Bird or animal repellent system

Abstract

A system and method for conveying a bird or animal repelling object along a path, comprising a line for conveying at least one bird or animal repelling object, the line configured to define a predetermined path. The bird or animal repelling object is coupled to the line, and at least two spaced apart supporting braces operatively engage the line and provide support thereto, wherein the line is suspended in the air. The system further includes a drive unit connected to the line and adapted to control the motion of the line with respect to the supporting towers. At least one cover is attached to at least one of the towers in alignment with the path of the line and is configured to shield the object from view when the object is disposed therein.

1 . A system for conveying an animal repelling object, comprising:
 a line defining a predetermined path;   at least two supporting members supporting the line;   an animal repelling object configured to move along the predetermined path; and   at least one cover fixed relative to at least one of said supporting members, said cover positioned in the path of said animal repelling object such that said animal repelling object is substantially hidden from view when disposed therein.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a drive unit for controlling the motion of said line with respect to said at least two supporting members along said path. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , further including a timer for activating and deactivating said drive unit at set intervals, thereby allowing the animal repelling object to remain hidden by the cover or to be conveyed along the path according to a predetermined or random schedule. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein said timer includes at least one of a light sensor or a motion sensor. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein said drive unit moves the line at variable speeds. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the direction of motion of the line is reversible. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the animal repelling object is slideably engaged with said line. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the animal repelling object includes an animated bird-like object having wings that flap. 
     
     
         9 . A system for repelling animals, comprising:
 at least two braces spaced apart from each other;   a line supported by said braces and defining a path;   an animal repelling object configured to move along or with said line; and   at least one shelter placed along the path of the line such that said animal repelling object is substantially hidden from view when disposed therein.   
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the shelter is located at a fixed location. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 9 , further comprising a propulsion unit movable along the line for propelling the animal repelling object along the path. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein said propulsion unit is powered by an electric current. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the electric current is transmitted to the propulsion unit by the line. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 9 , further comprising a motion compelling device for moving the animal repelling object between a retracted position, where the animal repelling objected is located inside the shelter, and an extended position, where the animal repelling object is located outside the shelter. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the motion compelling device is configured to move the animal repelling object toward and away from the shelter while the line remains stationary. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the motion compelling device comprises at least one of a scissors lift, lifting rod, telescoping rods, cable, rope, line or track. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the motion compelling device comprises a threaded shaft operatively connected to a scissors lift, the scissors lift being adapted to move toward and away from the shelter upon rotation of the threaded shaft. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 9 , further comprising a limit switch for stopping movement of the animal repelling object when the animal repelling object is disposed inside the shelter. 
     
     
         19 . A method for repelling animals, comprising:
 moving an animal repelling object along a path defined by a conveyor line suspended in the air;   stopping the animal repelling object; and   covering the animal repelling object such that the animal repelling object is substantially hidden from view at predetermined or random intervals while the animal repelling object is stopped.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the covering the animal repelling object includes disposing the animal repelling object inside a shelter.