Bird deterrent device

Abstract

A bird deterrent device (10) is disclosed comprising a clamp (12) having a pair of jaws (13, 14) attached to a hinge (16) by a plurality of springs (18, 38) and a locking member (52) disposed in communication with the pair of jaws (13, 14) to rigidly hold a conductor (20) of varying size with spring force. A spherical deflector (22) having two interlocking hemispheres (23, 33) is mechanically interlocked by a male and female groove (24, 26) located at its ends, a fastener (36) threaded through a center portion of the spherical deflector (22) by a rotationally molded structure (50) located on an inside of the lower hemisphere (33) to rotatably attach the spherical deflector (22) to the hinge (16) and clamp (12). A retro-reflective band (28) is wrapped around the center portion of the spherical deflector (22) to enhance visibility of the device (10) and a plurality of dimples (32) are located on an outer surface of the spherical deflector (22) and on a connecting area between the clamp (12) and the spherical deflector (22) to reduce drag on the device (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bird interference device for preventing birds or other wild animals from colliding with overhead lines (e.g., power lines, communication lines, or any other overhead obstacles in wildlife paths). Background Technology

[0002] Bird deterrents, or bird repellers, are devices attached to overhead structures to warn and repel birds and other wildlife away from power lines to prevent accidents and deaths. These devices are particularly useful for power and communication lines crossing lakes or rivers, where birds tend to congregate.

[0003] Most existing disturbance devices for deterring or warning wildlife from collisions and electric shock hazards have balls, baffles, or indicator components attached to the power line via clamps. These prior art devices are coated with non-reflective materials, making it impossible for flying birds to visually distinguish them from their surroundings in terms of color or contrast. This method reduces the visibility of power lines to wildlife, increasing their risk of collision. In some existing methods, highly visible devices are used to mark the line, but the effectiveness of line marking remains unclear. Furthermore, clamps holding the power line in place can be dislodged due to strong winds or a lack of adequate securing to the power line. Additionally, assembling the device onto the power line is time-consuming, difficult in the case of energized lines, and dangerous for personnel making alterations or assemblies. However, differences in effectiveness between different types of devices, and in some cases, conflicting results, reduce their ability to reduce the risk of wildlife collisions.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide a solution that addresses all the aforementioned problems. This invention relates to an improved bird deterrent device that is relatively inexpensive, easy to assemble, robust, modular, and easy to install. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The following summary is provided to facilitate understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the disclosed embodiments and is not intended to be an exhaustive description. A full understanding of the various aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein can be obtained by viewing the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract as a whole.

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a bird disturbance device for preventing birds and other wild animals from colliding with overhead structures (including lines and towers).

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a relatively inexpensive, easy-to-assemble, robust, modular and easy-to-install bird deterrent device.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a bird disturbance device that can reduce wind load on the entire component and the connection area between the clamp and the indicator under windy conditions, and prevent fatigue-related mechanical failures.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a bird disturbance device that can increase the visibility of wildlife at dawn / dusk.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a bird disturbance device that can be attached to various structures.

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, a bird deterrent device is disclosed, comprising a clamp having a pair of jaws attached to a hinge by a plurality of springs and a locking member configured to communicate with the pair of jaws to rigidly hold conductors of different sizes by means of spring force. A spherical steering mechanism having two interlocking hemispheres is mechanically interlocked by lugs and recesses located at its ends. Fasteners pass through the central portion of the spherical steering mechanism via a rotary-molded thread located inside the lower hemisphere to rotatably attach the spherical steering mechanism to the hinge and the clamp.

[0012] A reflective band wraps around the central portion of the spherical steering gear to enhance the device's visibility while sealing the joint between the two halves to prevent moisture ingress. Multiple recesses are located on the outer surface of the spherical steering gear and in the connection area between the clamp and the spherical steering gear to reduce drag on the device. The spherical steering gear reflects any available light in all directions and is visible from all directions, including above and below the steering gear. The locking mechanism also includes a locking cap for covering the locking mechanism of the clamp with screws to rigidly retain and lock the conductor. The grippers include multiple UV-stabilized rubber inserts for improved flexibility and cushioning to hold the conductor.

[0013] The pair of grippers engages and disengages around the conductor and can be mounted by hand, an insulating rod (called a heat bar), or a drone using attachment holes located on the grippers. The device can be mounted under both energized (on) and de-energized (off) line conditions. The grippers are constructed of a polyamide structure with UV and thermal stability to increase the device's visibility to wildlife. The spherical steerer is made of a polymer material with photoluminescent pigments to create a glow-in-the-dark effect. The polymer material is made of polycarbonate or polyacetal. The spherical steerer is reflective and rotates in response to wind. Reflective bands, made of orange, yellow, or green, enhance the device's visibility to wildlife. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The disclosed embodiments can be better understood by referring to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same or functionally similar elements in all individual views. The embodiments further illustrate the invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0015] Figure 1 A perspective view of a bird disturbance device for preventing birds and other wild animals from colliding with overhead structures (i.e., power lines) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0016] Figure 2 An exploded view of a bird-disturbing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0017] Figure 3 A perspective view of the bottom hemisphere of a spherical steering gear with a rotary molding structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0018] Figure 4 A side view of a bird-disrupting device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0019] Figure 5 A perspective view of a bird-disrupting device attached to a cylindrical substrate (which may be a power line, a communication line, or another similar structure whose cross-section is not necessarily cylindrical) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0020] Figure 6 A side view of a bird-disrupting device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown; and

[0021] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a bird disturbance device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The specific values ​​and configurations discussed in these non-limiting examples may vary and are cited only to illustrate at least one embodiment, not to limit their scope.

[0023] Numerous specific details are set forth below to provide a comprehensive description of various embodiments. Some embodiments may be implemented without these specific details or with some variations in detail. In some cases, certain features are described less in detail so as not to obscure other aspects. The level of detail associated with each element or feature should not be construed as limiting the novelty or importance of a feature relative to other features.

[0024] The claimed subject matter has been provided herein with reference to one or more features or embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize and understand that, despite the detailed nature of the exemplary embodiments provided herein, changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments without limiting or departing from their general scope. These and various other modifications and combinations of the embodiments provided herein are within the scope of the disclosed subject matter as defined by the claims and all their equivalents. The same numerals always refer to the same elements.

[0025] This invention relates to a bird deterrent device for preventing birds and other wild animals from colliding with overhead structures (i.e., power lines, communication lines, and structures). The bird deterrent device is relatively inexpensive, easy to assemble, robust, durable, modular, and easy to install. In windy conditions, the bird deterrent device reduces wind loads throughout the component and in the connection area between the clamp and the indicator. The bird deterrent device also increases the visibility of wild animals at low light dawn / dusk and can be attached to various structures.

[0026] Reference Figure 1 A perspective view of a bird disturbance device (10) for preventing birds and other wild animals from colliding with overhead power lines, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, is shown. Note that in Figure 1-7 In this designation, identical or similar parts or components are generally indicated by the same reference numerals. The bird disturbance device (10) includes a clamp (12) having a pair of jaws (13, 14) attached to a hinge (16) by a plurality of springs (18, 38). The clamp (12) is constituted by a locking member (52) configured to communicate with the pair of jaws (13, 14) to rigidly hold conductors (20) of different sizes by means of spring force. The locking member (52) also includes threaded inserts and bolts for connecting the ball deflector (22), the hinge (16), and the clamp (12). The locking member (52) is constituted by a locking cover (45, 46) for covering the locking member (52) of the clamp (12) by a screw (44) to rigidly hold and lock the conductors (20). Note that, for design considerations, the locking cover (45, 46) is made of plastic or other non-conductive weather-resistant material.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the bird interference device (10) is attached to the conductor (20) via a clamp (12). Note that, as used herein, the term conductor (20) generally refers to an elongated object, such as a solid or tubular rod, tube, support, radio pole or tower, etc., and specifically relates to cables, wires, lines, cords, conductors, etc. suspended above the ground, such as overhead transmission lines, whether unenergized or low-voltage, medium-voltage, high-voltage, ultra-high-voltage, extra-high-voltage, such as steel-reinforced aluminum conductors, bundled conductors, grounded conductors, aerial cables, antennas, electric fences, overhead cables, etc.

[0028] Reference Figure 2 An exploded view of a bird deterrent device (10) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. The bird deterrent device (10) comprises a spherical deflector (22) having two interlocking hemispheres (23, 33). The interlocking hemispheres (23, 33) are mechanically interlocked by protrusions and grooves (24, 26) located at the ends of the interlocking hemispheres (23, 33). The spherical deflector (22) is reflective and rotates in response to wind. Figure 3 As shown, the rotary molding structure 50 is located inside the lower hemisphere 33. Fasteners (36) are threaded through the rotary molding structure (50) through the central portion of the spherical steering gear (22) to rotatably attach the spherical steering gear (22) to the hinge (16) and clamp (12), as shown. Figure 3 As shown. Generally, a rotary joint is a cylindrical rod that can rotate freely within a support structure. The rod is usually prevented from slipping out by a nut, washer, or thickened rod. The lower hemisphere (33) is attached to the end or center of the rod. The rotary molding structure (50) of the lower hemisphere (33) of the spherical steering gear (22) allows the spherical steering gear (22) to rotate, as described above.

[0029] A retroreflection band (28) surrounds the central portion of the spherical steerer (22) to enhance the visibility of the device (10). Typically, the retroreflection band (28) works simply by reflecting light back to the light source. In a preferred embodiment, for design considerations, the spherical steerer (22) is made of a polymeric material, such as polycarbonate or polyacetal, with photoluminescent pigments to produce a glow-in-the-dark effect on the spherical steerer (22). Generally, phosphorescence is a type of photoluminescence associated with fluorescence. Unlike fluorescence, phosphorescent materials do not immediately re-emit the radiation they absorb. The slower timescale of re-emission is associated with “forbidden” energy state transitions in quantum mechanics. Because these transitions occur very slowly in some materials, the absorbed radiation is re-emitted at a lower intensity within a few hours after the initial excitation. Figure 4 As shown, the retroreflective strip (28) is adhesively attached to the central portion of the spherical steering mechanism (22). The retroreflective strip (28) refracts and reflects ambient light to make the steering mechanism (22) visible to wildlife. Note that, for design considerations, the retroreflective strip (28) is made of orange, yellow, or green stripes to enhance the visibility of the device (10) to wildlife.

[0030] Reference Figure 5The diagram shows a side view of a bird deterrent device (10) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The grippers (13, 14) consist of a plurality of serrated rubber inserts (40) for better flexibility and cushioning to hold the conductor (20). The grippers (13, 14) engage and disengage from the clamp (12) around the conductor (20). The bird deterrent device (10) is manually opened and closed around the conductor (20) in a "click-fit" manner, the conductor (20) being either a live conductor or a pull wire. In a preferred embodiment, the bird deterrent device (10) is mounted to the conductor (10) via an insulating rod. For design purposes, the bird deterrent device (10) is also drone-mountable and is held by the drone using attachment holes (62, 63) in the extension of the clamp (12). These attachment holes (62, 63) also provide holding points for opening the clamp (12).

[0031] The spherical deflector (22) is translucent, allowing light to enter the material and exit through the retroreflective band (28) to help enhance the phosphorescent color. Multiple recesses (32) are located on the outer surface of the spherical deflector (22) and in the connection area between the clamp (12) and the spherical deflector (22) to reduce drag on the device (10). In a preferred embodiment, the recesses (32) are spherical to reduce drag on the device (10). The bird deterrent device (10) utilizes light by reflection and refraction, and utilizes motion by rotation, oscillation, and vibration to keep birds and wildlife away from power lines and other structures where birds typically perch or may collide.

[0032] Reference Figure 6 This image shows a front view of a bird-disrupting device 10 for retaining conductor 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Again, it is worth noting that... Figure 1-7 In this context, identical or similar parts or components are generally indicated by the same reference numerals. The spherical shape of the steering mechanism (22) reflects any available light in all directions and is visible from all directions, including above or below the steering mechanism (22). The clamp (12) is made of a polyamide structure with UV and thermal stability to increase the visibility of the device (10) to wildlife. The polyamide structure absorbs stray light under low light conditions and does not decompose under natural sunlight. This type of plastic advantageously amplifies and enhances phosphorescent materials applied to the substrate surface.

[0033] Reference Figure 7A cross-sectional view of a bird deterrent device (10) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. The deflector (22) is preferably substantially spherical. The spherical deflector (22) with photoluminescent pigment produces a glow-in-the-dark effect on the spherical deflector (22). The color on the reflective strip (28) of the deflector (22) during rotation, oscillation and / or vibration is enhanced for approaching birds, animals and bats, thereby preventing wildlife from colliding with power lines. Note that the embodiments discussed herein should not be construed as having any limited meaning. It is understood that these embodiments reveal structural details of the preferred form necessary for a better understanding of the invention, and changes can be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the invention without departing from the concept of the invention.

[0034] The bird deterrent device (10) is lightweight and easy to install quickly by hand. A positive clamp on the conductor (20) ensures the bird deterrent device (10) remains in the application position. The bird deterrent device (10) has a long service life without compromising material performance with minimal wind resistance. The clamp (12) engages and disengages quickly and easily. The clamp (12) can be installed by hand or drone. The bird deterrent device (10) can be any suitable size, shape, and construction, with a sufficiently large windproof surface and large enough to deter birds or other wildlife.

[0035] It should be understood that variations or alternatives to the above-disclosed features and functions, and other features and functions, can be ideally incorporated into many other different systems or applications. Furthermore, those skilled in the art can subsequently make various alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements that are not currently anticipated or foreseen, and these are also intended to be included in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A bird disturbance device (10), comprising: The clamp (12) has a pair of jaws (13, 14) attached to the hinge (16) by a plurality of springs (18, 38) and a locking member (52) configured to communicate with the pair of jaws (13, 14) to rigidly hold conductors (20) of different sizes by means of spring force; A spherical steering gear (22) having two interlocking hemispheres (23, 33) mechanically interlocked by protrusions and grooves (24, 26) at their ends, and a fastener (36) threaded through the central portion of the spherical steering gear (22) by a rotary molding structure (50) located inside the lower hemisphere (33), so as to rotatably attach the spherical steering gear (22) to a hinge (16) and a clamp (12); and A reflective strip (28) surrounds the central portion of the spherical steering device (22) to enhance the visibility of the bird disturbance device (10) to wildlife and seal the joint between the two halves, and multiple recesses (32) are located on the outer surface of the spherical steering device (22) and on the connection area between the clamp (12) and the spherical steering device (22) to reduce the drag force on the bird disturbance device (10).

2. The bird disturbance device (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The locking member (52) includes a locking cover (45, 46) for covering the locking member (52) of the clamp (12) by a screw (44) to rigidly hold and lock the conductor (20).

3. The bird disturbance device (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The grippers (13, 14) include a plurality of rubber inserts (40) to flexibly hold the conductor (20).

4. The bird disturbance device (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The grippers (13, 14) engage and disengage from the clamp (12) around the conductor (20) and can be mounted by hand, an insulating rod, or by using attachment holes (62, 63) located on the grippers (13, 14).

5. The bird disturbance device (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The clamp (12) is made of a polyamide structure with UV and thermal stability to enhance visibility and ensure long durability.

6. The bird disturbance device (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The spherical steering gear (22) is reflective and rotates in response to wind.

7. The bird disturbance device (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The spherical steering wheel (22) is made of a polymer material with photoluminescent pigments to produce a glow-in-the-dark effect on the spherical steering wheel (22).

8. The bird disturbance device (10) according to claim 7, wherein, The polymer material includes polycarbonate or polyacetal.

9. The bird disturbance device (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The reflective band (28) is composed of an orange band, a yellow band, or a green band.

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