Bird deterrent device

Abstract

A releasably mountable bird deterrent device for mounting on an object comprising: at least one vane arm, connectable to a hub; the hub; configured to releasably mount the at least one vane arm; a spindle, in connection with the hub, configured to allow the hub to rotate; a connector foot, in connection with the spindle; and a mount, fixable to the object, and configured to releasably engage the connector foot.

Description

[0001] BIRD DETERRENT DEVICE

[0002] RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0003] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2023903935, filed 5 December 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0005] The present invention relates generally to bird deterrent devices and in particular, to mounts for bird deterrent devices.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Boats and maritime craft can attract sea birds, such as gulls, which perch on the craft and can cause maintenance issues due to their droppings. These droppings can cause superficial damage which spoils the appearance of the craft and is therefore cosmetically undesirable. In some instances, heavy bird activity can interfere with operations or cause structural damage. Accordingly, bird deterrent devices, such as rotating vane type devices, can be affixed to craft in order to minimize bird activity on the craft.

[0008] Maritime craft are exposed to inclement weather conditions such as high winds, rain, and hail. Existing bird deterrent devices are likewise subject to the same conditions which can impact longevity and efficacy. Existing bird deterrent devices can also be cumbersome to affix / store, reducing enjoyment and operability of the craft.

[0009] It is desired to ameliorate or address one or more shortcomings associated with existing solutions in the field of bird deterrent devices or provide useful alternatives thereto.

[0010] The above references to and descriptions of prior proposals or products are not intended to be, and are not to be construed as, statements or admissions of common general knowledge in the art. In particular, the above prior art discussion does not relate to what is commonly or well known by the person skilled in the art, but assists in the understanding of the inventive step of the present invention of which the identification of pertinent prior art proposals is but one part.

[0011] STATEMENT OF INVENTION The invention according to one or more aspects is as defined in the independent claims. Some optional and / or preferred features of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0012] Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention there is provided a mount for a bird deterrent device comprising: a body, fixable to an object; comprising a casing defining an internal cavity; a tray, disposed within the internal cavity of the body and adapted to receive a base of a bird deterrent device; wherein the tray is moveable within the internal cavity between a receiving position and a locking position; and wherein the base of the bird deterrent device can be affixed to the body when placed in the tray, by movement of the tray from the receiving position to the locking position.

[0013] In one embodiment, the tray comprises an elongate member, having a first end and second end; wherein the first end is configured to engage at least a portion of the base of a bird deterrent device, thereby retaining the base within the tray; and wherein the second end comprises one or more retaining blocks to engage one or more tray engagement points within the body, to hold the tray in the locking position.

[0014] The first end may further comprise a retaining bracket extending over a portion of the tray.

[0015] The engagement points may comprise apertures formed in the casing of the body; whereby the retaining blocks may extend through the casing when engaged in the engagement points, to allow a user to depress the retaining blocks and move the tray from the locking position to the receiving position.

[0016] The retaining blocks may comprise two blocks formed on opposing lateral sides of the tray; and the apertures may comprise a pair of apertures on opposing lateral sides of the body, allowing a user to depress the retaining blocks, when in the locking position, directly through the apertures in a side-release buckle configuration.

[0017] The retaining blocks may be formed on an underside of the tray, configured to be in contact with the base; and the apertures may comprise at least one elongate slot, through which the retaining blocks can extend, thereby preventing over- extension of the tray beyond the length of the at least one elongate slot. The body may comprise fixing apertures, disposed on a surface configured to contact the object, to allow fixing means to be applied through the body and into the object.

[0018] The tray may further comprise a channel to minimize obstruction from the fixing means applied through the internal cavity to the object.

[0019] The channel may comprise a curved upward profile, relative to the fixing apertures.

[0020] The tray, when in the locking position, may be substantially flush with the casing.

[0021] The tray and casing may cooperate to form an aperture allowing entrance to the internal cavity to allow a portion of a mounted bird deterrent device to emerge through the casing while the tray is in the locking position.

[0022] Accordingly, in another aspect of the invention there is provided a mount for a bird deterrent device comprising: a body, fixable to an object; comprising a casing defining an internal cavity; the internal cavity comprising an engagement means to allow a base of a bird deterrent device to be releasably retained therein;

[0023] The engagement means may comprises a snap-fit buckle engagement.

[0024] Accordingly, in yet another aspect of the invention there is provided a mounting system for a bird deterrent device comprising: the device according to the first aspect of the invention; and a base for a bird deterrent device.

[0025] The base may comprises a spindle, allowing rotation of a vane type bird deterrent device when placed thereon; and a connector foot, the connector foot configured to be connected to the spindle and configured to be retained by the mount.

[0026] The connector foot may be hingedly attached to the spindle.

[0027] Accordingly, in still yet another aspect of the invention there is provided a releasably mountable bird deterrent device for mounting on an object comprising: at least one vane arm, connectable to a hub; the hub; configured to releasably mount the at least one vane arm; a spindle, in connection with the hub, configured to allow the hub to rotate; a connector foot, in connection with the spindle; and a mount, fixable to the object, and configured to releasably engage the connector foot.

[0028] In an embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the mount may comprise a body, comprising a casing defining an internal cavity; and a tray, disposed within the internal cavity of the body and adapted to receive a base of a bird deterrent device.

[0029] The tray may be moveable within the internal cavity between a receiving position and a locking position.

[0030] The tray may be moveable from the locking position to the receiving position by means of a snap-fit buckle arrangement.

[0031] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The invention may be better understood from the following non-limiting description of preferred embodiments, in which:

[0033] Fig.l is a perspective assembly view of a mount and bird deterrent device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Fig.2 is a perspective view of a mount with a tray, deployed in a receiving position, and bird deterrent device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Fig.3 is a perspective view of a mount with a tray, deployed in a receiving position, with a bird deterrent device partially inserted in the tray according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Fig.4 is a perspective view of a mount with a tray, deployed in a receiving position, and bird deterrent device retained in the tray according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Fig.5 is a perspective view of a mount with a tray, deployed in a locking position retaining a bird deterrent device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Fig. 6 is a side view of a bird deterrent device, retained in a mount according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig.7 is top perspective view of an embodiment of a mount with a tray, deployed in a receiving position, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Fig.8 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of a mount, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0040] Fig.9 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of a mount with a tray, deployed in a receiving position, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Preferred features of the present invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is to be understood that the features illustrated in and described with reference to the drawings are not to be construed as limiting on the scope of the invention.

[0043] Embodiments generally refer to bird deterrent devices and mounts for bird deterrent devices. The disclosed embodiments are particularly beneficial in marine environments, and affixed to marine craft such as boats, to reduce bird activity on the craft. FIG.1 depicts an embodiment of a bird deterrent device and mount thereof, allowing a user to simply and reliably affix the deterrent device (depicted as a rotating vane type bird deterrent device) to the mount. In use, a user can easily operate the mount by moving a deployable tray into a receiving position, allowing a user to then insert the bird deterrent device into the tray, and to move the tray to a locking position whereby the bird deterrent device is then held in place. Similarly, when a bird deterrent device is retained in the mount, it can be released by moving the tray to the receiving position. This enables users to quickly stow or set up bird deterrents, which improves usability over existing solutions, and reduces the time spent preparing the craft for use. Furthermore, the embodiments provide an improvement over the known releasable mounting means, which include weighted bags and straps, which do not reliably affix deterrent devices in inclement weather conditions leading to breakages of the bird deterrent devices and / or fixtures. Furthermore, more permanent fixtures such as bolts, screws, or adhesives mean that devices affixed with these methods cannot be easily and reliably removed for storage and cannot be easily replaced when damaged.

[0044] Fig.l depicts a mount 100 and bird deterrent device 110 according to some embodiments. Mount 100 is a body comprising a casing 102, defining an internal cavity 105. Mount 100 further comprises tray 104, disposed within the internal cavity 105 of the body. Tray 104 is moveable within the internal cavity 105, between a receiving position and locking position. Bird deterrent device 110 is depicted adjacent an unretained by the mount 100 in Fig.l. In the depicted embodiment, bird deterrent device 110 is a rotating vane type bird deterrent device comprising a connector foot 120, spindle 130, hub 135. Foot 120 may comprise a substantially oval shape and configured to be retained by the mount. Accordingly, connector foot 120 is sized to fit within the internal cavity 105 when retained by the tray 104 in the locking position. Connector foot 120 may be hingably attached to spindle 130, enabling a range of motion of the spindle with respect to the mount 100 when mounted therein. This allows for a user to adjust the orientation of the bird deterrent device, with respect to the mount 100, to improve its effect. This may also reduce the risk of damage to the bird deterrent device by allowing some degree of movement in inclement weather conditions, which would otherwise cause and entirely rigid section of the device to break. Spindle 130 may connect to hub 135 and allow hub 135 to rotate about the spindle. The rotation of the hub 135 may be achieved by the effect of wind against vanes 140, particularly when vanes 140 have attached rotation sails 600 (As depicted in Fig.6). Accordingly, some embodiments relate to a bird deterrent device comprising least one vane arm 140, connectable to a hub 135, the hub 135 configured to releasably mount the at least one vane arm 140, a spindle 130, in connection with the hub 135, configured to allow the hub 135 to rotate, a connector foot 120, in connection with the spindle 130; and a mount 100, fixable to the object 155, and configured to releasably engage the connector foot.

[0045] Fig.l depicts the tray 104 in the locking position, where the tray is substantially flush with the casing 102. The tray 104 and casing 102 are configured to create a provide a mount aperture 150. The mount aperture 150 may provide a space in the casing 102, providing access to the internal cavity 105 to allow access to an elongate portion of a bird deterrent device (such as spindle 130, or narrow portions of connector foot 120) while at least a portion of the bird deterrent device 110 is retained within the internal cavity 105. Mount 100 further comprises engagement points 108, through which retaining blocks 109 are held, when the tray is in the locking position. In the depicted embodiment, engagement points 108 comprise apertures formed in the casing of the body 100, whereby the retaining blocks 109 can extend through the casing 102 when engaged in the engagement points 108, to allow a user to depress the retaining blocks and move the tray from the locking position to the receiving position. The apertures 108 may comprise a pair of apertures on opposing lateral sides of the casing 102. Fig.2 depicts the tray 104 in the receiving position, with bird deterrent device 110 positioned over the tray. The receiving position may be an extended position of the tray 104, which allows for the connector foot 120 to be retained in the tray 104. The receiving position may be defined as the position of maximum extension of the tray from the internal cavity 105. The extension of the tray 104 from the internal cavity 105 may be defined by the position of apertures 704 as depicted in Fig.7-Fig.9, on the underside of the casing (the side of the casing designed to contact a craft or object 155). The apertures 704 may comprise a pair of elongate slots, through which retaining blocks 706 extend, limiting the maximum extension of the tray 104 and ensuring the tray does not become detached from the mount 100. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the retaining blocks 706 are formed on a side of the tray that is configured to be in contact with a base of the bird deterrent device 110, and the apertures may comprise at least one elongate slot, formed through which the retaining blocks can extend, thereby preventing over-extension of the tray beyond the length of the at least one elongate slot. Tray 104 comprises an elongate member, having a first end 206 and second end 208. The first end 206 is configured to engage at least a portion of the connector foot 120 of a bird deterrent device 110, thereby retaining the base within the tray 104. In some embodiments, a retaining bracket 106 is formed on the first end 206 of the tray 104, comprising a solid structure that extends upwards and backwards over a portion of the tray 104, from the first end 206 toward the second end 208. The second end may comprise one or more retaining blocks 109 to engage one or more engagement points 108 within the body, to hold the tray in the locking position. In some embodiments, the retaining blocks 109 comprise two blocks formed on opposing lateral sides of the tray 104.

[0046] The tray may further comprise a channel 115, which curves upwardly relative to the bottom of the mount 100, to enable clearance of the tray 104 over any fixing means in the fixing apertures 114 - such as screws, rivets, or bolts, which would otherwise impact the ability of the tray 104 to move between positions. Tray fixing aperture 114 may be formed in the tray 104 to allow access to the fixing means, allowing the mount to be affixed to an object 155 or craft when a bird deterrent device is not mounted. The fixing apertures 112 may be formed on the underside of the mount 100, in the internal cavity 105. Accordingly, the fixing apertures 112, disposed on a surface configured to contact the object 155 or craft, to allow fixing means to be applied through the body and into the object 155. The position of tray fixing aperture 114 may be matched to the fixing apertures 112 in the receiving and / or locking position. Tray 104 may further comprise one or more retaining blocks 109, configured to engage with engagement points within the internal cavity 104. Retaining blocks 109 may be formed on sidewalls 202 of the tray 104. Sidewalls 202 may comprise spring arms, allowing the retaining blocks 109 to be retained in the engagement apertures 108 by tension.

[0047] Fig.3 depicts the mount 100 with the connector foot 120 partially inserted into the tray 104, with a portion of the connector foot 120 retained by the retaining bracket 106. This figure illustrates an example of how user can insert a bird deterrent device 110 into the tray 104 in order to mount the bird deterrent device 110. Fig.4 depicts the device 110 fully mounted in the tray 104. The mounting of the device 110 in the tray 104 may be aided by retaining bracket 106, and / or other mounting means. In some embodiments, structures (such as the structures 702 depicted in FIG.7) may be formed on tray 104 in order to interface with matched cavities on the underside of the connector foot 120, thereby providing an improved and more stable retention effect. In such embodiments, structures 702 may comprise two substantially rectangular protrusions, extending upwardly from the tray.

[0048] Fig.5 depicts the bird deterrent 110 device retained in the mount 100, with the hinge assembly 121 of the connector foot 120 being outside of the internal cavity 105. Accordingly, in the depicted arrangement, the bird deterrent device 110 is releasably affixed within the mount 100. In order to release the bird deterrent device from this mounted position, a user can press the retaining blocks 109, which release the tray 104 from its engagement with the engagement points 108. Once released, the tray 104 can extend to the receiving position as depicted in Fig.l, and a mounted bird deterrent device 110 can then be removed from the tray 104. Accordingly, the depicted embodiment of the mount provides a snap-fit buckle configuration, for ease of use.

[0049] Fig.6 depicts the mount 100 in connection with a vane type bird deterrent device 605, whereby the bird deterrent device 605 is mounted in the mount 100, forming a releasably mountable vane type bird deterrent device 600. The bird deterrent device 605 comprises at least one vane arm 140, connectable to a hub 135. The hub may comprise a twistable screw engagement having apertures for the at least one vane arm 140. When twisted in a first direction, the hub may tighten to secure the at least one vane arm 140 within the hub 135. Alternately, when twisted in a second direction, the hub may loosen to allow removal or adjustment of the at least one vane arm 140. Accordingly, hub 135 is configured to releasably mount the at least one vane arm 140. Hub 135 may be connected to spindle 130, configured to allow the hub to rotate. The spindle 130 may further comprise a ball bearing engagement and be configured to retain a ball bearing between the spindle 130 and hub 135, upon which the hub may rotate with respect to the spindle 130. Connector foot 120 may be connected to the spindle 130 and provide a base to be secured in the mount 100. Connector foot 120 may be hingedly attached to spindle 130 and allow the angle of the spindle to be adjusted with respect to the base 100. This hinge engagement allows for better ease of use, in placing the bird deterrent 600 on an object 155. Accordingly, the mount 100 and the base 120 comprise a mounting system for a bird deterrent device. The mount 100 in connection with the vane type bird deterrent device 605 comprise a releasably mountable vane type bird deterrent device.

[0050] The mount 100 may be formed of a suitable plastic material, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or other plastic. In some embodiments, the mount 100 may be made of metal, or some combination of plastic and metal. In other embodiments, other suitably rigid materials may be used..

[0051] Throughout the specification and claims the word “comprise” and its derivatives are intended to have an inclusive rather than exclusive meaning unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise. That is, the word “comprise” and its derivatives will be taken to indicate the inclusion of not only the listed components, steps or features that it directly references, but also other components, steps or features not specifically listed, unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise.

[0052] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations may be made to the methods of the invention described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A mount for a bird deterrent device comprising: a body, fixable to an object; comprising a casing defining an internal cavity; a tray, disposed within the internal cavity of the body and adapted to receive a base of a bird deterrent device; wherein the tray is moveable within the internal cavity between a receiving position and a locking position; and wherein the base of the bird deterrent device can be affixed to the body when placed in the tray, by movement of the tray from the receiving position to the locking position.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the tray comprises an elongate member, having a first end and second end; wherein the first end is configured to engage at least a portion of the base of a bird deterrent device, thereby retaining the base within the tray; and wherein the second end comprises one or more retaining blocks to engage one or more tray engagement points within the body, to hold the tray in the locking position.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein the first end further comprises a retaining bracket extending over a portion of the tray.

4. The device of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the engagement points comprise apertures formed in the casing of the body; whereby the retaining blocks extend through the casing when engaged in the engagement points, to allow a user to depress the retaining blocks and move the tray from the locking position to the receiving position.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the retaining blocks comprise two blocks formed on opposing lateral sides of the tray; and the apertures comprise a pair of apertures on opposing lateral sides of the body, allowing a user to depress the retaining blocks, when in the locking position, directly through the apertures in a side-release buckle configuration.

6. The device of claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the retaining blocks are formed on an underside of the tray, configured to be in contact with the base; and the apertures comprise at least one elongate slot, through which the retaining blocks can extend, thereby preventing over-extension of the tray beyond the length of the at least one elongate slot.

7. The device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body comprises fixing apertures, disposed on a surface configured to contact the object, to allow fixing means to be applied through the body and into the object.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the tray further comprises a channel to minimize obstruction from fixing means applied to through the internal cavity to the object.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the channel comprises a curved upward profile, relative to the fixing apertures.

10. The device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tray, when in the locking position, is substantially flush with the casing.

11. The device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tray and casing cooperate to form an aperture allowing entrance to the internal cavity to allow a portion of a mounted bird deterrent device to emerge through the casing while the tray is in the locking position.

12. A mount for a bird deterrent device comprising: a body, fixable to an object; comprising a casing defining an internal cavity; the internal cavity comprising an engagement means to allow a base of a bird deterrent device to be releasably retained therein;13. The device of claim 12 wherein the engagement means comprises snap-fit buckle engagement.

14. A mounting system for a bird deterrent device comprising: the device according to any one of claims; and a base for a bird deterrent device.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the base comprises a spindle, allowing rotation of a vane type bird deterrent device when placed thereon; and a connector foot, the connector foot configured to be connected to the spindle and configured to be retained by the mount.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the connector foot is hingedly attached to the spindle.

17. A releasably mountable bird deterrent device for mounting on an object comprising: at least one vane arm, connectable to a hub; the hub; configured to releasably mount the at least one vane arm; a spindle, in connection with the hub, configured to allow the hub to rotate; a connector foot, in connection with the spindle; and a mount, fixable to the object, and configured to releasably engage the connector foot.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the mount comprises: a body, comprising a casing defining an internal cavity; a tray, disposed within the internal cavity of the body and adapted to receive a base of a bird deterrent device.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein the tray is moveable within the internal cavity between a receiving position and a locking position.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein the tray is moveable from the locking position to the receiving position by means of a snap-fit buckle arrangement.

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