base for a prey case

Abstract

The invention relates to a base for a hive housing comprising at least one frame, the base, and a lid, the base of which may have at least one entrance slit for the bees on its front end face. According to the invention, it is proposed that the front end face of the base be detachably connected to the base, leaving a section of the base intact.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a base for a hive housing, comprising at least one frame, the base and a lid, the base of which may have at least one flight slot for the bees on its front face.

[0002] A beehive for honeybees comprises the hive body and the bee colony. The hive body serves as the dwelling for the bee colony. It can be designed as a generally rectangular structure consisting of a bottom board, one or more supers, and a lid. The height, and therefore the size, of the hive can be varied by the number of supers stacked on top of each other.

[0003] The bottom of the hive often features an entrance slit through which the bees can enter or leave. The hive itself, or its components, are frequently made of polystyrene or wood, which provides good strength and insulation.

[0004] One well-known example is the Segeberger hive, whose frames have a square base measuring 50 cm x 50 cm. Eleven German Standard frames (39.5 cm top x 37.0 cm bottom x 22.3 cm high) fit into such a frame. A honey-filled frame can weigh between 25 kg and 29 kg and is therefore relatively heavy to handle. Furthermore, the frames, especially those made of rigid foam, are manufactured and delivered as single pieces. This results in a large volume, making storage, transport, and shipping correspondingly complex. Half-frames are also known, in which the base area is half that of standard hives.

[0005] It is known from DE 20 2023 101 620 U1 to assemble the hive body from individual parts that are positively connected to each other. The assembled hive body fits onto a one-piece base, which stabilizes the hive body with a circumferential collar. The base is also provided with the entrance slot for the bees.

[0006] The entrance slot can be designed in various ways. For example, so-called entrance wedges are known from DE 20 2022 101 354 U1; these are inserted into the entrance slot to individually adapt the entrance provided in the ground. It is also known to arrange a so-called landing board in front of the entrance slot.

[0007] Depending on the bee colony, different entrance slots may be more suitable. Therefore, it is necessary to provide different bottom boards with different entrance slots for each hive body size. Furthermore, the entire bottom board must always be replaced if the entrance slot becomes worn and too large due to the stress of bees entering and exiting. This generates a relatively large amount of plastic waste.

[0008] The invention is based on the objective of making a floor of the type described above more versatile.

[0009] The problem is solved according to the invention by detachably connecting the front end wall of the base to the base, leaving a base section exposed. This has the advantage that different front end walls with different flight slots can be mounted on an identical base section. It is therefore possible to produce only one identical base section, which is then fitted with different end walls and completed. This increases the versatility of the base. Furthermore, it facilitates storage and the production of bases with different flight slots.

[0010] Another advantage is that if the flight slot becomes worn, only the front panel needs to be replaced. This significantly reduces material costs and the amount of plastic waste to be disposed of.

[0011] The method used to attach the front end wall to the base section is essentially arbitrary. For example, screws or pins can be used that engage in corresponding threaded holes or bores in the other part. It is advantageous, however, if the front end wall is connected to the base section at its upright side edges via corresponding projections and recesses. This provides a simple, secure, and detachable connection between the front end wall and the base section.

[0012] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the projections and recesses have interacting surfaces running perpendicular to the front panel, in order to remove the front panel from the base section or to attach it to it. This has the advantage that the front panel can be replaced even when the frame is installed.

[0013] For a particularly strong connection, the projections and the ribs defining the recess of the front end wall or the base section can be provided with openings running transversely or perpendicular to the removal or insertion direction, through which a removable locking pin passes. The locking pin typically runs perpendicular to the interacting surfaces, thus preventing the front end wall from being unintentionally pulled off. The locking pin can be a metal, wooden, or plastic bolt.

[0014] It is also possible to fix and hold the front end panel to the bottom section using adhesive tape or a dab of glue. This can be cut or separated and removed with a sharp knife if necessary.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally, the projections and recesses can be designed to interlock tightly, either suction-fit or clamping. This clamps the projections in the recesses, providing sufficient support for the front end wall against the base section.

[0016] In principle, it is advantageous for the base to have a circumferential, upward-pointing collar on its upper edge to ensure that the frame is securely and tightly fitted against displacement. Therefore, according to a further embodiment of the invention, the base section has a projection on its edge facing the frame above, projecting towards the frame above, and the front end wall is provided with a corresponding projection on its edge facing the frame above, so that the projections of the base section and the front end wall form a circumferential, upward-pointing collar in the assembled position, which engages behind or overlaps the frame in the assembled position. Thus, a circumferential collar is formed despite the detachable arrangement of the front end wall.The design is typically such that, viewed from above, the upper edge, and thus the extension of the base section, forms a U-shape. In the assembled position, the extension of the front end panel then extends between the free ends of the two legs of the U, forming a continuous, closed collar. This also ensures that the front end panel is securely held to the base section by the attached frame.

[0017] However, such a projection prevents or at least hinders the simple removal of the front panel from the floor, as the shoulder typically engages behind the frame. Removal is particularly hindered when the interacting surfaces of the interlocking projections and recesses run parallel to the floor surface. Replacing the front panel would then only be possible with the frame(s) raised. In this case, a projection of the front panel that engages behind the frame does not prevent it from being pulled out or inserted.

[0018] It can therefore be provided that the interacting projections and recesses are arranged on the facing end faces of the base section and the front end wall, so that the front end wall can be inserted or removed when the extension is present and the frame is in place. In the rear view of the front end wall, the projection or recess can be essentially U-shaped and open at the top. The interacting surfaces of the interlocking projections and recesses then run along the lateral vertical edges of the base section and the front end wall, perpendicular to the base surface. The lower projection, which forms the base of the U, runs parallel to the base surface. This allows the front end wall to pivot about an axis running parallel to the base surface between the free ends of the U-shaped projection, even when the frame is in place.

[0019] To remove the front end panel, grasp it at the bottom and fold it upwards away from the housing until it can be pulled downwards. Reassembly is carried out in reverse order. The front end panel can therefore be removed even with the frame in place and filled. This is advantageous in some cases.

[0020] However, removing the front end panel creates vibrations that are transmitted to the hive and disturb the bees. Therefore, it is sufficient to adjust the bottom board by replacing the front end panel only when the brood box(es) are removed. The brood box(es) are then placed back onto the adjusted bottom board. This can also be done with the brood boxes filled and the bees inside.

[0021] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the schematic drawing. It shows: Fig. 1 the perspective view of prey with a bottom according to the invention, and Fig. 2 an exploded view of the bottom of the prey according to Fig. 1.

[0022] The hive 11 for bees shown in the drawing is essentially cuboid in shape and comprises a base 12, a super 13 placed on top of it, and a lid. The lid is not shown in the drawing. The base 12 can have a solid bottom plate, a grid, a sieve, or a perforated bottom plate made of metal, wood, or plastic.

[0023] The hive shown, number 11, is designed as a so-called half-depth super, where the base area is approximately half the size of a standard super, such as the Segeberger hive with a base area of ​​50 cm x 50 cm. However, the following explanations also apply to such a standard super.

[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom board 12 is provided with a flight slot 16 and a landing board 17 projecting in front of it on its front end wall 15. The bees enter the frames containing the combs inside the hive through the flight slot 16. When assembled, a previously known hive with a one-piece bottom board engages a circumferential extension on the upper edge 19 of the bottom board 12 in an internal recess or notch in the lower edge of the hive body 13. The terms "top" and "bottom" here refer to the normal position of the hive, in which it rests on a horizontal surface.

[0025] The upper edge of frame 13 also has such a projection at its upper edge, which engages in the corresponding recess on the lower edge of a similar frame. This allows several identical frames to be stacked on top of each other. The lid has a corresponding recess at its lower edge into which the projection of the uppermost frame engages.

[0026] Naturally, the projections can also be present on the underside of a hive body or lid, engaging in corresponding recesses on the top of the hive body or the bottom. In this respect, the hive is a known feature and therefore requires no further explanation.

[0027] The front end wall 15 with the flight slot 16 and, if applicable, with the landing board 17, is detachably connected to the base 12. The base 12 therefore consists of the front end wall 15 and a base section 20. The base section 20 thus comprises the essentially horizontal base plate that limits the prey 11 downwards and a rim 21 that is essentially U-shaped in plan view and forms three vertical side walls of the base 12. A U-shaped extension 18 is also present on the rim 21.

[0028] The front end wall 15 is held in place by projections 22 extending forward from the base section 20, which engage in corresponding recesses 23 on the rear side 24 of the front end wall facing the base section 20, or vice versa. The interacting surfaces 25 of the projections 22 and the recesses 23 run parallel to the upper edge 19 of the base and thus to the base surface. This allows the front end wall 15 to be removed or attached in the direction of arrow 26.

[0029] In the base 12 shown in the drawing, an upwardly projecting extension 28 is present on the upper edge 27 of the front end wall 15. This extension engages in a corresponding recess in the lower edge of a frame 13 positioned above it, which faces the edge 27. When the base 12 is assembled, this extension 28 and the U-shaped extension 18 of the base section 20 form the circumferential collar of the base 12. The attached frame securely holds the front end wall 15 to the base section 20.

[0030] However, such a projection 28 on the front end wall 15 prevents it from being removed or inserted when the frame 13 is in place. It can therefore be provided that the projections 22 extend to the upper edge 19 and the underside of the bottom section 20, and that the recesses 23 are designed as notches open at the top and bottom. Then the front end wall 12 can be pivoted about an axis 29 between the free ends of the legs of the U-shaped edge of the bottom section 20.

[0031] There may be a lower extension (not shown) running parallel to this axis 29 and pointing towards the base section 20 on the rear side 24 of the front end wall 15, which engages in a corresponding recess (not shown) on the front side 30 of the base section 20. In this case, the front end wall 12 can be removed from and installed on the base 12 even with the frame 13 in place. The frame may only need to be lifted slightly.

[0032] This design of the base 12 allows the front wall 15 with the entrance slot 16 to be easily replaced. This is necessary, for example, if the entrance hole 16 or landing board 17 is worn. A front wall 15 without an entrance slot 16 and without a protruding landing board 17 can also be used for transport purposes. This eliminates the risk of the landing board being damaged during transport or the bees leaving the hive.

[0033] The front end wall 15 is simply placed onto the base section 20 and clamped together by the interacting projections and recesses. No tools are required. Alternatively, locking pins can be provided, which pass through corresponding openings 31 in the interacting projections 22 and recesses 23, either transversely or perpendicularly to the interacting surfaces 25. This ensures a positive locking connection of the front end wall 15 to the base section 20. The openings 31 are shown as dashed lines in the drawing. These openings are not necessary if the base 12 is made of foamed plastic; instead, a wire pin pressed through the material from the outside in the assembled position is sufficient.

[0034] Components 15 and 20 of the base 12, the frame 13 (which can be composed of four side walls), and the lid can be made of a rigid foam material that has proven effective for beehives. However, other materials, such as wood, can also be used.

Claims

[1] Bottom (12) for a hive body comprising at least one frame (13), the bottom (12) and a lid, the bottom (12) having at least one flight slit (16) for the bees on its front face, characterized by , that the front end wall (15) of the floor (12) is detachably connected to the floor section (20) while leaving a floor section (20). [2] Soil according to claim 1, characterized by , that the front end wall (15) is connected to the bottom section (20) via corresponding projections (22) and recesses (23) at its upright lateral edge areas. [3] Soil according to claim 2, characterized by , that the projections (22) and recesses (23) have interacting surfaces (25) extending towards the front wall in order to pull the front front wall (15) away from the bottom section (20) or to place it on the front front wall. [4] Soil according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by, that the projections (22) and the recesses (23) have openings (31) running transversely or perpendicularly to the pull-off or plug-in direction (26) through which a removable locking pin passes. [5] Soil according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by , that the projections (22) and recesses (23) interlock in a suction-like manner. [6] Soil according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the bottom section (20) has on its edge (19) facing the overlying frame (13) a projection (18) pointing towards the overlying frame (13), that the front end wall (15) is provided with a corresponding projection (28) on its edge (27) facing the overlying frame (13), so that the projections (18, 28) of the bottom section (20) and the front end wall (15) form a circumferential and upward-pointing collar in the assembled position, which engages behind or overlaps the frame (13) in the assembled position. [7] Soil according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized by , that the interacting projections (22) and recesses (23) are arranged on the facing end faces (30, 24) of the bottom section (20) and the front end wall (15), that the interacting surfaces of the projections and the recesses on the side areas of the bottom (12) run perpendicular to the bottom surface, so that the front end wall (15) can be inserted or removed when the extension (28) is present and the frame (13) is in place. [8] Soil according to claim 7, characterized by , that a projection running parallel to the bottom surface and a corresponding recess are arranged in the lower area of ​​the mutually facing end faces (30, 24) of the bottom section (20) and the front end wall (15).

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