Abstract:
A bird perch unit is configured with a body coupleable to a bird cage and having an outer surface which is grippeable by a bird, and an interactive toy coupled to the body and alterable by the bird.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a non-provisional counterpart to and claims priority to Provisional Patent Application 60/686,783 filed on Jun. 2, 2005, and which is pending; This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/770,987, filed Feb. 3, 2004 entitled “Birdcage Perch, ” and which is pending and which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/365,360, filed Feb. 12, 2003 also entitled “Birdcage Perch”, and issued Feb. 3, 2004 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,684,818 which claimed the benefit under 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e) from U.S. Provisional Application 60/370,200, filed Apr. 5, 2002. All of the above applications and patent are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates generally to birdcage perches, and more particularly to lightweight, inexpensive perches that are interactive and entertaining for pet birds.  
         [0004]     2. Discussion of the Prior Art  
         [0005]     An important part of caged bird-keeping is the use of perches for pet birds to stand on. The perches simulate the branches of trees that birds stand on in the wild. There are many types of perches that have been produced in the past. These have included wooden dowels of varying lengths, actual tree branches, extruded plastic rods and injection molded plastic pieces.  
         [0006]     There are problems with each of these prior products. The wooden dowels have little texture, which is not conducive to keeping the bird&#39;s claws healthy. The tree branches can deteriorate and are expensive to make ready for attachment to the cage. The plastic rods and molded pieces typically do not have a rough enough or deep enough texture to exercise the toes of the bird&#39;s feet. Injection molded perches are typically open on the bottom, thereby having a large open gap such that the end of the claws does not press against anything in use. Extruded rods cannot be varied in diameter, thereby leading to a lack of stimulation of the feet and claws. Further, the vast majority of such perches do not provide any kind of interactive features as part of the perch and thus, do not provide anything more than an inferior place to perch.  
         [0007]     Most of the birds kept as pets and sold in the pet trade as companion birds belong to the Psittacine family of birds. The family includes the most popular bird, the parakeet, also called budgerigar or simply budgie, as well as lovebirds, cockatiels and parrots. These birds are highly inquisitive, agile, manipulative and easily trained. Being confined in cages, they are often perceived as suffering from boredom unless provided with some objects that arouse their interest. It has been observed that pet birds that are not stimulated do not live as long as those that are.  
         [0008]     Many so-called toys are being sold to keep these birds busy, but few of the toys seem to offer any real challenge to the bird&#39;s natural curiosity. Most toys are made for either chewing or climbing—certainly activities, which these birds should engage in—but are not necessarily challenging to the bird&#39;s inquisitive mind.  
         [0009]     Accordingly, a need exists for interactive toys that offer pet birds an engaging experience, present the pet birds with a new experience over conventional toys, and challenge pet birds &#39; natural curiosity.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010]     An interactive perch is formed from plastic, wood or the like and includes one or more integrated interactive toys that may be moved, turned, pulled, rung, spun, pushed, clawed, activated, or otherwise altered by a pet bird on or near the perch. The inventive interactive perch provides a pet bird with an inexpensive, suitable perch as well as stimulation and challenging activities such as, for example, bell ringing, rope pulling, and shape spinning. In some embodiments, different toys may be replaceable and/or substitutable for each other such that the perch is configurable by the pet caretaker. In some embodiments, interaction with one toy mounted on the perch may cause movement or activation of a second toy mounted on the perch. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating a first example embodiment of an interactive perch according to the invention.  
         [0012]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating a second example embodiment of an interactive perch according to the invention.  
         [0013]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating a third example embodiment of an interactive perch according to the invention.  
         [0014]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating a fourth example embodiment of an interactive perch according to the invention.  
         [0015]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view illustrating a fifth example embodiment of an interactive perch according to the invention.  
         [0016]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view illustrating a sixth example embodiment of an interactive perch according to the invention.  
         [0017]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view illustrating a seventh example embodiment of an interactive perch according to the invention.  
         [0018]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view illustrating a eighth example embodiment of an interactive perch according to the invention.  
         [0019]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view illustrating a ninth example embodiment of an interactive perch according to the invention.  
         [0020]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view illustrating a tenth example embodiment of an interactive perch according to the invention.  
         [0021]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view illustrating a eleventh example embodiment of an interactive perch according to the invention.  
         [0022]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view illustrating a twelfth example embodiment of an interactive perch according to the invention.  
         [0023]      FIG. 13  is a diagrammatic view of an interactive perch according to the invention illustrating an embodiment of the invention that has multiple perches with respective toys that interact with one another. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0024]     Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of the invention that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. For purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms, such as top, bottom, left, right, up, down, over, above, below, beneath, rear, and front may be used with respect to the drawings. These and similar directional terms should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. The words “connect, ” “couple, ” and similar terms with their inflectional morphemes do not necessarily denote direct and immediate connections, but also include connections through mediate elements or devices. Furthermore, such terms as “perch, ” “interactive perch, ” “bird perch, ” and “birdcage perch” are used interchangeably.  
         [0025]     It should be understood that the following detailed description is of the best mode or modes of the invention presently contemplated. Such description is not intended to be understood in a limiting sense, but to be examples of the invention presented solely for illustration thereof, and by reference to which in connection with the following description and the accompanying drawings one skilled in the art may be advised of the advantages and construction of the invention.  
         [0026]     Within the meaning of this application, “integral” shall mean any type of connection having any number of connecting parts in permanent or temporary engagement.  
         [0027]     Turning to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view is provided that illustrates an example embodiment of an interactive perch  1000  including a spinning arrow toy  1001 . The perch  1000  includes a retaining nut  1002 , a base  1003 , and an outer gripping surface  1004 . The retaining nut  1002  may screw onto the base  1003  so that the perch  1000  may be mounted between the bars of a birdcage. The outer gripping surface  1004  is coupled to the base  1003  in the example embodiment depicted. In some embodiments, the example perch  1000  may be hollow and formed by joining two halves via any practicable means. Examples of details of bird perches that may be modified to be interactive according to the various embodiments of the present invention may be found in previously incorporated U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/770,987 and previously incorporated U.S. Pat. No. 6,684,818.  
         [0028]     The example spinning arrow toy  1001  of  FIG. 1  includes two differently sized arrow shapes that are pointing in opposite directions and are joined together at each of the bases of the two arrows. The larger of the two arrows includes a hole through which the perch  1000  protrudes and about which the spinning arrow toy  1001  rotates. In some embodiments, the arrows may be of equal size. In some embodiments, differently sized arrows may be made from different density or thickness materials so that the weight of the arrows match sufficiently to balance the spinning arrow toy  1001  on the perch  1000 .  
         [0029]     Although arrow shapes are depicted  FIG. 1 , in other embodiments, any shapes, including for example, squares, triangles, polygons, bird profile shapes, irregular shapes, etc., may be used. The shapes may be mounted on the perch  1000  via a collar (not shown) or bearing that permits the shapes to be spun freely in either direction by a pet bird. In some embodiments, the shapes may be removable by a pet owner. Likewise, the collar may be removable and/or adjustable so that the pet owner or manufacturer may locate the toy at any point on the perch  1000 . In some embodiments, a kit sold with the perch  1000  may include any number of interchangeable shapes that may be mounted on the collar by a pet owner. The shapes may be any color, they may be transparent, and they may be made from any suitable or practicable material such as plastic, wood, and/or edible material. The shapes may come in different sizes and thicknesses suitable for different size pet birds. In some embodiments, the ease with which the shapes turn may be adjustable by adjusting the collar to provide the pet bird with more variety. Any number of spinning shape toys may be mounted on a perch  1000 . In some embodiments, the shapes may include a projection (not shown) that extends from the shape and can push or activate an adjacently mounted toy, e.g., spin a second spinning toy or ring a toy bell. In some embodiments, two spinning shape toys may be linked via a hidden axel within the perch  1000  such that turning one shape toy causes the second shape to turn. In yet other embodiments, a sound generator (e.g., mechanical or electronic) may be activated by turning a spinning shape toy. The sound generator may be mounted within the perch.  
         [0030]     Turning to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view is provided that illustrates an example embodiment of an interactive perch  1100  including two bristle toys  1101 . Any number of bristle toys  1101  may be mounted anywhere on the perch  1100 . The bristles may be made from any material that is suitable and safe for a bird to play with. The bristles may be soft and flexible like hair or feathers. In some embodiments, the bristles may be stiff like brush quills. In some embodiments, a collar  1102  that mounts to the perch or extends through the perch and includes bristles protruding from either end of the collar  1102  may bind the bristles together. In some embodiments, the bristles may mount to a spinning collar that allows the pet bird to move the bristles around the perch  1100 . Any number, length, or color of bristles may be employed.  
         [0031]     Turning to  FIG. 3 , a perspective view is provided that illustrates an example embodiment of an interactive perch  1200  including two spinning nut toys  1201 . As with the spinning shape toy of  FIG. 1 , any number of nut toys  1201  may be mounted on the interactive bird perch  1200  of the present invention. The nut shapes may include hex nut shapes, octagon nut shapes, etc. and may be mounted on the perch  1200  via a collar (not shown) or bearing that permits the nut shapes to be spun freely in either direction by a pet bird. In some embodiments, the nut shapes may be removable by a pet owner. Likewise, the collar may be removable and/or adjustable so that the pet owner or manufacturer may locate the nut shape at any point on the perch  1200 . In some embodiments, a kit sold with the perch  1200  may include any number of interchangeable nut shapes that may be mounted on the collar by a pet owner. The nut shapes may be any color, they may be transparent, and they may be made from any suitable or practicable material such as plastic, wood, and/or edible material. The nut shapes may come in different sizes and thicknesses suitable for different size pet birds. In some embodiments, the ease with which the nut shapes turn may be adjustable by adjusting the collar to provide the pet bird with more variety. In some embodiments, the nut shapes may include a projection that extends from the shape and can push or activate an adjacently mounted toy, e.g., spin second spinning toy or ring a toy bell. In some embodiments, two nut shapes may be linked via a hidden axel within the perch such that turning one nut shape causes the second nut shape to spin. In yet other embodiments, a sound generator (e.g., mechanical or electronic) may be activated by turning a spinning nut shape toy  1201 . The sound generator may be mounted within the perch  1200 .  
         [0032]     Turning to  FIG. 4 , a perspective view is provided that illustrates an example embodiment of an interactive perch  1300  including a toy bell  1301  suspended from an armature  1302  off the tip of the bird perch. The toy bell  1301  may be any style of bell. The toy bell&#39;s armature  1302  may be L-shaped and mounted anywhere along the perch  1300  such that a bird on the perch must stretch to ring the bell  1301 . The bell  1301  may be suspended from the armature  1302  via a rope  1303  or chain or any suitable means including an elastic strap that can stretch in response to the pet bird pulling on the toy. In some embodiments, other toys, including any number of different shapes and interactive electronic/mechanical devices, may be suspended from the armature  1302 . For example, a pull string device that plays a recording of the pet owner&#39;s voice may be suspended from the armature  1302 .  
         [0033]     Turning to  FIG. 5 , a perspective view is provided that illustrates an example embodiment of an interactive perch  1400  including a toy bell  1401  suspended from an armature  1402  above the bird perch  1400 . The toy bell  1401  may be any style of bell. The toy bell&#39;s armature  1402  may be L-shaped and mounted anywhere along the perch  1400  such that a bird on the perch  1400  does not need to stretch to ring the bell  1401 . The bell  1401  may be suspended from the armature  1402  via a rope  1403  or chain or any suitable means including an elastic strap that can stretch in response to the pet bird pulling on the toy. In some embodiments, other toys, including any number of different shapes and interactive electronic/mechanical devices, may be suspended from the armature  1402 . For example, a pull string device that plays a recording of the pet owner&#39;s voice may be suspended from the armature  1402 .  
         [0034]     Turning to  FIG. 6 , a perspective view is provided that illustrates an example embodiment of an interactive perch  1500  including a toy bell  1501  suspended from a loop  1502  of rope or chain whose ends are both attached to the perch  1500  at different points. The loop  1502  may mounted anywhere along the perch  1500 . The toy bell  1501  may be any style of bell. The bell  1501  may be suspended from a rope or chain or any suitable means including an elastic strap that can stretch in response to the pet bird pulling on the toy. In some embodiments, other toys, including any number of different shapes and interactive electronic/mechanical devices, may be suspended from the loop  1502 . For example, a pull string device that plays a recording of the pet owner&#39;s voice may be suspended from the loop  1502 .  
         [0035]     In some alternative embodiments, the loop  1502  may extend through two holes in the perch  1500  instead of being fixedly attached to the perch  1500  as depicted in  FIG. 6 . In other words, a bird on such an alternative perch  1500  would be able to pull an end of the loop  1502  up through one of the holes to ring the bell  1501 . Knots at either end of the loop  1502  may be used to prevent the loop  1502  from being pulled all the way through the holes. The weight of the bell  1501  may tend to pull the loop  1502  downward so that the loop  1502  rests on the knots.  
         [0036]     Turning to  FIG. 7 , a perspective view is provided that illustrates an example embodiment of an interactive perch  1600  including a toy bell  1601  suspended from the end of a length of rope  1602  or chain with the other end threaded through a hole  1603  in the perch  1600 . The length of rope  1602  may be threaded through a hole  1603  located at any point along the perch  1600  and adapted to allow a pet bird to pull the length of rope  1602  through the hole  1603  in the perch  1600 . The hole  1603  may be disposed vertically (as depicted), horizontally, or diagonally through the perch  1600 . The toy bell  1601  may be any style of bell. The bell  1601  may be suspended from a rope  1602  or chain or any suitable means including an elastic strap that can stretch in response to the pet bird pulling on the toy. The rope  1602  may have a varied thickness along its length to provided a varied amount of resistance as the rope is pulled through the hole  1603  by a pet bird. In some embodiments, other toys, including any number of different shapes and interactive electronic/mechanical devices, may be suspended from the length of rope  1602 . For example, a pull string device that plays a recording of the pet owner&#39;s voice may be suspended from the length of rope  1602 . The rope may include a knot  1604  at the end opposite the toy to prevent the rope  1602  from slipping all the way through the hole  1603  in the perch  1600 .  
         [0037]     It should be appreciated that hole  1603  or  1802  (described below) may be used to attach a horizontal member to the perch and then extends to the birdcage. Such a horizontal member may be used for support of the perch or as an additional perch or perch-like structure for a pet bird.  
         [0038]     Turning to  FIG. 8 , a perspective view is provided that illustrates an example embodiment of an interactive perch  1700  including a spinning, nautical-style, pilot&#39;s ship wheel toy  1101 . As with the spinning shape toy of  FIG. 1 , any number of ship wheel toys  1700  may be mounted on the interactive bird perch  1700  of the present invention. The ship wheel shapes may be mounted on the perch  1700  via a collar (not shown) or bearing that permits the ship wheel shapes to be spun freely in either direction by a pet bird. In some embodiments, the ship wheel shapes may be removable by a pet owner. Likewise, the collar may be removable and/or adjustable so that the pet owner or manufacturer may locate the ship wheel shape at any point on the perch  1700 . In some embodiments, a kit sold with the perch  1700  may include any number of interchangeable ship wheel shapes that may be mounted on the collar by a pet owner. The ship wheel shapes may be any color, they may be transparent, and they may be made from any suitable or practicable material such as plastic, wood, and/or edible material. The ship wheel shapes may come in different sizes and thicknesses suitable for different size pet birds. In some embodiments, the ease with which the ship wheel shapes turn may be adjustable by adjusting the collar to provide the pet bird with more variety. In some embodiments, the ship wheel shapes may include a projection that extends from the shape and can push or activate an adjacently mounted toy, e.g., spin a second spinning toy or ring a toy bell. In some embodiments, two ship wheel shapes may be linked via a hidden axel within the perch  1700  such that turning one ship wheel shape causes the second ship wheel shape to spin. In yet other embodiments, a sound generator (e.g., mechanical or electronic) may be activated by turning a spinning ship wheel shape toy  1701 . The sound generator may be mounted within the perch.  
         [0039]     Turning to  FIG. 9 , a perspective view is provided that illustrates an example embodiment of an interactive perch  1800  including a length of rope  1801 , chain, or other narrow item, threaded through a hole  1802  in the perch  1800 . The length of rope  1801  may be threaded through a hole  1802  at any point along the perch  1800  and may be adapted to allow a pet bird to pull the length of the rope  1801  through hole  1802  in the perch  1800 . The rope  1801  or chain may be made of any suitable material including an elastic strap that can stretch in response to the pet bird pulling on the strap. The rope  1801  may include knots  1803  at the ends to prevent the rope  1801  from slipping all the way through the hole  1802  in the perch  1800 .  
         [0040]     In some alternative embodiments, a length of rope may extend through a platform (not shown) or floor and be likewise adapted to allow a pet bird to push and pull the rope through the platform. In such embodiments, the platform may mount to the side of the birdcage in a manner similar to the perch or be suspended from the roof of the birdcage. In some other embodiments the platform may be moveably mounted to the roof or wall of the cage, and by pulling on the rope, the bird may move the platform. In some embodiments, a rod, a linked rod, a rod and rope combination, and/or other long narrow device may by used in place of the rope  1801 .  
         [0041]     Turning to  FIG. 10 , a perspective view is provided that illustrates an example embodiment of an interactive perch  1900  including a spinning tire toy  1901 . As with the spinning shape toy of  FIG. 1 , any number of tire toys  1901  may be mounted on the interactive bird perch  1900  of the present invention. The tire shapes may be mounted on the perch  1900  via a collar (not shown) or bearing that permits the tire shapes to be spun freely in either direction by a pet bird. In some embodiments, the tire shapes may be removable by a pet owner. Likewise, the collar may be removable and/or adjustable so that the pet owner or manufacturer may locate the tire shape at any point on the perch  1900 . In some embodiments, a kit sold with the perch  1900  may include any number of interchangeable tire shapes that may be mounted on the collar by a pet owner. The tire shapes may be any color, they may be transparent, and they may be made from any suitable or practicable material such as plastic, wood, and/or edible material. The tire shapes may come in different sizes and thicknesses suitable for different size pet birds. In some embodiments, the ease with which the tire shapes turn may be adjustable by adjusting the collar to provide the pet bird with more variety. The tire shapes may include any pattern of treads or texturing. In some embodiments, the tire shapes may include a projection that extends from the shape and can push or activate an adjacently mounted toy, e.g., spin a second spinning toy or ring a toy bell. In some embodiments, two tire shapes may be linked via a hidden axel within the perch such that turning one tire shape causes the second tire shape to spin. In yet other embodiments, a sound generator (e.g., mechanical or electronic) may be activated by turning a spinning tire shape toy  1901 . The sound generator may be mounted within the perch.  
         [0042]     Turning to  FIG. 11 , a perspective view is provided that illustrates an example embodiment of an interactive perch  2000  including two spinning, nautical-style, pilot&#39;s ship wheel toys  2001  mounted at either end of the perch. Note that the spinning, nautical-style, pilot&#39;s ship wheel toys  2001  of  FIG. 11  represents an alternative embodiment of the spinning, nautical-style, pilot&#39;s ship wheel toy  1101  of  FIG. 8 . However, the operational features and possible variations described above with respect to  FIG. 8  are applicable to the example perch  2000  embodiment of  FIG. 11 .  
         [0043]     Turning to  FIG. 12 , a perspective view is provided that illustrates an example embodiment of an interactive perch  2100  including a toy cow bell  2101  suspended from the bottom of the perch  2100 . The toy bell  2101  may be mounted anywhere along the perch  2100 . In particular, the toy bell  2101  may be mounted toward the unsupported end of the perch  2100  so that the bird may cause the bell  2101  to ring by landing on, jumping from, and/or bouncing on the perch  2100 . In such embodiments, the perch  2100  may be flexible enough and/or loosely mounted enough to allow the bird to deflect the perch  2100  sufficient to ring the bell  2101 . The toy bell  2101  may be any style of bell. The bell  2101  may be suspended from a rope or chain or any suitable means including an elastic strap that can stretch in response to the pet bird pulling on the toy. In some embodiments, other toys, including any number of different shapes and interactive electronic/mechanical devices, may be suspended from the perch  2100 . For example, a pull string device that plays a recording of the pet owner&#39;s voice may be suspended from the perch  2100 .  
         [0044]     Turning to  FIG. 13 , a kit may include at least two perches  2300  and  2310 , respectively, rotatably mounted to the bird cage as disclosed above in a spaced relationship. The perches have a plurality of toys mounted on respective perches  2300  and  2310  so that adjacent toys  2330  and  2340  are aligned. Projections  2316  and  2314 , which are formed on respective toys  2330  and  2340  overlap one another so that when either of the toys is altered by a pet bird, its projection will engage the adjacent projection and, thus, actuate the other toy. At least one of perches  2300  and  2310  is provided with an inner axle  2318  coupling for example, toy  2340  to another toy  2320 , which is rotatably mounted on the same perch, so that when either of toys  2340  and  2320  is altered by the pet bird, both toys synchronously rotate. As mentioned above, actuation of a toy may be accompanied by an audible signal. For example, an electromechanical sound generating unit  2342  may be mounted within perch  2300  and coupled to toy  2330  so as to produce the signal once the toy is actuated, as diagrammatically illustrated by a dot line between the toy and the unit.  
         [0045]     This document describes inventive bird perches with integrated interactive toys for illustration purposes only. Neither the specific embodiments of the invention as a whole, nor those of its features limit the general principles underlying the invention. In particular, the invention is not limited to any specific configuration of openings, shapes, texturing, and attachment/mounting configuration. For example, and interactive bird perch according to the present invention may include any combination of any of the interactive toys  1001 ,  1101 ,  1201 ,  1301 / 1302 ,  1401 / 1402 ,  1501 / 1502 ,  1601 / 1602 ,  1701 ,  1801 ,  1901 ,  2001 ,  2101  described above. In such embodiments, different toys may be replaceable and/or substitutable for each other such that the perch is configurable by the pet caretaker (e.g., pet owner). The specific features described herein may be used in some embodiments, but not in others, without departure from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth. Many additional modifications are intended in the foregoing disclosure, and it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that in some instances some features of the invention will be employed in the absence of a corresponding use of other features. The illustrative examples therefore do not define the metes and bounds of the invention and the legal protection afforded the invention. The invention is to be construed with reference to the appended claims so as to provide the broadest possible interpretation of such claims in view of the prior art and, therefore, to effectively encompass the intended scope of the invention. Furthermore, the foregoing describes the invention in terms of embodiments foreseen by the inventor for which an enabling description was available, notwithstanding that insubstantial modifications of the invention, not presently foreseen, may nonetheless represent equivalents thereto.