fit or by screw threads the birdfeeder is readily disassembled for cleaning and reassembled. Additionally, in embodiments made from plastic, the disassembled components can be hand-washed or even ran through the dishwasher. 
     The terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar references used in the context of describing the disclosed embodiments (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. 
     Recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate the disclosed embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosed embodiments unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the disclosed embodiments or any variants thereof. 
     Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. It is anticipated that one or more members of a group may be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability 
     Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention(s). Of course, variations on the disclosed embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention(s) to be practiced otherwise than specifically described herein. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosed embodiments unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 
     Having shown and described an embodiment of the invention, those skilled in the art will realize that many variations and modifications may be made to affect the described invention and still be within the scope of the claimed invention. Additionally, many of the elements indicated above may be altered or replaced by different elements which will provide the same result and fall within the spirit of the claimed invention. It is the intention, therefore, to limit the invention only as indicated by the scope of the claims.