Patent Publication Number: US-2022232806-A1

Title: Pest resistant bird feeder

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/919,044, entitled “Pest Resistant Bird Feeder” and filed Mar. 12, 2018, which is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. Design application Ser. No. 29/627,598, entitled “Bird Feeder” and filed Nov. 28, 2017. Each of these applications is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to resistance to intrusion by pests, such as squirrels or large birds, into a supply of bird food in a bird feeder. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Attracting wild birds, particularly song birds, using bird feeders is an increasingly popular hobby. The ability to attract desired birds may be limited, however, where the area in which the bird feeder is stationed is frequented by pests, such as squirrels and larger birds including magpies. Many conventional bird feeders are susceptible to such pests accessing and consuming bird food in the bird feeder, thereby discouraging wild birds from visiting the bird feeder and greatly increasing the costs associated with the hobby by having to replace the consumed bird food in shorter intervals. These challenges are exacerbated in attempting to distinguish between wild birds and pests, such as squirrels, to ensure that the bird food is not denied to the wild birds. It is with these observations in mind, among others, that various aspects of the present disclosure were conceived and developed. 
     SUMMARY 
     Implementations described and claimed herein address the foregoing problems by providing systems and methods for resisting intrusion by a pest. In one implementation, a reservoir extends between a proximal end and a distal end, and the reservoir defines an interior. A basin is mounted to the reservoir. The basin has a basin body and a basin surface. A sleeve assembly has a sleeve body and a port defined in the sleeve body. A tensioner translationally mounts the sleeve body relative to the basin body. The sleeve body translates distally from an accessible position to an occluded position when a weight applied to the sleeve assembly exceeds a weight threshold set by the tensioner. The accessible position includes bird food on the basin surface being accessible through the port. The occluded position includes the port being disposed distal to the basin surface such that the bird food on the basin surface is inaccessible through the port. 
     In another implementation, a reservoir extends between a proximal end and a distal end, and the reservoir defines an interior. A dispenser is mounted to the distal end of the reservoir. The dispenser has a cavity. A basin has a basin body and a basin surface, and the basin mounted to the dispenser. At least one dispensing surface is disposed relative to the dispenser and the basin surface. Bird food is dispensable through a dispensing opening from the cavity onto the basin surface using the at least one dispensing surface. A sleeve assembly has a sleeve body and a port defined in the sleeve body. A tensioner translationally mounts the sleeve body relative to the basin body. The sleeve body translates distally from an accessible position to an occluded position when a weight applied to the sleeve assembly exceeds a weight threshold set by the tensioner. The accessible position includes the bird food on the basin surface being accessible through the port. The occluded position includes the port being disposed distal to the basin surface such that the bird food on the basin surface is inaccessible through the port. An adjuster controls the weight threshold set by the tensioner. The adjuster is disposed exterior to the sleeve assembly. An indicator is disposed in the interior of and visible through the reservoir, and the indicator provides a visual reference of the weight threshold. 
     In still another implementation, input is received at an adjuster. The input controls a weight threshold set by a tensioner. The adjuster is accessible from an exterior of a bird feeder. A visual reference of the weight threshold is displayed using an indicator, and the visual reference visible from the exterior of the bird feeder. An application of a weight of the pest exceeding the weight threshold is received on a sleeve assembly of the bird feeder. The sleeve assembly has a port defined in a sleeve body. The sleeve assembly is translated distally relative to a basin in response to the application of the weight of the pest. The basin has a basin body and a basin surface. The sleeve assembly is translated from an accessible position to an occluded position. The accessible position includes bird food on the basin surface being accessible through the port, and the occluded position includes the port being disposed distal to the basin surface such that the bird food on the basin surface is inaccessible through the port. 
     Other implementations are also described and recited herein. Further, while multiple implementations are disclosed, still other implementations of the presently disclosed technology will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative implementations of the presently disclosed technology. As will be realized, the presently disclosed technology is capable of modifications in various aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the presently disclosed technology. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not limiting. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows an isometric view of an example bird feeder that is resistant to intrusion by a pest. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates the bird feeder having a reservoir with different ornamental features. 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom perspective view of an example cap assembly. 
         FIG. 4  depicts a bottom perspective view of an example cap. 
         FIG. 5  shows a top perspective view of an example cap lock. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a side view of a base assembly. 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  depict top perspective and bottom perspective views, respectively, of an example shield. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a side view of the base assembly with the shield removed. 
         FIGS. 9 and 10  show top perspective and bottom perspective views, respective, of the base assembly with the shield removed. 
         FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C  depict side, bottom perspective, and top perspective views, respectively, of an example sleeve. 
         FIGS. 12 and 13  show side and top perspective views, respectively, of a base assembly with the shield and sleeve assembly removed. 
         FIGS. 14A and 14B  illustrates top perspective and bottom perspective views, respectively, of an example dispenser. 
         FIGS. 15 and 16  show side perspective and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the base assembly of  FIGS. 12 and 13  with the dispenser also removed. 
         FIGS. 17A and 17B  illustrate side perspective and bottom perspective views, respectively, of an example basin mount. 
         FIGS. 18A and 18B  show top perspective and side perspective views, respectively, of an example basin. 
         FIGS. 19A and 19B  depict top perspective and bottom perspective views, respectively, of an example perch mount assembly. 
         FIGS. 20A and 20B  illustrate and example a proximal perch mount assembly and a distal perch mount assembly, respectively. 
         FIG. 21  shows an example tensioner connected to an adjuster. 
         FIG. 22  illustrates an example bird feeder with an indicator being visible from an exterior of the reservoir. 
         FIG. 23  depicts an example cover for the tensioner. 
         FIG. 24  shows a bottom perspective view of the tensioner connected to the adjuster. 
         FIG. 25  is a detailed view of the adjuster relative to the tensioner and the basin mount. 
         FIGS. 26A, 26B, and 26C  illustrate top, side perspective, and bottom perspective views of an example tensioner. 
         FIG. 27  is a detailed view of an adjuster lock connected to the tensioner. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Aspects of the presently disclosed technology relate to systems and methods for resisting intrusion by a pest, such as a squirrel, scavenger bird, and/or the like. In one aspect, a bird feeder includes a basin fixed relative to a reservoir. The basin includes a basin body and a basin surface. Bird food, such as seed, nuts, and/or the like, is directed from an interior of the reservoir onto the basin surface. For example, the bird feeder may include a dispenser that directs the bird food through a dispensing opening using one or more dispensing surfaces. A sleeve assembly is translationally mounted relative to the basin with a tensioner. 
     The tensioner is used to set a weight threshold corresponding to pests for which to prevent access to the bird food. For example, the weight threshold is set above a typical weight of wild birds to attract and at or below a typical weight of pests, which often weigh more than the wild birds. The weight threshold is set or otherwise controlled using an adjuster that is accessible from outside the bird feeder, such that the bird feeder does not have to be disassembled to make adjustments to the weight threshold. To further facilitate such adjustments, and indicator is visible from an exterior of the bird feeder to provide a visual reference of the weight threshold and any adjustments made. For example, the indicator may move proximally and distally in coordination with an increase and decrease in tension of the tensioner. The change in tension adjusts the weight threshold accordingly. 
     The weight threshold generally acts as a trigger for initiating pest resisting mechanisms. More particularly, in an absence of an application of weight to the sleeve assembly and when the application of weight is below the weight threshold (e.g., when one or more wild birds are seated on a perch of the sleeve assembly), the sleeve assembly remains in an accessible position. Stated differently, the tensioner biases the sleeve assembly into the accessible position. In this position, the bird food on the basin surface is accessible through one or more ports defined in the sleeve assembly. When the weight of a pest is applied to the sleeve assembly that exceeds the weight threshold, the bias of the tensioner is overcome, and the sleeve assembly translates distally from the accessible position to an occluded position. In this position, the bird food on the basin surface is inaccessible through the one or more ports, and the pest is therefore unable to obtain the bird food. When the weight of the pest is removed from the sleeve assembly, the bias of the tensioner causes the sleeve assembly to translate proximally from the occluded position to the accessible position. 
     To begin a detailed description of an example bird feeder  100  that is resistant to intrusion by a pest, reference is made to  FIG. 1 . In one implementation, the bird feeder  100  extends between a proximal end  102  and a distal end  104 . A cap assembly  106  is disposed at the proximal end  102  and includes a hanger  108  for suspending the bird feeder  100 . For example, the hanger  108  may be used to suspend the bird feeder  100  from a tree limb, pole, post, beam, or other structure. 
     In one implementation, a reservoir  110  extends distally from the cap assembly  106  to a base assembly  112  disposed at the distal end  104  of the bird feeder  100 . The reservoir  110  includes a wall defining an interior housing bird food. In one implementation, the reservoir  110  includes an opening at the proximal end  102  through which bird food is inserted into the interior of the reservoir  110 . The opening into the interior of the reservoir  110  is removably covered with the cap assembly  106 . As can be understood from  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the bird feeder  100  may include various ornamental features. Examples of different ornamental features of the reservoir  110  are illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . It will be appreciated, however, that the bird feeder  100  may include various other ornamental features, including, but not limited to, the cap assembly  106 , the reservoir  110 , the base assembly  112 , and/or the like. 
     In one implementation, the base assembly  112  includes a sleeve assembly  114  translationally mounted relative to the reservoir  110 . Stated differently, the sleeve assembly  114  is adapted to move proximally and distally along a longitudinal axis of the bird feeder  100  relative to the reservoir  110 . The sleeve assembly  114  translates in response to an application or removal of weight to at least a portion of the sleeve assembly  114 . For example, the sleeve assembly  114  is biased into an accessible position and will translate distally in a direction away from the reservoir  110  into an occluded position if a weight applied to at least a portion of the sleeve assembly  114  exceeds a weight threshold. When the application of weight exceeding the weight threshold is removed, the sleeve assembly  114  translates proximally in a direction towards the reservoir  110 , returning the sleeve assembly  114  into the accessible position. 
     The sleeve assembly  114  moves in harmony as a single unit relative to a reservoir assembly. In one implementation, the sleeve assembly  114  includes one or more ports  118 , each with a port hood  120  and a perch  122  disposed relative to the port  118 . For example, each of the ports  118  may include a port hood  120  disposed proximal to the port  118  and a perch  122  disposed distal to the port  118 . In the accessible position, wild birds may access the bird food through the ports  118 , for example, while being seated on one of the perches  122 . The translation of the sleeve assembly  114  restricts access to the bird food when a pest applies weight to at least a portion of the sleeve assembly  114 . 
     To further restrict access to the bird food, the base assembly  112  includes a shield  116 . The shield  116  may be fixed to the reservoir  110 , such that the reservoir assembly includes the cap assembly  106 , the reservoir  110 , and the shield  116 , among other internal components. The shield  116  acts as a barrier to the sleeve assembly  114 , preventing a pest from applying weight to the reservoir assembly and reaching distally into one of the ports  118 . Stated differently, if a pest were to apply its weight to the reservoir assembly only, the sleeve assembly remains in the accessible position, with the bird food accessible to the pest. As such, the shield  116  acts as a barrier preventing the pest from accessing the bird food in this arrangement. The port hoods  120  may serve as a further barrier to the ports  118 . The shield  116  and port hoods  120  may further provide protection to the wild birds while feeding. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3-5 , in one implementation, the hanger  108  includes a hanger body  204  extending between a proximal end  200  and a distal end  206 . Each of the proximal end  200  and the distal end  206  may be in the form of or otherwise include a loop, hook, and/or the like. The hanger body  204  extends through and is translatable relative to the cap assembly  106 . In one implementation, to facilitate disassembly, cleaning, suspension, and other actions, the hanger  108  is unattached from any other components of the bird feeder  100 . Stated differently, in this arrangement, the hanger  108  is exclusively attached to the cap assembly  106  and is translatable with respect thereto. It will be appreciated, however, that the hanger  108  may be fixed or connected in various manners to other components. 
     In one implementation, the cap assembly  106  includes a cap  208  having an inner surface  210  defining a cap cavity  220 . The cap  208  may be releasably connectable with the proximal end of the reservoir  110  to cover the opening into the interior. In one implementation, a cap lock  212  having reservoir locking ring is attached to the inner surface  210  and disposed within the cap cavity  220 . For example, the cap  208  may have one or more cap connectors  222  connected to corresponding lock connectors  226 . A hanger bar  216  extends between the reservoir locking ring of the cap lock  212  to translationally mount the hanger  108  to the cap assembly  106 . More particularly, in one implementation, the hanger body  204  extends through a cap opening  224  in the cap  208 , a lock opening  214  in the cap lock  212 , and a bar opening  218  of the hanger bar  216 . In this arrangement, the proximal end  200  and the distal end  206  of the hanger  108  each act as a stop to prevent the hanger body  204  from disconnecting from the cap assembly  106 . The hanger body  204  is permitted to translate within each of the openings  224 ,  214 , and  218 . However, the proximal end  200  cannot translate through the cap opening  224 , and the distal end  206  cannot translate through the bar opening  218 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 6-7B , in one implementation, the base assembly  112  includes a tensioner  600  translationally mounting the sleeve assembly  114  to the reservoir assembly, which may include the shield  116  fixed to the reservoir  110 . In one implementation, the shield  116  includes a shield body  400  extending distally and radially outwardly from a shield locking ring  404 . The distal end of the reservoir  110  may be mounted to the shield locking ring  404 . A distal shield body  402  extends distally from an inner surface of the shield body  400 . In one implementation, the distal shield body  402  is indented from an edge of the shield body  400 , such that the distal shield body  402  is positioned radially inwardly from an outer circumference of the shield body  400 . 
     A shield opening  406  extends through the shield  116  from the shield locking ring  404  to the distal shield body  402 . Referring to  FIGS. 7A-8 , in one implementation, an inner edge of the shield locking ring  404  is offset from the distal shield body  402  to provide a shelf separating the reservoir  110  and a sleeve  500  of the sleeve assembly  114 . The shelf may further prevent the sleeve  500  from translating proximally past the accessible position. As described herein, the sleeve assembly  114  is translatable distally from the accessible position shown in  FIG. 8  in a direction away from the reservoir  110 , as indicated by the arrow, into the occluded position. In one implementation, an entirety of the sleeve assembly  114 , including a sleeve body  502  of the sleeve  500 , a sleeve base  504  of the sleeve  500 , the perches  122 , the ports  118 , and the port hoods  120  translates in harmony. 
     As can be understood from  FIGS. 9-10 , in one implementation, the base assembly  112  includes a cavity  124  in communication with the interior of the reservoir  110  for receiving bird food from the interior of the reservoir  110  and directing it for dispensing. The cavity  124  may be defined, at least in part, by a dispenser  700  positioned within the sleeve assembly  114 . In one implementation, the tensioner  600  is mounted within the cavity  124  and extends proximally into the interior of the reservoir  110 . An adjuster  800  is positioned outside of the sleeve  500  or is otherwise accessible from an exterior of the base assembly  112 . For example, the adjuster  800  may be positioned on or otherwise accessible through a sleeve distal end  506  of the sleeve  500  at the distal end  104  of the bird feeder  100 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11A-11C , in one implementation, the sleeve  500  includes one or more sleeve port openings  508  defined in the sleeve body  502 . The sleeve port openings  508  from the ports  118 . The sleeve body  502  may further include one or more perch openings  510  through which the perches  122  extend relative to the sleeve port openings  508 . The sleeve body  502  extends distally to the sleeve distal end  506  and defines a sleeve cavity  518 . The sleeve cavity  518  houses the internal components forming the cavity  124 , including, but not limited to, the dispenser  700 . 
     In one implementation, the sleeve distal end  506  includes an adjustment surface  512  with one or more adjustment receivers  514  defined therein. For example, the adjustment receivers  514  may be cutouts disposed radially about a sleeve opening  516 . The adjustment surface  512  is adapted to engage the adjuster  800 , with the adjustment receivers  514  adapted to control an adjustment of the tensioner  600  using the adjuster  800 , as described herein. The adjuster  800  may connect to the tensioner  600  via the sleeve opening  516 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 12-14B , in one implementation, the adjuster  800  is connected to the tensioner  600  with an adjuster lock  1100 . As described herein, the tensioner  600  translationally mounts the sleeve assembly  114  with respect to the reservoir assembly. In one implementation, the reservoir assembly includes the dispenser  700  is fixed to a basin  900  with the sleeve assembly  114 , including a perch mount assembly  1000 , translatable with respect thereto. 
     The dispenser  700  includes a dispenser body  702  extending from a proximal dispensing edge  706  to a distal dispending edge  716  and defining the cavity  124 . In one implementation, one or more dispenser lockers  708  extend proximally and are adapted to mount to the distal end of the reservoir  110 . The dispenser body  702  may include a dispenser shelf  710  upon which a distal edge of the distal end of the reservoir  110  sits when the reservoir  110  is connected to the dispenser  700 . Similarly, one or more legs  712  may extend distally from the dispensing body  702  to mount the dispenser  700  relative to a basin surface  904  of a basin body  902  of the basin  900 . In one implementation, the legs  712  are mounted to the basin body  902  with a basin mount  1200 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 13-18B , the dispenser body  702  includes a dispensing cavity  714  that at least partially defines the cavity  124 . For example, the cavity  124  may be defined by the dispensing body  702 , the basin surface  902 , and one or more dispensing surfaces  1204 . In one implementation, the dispenser  700  includes one or more directing surfaces  704  adapted to direct the bird food from the cavity  124  onto the dispensing surfaces  1204 , which direct the bird food onto the basin surface  904  via one or more dispensing openings  126 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 15-17B , the one or more dispensing surfaces  1204  may be disposed on the basin mount  1200 . In one implementation, the basin mount  1200  includes the one or more dispensing surfaces  1204  curving radially outwardly from a mount body  1202 . One or more dividers  1206  may be connected to or otherwise extending from the basin mount  1200  to form the dispensing openings  126  and ensure that the bird food is evenly distributed onto the basin surface  904 . 
     In one implementation, an inner mount body  1208  extends proximally from the mount body  1202  and includes a proximal mount opening  1212  from which the tensioner  600  extends. The inner mount body  1207  may be disposed radially inwardly from an outer circumference of the mount body  1202  forming a mount shelf  1210 . The mount body  1202  may have various connection points, including one or more cover receivers  1214  and one or more mount connectors  1216 . The mount connectors  1216  are configured to connect the legs  712  of the dispenser  700  to the basin  900 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 18A-18B , the basin  900  may include one or more basin connectors  908  for connecting to the legs  712  and the mount connectors  1216 . 
     As described herein, the tensioner  600  translationally mounts the sleeve assembly  114  to the reservoir assembly. In one implementation, the basin mount  1200  includes a distal mount body  1218  disposed in a mount cavity  1224 . The distal mount body  1218  extends distally from the mount body  1202  under the one or more dispensing surfaces  1204 . The distal mount body  1218  may be integral with or separate from the mount body  1202 . The distal mount body  1218  defines a distal mount opening  1220 . The proximal mount opening  1212  may connect with the distal mount opening  1220  to form a continuous opening through the basin mount  1200 . The tensioner  600  may extend through a basin opening  906  and the openings  1212  and  1220  and be connected to the sleeve assembly  114 , such that a portion of the sleeve assembly  114  and/or the tensioner  600  translates within the openings  1212  and/or  1220  relative to the basin mount  1200 . In one implementation, the basin mount  1200  includes one or more mount channels  1222  to guide the translation within and relative to the basin mount  1200 . 
     As described herein, the basin  900  is fixed within the reservoir assembly and the sleeve assembly  114  translates in relation thereto between the accessible position and the occluded position. The accessible position includes the basin surface  904  being accessible via the one or more ports  118 , and the occluded position includes the basin surface  904  being inaccessible via the one or more ports  118 . In one implementation, the occluded position includes the ports  118  being disposed distal to the basin surface  904  such that the basin body  902  at least partially occludes the ports  118 . For example, the basin body  902  may include a proximal portion  910  and a distal portion  912  forming a side surface that may at least partially occlude the ports  118  in the occluded position. In the accessible position, the side surface may be disposed distal to the ports  118  such that the basin surface  904  is accessible. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 19A-20B , in one implementation, the sleeve assembly  114  includes the perch mount assembly  1000 . The perch mount assembly  1000  includes a perch mount body  1002  having a perch mount opening  1004 . In one implementation, the tensioner  600  extends through the perch mount opening  1004 , and the perch mount body  1002  extends into the distal mount opening  1220  of the basin mount  1200 . The tensioner  600  continues extends from the perch mount body  1002  through the proximal mount opening  1212  of the basin mount  1200  into the cavity  124  and/or the interior of the reservoir  110 . One or more mount tabs  1012  may be disposed on the perch mount body  1002  and receivable in the one or more mount channels  1222  to guide the translation of the perch mount assembly  1000  within and relative to the basin mount  1200 . 
     In one implementation, the perch mount assembly  1000  includes one or more perch mounts  1006  extending radially outwardly from a perch mount base  1008 . The perch mounts  1006  each engage one of the perches  122  within a perch channel  1010 . The perch mounts  1006  may each include ratchets or similar features for adjusting a length of the perch  122  extending outwardly from the edge of the perch mount  1006 . 
     The perch mount assembly  1000  may be one integral component or separable into a proximal perch mount assembly  1014  and a distal perch mount assembly  1015 . In one implementation, the perch mount opening  1004  is formed at the distal end by a proximal perch mount opening  1022  and a distal perch mount opening  1030 . Similarly, the perch mount base  1008  is formed by a proximal perch mount base  1018  connected to a distal perch mount base  1026 . A proximal perch mount  1016  is engaged to a distal perch mount  1024  to form each of the perch mounts  1006 , with a proximal perch channel  1020  defined in the proximal perch mount  1016  being disposed relative to a distal perch channel  1028  defined in the distal perch mount  1024  to form the perch channel  1010 . 
     The tensioner  600  extends through the perch mount opening  1004  into the basin mount  1200 , thereby translationally mounting the sleeve assembly  114  relative to the fixed reservoir assembly, including the basin  900 . The tensioner  600  may extend through the cavity  124  into the interior of the reservoir  110 . As can be understood from  FIGS. 21-23 , in one implementation, a cover  1300  protects the tensioner  600  within the interior of the bird feeder  100 , including the cavity  124  and the interior of the reservoir  110 , from contact with the bird food, while ensuring that an indicator  606  is visible from an exterior of the bird feeder  100  for visual reference regarding the weight threshold. 
     In one implementation, the cover  1300  includes a cover body  1302  defining a cover opening  1308  into which a portion of the tensioner  600  extends. For example, the cover body  1302  may connect to the mount body  1202  with the tensioner  600  extending from the inner mount body  1208  into the cover opening  1308 . A distal edge of the cover body  1302  may be connect to the mount shelf  1210  of the mount body  1202  with the inner mount body  1208  of the basin mount  1200  extending into the cover opening  1308 . The cover  1300  may be secured to the basin mount  1200  with a first cover arm 1304  and a second cover arm  1306  engaged to the mount body  1202  with the cover receivers  1214 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 21-24 , in one implementation, the tensioner  600  includes a post  602  extending into the cover opening  1308 . Within the cover opening  1308 , the tensioner  600  includes a spring  604  extending about the post  602 . The spring  604  may include a distal face configured to compress against a compressing surface of the inner mount body  1208  upon an application of weight to the sleeve assembly  114 . The spring  604  will compress against the compressing surface according to a spring bias based on the weight threshold set using the adjuster  800 . The greater the spring bias, the higher the weight threshold, and the lower the spring bias, the lower the weight threshold. As the adjuster  800  is used to control the weight threshold, the indicator  606  correspondingly adjusts the visible reference, which can be seen from an exterior of the bird feeder  100 , for example as shown in  FIG. 22 . In one implementation, a rotation of the adjuster  800  rotates the post  602 , which translates the indicator  606  proximally or distally in coordination thereto. 
     In one implementation, the post  602  includes an indicator section  610  disposed on a proximal post section  608 . The spring  604  extends about the proximal post section  608  distally from the indicator  606 , which is adapted to rotate about and translate along the indicator section  610  towards and away from a post tip  612 . The movement of the indicator  606  changes the bias of the spring  604  in coordination with the rotation of the post  602  by the adjuster  800  and provides a visual reference of the change and weight threshold. The post  602  includes a post base  622  connectable to the adjustor  800  using the adjuster lock  1100 . The post  602  may further include one or more distal post sections (e.g., first and second distal post sections  614 - 616 ) and one or more post bodies (e.g., first and second post bodies  618 - 620 ) extending through or otherwise connecting with the basin mount  1200 , the perch mount assembly  1000 , and/or the like. 
       FIG. 25  shows the tensioner  600  extending from the distal mount opening  1220  of the basin mount  1200  to connect with the adjuster  800 , with the perch mount assembly  1000  removed for clarity. As can be understood from  FIGS. 25-27 , in one implementation, the adjuster  800  includes an adjuster body  802  with a first adjuster leg  806  and a second adjuster leg  808  extending from a distal surface  804 . A post receiver  812  extends from a proximal surface  818  and defines a receiver opening  814 . In one implementation, the receiver opening  814  includes one or more receiver channels  816  configured to receive corresponding protrusions on the post base  622 . The adjuster lock  1102  includes a lock engager  1104  extending from an adjuster lock body  1102  through a lock opening  824  of the adjuster body  802  into a lock opening  624  in the post base  622 . With the post base  622  engaged within the receiver opening  814 , a rotation of the adjuster body  802  using the adjuster legs  806  and  808  is translated to the post  602  of the tensioner  600  via the mating relationship of the protrusions of the post base  622  with the receiver channels  816 . Rotation of the post  602  moves the indicator  606  along the indicator section  610  (rotationally and translationally), thereby increasing or decreasing the tension of the spring  606  and changing the weight threshold. 
     As described herein, the adjuster  800  is accessible from an exterior of the bird feeder  100 , while the indicator  606  provides a visual reference visible from an exterior of the bird feeder  100 , to facilitate a controlled adjustment of the weight threshold without disassembly of the bird feeder  100 . In one implementation, the adjuster  800  may be mounted outside the sleeve assembly  114  relative to the adjustment surface  512  of the sleeve  500 . The proximal surface  818  may be disposed adjacent the adjustment surface  512 , such that the adjuster body  802  rotates about the sleeve opening  516 . In one implementation, the adjuster  800  includes an adjuster tab  810  defined by a slit  822  in the adjuster body  802 , such that the adjuster tab  810  is movable relative to the adjuster body  802 . The adjuster tab  810  includes a protrusion  820  extending proximally from the adjuster tab  810  and engageable to the adjustment receivers  514 . The engagement of the protrusion  820  of the adjuster tab  810  to one of the adjustment receivers  514  holds the adjuster  800  in place and as such the tensioner  600  at a set weight threshold. Rotating the adjuster body  802  using the adjuster legs  806  and  808  moves the protrusion about the sleeve opening  516  until a desired weight threshold is reached and the protrusion  820  is engaged to a corresponding adjustment receiver  514 . 
     Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods described herein can be rearranged while remaining within the disclosed subject matter. Any accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order and are not necessarily meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented. 
     It is believed that the present disclosure and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components without departing from the disclosed subject matter or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form described is merely explanatory, and it is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes. 
     The above specification, examples, and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of example implementations of the invention. Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary implementations discussed without departing from the spirit and scope of the presently disclosed technology. For example, while the implementations described above refer to particular features, the scope of this disclosure also includes implementations having different combinations of features and implementations that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the presently disclosed technology is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations together with all equivalents thereof.