US 6,684,818 B2 · Birdcage perch

Abstract

A lightweight perch formed from plastic, wood or the like, has an outer surface on which is applied a granular material such as sand or the like. A thin layer of adhesive or solvent may be used to attach the granular material to the perch. The resultant perch duplicates the healthy, stimulative effects of expensive concrete and sand perches at a tremendously reduced weight and cost.

Drawings

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Drawings

Claims35

Dependent claims

A lightweight perch that is hollow and suitable for gripping by a bird and attaching to a birdcage comprising:

a) a tip, a base opposite said tip and an outer gripping surface disposed between said tip and base, said tip, base and outer gripping surface formed from an injection-molded plastic material,
b) a thin layer of sand adhered to said outer gripping surface by a thin layer of adhesive between the outer gripping surface and the granular material such that said thin layer of sand becomes integrally formed into said outer gripping surface with said thin layer of sand, said thin layer of adhesive and said outer gripping surface forming three distinct layers, and
c) means for attaching the perch to a birdcage,
d) wherein said attaching means further comprises a threaded fastener integrally formed with said base.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Description1,933 words

Summary473 words

#The present invention relates to a birdcage perch, and more particularly to a lightweight, inexpensive perch having an outer surface and a layer of granular material adhered thereto.

#An important part of caged bird-keeping is the use of perches for pet birds to stand on. The perches simulate the branches of trees that birds stand on in the wild. There are many types of perches that have been produced in the past. These have included wooden dowels of varying lengths, actual tree branches, extruded plastic rods and injection molded plastic pieces.

#There are problems with each of these prior products. The wooden dowels have little texture, which is not conducive to keeping the bird's claws healthy. The tree branches can deteriorate and are expensive to make ready for attachment to the cage. The plastic rods and molded pieces typically do not have a rough enough or deep enough texture to exercise the toes of the bird's feet. Injection molded perches are typically open on the bottom, thereby having a large open gap such that the end of the claws is not pressed against anything. Extruded rods cannot be varied in diameter, thereby leading to a lack of stimulation of the feet and claws.

Brief description of the drawings9 figures

#FIG. 1 is a cross section view of one embodiment of the perch of the present invention.

#FIG. 2 is a view of an alternative embodiment of the perch of the invention.

#FIG. 3 is a close-up view of the fastener of the perch of the invention.

Detailed description1,342 words

#The following detailed description is of the best mode or modes of the invention presently contemplated. Such description is not intended to be understood in a limiting sense, but to be an example of the invention presented solely for illustration thereof, and by reference to which in connection with the following description and the accompanying drawings one skilled in the art may be advised of the advantages and construction of the invention. In the various views of the drawings, like reference characters designate like or similar parts.

#FIG. 1 is a cross-section of one embodiment of a perch 50 of the present invention having a tip 55, a base 60 and an outer gripping surface 65. The perch 50 is hollow and formed by joining first and second halves 70, 75 via a joinder arrangement 80 or some other means. Alternatively, an outer gripping surface 65a of a perch 50a may be molded as a single piece as shown in FIG. 2.

#In accordance with the perch of the present invention, a plastic perch is first manufactured. The perch 50 can be manufactured by means of an extruded rod and cutting said rod at lengths appropriate for a perch, such as lengths of six, eight, ten or twelve inches. Alternatively, a perch can be injection molded to such lengths. In either event, or if any other plastic means are used, the plastic utilized must be produced from a non-olefinic or other material that will permit adhesion of glues and solvents. Alternatively, the perch can be made from a wood dowel or other materials that will permit adhesion of glues and solvents.

Facts

Application

10/365,360Filed 12 Feb 2003 · us provisional application

Priority

5 Apr 2002

Published

US 2003/0188697 A19 Oct 2003

Granted

3 Feb 2004

Term ended

12 Feb 2023

Estimated · how

20 years from earliest known nonprovisional domestic filing plus recorded patent term adjustment. Maintenance-fee lapses, terminal disclaimers and statutory extensions have not been checked. The continuity chain may be incomplete; this is not an enforceability determination.

Classification4 codes

A01K 45/00
Animal husbandry: other aviculture appliances
A01K 15/025
Training or exercising equipment, e.g. mazes or labyrinths for animals ; Electric shock devices; Toys specially adapted for animals: toys…
A01K 31/12
Housing birds: perches for poultry or birds, e.g. roosts
A01K
Animal husbandry

Timeline

5 Apr 2002Priority claimedParent application 60/370,200
12 Feb 2003Application filedUS 10/365,360
12 Feb 2003Assigned to Jw Pet Company, Incassignment of assignor's interest
9 Oct 2003PublishedUS 2003/0188697 A1
3 Feb 2004GrantedUS 6,684,818 B2
18 Dec 2012Assigned to Pnc Banking, National Association, AS Administrative Agentsecurity agreement
20 Dec 2012Assigned to Chase Capital Corporation, AS Collateral Agentsecurity agreement
15 Jul 2014Assigned to Doskocil Manufacturing Company, Inc.merger
17 Jul 2014Assigned to Chase Capital Corporation (AS Collateral Agent)security interest
17 Jul 2014Assigned to Pnc Bank, A National Association (AS Administrative Agent)security interest
21 Dec 2015Assigned to Ally Bank, AS Agentsecurity agreement
16 May 2017Assigned to Doskocil Manufacturing Company, Inc.release of security interest 033358/0671
16 May 2017Assigned to Doskocil Manufacturing Company, Inc.release of security interest 029486/0633
17 May 2017Assigned to Doskocil Manufacturing Company, Inc.release of security interest 033358/0523
17 May 2017Assigned to Doskocil Manufacturing Company, Inc.release of security interest 029510/0787
22 May 2017Assigned to Doskocil Manufacturing Company, Inc.release of security interest
23 May 2017Assigned to Antares Capital LP, AS Administrative Agentsecurity interest
16 Sep 2021Assigned to Doskocil Manufacturing Company, Inc., Gamma2 LLC, Healthy Chews, Inc.release of security interest
16 Sep 2021Assigned to Bank of Montrealsecond lien security agreement
16 Sep 2021Assigned to Bank of Montrealabl security agreement
16 Sep 2021Assigned to Bank of Montrealfirst lien security agreement
12 Feb 2023Term endedEstimated
22 May 2024Assigned to Doskocil Manufacturing Company, Inc.release of security interest in patent collateral (first lien)
22 May 2024Assigned to Doskocil Manufacturing Company, Inc.release of security interest in patent collateral (second lien)

Birdcage perch

Life of this patent

Birdcage perch

Life of this patent

Life of this patent

Abstract

Drawings

Drawings

Claims35

Description1,933 words

Drawings

Classification4 codes

Life of this patent

Description1,933 words