Unitary Configured Bird Repellent Apparatus

Abstract

A bird repellent apparatus having an integral base member and a plurality of prongs. The base member, by means of a plurality of tabs having holes for receiving screws or other fasteners, can be affixed to virtually any desired surface. The plurality of prongs with sharp tips presents an impossible barrier to birds that would otherwise land or perch on the surface to which the present invention is affixed. The combined base member and prongs are formed from injection molded plastic structure that also provide the tabs having holes to secure the base member to the underlying surface.

Claims

1. A plastic deterrent device, comprising: a plastic base having top surface, a bottom surface, and first and second sides disposed between the top and bottom surfaces, wherein the bottom surface comprises a glue trough disposed on a bottom surface of the base and that is disposed along a length of the base; and a plurality of plastic prongs extending from the base, wherein the base and plurality of plastic prongs comprise a unitary, injection-molded structure fabricated as a single plastic member, and wherein the base is integral with the plurality of prongs, and wherein at least some of the plurality of prongs extend from the left or right side of the base, wherein the base has a varying width along a length of the base that includes a minimum width and a maximum width, and wherein the plurality of plastic prongs comprises left and right prongs extending at different angles from the left and right sides of the base, respectively, such that at least some of the plurality of plastic prongs extend from the base in alternating high and low positions.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the base further comprises a hole therethrough capable of receiving a fastener.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein a center point of the hole is at a first length of the base having the maximum width.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of prongs collectively extend in five different orientations relative to the base.

5. The device of claim 1, further comprising an intermediate prong that extends normally from the base.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the base has an upper surface, and at least some of the plurality of prongs extend normally from the upper surface.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of plastic prongs further comprises an intermediate prong extending upwardly from the base, and wherein the plurality of plastic prongs collectively extend in at least three different orientations relative to the base.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the glue trough extends along a median line along the length of the base.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the base further comprises a plurality of break points, each of which is configured as a weakened area oriented across a width of the base.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The aforementioned objects and advantages of the present invention, as well as additional objects and advantages thereof will be more fully understood hereinafter as a result of a detailed description of a preferred embodiment when taken in conjunction with the following drawings in which:

[0014] FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional illustration of the present invention shown ready for installation on an exterior window sill adjacent a window frame or other suitable surface;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a side view of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the invention taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 2; and

[0018] FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views of various elements of the invention taken along lines 5-5, 6-6 and 7-7 of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0019] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, it will be seen that the bird repellent apparatus 10 of the present invention comprises a base member 12 and a plurality of prongs 14. Each such prong terminates in a sharp tip 16. The base member 12 provides a rail 15 from which extends integrally therefrom the prongs 14 along the full length of base member 12. A plurality of flanges 18 each has a hole 20 and extends in opposed directions away from the rail 15. Each hole 20 is adapted to receive a screw for connecting the base member 12 to an underlying surface such as a window sill. A notch 19 provides a convenient cutting line at various locations along the base member 12 to permit length selection at the installation site.

[0020] The prongs 14 are provided at various angles relative to the underlying surface. As shown best in FIG. 3, prongs 22 are oriented at 90 degrees relative to the underlying surface, prongs 26 and 30 are oriented at about 30 degrees above the underlying surface and prongs 24 and 28 are oriented at about 70 degrees above the underlying surface. Moreover, prongs 26 and 30 are on opposed sides of the rail 15 as are prongs 24 and 28. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, this orientation of the prongs forms a repetitive pattern along the length of base member 12. As shown best in FIG. 3, a glue trough 17 permits neat glue application for installation on hard surfaces such as concrete brick and steel.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 4-7, the cross-section of the prongs where they connect to rail 15 is “T”-shaped as shown in FIG. 5. The cross-section of the prongs along their major length is cross-shaped as shown in FIG. 6 and the cross-section of the prongs close to their pointed ends 16 is circular as shown in FIG. 7.

[0022] A key feature of the present invention is the unitary structure of the entire bird repellent apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. This feature permits the disclosed embodiment to be fabricated as a single injection-molded plastic member obviating any further assembly before installation on an underlying surface. This unique unitary design reduces fabrication costs and simplifies installation as well.

[0023] Having thus disclosed an exemplary embodiment, it being understood that other configurations are contemplated as being within the scope hereof, what is claimed is: