U.S. patent application number 11/182380 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-29 for birdcage attachments.
This patent application is currently assigned to JW PET COMPANY, INC.. Invention is credited to Willinger, Jonathan, Woltmann, Klaus.
Application Number | 20050284400 11/182380 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 28678321 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050284400 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Woltmann, Klaus ; et
al. |
December 29, 2005 |
Birdcage attachments
Abstract
Birdcage attachments are mountable to a birdcage and present a
bird with a variety of interesting and challenging activities. The
toy attachments encourage birds to learn by experimenting. As a
bird manipulates some parts of the toy attachments, the bird will
discover that the parts may be put into different positions and
remain there until deciding to move them again. In most cases, the
parts will not automatically return to their original state or
position if the bird stops playing, challenging a bird even more to
return the toy to its original state.
Inventors: |
Woltmann, Klaus; (Demarest,
NJ) ; Willinger, Jonathan; (Tenafly, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KATTEN MUCHIN ROSENMAN LLP
575 MADISON AVENUE
NEW YORK
NY
10022-2585
US
|
Assignee: |
JW PET COMPANY, INC.
|
Family ID: |
28678321 |
Appl. No.: |
11/182380 |
Filed: |
July 15, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11182380 |
Jul 15, 2005 |
|
|
|
10371646 |
Feb 21, 2003 |
|
|
|
11182380 |
Jul 15, 2005 |
|
|
|
29180987 |
May 2, 2003 |
|
|
|
D508589 |
|
|
|
|
29180987 |
May 2, 2003 |
|
|
|
10371646 |
Feb 21, 2003 |
|
|
|
60370200 |
Apr 5, 2002 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
119/467 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 15/025 20130101;
A01K 45/00 20130101; A01K 31/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
119/467 |
International
Class: |
A01K 031/12 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A birdcage attachment comprising: a mounting plate for attaching
the birdcage attachment to a birdcage; a support extending from the
mounting plate; a toy received in the support so as to be freely
rotatable with respect to the support, the toy comprising a central
portion and two end portions fixedly joined to the central portion,
the end portions disposed on opposing ends of the central portion,
the central portion and the end portions each comprising one of a
plurality of inserts.
2. The birdcage attachment of claim 1, further comprising a
plurality of support, the toy comprising an arm received in an
opening in the support.
3. The birdcage attachment of claim 1, wherein one of the plurality
of inserts comprises a mirror surface.
4. The birdcage attachment of claim 1, wherein one of the plurality
of inserts comprises a colored surface.
5. The birdcage attachment of claim 1, wherein the central portion
comprises a shape of a cross and one of the end portions comprises
a circular shape.
6. The birdcage attachment of claim 1, wherein one of the end
portions comprises a plurality of frame portions that are
engageable to clamp an insert.
7. The birdcage attachment of claim 7, wherein the frame portions
are engageable to clamp a portion of the central portion.
8. The birdcage attachment of claim 1, wherein the inserts of the
end portions are interchangeable.
9. A birdcage attachment comprising: a mounting plate for attaching
the birdcage attachment to a birdcage; a support extending from the
mounting plate; a central toy portion comprising an arm rotatably
supported in the support, the central toy portion comprising a
pedestal and a base, a plurality of frames clamping the base, and a
first insert clamped in the plurality of frames.
10. The birdcage attachment of claim 9, wherein the central toy
portion comprises a second insert.
11. The birdcage attachment of claim 9, wherein the first insert is
biased against one of the plurality of frame portions by the
pedestal.
12. A construction of a toy comprising: a first portion comprising
a pedestal and a base recessed from the pedestal to create a rim; a
second portion comprising a plurality of frames, each frame having
a cutout, the frames clamping a pedestal so that the base is
received in the cutout, wherein the rim is shaped to match an
interior surface of one of the plurality of frames in a region of
the cutout of the one of the plurality of frames.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 10/371,646 filed on Feb. 21, 2003, which is pending and which
claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) from U.S. Application
60/370,200 filed Apr. 5, 2002, now abandoned; and this application
is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 29/180,987 filed on
May 2, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application
Ser. No. 10/371,646 filed on Feb. 21, 2003. The entirety of the
disclosures of all applications are hereby incorporated by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to birdcage attachments, and
more particularly to birdcage toy attachments that challenge a
bird's natural curiosity.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 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.
[0004] Many so-called toys are being sold to keep these birds busy,
but few of the toys seem to really challenge the bird'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's inquisitive
mind. Other toys can merely be set swinging or turning if the bird
simply pecks at them and will return to their original state or
position once the bird loses interest.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The birdcage attachments of the present invention encourage
birds to learn by experimenting. As the bird manipulates some parts
of the toys, the bird will discover that the parts may be put into
different positions and remain there until deciding to move them
again. In most cases, the toys of the present invention will not
automatically return to their original state or position if the
bird stops playing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of a birdcage
attachment of the present invention.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a cross section taken along line 2-2 of FIG.
1.
[0008] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the birdcage attachment of
FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0009] FIG. 4 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a birdcage
attachment of the invention.
[0010] FIG. 5 illustrates the activating mechanism of the birdcage
attachment of FIG. 4.
[0011] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of an alternate embodiment of
a birdcage attachment of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 7 illustrates the inner and outer ring of the
embodiment of FIG. 6 displaced with respect to each other.
[0013] FIGS. 8 and 9 are top views illustrating the inner and outer
ring of the embodiment of FIG. 6 displaced with respect to each
other.
[0014] FIG. 10 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a birdcage
attachment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 11 is a top view of the birdcage attachment of FIG.
10.
[0016] FIG. 12 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a birdcage
attachment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 13 is a partial side view of the birdcage attachment of
FIG. 12.
[0018] FIG. 14 is a front view of the birdcage attachment of FIG.
12.
[0019] FIG. 15 is a partial top view of the birdcage attachment of
FIG. 12.
[0020] FIG. 16 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a birdcage
attachment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 17 is a front view of the attachment of FIG. 16.
[0022] FIG. 18 is a side view of the attachment of FIG. 16 shown
attached to a birdcage wall.
[0023] FIG. 19 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a birdcage
attachment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 20 is a front view of the attachment of FIG. 19.
[0025] FIG. 21 is a side view of the attachment of FIG. 19.
[0026] FIG. 22 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a birdcage
attachment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 23 is a front view of the attachment of FIG. 22.
[0028] FIG. 24 is a side view of the attachment of FIG. 22.
[0029] FIG. 25 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a birdcage
attachment of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 26 is a side view of the attachment of FIG. 25.
[0031] FIG. 27 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a birdcage
attachment of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 28 is a top view of the attachment of FIG. 27.
[0033] FIG. 29 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a birdcage
attachment of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the attachment of FIG.
29.
[0035] FIG. 31 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a birdcage
attachment of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of the attachment of FIG.
31.
[0037] FIG. 33 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a birdcage
attachment of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 34 is a front view of the birdcage attachment of FIG.
33.
[0039] FIG. 35 is a rear view of the birdcage attachment of FIG.
33.
[0040] FIG. 36 is a left side view of the birdcage attachment of
FIG. 33.
[0041] FIG. 37 is a right side view of the birdcage attachment of
FIG. 33.
[0042] FIG. 38 is a top view of the birdcage attachment of FIG.
33.
[0043] FIG. 39 is a bottom view of the birdcage attachment of FIG.
33.
[0044] FIGS. 40 and 41 illustrate the construction of a portion of
the birdcage attachment of FIG. 33.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0045] 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 an
example 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.
In the various views of the drawings, like reference characters
designate like or similar parts.
[0046] FIGS. 1-3 illustrate one embodiment of a birdcage attachment
50 of the present invention. For purposes of explanation, certain
birdcage attachments of the invention will be described as
educational "toys," although it will be understood that the use of
the term "toy" is not to be interpreted in any limiting sense.
[0047] The toys of the present invention are all preferably mounted
on small variously shaped, plates 62 which will be attached to the
inside of a birdcage. The plates are preferably non-opaque (i.e.,
transparent or translucent) and may be colored so that the view of
a bird through the cage wall and through the plate is not
obstructed by the plate. An example of such an attaching mechanism
60 is shown in connection with the toy of FIGS. 1-3. The majority
of inexpensive prior art bird items use a graduated, snap-on
pressure fit and tends to bend the bars of the cage and also
disturb the bird when put into place. It is also less secure than
the screw attachment means 60 illustrated in the appended drawings.
Prior art accessories with "snap-on" mechanisms are always
difficult to manipulate. With one hand one must hold the cage
steady and with the other push on or pull off the accessory. This
process always frightens birds since the cage shakes and rattles
excessively, putting especially newly acquired birds under serious
stress. This is most troublesome with feeders and waterers which
must be removed and re-mounted regularly for cleaning and
refilling. The present attachments (toys, waterers, feeders, etc.)
utilize screw and nut assemblies 60, and can be cleaned and
refilled without having to remove the entire unit from the
cage.
[0048] The attachment means 60 of FIGS. 1-3, for example, comprises
a plate 62 with a screw fastener 64 integrally formed or embedded
therein, and a threaded cap 66 that engages the fastener 64. The
fastener 64 is preferably integrally formed into said plate 62
either by co-molding said fastener 64 with said plate 62, or by
embedding the fastener 64 into said plate 62. Alternatively, the
fastener and plate could be produced in a single mold.
Alternatively, the fastener could be snapped into engagement with
the plate. Other attachment means are clearly contemplated. In
either case, the fastener 64 becomes effectively irremovable from
or through the plate 62. Alternatively, the fastener may be
press-fit through the plate. Other means of attaching the fastener
to the plate are contemplated. The nut or cap 66 is engageable with
the fastener 64 to secure the toy 50 to a birdcage wall (not
shown). The fastener 64 is dimensioned to extend through an opening
in the bars of a birdcage wall such that the plate 62 lies adjacent
an inner side of the birdcage wall and is preferably wide enough to
bridge the bars surrounding the opening, while the cap 66 is
adapted to engage said fastener 64 on an outer side of the birdcage
wall for securely clamping said toy 50 to said birdcage wall, the
width of the cap face also preferably bridging the bars surrounding
the opening.
[0049] The toy 50 of FIGS. 1-3 is rotatable around a central axis
55 and further comprises a series of discs 52 provided at
spaced-apart intervals and secured between first and second lower
housings 51, 53 respectively. Each of the discs 52 may be colored,
clear or comprise mirrors embedded inside the openings 54, which
presents a unique visual stimulus for a bird. Some or all of the
openings 54 may also be empty, which may be further intriguing for
a bird. An expandable pin 56 provided on the second housing 53 is
press-inserted into an opening 65 in the plate 62 for attachment
thereto. The housings 51, 53 are rotatable around axis 55 relative
to the mounting plate 62. Knobs or protrusions 58 provided on one
of the housings 51 may be provided for gripping by a bird to assist
a bird in rotating the toy 50.
[0050] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate an alternative attachment 100
incorporating a bell 110. Practically every toy on the market has a
small bell incorporated in it. In order to make the prior art bell
ring, the bird simply pecks at it. The bell toy 100 of the present
invention comprises a bell 110 hanging from a bar 120 which is
attached to a mounting plate 130. A means 132 for attaching the
mounting plate to a birdcage can be incorporated into the
attachment 100 as discussed above. The bell 110 is slidable along
the bar 120. The toy 100 is placed inside a cage high enough above
a perch (not shown) so that a bird cannot simply peck at the bell
110. Instead, a bird must pull on one of two chains 112, 114
attached between a bar 111 and through which is attached a striker
116 to cause the striker 116 to strike the inside of the bell 110.
The striker 116 is suspended from the top 117 of the bell 110 and
acts as a pivot point for the bar 111, which pivots in response to
a pull on one of the chains 112, 114. Gripping members or balls
113, 115 provided on the ends of the chains 112, 114 assist a bird
in tugging the chains 112, 114. Referring to FIG. 5, the chains
112, 114 are arranged relative to the bar 111 and striker 116 such
that a downward force upon chain 112 results in the bar 111
pivoting in a counterclockwise direction, the chain 114 moving in
an upward motion and the striker 116 moving to the right and
striking the inside of the bell 110. Similarly, a downward force
upon chain 114 results in the bar 111 pivoting in a clockwise
direction, the chain 112 moving in an upward motion and the striker
116 moving to the left and striking the inside of the bell 110. The
counter-movement of one of the chains in response to a tug on the
other chain and a resultant ringing of the bell presents a unique
visual and audible arrangement for a bird.
[0051] FIGS. 6-9 illustrate a double ring toy 150 having a mirrored
inner circle ring 160 and an open outer ring 170. The rings 160,
170 rotate with respect to each other about a central axis 180. The
rings 160, 170 are secured to a mounting plate 152 by a pair of
support arms 153, 154, and each ring is capable of rotating 360
around said axis 180 either in unison with the other ring or
separate therefrom. A fastener 156 is secured to the mounting plate
152 as discussed above and is engageable with a cap 157 as
discussed above for securing the mounting plate to a birdcage (not
shown). The motion of the rings 160, 170 relative to each other and
to the mounting plate 152 presents a unique visual experience for a
bird.
[0052] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a revolving drum toy 200
comprising a mounting plate 205, a pair of support arms 210, 215, a
fastener 220, a cap 225 and a drum 230 rotatable between the
support arms 210, 215. The drum 230 comprises a hollow cylinder
bounded by a plurality of spaced apart bars 235 (bounded by the end
plates 231, 232) of the drum 230 that retain a sounding means 240
inside the drum 230. The bars 235 may be clear, the same color or
multi-colored. The sounding means 240 may be a bell or some other
object that creates a sound when moved, which sounding means may
rotate and slide within the interior of the drum 230. The drum 230
is rotatable about a central axis 245. The motion of the drum 230
and bars 235 and the sound created by the sounding means 240
presents a unique visual and aural experience for a bird.
[0053] FIGS. 12-15 illustrate a tilt a wheel device 250 having a
plurality of heads 260, 270 that are each individually rotatable
around its own central axis 262, 272 and are connected to each
other by an arm 265 that is also rotatable about a central axis
267. Each of the heads 260, 270 can have mirrored sides to increase
the enjoyment to the animal. The heads 260, 270 can be decorated
with something other than mirrors as desired. The arm 265 is
attached between a pair of support members 252, 254, which are
attached to a mounting plate 255 having a fastener 256 that is
engageable with a cap 257 as described above. The arm 265 and the
heads 260, 270 are rotatable individually or in unison relative to
the mounting plate 255. The rotating motion of the arm 265 about
its central axis 267 and the heads 260, 270 about their axes 262,
272 and relative to each other and to the mounting plate 255
presents a unique visual experience for a bird.
[0054] FIGS. 16-18 illustrate a star ring toss toy 300 birdcage
attachment of the present invention. In front of a star-shaped
(other shapes are contemplated) mounting plate 305, a ring (other
shapes are contemplated) 310 hangs suspended on a chain 315 from a
support arm 320. A fastener 325 extends outwardly from the mounting
plate 305 and is engageable with a cap 330 as discussed above for
clamping the mounting plate 305 to a birdcage wall 340. A locator
post 345 may be provided on the rear of the mounting plate 305 for
locating the mounting plate 305 relative to the bars 342 in the
birdcage wall 340. While illustrated initially in the embodiment of
FIGS. 16-18, such locator post may be on any of the embodiments
described herein. On the outer periphery of the ring 310, there are
preferably six equally spaced short "spokes" 312 which help a bird
hold the ring 310 in different positions. A bird can manipulate the
ring 310 and has a choice of placing it on either one of two pegs
307, 308 (other number of pegs are contemplated) positioned on the
right and left of the back plate 305 relative to the support arm
320, or on the support arm 320 if desired. The pegs 307, 308 may be
placed anywhere on the mounting plate 305 relative to the support
arm 320 and present a unique interactive experience to a bird
wishing to attach and remove the ring 310 from the pegs 307,
308.
[0055] FIGS. 19-21 illustrate a leap frog toy 350 of the present
invention. A mounting plate 355 is provided with a support ledge
360 to which is attached an arcuate rod 365. A fastener 357 is
attached to the plate 355 and is engageable with a cap 359 as
discussed above, and a locator pin 356 may be provided on the rear
of the mounting plate 355 for locating the toy 350 relative to a
birdcage wall. The plate 355 and rod 365 may have the same arcuate
shape as illustrated, or the shapes may be different as desired. A
plurality of preferably colorful rings 370, 372, 374 are placed on
the rod 365 which a bird can move, either one at a time or in
groups, from one side, up over the top of the rod 365 to the other
side, and back. While such rings are illustrated as annular in
design, other shapes may be used. Also, other shapes for the rod
365 are contemplated.
[0056] FIGS. 22-24 illustrate a swinging batons toy 400 of the
present invention. A mounting plate 405 is provided with an arcuate
support 410 and a fastener 407 that is engageable with a cap 409 as
discussed above. While the plate 405 may be triangular as
illustrated, other shapes are contemplated. Three batons or rods
412, 414, 416 are suspended and hang vertically from the support
410. Such rods may be the same color, or multi-colored, or may
comprise a different shape from that illustrated in FIGS. 22-24. A
shelf or platform 420, 422 is provided on each side of the support
410 for receiving one or more rods thereon. A bird can move each
rod along the support and place it horizontally on either shelf
420, 422. While a pair of shelves 420, 422 are illustrated, only
one or more than two shelves may be provided as desired.
[0057] FIGS. 25-26 illustrate a sliding peg toy 450 of the present
invention. A mounting plate 455 is provided with a fastener 460
that is engageable with a cap (not shown) as discussed above. While
the plate 455 may be triangular as illustrated, other shapes are
contemplated. A plurality of rods 465, 470, 475 are mounted in
openings 467, 472, 477 near the corners of the plate 455. While
three rods are shown, at least one and more than two or three rods
are contemplated. A bird can manipulate the rods 465, 470, 475 by
pushing or pulling them back and forth relative to the mounting
plate 455, with stops 464, 466, 469, 471, 474, 476 provided on the
ends of the rods to prevent the rods from being separated from the
mounting plate 455. The rods are dimensioned so that they are
rotatable within the openings 467, 472, 477 and extend through
openings (spaces between bars) in a birdcage wall.
[0058] FIGS. 27-28 illustrate a rotatable barrel device 500 of the
present invention comprising a mounting plate 505 having a fastener
507 and cap 509 as discussed above. A pair of support arms 510, 515
are attached to the mounting plate 505 for connecting a rotatable
barrel 520 therebetween along a support axle 521. The barrel 520 is
rotatable along an axis 522 and is provided with a series of spikes
525 arranged around the outer periphery. The spikes 525 may be
multi-colored and/or colored the same as the barrel 520 and may be
disposed around the outer periphery of the barrel 520 in a variety
of different arrangements.
[0059] FIGS. 29 and 30 illustrate a watering device birdcage
attachment 550 for caged birds, specifically a watering device that
allows for an easy, non-spill application of water and minimal
disturbance of a bird inside a birdcage. The attachment 550
utilizes a valve 560 so that water cannot leak when the device 550
is refilled with water. Prior art external waterers where the water
is held in a container outside a cage are known. However, what is
one of the unique features about the waterer 550 of the present
invention is the non-leak valve 560 and the means 582, 584 of
attaching the waterer 550 to a cage (not shown).
[0060] In the prior art, water is stored for the bird in a number
of ways. First, water can be put in a cup that attaches to the
inside of the cage bars. The problem with this method is that water
often spills when filling the cup and placing it in the cage, water
spills in the cage and the bird often splashes the water around the
cage. Another method utilizes an external water chamber that rests
on a holder having a small trough which extends into the cage and
gives the bird access to the water. The water chamber is filled and
the holder with trough is placed in inverted position onto the
water chamber. The unit is then turned upside down and mounted on
the cage. The entire unit must be removed from the cage for
refilling of the water chamber.
[0061] With the device 550 of the present invention, a lid 570 is
placed onto the water reservoir 572. The lid 570 has a small hole
574 which can be covered by a flat, round disk 562, serving as a
valve 560. A short rod 564 projects from the center of the disk 562
and extends roughly one half inch through the hole 574 in the lid.
Another disk at the end of the rod prevents the valve assembly from
slipping out of the hole in the lid. The valve assembly can freely
move up and down. A holder 580 for the water reservoir is attached
to the outside of the cage via a fastener 582 and cap 584 as
discussed above, and a narrow trough 590 extends through the bars
into the inside of the cage. Contrary to prior art devices, the
holder 580 never has to be detached from the cage when refilling
the reservoir.
[0062] After the water reservoir is filled with water, the lid with
valve is placed on the top to cover the reservoir. The reservoir
can now be turned upside down. The valve, by its own gravity, will
close the hole in the lid so that no water can leak out. The
reservoir is then placed into the holder upside down. Before the
reservoir comes to rest in its final position in the holder, the
extended rod of the valve will reach the bottom of the holder, and
as the reservoir reaches its lowest position, the valve will be
pushed up and held in an open position to allow water to fill the
holder and trough.
[0063] FIGS. 31 and 32 illustrate a feeder birdcage attachment 600
for parakeets and other small birds, which is an external gravity
fed feeder. The unique aspect of the feeder 600 of the present
invention is that the feeder 600 is outside the cage and relies on
a chute 610 which feeds an internal cup 615 attached to the chute.
As the reservoir 620 of this feeder 600 is open on top and mounted
on the outside of the cage, it can be refilled most easily. The
reservoir 620 is attached to a holder 630, which is provided with a
fastener 635 that is engageable with a cap 640 for securing the
feeder 600 to a cage as discussed above. The seed cup 615 is
attached inside a cage and as the bird feeds, seeds are replenished
via a chute 610 which connects the reservoir 620 and the seed cup
615 through the bars of the cage. The cup 615 is preferably very
shallow, holding only 3 to 4 layers of seed. This ensures that
seeds do not get buried under layers of empty seed shells and husks
which accumulate as the bird feeds. This often happens in ordinary
seed cups which tend to be deep. Bird keepers often discard large
amounts of good seeds since it appears that the cups are filled
with empty shells only.
[0064] The seed cup 615 has high rear and sidewalls acting as seed
guards. Fewer seeds are scattered outside the cage by the birds
feeding activity. The shape and downward curved side walls
discourages birds to sit and rest on the edge of the cup, where
they sometimes defecate into the cup, spoiling the seeds. The
feeder also has an "on/off" mechanism which can shut off seed
delivery to the cup, so that the cup can be removed for cleaning
without having to remove the entire feeder from the cage.
[0065] FIGS. 33-39 illustrate a tilt a wheel device 700 having a
plurality of heads 710, 720 joined to each other via a central
portion 730 configured in the shape of a cross and rigidly
connected to an arm 715 that is rotatable about a central axis 717.
Each of the heads 710, 720 includes an insert 712, which may be a
mirror to increase the enjoyment to the animal. The heads 710, 720
may be decorated with an insert that is suitably interesting and
may be something other than a mirror.
[0066] Arm 715 is attached between a pair of support members 702,
704, using arm support 703, configured in one or more embodiments
as an opening. Support members 702, 704 are attached to a mounting
plate 705 having a fastener 706 that is engageable with a cap 707
as described above. The arm 715 and the heads 710, 720 are
rotatable relative to the mounting plate 705. The rotating motion
of the arm 715 about its central axis 717 relative the mounting
plate 705 presents a unique visual experience for a bird. Central
portion 730 is may have an insert 732 having a mirror surface or
any other desirable material. Since, central portion 730 is
connected rigidly with heads 710, 720, when one head is engaged by
the pet, such as being pecked at, both heads rotate about the
central axis causing an interesting, and, from the pet's
perspective, unexpected reaction.
[0067] FIGS. 40 and 41 illustrate the construction of heads 710,
720 and their connection relative to central portion 730 according
to one or more embodiments of the present invention. Each head 710,
720 may comprise one or more frame portions 714, each having a
respective cutout 716, opposedly oriented to clamp insert 712
between the frame portions. Each frame portion 714 may be
configured as an annular ring.
[0068] A pedestal 718 having a base 719, which is suitably recessed
from pedestal 718, is formed on each opposing end of central
portion 730. At a bottom portion of the pedestal a rim 718a is,
thus, suitably formed.
[0069] Pedestal 718 matches a portion of the shape of frame 714
and, thus, has an arcuate top and a bottom portion that rests
against frame portion 714 in a region of cutout 716. Cutout 716 is
sized to receive at least partially base 719 so that the recess
between pedestal 718 and base 719 prevents pedestal from
dislocating from the cutout and may additionally bias insert 712
against a portion of one or more frame portions 714.
[0070] Preferably, frame portions 714 are snap fit together (as
shown by the arrows in FIG. 41) in cooperation with central portion
730 such that insert 712 may be selectably interchangeable with
another insert 712 by the pet's caretaker to create a continually
interesting and stimulating environment. Therein, it is preferred
that each end of arm 715 terminates in reduced arm section 715a
that permits easier insertion in arm support 703.
[0071] In a further embodiment, insert 712 is insertable into one
or more heads that are configured solidly and dot have frame
portions by pressing the insert into the head.
[0072] While the present invention has been described at some
length and with some particularity with respect to the several
described embodiments, it is not intended that it should be limited
to any such particulars or embodiments or any particular
embodiment, but it is to be construed with references 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.
* * * * *