Container and pole protection system
US8006642B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 15, 2009 |
| Grant date | Aug 30, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 30, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01K39/012
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Protection of the pole of a vertically slideable bird feeder and the prevention of loss of bird feed if the filled or partially filled feeder is removed from the pole is accomplished by a specially designed protective sheath located within the feed tube housing of the feeder and around the pole. The upper end of the sheath is held in place within a channel formed in the feed filling funnel. The lower end of the sheath is held in place within a second channel formed in the bird feed tray on which the feed tube housing rests. Upstanding walls within the filling funnel are configured to ensure that feed is poured into the feed tube housing with minimal loss of feed at the pole. The feed filling funnel, feed tube housing, protective sheath, and bird feed tray, are all vertically moveable as a single unit along the pole, without causing damage to or undue feed residue buildup on the pole, while maintaining the integrity of the feed in the feed tube housing. In alternate embodiments, the protective sheath is integrally connected to or formed with other components of the system. The protective sheath concept is also adaptable to other pole mounted containers, such as hanging plant pots an…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.