Device and method for deterring birds from landing on objects

Abstract

A device and method for deterring birds from landing on objects such as, for example, boats and other watercraft. The device includes a plurality of reels that are pre-loaded with a length of string. Each reel is releasable secured to an object to be protected or an adjacent support structure and then the string is deployed from the reel. A hook tied to the end of the string engages with the eyelet or ring portion of a “zip” tie fastener that is secured to a different portion of the object or support structure so as to cause the string to be suspended over the object. The network of strings suspended above the object deters birds from landing on and thus soiling the object and the general area over which the strings are deployed.

1 . A method of deterring birds from landing on an object, comprising: 
 releasably securing a plurality of reels to different portions of the object and/or a supporting structure adjacent to the object, the reels each comprising a spool portion on which a length of string having a hook fastened thereto is wound; and    releasably securing the hook fastened to each string to an eyelet of a “zip” tie fastener that has been permanently secured to the object to form a network of strings above the object that interferes with the flight of birds.    
   
   
       2 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein the object a boat or a portion thereof.  
   
   
       3 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein the plurality of reels are releasably secured to the object and/or the supporting structure adjacent to the object using a strap made of double-sided hook and loop fastener material.  
   
   
       4 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein the string is a monofilament fishing line.  
   
   
       5 . The method according to  claim 4  wherein each of the plurality of reels includes a handle for rotating the spool portion to wind the string onto the spool portion and thereby retract the string into the reel.  
   
   
       6 . The method according to  claim 2  wherein each of the plurality of reels is releasably secured to a grab rail of the boat in a spaced apart manner.  
   
   
       7 . The method according to  claim 6  wherein each of the hooks is releasably secured to the eyelet of a “zip” tie fastener that is permanently secured to antenna or other elevated structure of the boat.  
   
   
       8 . A kit of materials for use in deterring birds from landing on an object, comprising: 
 a plurality of reels, each reel comprising 
 a spool portion on which a length of string having a hook fastened thereto is wound, and  
 a strap for releasably securing the reel to the object and/or a supporting structure adjacent to the object; and  
   a plurality of “zip” tie fasteners, each “zip” tie fastener having an eyelet to which one or more hooks fastened to the lengths of string can be releasably engaged.    
   
   
       9 . The kit of materials according to  claim 8  wherein the strap on each of the plurality of reels comprises a double-sided hook and loop fastener material.  
   
   
       10 . The kit of materials according to  claim 8  wherein the string wound on the spool portion of the plurality of reels is a monofilament fishing line.  
   
   
       11 . The kit of materials according to  claim 8  wherein each of the plurality of reels includes a handle for rotating the spool portion to wind the string onto the spool portion and thereby retract the string into the reel.  
   
   
       12 . A device for use in deterring birds from landing on an object, the device comprising a reel comprising: 
 a front portion provided with a circular opening;    a spool portion having 
 a raised circular portion on a front side that is slightly smaller than the circular opening provided in the front portion,  
 a handle projecting from the front side, and  
 a circular sidewall formed in a rear side,  
   a rear portion that is removably connectable to the front portion to rotatably capture the spool portion therebetween, the rear portion having 
 an annular ring formed on an inner side for serving as a bearing surface for the circular sidewall formed in the rear side of the spool portion, and  
 a sidewall provided with an opening,  
   a strap extending from an outer side for mounting the reel to an object; and    a length of string having a first end extending through a hole in the spool into a rear cavity, a middle portion that is wound around the spool portion, and a second end extending through the opening formed in the sidewall of the rear portion of the reel; and    a hook attached to the second end of the string.    
   
   
       13 . The device according to  claim 12  wherein the front portion and the rear portion are formed of plastic and are removably connectable to each other via snap-fit engagement.  
   
   
       14 . The device according to  claim 12  wherein the hook is made of brass and is connected to a brass swivel that is tied to the second end of the string.  
   
   
       15 . The device according to  claim 12  wherein the reel further comprises an integral tie down on an outer side of the front portion of the reel.  
   
   
       16 . The device according to  claim 12  wherein the strap is made of a double-sided hook and loop fastener material.  
   
   
       17 . The device according to  claim 12  wherein the string is made of a monofilament fishing line.  
   
   
       18 . The device according to  claim 12  wherein the reel has a diameter of about 3″ and a thickness dimension of about 1″ measured from a front side of the front portion to a rear side of the rear portion.  
   
   
       19 . The device according to  claim 12  further comprising a “zip” tie fastener comprising: 
 an eyelet to which the hook tied to the second end of the string can be removably secured; and    an end that can be pressed through a one-way ratcheting box-clasp after a body portion has been wrapped around an object.    
   
   
       20 . The device according to  claim 19  wherein the “zip” tie fastener is formed of nylon.