U.S. patent application number 10/984564 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-11 for bird deflector devices and methods.
Invention is credited to Bruce Donoho.
Application Number | 20060096182 10/984564 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36215841 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060096182 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Donoho; Bruce |
May 11, 2006 |
BIRD DEFLECTOR DEVICES AND METHODS
Abstract
A bird deterring device has a base and a stem, wherein a
plurality of spikes are coupled to the stem and/or base, and
wherein the distal ends of the spikes have an anti-condensation
drip element to avoid or reduce drip marks produced by previously
known devices.
Inventors: |
Donoho; Bruce; (Mission
Viejo, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ROBERT D. FISH;RUTAN & TUCKER LLP
611 ANTON BLVD 14TH FLOOR
COSTA MESA
CA
92626-1931
US
|
Family ID: |
36215841 |
Appl. No.: |
10/984564 |
Filed: |
November 8, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/101 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01M 29/06 20130101;
A01M 29/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/101 |
International
Class: |
E04B 1/72 20060101
E04B001/72; A01K 3/00 20060101 A01K003/00; E04H 9/16 20060101
E04H009/16 |
Claims
1. An bird deterring device, comprising: a base coupled to a stem,
and a plurality of radially arranged and outwardly extending spikes
coupled to the stem; wherein at least a portion of at least one of
the plurality of radially arranged spikes has an upward orientation
relative to the at least one of the base and stem; wherein at least
another one of the radially arranged spikes has a distal end with
an anti-condensation drip element; and wherein the
anti-condensation drip element is formed in a shape selected from
the group consisting of a spiral shape, a zigzag shape, a wave
shape, and an irregular shape.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein the base and the stem are in a
non-rotatable relationship relative to each other.
3. The device of claim 2 wherein the base and the stem are
contiguous.
3. The device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of radially arranged
and outwardly extending spikes are in a fixed relationship relative
to a structure to which the base in coupled.
4. The device of claim 1 wherein the at least one of the plurality
of radially arranged spikes has an arced configuration.
5. The device of claim 1 wherein the anti-condensation drip element
is fabricated from the same material as the at least another one of
the radially arranged spikes.
6. The device of claim 5 wherein the anti-condensation drip element
is formed from the at least another one of the radially arranged
spikes.
7. (canceled)
8. The device of claim 1 having at least eight spikes, wherein each
of the spikes, and wherein the anti-condensation drip element is
formed in a shape selected from the group consisting of a spiral
shape, a zigzag shape, a wave shape, and an irregular shape.
9. The device of claim 1 wherein the base and at least one of the
stem and the plurality of spikes are in a rotatable relationship
relative to each other.
10. The device of claim 1 wherein the base and the stem are
fabricated from a synthetic polymer.
11. The device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of spikes are
manufactured from a metal.
12. The device of claim 1 wherein the stem has an upper end having
a size that allows a sparrow-sized bird to perch and that prevents
a crow-sized bird to perch.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The field of the invention is protective devices for
structures, and especially bird deterring devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] There are numerous devices and methods known in the art to
deter birds from nesting or perching on various structures.
Depending on the particular bird to be deterred, and especially
depending on the site of installation, the configuration of such
devices may vary considerably. For example, where birds need to be
deterred on a relatively confined space (e.g., rim or ledge of a
building), a rack of spikes may be installed.
[0003] However, such spike racks are often impractical and
unsightly, especially where the area to be protected is relatively
large. To protect larger areas, or to deter relatively big bids
(e.g., crows, sea gulls, etc.), known bird deterrents have a center
post and radially extending arms that rotate in the wind.
Typically, such deterrents include a protective or functional
terminal portion on the distal end of the arm to better engage with
the wind, act as an additional visual deterrent, and/or to provide
physical protection against unintended contact. Examples for such
devices are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,640,506 to Landers, U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,343,651 and 5,452,536 to Chatten, U.S. Pat. No.
4,074,653 to Pember, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,292,319 to McCarthy.
[0004] While the above devices prevent various birds from perching
or nesting on the protected structure, various disadvantages
nevertheless remain. Most notably, the protective or functional
terminal portion typically increases the surface area to a
significant amount, which provides for a large area of condensation
and condensate run-off, especially in marine and coastal areas.
Such run-off is further often laden with particulate matter and
smog, leaving the areas below the bird deterrent often spotted with
drip marks and other discolorations. Moreover, in all or almost all
of the known bird deterrents, the protective or functional terminal
portion tends to increase visibility of the device, which is not
always desirable.
[0005] Therefore, while numerous methods and devices for deterring
birds are known in the art, all or almost all of them suffer from
one or more disadvantages. Thus, there is still a need to provide
improved bird deterrent devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention is directed to a bird deterring device
in which a base is coupled to a stem, and in which a plurality of
radially arranged and outwardly extending spikes is coupled to the
base and/or stem. In preferred devices, at least a portion of one
or more radially arranged spikes has an upward orientation relative
to the at least one of the base and stem, and further has a distal
end with an anti-condensation drip element.
[0007] In especially preferred devices, the base and the stem are
in a non-rotatable relationship relative to each other (e.g., are
contiguous), and the spikes are in a fixed relationship relative to
a structure (e.g., building, flag post, etc.) to which the base in
coupled. Preferred spikes have an arced configuration, and are
manufactured from a metal, metal alloy, and/or synthetic
polymer.
[0008] The anti-condensation drip element is preferably
manufactured from the same material as the radially arranged
spikes, and is most preferably formed from or otherwise integral
with the spike. While not limiting to the inventive subject matter,
particularly preferred anti-condensation drip elements are formed
in a spiral shape, zigzag shape, wave shape, or an irregular shape.
The number of spikes may vary considerably, however, it is
typically preferred that the device has at least four, more
typically at least six, and most typically at least eight spikes.
The spikes may be arranged in a variety of manners, however, radial
coupling to the stem is preferred such that the upper end of the
stem and the spikes allow a relatively small bird (e.g., sparrow)
to perch while at the same time deterring a relatively big bird
(e.g., sea gull).
[0009] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become more apparent from the following
detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the
accompanying drawing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0010] FIG. 1 is an exemplary device according to the inventive
subject matter.
[0011] FIG. 2A is one exemplary spike with a first
anti-condensation drip element.
[0012] FIG. 2B is another exemplary spike with a second
anti-condensation drip element.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] The inventor surprisingly discovered that a bird deterring
device can be manufactured that provides effective deterrent effect
while at the same time reducing or eliminating condensation run-off
and staining of a structure or area associated with the structure
to which the device is coupled.
[0014] In one especially preferred aspect, the bird deterring
device has a base that is coupled to a stem. In contemplated
devices, a plurality of radially arranged and outwardly extending
spikes is coupled to the base and/or stem, wherein at least a
portion of at least one radially arranged spike has an upward
orientation relative to the base and/or stem. Furthermore, at least
one spike in contemplated devices has a distal end that includes an
anti-condensation drip element. FIG. 1 shows one exemplary device
100 on a surface 10, wherein the device has a base 110 that is
coupled to stem 120. Coupled to the stem is a plurality of spikes
130 having an upwards oriented portion 130A and a distal portion
130B, wherein part of the distal portion is configured as a spiral
to form anti-condensation drip element 132.
[0015] With respect to the stem and base it is contemplated that
both the stem and base can be manufactured from various materials
and combinations thereof. For example, suitable materials include
natural and synthetic polymers, wood, stone, metals and metal
alloys, and all reasonable combinations thereof. However, synthetic
polymers are typically preferred. Furthermore, with respect to the
size of contemplated bases, it is typically preferred that the base
is configured to receive and at least temporarily retain the stem
in a stable position. Therefore, suitable bases may include
fastener elements (e.g., hook-and-loop fasteners), weights (e.g.,
lead plate, sand bag, etc.), or one or more openings that receive a
pin, crew, or other fastening element. Among other configurations,
it is preferred that the base has a generally circular shape and
has an opening to receive the stem (which may be temporarily or
permanently coupled to the base). For example, a typical base is
between about 0.5 inch to about 10 inches, and more typically
between about 2 inches and 4 inches in diameter and has a generally
flat (e.g., between about 0.1 inch and 1.0 inch thickness) and
round configuration. Alternatively, in other preferred aspects, the
base is contiguous with the stem, wherein the base and the stem are
most preferably manufactured from the same material. In still
further less preferred aspects, it is contemplated that the
deterrent device has no base at all, and that the stem is directly
coupled to the object and/or area that is to be protected.
[0016] With respect to the stem, it is generally preferred that the
stem has a cylindrical portion that is coupled to the base, has a
diameter of between about 0.3 inches to about 3.0 inches, and that
has a length between about 1 inches and 10 inches (most preferably
between about 2.5 inches to about 6 inches). However, it should be
recognized that alternative shapes are also deemed suitable, and
appropriate shapes include bars, square rods, etc. Furthermore, it
is contemplated that the stem may also include two or more posts
that accommodate two or more head portions to which a plurality of
spikes can be coupled.
[0017] In preferred aspects, the base and the stem are in a
non-rotatable relationship relative to each other, and it is
especially preferred that the base and the stem are contiguous
(e.g., manufactured in a single piece. Alternatively, however, it
should also be recognized that the base and stem and/or spikes are
in a rotatable relationship relative to each other. Where the base,
stem, and/or spikes are in a rotatable or otherwise movable
relationship to each other, it is typically preferred that the
movement is effected by wind or an actuator, wherein most preferred
actuators are solar powered electric motors.
[0018] Particularly preferred deterring devices include at least
one, more preferably at least two, even more preferably at least
four-eight, and most preferably at least twelve spikes, which are
radially arranged and outwardly extending. Of course, it should be
recognized that the spikes may be angled to varying degree (e.g.,
relative to an axis perpendicular to a tangent of the stem), and
the angle of one spike may be different from the angle of another
spike. Furthermore, it is generally preferred that at least one and
more preferably each of the spikes has an upwardly curved portion,
wherein the upward slope is most preferably between the point at
which the spike is coupled to the stem and a point distal from that
point. For example, it is contemplated that at least one of the
radially arranged spikes has an arced configuration. Alternatively,
the spikes may have a zigzag shape, an irregular shape or a
wave-shape.
[0019] Contemplated spikes may further coupled to at least one
other spike to allow transfer of motion of one spike to the next.
Alternatively, each spike may be independently movable relative to
the stem and/or base. However, it is typically preferred that the
spikes are in a fixed relationship relative to a structure to which
the base in coupled (i.e., the entire spike does not exhibit
translational or rotational movement). Similar to the stem and
base, it should be appreciated that the spikes can be manufactured
from a various materials and combinations thereof, and particularly
preferred materials include metal, metal alloys, and natural and
synthetic polymers. However, it is particularly preferred that the
spike is manufactured from a weatherproof metal.
[0020] Depending on the size of the bird (or other animal) to be
deterred, it is contemplated that the length of the spikes may vary
considerably. However, typical spike lengths will be in the range
of about 1 inch to 25 inches (and even longer). Furthermore, while
not limiting to the inventive subject matter, it is generally
preferred that the length of the spikes is identical or with in a
range of +/-20% absolute, and more typically +/-10% absolute. The
spikes may be coupled to the stem and/or base in numerous manners,
including permanently and removably. For example, the spikes may be
integral plastic elements that are formed together with the stem
and/or base. On the other hand, the spikes may be coupled to the an
upper portion of the stem and removably attached via a hook,
press-fit, a lid with corresponding channels or openings, etc.
Where the spikes are coupled to the stem via a lid, it is
contemplated that the lid (or otherwise upper portion of the stem)
together with the spikes may be sized such that a relatively small
animal (e.g., sparrow-sized bird) is not deterred while a
larger-sized animal (e.g., crow-sized bird) is deterred. Still
further, it is contemplated that the lid, stem, and/or base may
have an additional element or structure (e.g., channel, drain,
reservoir, etc.) that receives and optionally retains condensate
that runs off the spike towards the stem.
[0021] Particularly preferred anti-condensation drip elements are
fabricated from the same material as the spike or spikes, and in
most preferred aspects, the anti-condensation drip element is
formed from the radially arranged spike or spikes. The term
"anti-condensation drip element" as used herein refers to an
element that has (1) an average weight per overall length that is
at least 10% (more typically at least 20%, and most typically at
least 40%) greater than the average weight of the of the spike at
the same overall length, and that has (2) an average surface area
per linear length that varies no more than 20% absolute (more
typically no more than 10% absolute, and most typically no more
than 50% absolute) as compared to the average surface area of the
spike at the same linear length. The term "overall length" as used
herein refers to the length as measured from end to end of the
anti-condensation drip element, whereas the term "linear length" as
used herein refers to the length as measured along the longest path
along the anti-condensation drip element. For example, where the
anti-condensation drip element has a zigzag shape, the overall
length is the length as measured as a direct line that connects the
start of the zigzag with the end of the zigzag, while the linear
length of the zigzag element is the length as measured as a line
that follows the zigzag path of the element from one end to the
other end.
[0022] Particularly contemplated anti-condensation drip element are
formed in a spiral shape, a zigzag shape, a wave shape, and/or an
irregular shape, each of which may further be serrated or include
other structures that discourage condensation run-off. Thus, and
viewed from another perspective, preferred anti-condensation drip
elements will have an average weight to surface ratio that is
substantially identical (no more than 10% deviation, and more
typically no more than 5% deviation) with the weight to surface
ratio of the spike. Exemplary configurations of suitable
anti-condensation drip elements are depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B.
Preferably, the terminus of the anti-condensation drip element is
non-injurious. That is, the terminus is curved such that accidental
contact will not break the skin if the terminus is forced onto the
skin. For example, suitable termini will be in shape of a loop such
that the end of the spike is obstructed by the loop, or the end of
the spike is covered with a small bead of a polymer. Therefore, at
least some of contemplated deterring devices will have at least
eight spikes, wherein each of the spikes most preferably includes
an anti-condensation drip element that is formed in a spiral shape,
a zigzag shape, a wave shape, and/or an irregular shape.
[0023] Thus, specific embodiments and applications of bird
deflectors with blunt ended spikes have been disclosed. It should
be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more
modifications besides those already described are possible without
departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject
matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of
the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the
specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in
the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In
particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be
interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a
non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements,
components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with
other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly
referenced. Furthermore, where a definition or use of a term in a
reference, which is incorporated by reference herein is
inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided
herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the
definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
* * * * *