U.S. patent application number 15/008106 was filed with the patent office on 2016-05-19 for branched spike bird deterrent.
The applicant listed for this patent is Bird-B-Gone, Inc.. Invention is credited to Bruce Donoho.
Application Number | 20160135445 15/008106 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34793562 |
Filed Date | 2016-05-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160135445 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Donoho; Bruce |
May 19, 2016 |
Branched Spike Bird Deterrent
Abstract
A bird deterrent has a base and at least one branched spike
extending from the base. The branching can occur anywhere along the
spike, and a single branch point can give rise to multiple
branches. Spikes can have multiple branches. The various branches
can be of any suitable length(s), and can be oriented in any
suitable direction(s).
Inventors: |
Donoho; Bruce; (Mission
Viejo, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Bird-B-Gone, Inc. |
Mission Viejo |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
34793562 |
Appl. No.: |
15/008106 |
Filed: |
January 27, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13932393 |
Jul 1, 2013 |
9260856 |
|
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15008106 |
|
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|
13610086 |
Sep 11, 2012 |
8479457 |
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|
13932393 |
|
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|
|
12485274 |
Jun 16, 2009 |
8276324 |
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13610086 |
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11695754 |
Apr 3, 2007 |
|
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12485274 |
|
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10508804 |
Sep 23, 2004 |
7243465 |
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PCT/US02/10117 |
Apr 1, 2002 |
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11695754 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/101 ; 119/713;
264/328.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B29C 45/0081 20130101;
B29C 45/2626 20130101; B29K 2069/00 20130101; B29L 2031/008
20130101; A01M 29/32 20130101; B29L 2031/10 20130101; Y10S 119/903
20130101; E04B 1/72 20130101; B29C 45/0001 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01M 29/32 20060101
A01M029/32; E04B 1/72 20060101 E04B001/72 |
Claims
1. A bird deterrent, comprising: a base having a glue channel
extending along a bottom surface of the base and sized and
dimensioned to allow the base to mounted substantially flush with a
flat surface; a first branched spike extending from the base,
wherein the first branched spike comprises first and second
portions that extend in different directions with respect to the
base; and wherein the base and the plurality of spikes comprise a
continuous common plastic material.
2. The bird deterrent of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the
first branched spike is orthogonal to a bottom of the base.
3. The bird deterrent of claim 1, further comprising a second spike
that is non-branched and non-orthogonal to a bottom of the
base.
4. The bird deterrent of claim 1, wherein the plastic material
comprises polycarbonate.
5. The bird deterrent of claim 1, wherein the glue channel
terminates at an open longitudinal end of the base.
6. The bird deterrent of claim 1, wherein the base has a plurality
of break points.
7. The bird deterrent of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a
semi-circular vertical cross-section.
8. The bird deterrent of claim 1, further comprising a second spike
that extends orthogonally from an upper surface of the base.
9. The bird deterrent of claim 1, further comprising a set of
spikes that collectively form a fan-shaped configuration.
10. The bird deterrent of claim 9, wherein the fan-shaped
configuration comprises five spikes extending from the base.
11. A bird deterrent, comprising: a plastic base having a glue
channel extending along a bottom surface of the base; a plurality
of plastic, cylindrical spikes that collectively form a fan-shaped
configuration, wherein the fan-shaped configuration comprises at
least three spikes each extending in a different direction from the
base with respect to the other spikes; and wherein the base and the
plurality of spikes comprise a continuous common plastic
material.
12. The deterrent of claim 11, wherein the base and plurality of
spikes comprise a pressure-injected polycarbonate.
13. The deterrent of claim 11, wherein at least one of the
plurality of spikes comprises a branched spike.
14. The deterrent of claim 13, wherein the branched spikes
comprises a first branch extending in one direction and a second
branch extending in a different direction.
15. The deterrent of claim 13, wherein the first branch is
orthogonal to a bottom of the base.
16. The deterrent of claim 11, wherein the fan-shaped configuration
comprises five spikes, each extending in a different direction from
the base with respect to the other spikes.
17. The deterrent of claim 11, wherein the plastic material
comprises polycarbonate.
18. The deterrent of claim 11, wherein the base has a plurality of
break points.
19. A method of manufacturing a bird deterrent, comprising:
injection molding a base having a plurality of spikes extending
from the base in at least three different directions; and wherein
the plurality of spikes collectively form a fan-shaped
configuration comprising at least three spikes each extending in a
different direction from the base with respect to the other
spikes.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein at least one of the plurality
of spikes comprises a branched spike.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No.
13/932393, filed Jul. 1, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 13/610086, filed Sep. 11, 2012, which
issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,479,457 on Jul. 9, 2013, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/485274, filed
Jun. 16, 2009, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,276,324 on Oct. 2,
2012, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/695754, filed Apr. 3, 2007, which is a continuation of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/508804 filed Sep. 23, 2004, which
issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,243,465 on Jul. 17, 2007, which is a U.S.
National Stage Entry of PCT/US02/10117, filed Apr. 1, 2002. These
and all other extrinsic materials discussed herein are incorporated
by reference in their entirety. Where a definition or use of a term
in an incorporated reference 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.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The field of the invention is bird deterrents.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Birds like to perch in various places including rooftops,
ledges, and other areas on commercial buildings and residences.
Unfortunately, when birds perch, they tend to be noisy and make an
unsightly mess.
[0004] Birds can be deterred from landing through the use of
mechanical bird deterrents. Especially useful such devices have a
plurality of spikes that extend in different directions from a base
support, as seen in FIG. 1. Numerous variations have been
introduced over the years, including variations in the type of
material (plastic, wire, etc) used for the spikes, the way the
spikes are attached to the base, and the way the spikes are fanned
out from the base. These and other variations are described in
pending US application entitled "Bird Deterrent With Parallel Spike
Channels", filed on or about Mar. 12, 2002 (serial number to be
determined), which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
[0005] There is a tradeoff, however, with respect to the spacing of
the spikes. If the spikes are too far apart, they allow smaller
birds to maneuver between the spikes, and land on the surface
supposedly being protected. If the spikes are too close together,
the device may be too expensive to manufacture. Thus, there is a
need for an improved bird deterrent that adequately circumvents
these problems, while remaining simple and low cost.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention involves bird deterrents having one or
more branched spikes. The concept is quite broad, and there are
innumerable variations on the theme. Among other things,
embodiments are contemplated that have singly and/or multiply
branched spikes, spikes having vertical, horizontal, or other
orientations, and spikes comprising plastic, metal, or any other
suitable material(s). Preferred embodiments have desirable
manufacturing features such as ribbed spikes, and parallel
orientation of the channels that receive the spikes. Preferred
embodiments also have desirable usage features such as break points
and glue channels in the base.
[0007] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the
present invention will become more apparent from the following
detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0008] FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective side views of a bird deterrent
according to the inventive subject matter. FIG. 3 is an arrangement
of the bird deterrent shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] In FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a bird deterrent 10 generally has a
base 200 and a plurality of branched spikes 300. Each branched
spike 300 has two top ends 320, 330, and a bottom end 340. The base
200 has a top 210, two sides 220A, 220B, and a bottom 230.
[0010] As used herein, the term "branched spike" refers to a spike
with at least three ends; in the figures two top ends 320, 330 and
a bottom end 340, and the term "branch" refers to the intersection
of at least two portions of the branched spike. Thus, bending a
normal double-ended spike does not transform it into a "branched
spike" as the term is employed herein.
[0011] Within this broad definition, there is tremendous room for
variation. For example, although a typical branched spike 300
contains a single branch point leading to two top ends,
contemplated spikes (not shown) could contain branch points that
lead to three or even more four top ends. It is also contemplated
that a single spike can have multiple branching points, i.e., a
branch could itself be further branched, such as shown in FIG. 3.
It is further contemplated that several branches may occur on one
branched spike 300. For example, one branch may occur at least 3 cm
from the bottom end of the branched spike, measured along the
spike, and another branch may occur 8 cm from the bottom end of the
same branched spike.
[0012] Each branch point of a spike represents a nexus among a
proximal portion (referred to herein from time to time as a trunk)
that extends to or towards the base, and at least two distal
portions, (referred to herein from time to time as branches), that
extend to or towards the ends of the spike. Viewed in this manner,
a single branch angle (as shown by numeral 380 in FIG. 1)
necessarily exists at each branch point between the two branches of
simple cases, and multiple branch angles exist between the multiple
pairs of branches in more complex cases in which more than two
branches extend from a single branch point. Except in the special
case of a 90.degree. branch angle there is a definitional choice
between an acute and an obtuse angle, and to simplify the
discussion the branch angle acute angle is always defined herein to
mean the acute angle.
[0013] In theory any branch angle between zero and 90.degree. is
possible. Nevertheless, in practice branch angles are typically at
least 10 degrees, with more preferred angles falling between 10
degrees and 90 degrees, inclusive, and still more preferred branch
angles falling between 45 degrees and 75 degrees, inclusive. This
is because angles of less than 10.degree. are likely to provide
only minimal benefit relative to unbranched spikes, unless one or
more of the branches are substantially bent distal to the branch
point. By way of clarification, all ranges discussed herein are
interpreted as inclusive.
[0014] It is also theoretically possible for the branches to have
any orientation with respect to the base. Thus, branches could
extend vertically up or down from a trunk, horizontally, or in any
other orientation. At a single branch point, for example, one
branch could extend upwards and another sideways, or one branch
could extend sideways in one direction and other branch could
extend sideways in the opposite, collinear, direction. In general,
the trunk and branches should be substantially coplanar, with the
branches preferably oriented vertically. Of course, where the
spikes are formed from wire or some other materials, all sorts of
different orientations can be implemented.
[0015] Suitable branched spikes can be fabricated from any suitable
material, including for example, metal, plastic, wood, or any
mixture thereof. To some extent molded plastic (and most preferably
pressure injected polycarbonate) is the most preferred material for
bird deterrents having branches spikes, because the branching
introduces added complexity that would substantially increase the
cost of deterrents using other materials. At least portions of both
the trunks and branches of molded spikes can be fluted or ribbed to
provide added strength (as shown by box 370 in FIG. 1). Cylindrical
spikes are preferred, and ribbed spikes are considered to have a
substantially cylindrical portion as long as the portion has at
least three ribs. The ribs radiate from a core at that point in a
substantially evenly spaced manner, and the ribs each extend away
from the core by substantially the same extent.
[0016] The term "branches" is used herein to refer only to those
distal portions that are more than de minimus. Thus, for example,
the longitudinal ridges of a ridged spike are not considered to be
branches because they are likely to extend only a few millimeters
from the core section of the spike. From a rigid, mathematical
perspective, the term "branches" is used herein to refer only to
those distal portions that extend at least 1 cm from the vertex of
a branch point. In practice, branches are considered to begin
having substantial utility as bird deterrents where they extend at
least 5 cm from their respective vertices. Longer branches are
considered to be more advantageous, with preferred branches
extending at 10 cm from their respective vertices.
[0017] It should be appreciated that the positioning of a branch
point along a spike can significantly affect the usefulness of the
branches. While not being limited to any particular theory or
suggested mode of action, here or anywhere else in this disclosure,
it is contemplated that branches very close to the top or bottom
ends of a spike are thought to offer only minimal added deterrence
against birds. Preferred branch points of a spike are therefore
advantageously situated at least 5 cm from where the spike connects
to the base. Those skilled in the art will also realize that useful
positioning of a branch point should also be determined in
conjunction with the branch angle and the lengths of the
corresponding branches, with the goal of effectively deterring
birds from perching on or near the base.
[0018] It should also be appreciated that the spikes can form
numerous different configurations with respect to base. Fanned out
configurations are considered to be especially useful because they
tend to provide a large area of deterrence relative to the amount
of spike material being used. Even more preferred are fan
configurations in which the spikes are alternatingly long and short
top. By way of example, the deterrent of FIGS. 1 and 2 include a
fan shaped configuration having five branched spikes 300 of one
length, into which are alternatingly disposed 350 non branched
spikes of another length. Branched spikes can extend from the top,
any of the sides of the base, or from an edge joining the top and a
side of the base.
[0019] Referring now to the base 200 of the deterrent of FIGS. 1
and 2, the bottom 230 is preferably substantially flat as shown, to
facilitate affixing of the device to a roof or other foundation.
The deterrent is intended to be secured using screws or nails
inserted trough holes 240, and alternatively or additionally with
glue that can be applied to glue channel 250. The glue channel 250
may be any size and shape so long as it contains a reservoir for
glue, while still allowing the base 200 to be mounted substantially
flush with the surface to which the bird deterrent is to be
attached. It is also contemplated that the base 200 may be coupled
to a roof or other foundation using loops, holes, fasteners,
latches, or any other couplers.
[0020] Experience has shown that installation of bird deterrents
having molded plastic bases is facilitated by the inclusion of
intentionally weakened areas, such as break points 260. This allows
a user to conveniently snap the base at a desired point to readily
size the base 200 to the needs of the specific job. Break points
260 are advantageously disposed at intervals of at least 4 inches,
and more preferably intervals of 6 inches of more.
[0021] The base 200 may comprise plastic, wood, metal, or any
combination thereof, and need not be fabricated from the same
materials as the branched or unbranched spikes. To the extent that
the spikes are being molded, it is generally cost effective to
confluently mold the base.
[0022] From a method perspective, a novel bird deterrents can be
fabricated by providing a base and fixing a branched spike to the
base. As shown in the figures, the branched spike can have two
branches, and can be utilized in conjunction with non-branched
spikes. The step of fixing preferably comprises injection molding
the branched spike and the base as a single piece, although it is
contemplated that the base and spikes could be separately molded,
or one of them could be molded and the other could be fabricated
using a method other than molding.
[0023] Thus, specific embodiments and applications have been
disclosed of bird deterrents having branched spikes. 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.
* * * * *