Obscure Patent: Squirrel Teasing Bird Feeder

Squirrel teasing hanger assembly for a bird feeder [PDF ] [ HTML ]
US Patent No. 6,619,229
Issued September 16, 2003

The patent explains that several types of bird feeders have been designed for preventing unwanted animals such as squirrels from eating the bird food in the feeder. The purpose of this invention, however, is not to get rid of the unwanted animal, such as a squirrel, but rather to toy with the squirrel. The patent explains that the prior art repelling devices are inappropriate for use by the person who does not wish to repel the squirrels from the bird feeder. The individual who desires to tease or play with the squirrel without necessarily repelling the squirrel should try this invention.

The invention has a first and second electrical contact, which are electrically connected to the battery powered circuit. This circuit will produce a sound when the first electrical contact is moved into contact with the second electrical contact. This will occur when the lower support has been moved to its lower position, which will be caused by the weight of a squirrel on the bird feeder. The sound-producing device will emit a sound such as that of a cat, dog, eagle, hawk or other arch nemesis. Additionally, a light-emitting device is provided on the housing which will be illuminated to startle the squirrel on the bird feeder. The patent goes on to explain: “For enjoyment purposes, the sound producing device and the light-emitting device may be actuated by a remote control circuit.” I bet PETA will love this invention!

The Summary of the Invention states:

A squirrel teasing hanger assembly for a bird feeder or the like is disclosed comprising a housing having upper and lower ends with a lower support extending downwardly from the lower end of the housing which is movable between upper and lower positions with respect to the housing. The lower support is adapted to have a bird feeder or the like suspended therefrom. An upper support extends upwardly from the upper end of the housing for attachment to a supporting member such as a tree branch or the like. A sound-producing device is mounted in the housing and is powered by a battery-powered circuit in the housing. The lower support has a first electrical contact thereon which is movable with the lower support between its upper and. lower positions. A second electrical contact is provided in the housing which is engaged by the first electrical contact when the lower support is in its lower position and which is spaced from the first electrical contact when the lower support is in its upper position. The first and second electrical contacts are electrically connected to the battery powered circuit whereby the sound producing device will be activated when the first electrical contact is moved into electrical contact with the second electrical contact when the lower support has been moved to its lower position such as will be caused by the weight of a squirrel on the bird feeder. The sound-producing device will emit a sound such as that of a cat, dog, eagle, hawk, etc. Additionally, a light-emitting device is provided on the housing which will be illuminated to startle the squirrel on the bird feeder. For enjoyment purposes, the sound producing device and the light-emitting device may be actuated by a remote control circuit.

To appease those who inevitably whine that “you cannot write about an obscure patent without mentioning the claims,” here is claim 1:

A squirrel or bird teasing hanging assembly, for a bird feeder, said hanging assembly comprises:

a housing having upper and lower ends;

a lower support, extending downwardly from said, lower end of said housing, which is movable between upper and lower positions with respect to said housing;

said support adapted to have a bird feeder suspended therefrom;

an upper support extending upwardly from said upper end of said housing for attachment to a supporting member;

a sound producing device mounted on said housing;

a battery-powered circuit in said housing for powering said sound producing device;

said lower support having a first electrical contact thereon which is movable with said lower support between its said upper and lower positions;

and a second electrical contact in said housing which is engaged by said first electrical contact when said lower support is in its said lower position and which is spaced from said first electrical contact when said lower support is in its said upper position;

said first and second electrical contacts being electrically connected to said battery-powered circuit whereby said sound producing device will be activated when said first electrical contact is moved into electrical contact with said second electrical contact when said lower support has been moved to its said lower position;

said lower support moving from its said upper position to its said lower position when a squirrel or large bird moves onto the bird feeder.

DISCLAIMER: For said individuals who whine, get a grip!  This is a humorous invention, and if you cannot see that then perhaps you should seek a personality transplant.  Please also notice that I am not saying this is something that should not be patented, nor am I making fun of the inventor, nor am I making fun of squirrels in general.  Perhaps I am making fun of PETA, but like they don’t enjoy the attention.

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