base for a prey case

Abstract

Base (11) for a hive housing, comprising at least the base and a lid, the base (11) comprising two opposite side walls (12, 13) and two opposite end walls (15, 16), characterized in that the front and rear end walls (15, 16) are detachably connectable to the side walls (12, 13) to form a rectangular frame, and that at least one ventilation grille (43) or a closed base plate can be inserted into the assembled frame to close it from below.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a base for a hive housing, comprising at least the base and a lid, the base of which may have at least one entrance slit for the bees on its front face. Frequently, the housing also includes at least one super, which in the operating position is arranged between the base and the lid and in which the frames for the honeycombs are inserted.

[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 supers have the same base area as the bottom board and fit snugly onto it. The lid, with the same base area, closes the hive from above. The height, and therefore the size, of the hive can be varied by the number of supers stacked on top of each other. Supers also exist in 1 / 1 height, 1 / 2 height, and 3 / 2 height.

[0003] The bottom of the hive often features a flight slit through which the bees enter and exit. The hive itself, or its components, are frequently made of polystyrene or wood, which provides good strength and insulation. A well-known example is the Segeberger hive, whose boxes have a square base measuring 50 cm × 50 cm. Eleven standard German-sized frames (39.5 cm top × 37.0 cm bottom × 22.3 cm high) fit into such a box.

[0004] It is known from DE 20 2023 101 620 U1 to assemble the hive body from individual parts that are positively connected to one another. The assembled hive body fits onto a base that stabilizes the hive body with a circumferential collar. The base also has a flight slit for the bees on one of its upright sides. Furthermore, it is known from this publication to design the hive bodies, and thus the base, with a footprint only half the size to facilitate the transport of a honey-filled hive.

[0005] Furthermore, it is necessary from time to time to separate the queen bee from the colony and transport it. Queen bees also need to be bred and fertilized to establish a new colony. Often, the queen bees are transported so that the new colony can be established in a different location. For this purpose, so-called transport hives are used, which usually have a feeding trough and sufficient space for the queen bee and the nurse colony.

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of designing a floor of the type described above in such a way that it is suitable for the hive as well as for the breeding of queen bees or for their transport.

[0007] The problem is solved according to the invention by the fact that the front and rear end walls can be detachably connected to the side walls to form a rectangular base frame, and that at least one grid or a solid base plate can be inserted into the assembled base frame to close it from below. In the following, the terms "top," "bottom," "side," "front," and "back" are used in reference to a hive in its operating position. The detachable connection of the wall elements forming the base allows for space-saving storage and shipping. In particular, one or more of the wall elements can be adapted to individual needs and the specific purpose.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the invention, the wall element forming an end wall can be provided with a horizontal projection extending parallel to the lower edge, forming a landing board, above which a flight slit extends in the upright end wall. Alternatively, the wall element forming an end wall can have a recess extending along its longitudinal extent, leaving lateral edges, the lower horizontal boundary wall of which forms a landing board and the rear vertical boundary wall of which contains a flight slit. In this case, the resulting base is configured like a conventional one-piece base for forming a standard hive.

[0009] It is also possible for the wall element forming one end wall to have two external openings leading to two adjacent housings, each for a queen bee. This allows a standard-sized floor to be used for raising two queen bees, keeping them separate within the same enclosure.

[0010] It is also possible for the wall element forming one end wall to have only a central opening to the queen bee's dwelling. Alternatively, the wall element forming one end wall can have only an outer opening to the queen bee's dwelling. In this case, the bottom of the hive forms the housing for only one queen bee. In the latter case, the opening is located only on one side of the hive body.

[0011] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the wall element forming the front end wall has two outer openings leading to two queen bee colonies located on the outside of the housing, and the wall element forming the rear end wall has a central opening leading to a colony located between the other two colonies. This allows three queen bees to be housed in one housing. Since, in the assembled position, the central opening is located on the rear side of the housing and the two outer openings are positioned at a relatively large distance apart on the front of the housing, sufficient separation of the bee colonies is ensured.

[0012] The production of such diverse wall elements, particularly from a foamed plastic, is possible using only one mold and simple means. It can be provided that the wall elements forming the end walls are produced in a single mold with removable inserts in the area of ​​the openings to be formed. This allows the various openings in the end wall to be created in one mold, such that the finished end wall will have either two adjacent openings, the central opening, or both outer openings closed. Then, a single mold can be used to produce an end wall with two outer openings, with only one outer opening, or with only one central opening. When all inserts are in place, a closed end wall is formed.

[0013] Within the housing, adjacent compartments are separated by partitions. These partitions can, for example, be inserted into a frame so that the respective separated compartment lies above an opening. This allows for the safe separation of the bee colonies.

[0014] The openings may be equipped with so-called drone barriers or may already have a drone barrier. Such drone barriers can be designed as a rotating disc with openings of various sizes around its circumference. This makes it possible, for example, to keep drones out and allow only worker bees and / or the queen bee to pass through. These rotating discs often also have a position in which no bees can fly into or out of the hive.

[0015] It is also possible, in principle, for the wall element forming one end wall to be closed. In that case, a bottom closed on all sides can be formed, allowing the housing to be transported.

[0016] The above statements refer to the specific design of the wall elements for the front and / or rear end wall of the floor. Of course, the side wall elements can also be designed accordingly.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the wall elements forming the end and side walls each have an upwardly projecting projection on their upper side, leaving an external shoulder. In the assembled position, these projections form a substantially circumferential collar on which a frame for forming the hive body is positively locked. This securely holds the individual wall elements of the base in their assembled form. Accidental loosening of an end or side element is thus reliably prevented.

[0018] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the side walls have a vertically extending groove or a downward-extending projection on their upright inner surfaces, open from above and / or below, into which corresponding projections or grooves of a feeder insert fit in order to hold it securely in the area of ​​the base opposite an opening in an end wall. The base can then be used as a transport box. The feeder can also be used to hold special food for raising a queen bee.

[0019] It is also possible for the wall elements forming the side and end walls to be closed, in order to create a frame extension when assembled. This may be necessary, for example, if a half-frame with a 1 / 1 height is to be placed next to a half-frame with a 3 / 2 height on a floor and closed with a cover.

[0020] The way the individual wall elements—the front and rear end walls and the side walls—are connected is essentially arbitrary. For example, screws or pins can be used that engage in corresponding threaded holes or bores in the other element. It is advantageous if the end walls, with their upright side edges, are detachably held and connected to corresponding recesses or projections on the end faces of the side walls via corresponding projections and / or recesses. This achieves a simple, secure, and detachable connection between the individual wall elements. In the assembled position, two side walls and the front and rear end walls thus form a rectangular or square frame.

[0021] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the projections and recesses have interacting surfaces running perpendicular to the end wall in order to pull the end wall away from the side walls or to attach it to them.

[0022] For a particularly strong connection, the projections and the webs defining the recess of an end wall or side walls 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 end wall from being unintentionally pulled off. The locking pin can be a metal, wooden, or plastic bolt.

[0023] It is also possible to fix and hold the front panel to the base section using adhesive tape or a dab of glue. This can be cut or separated and removed with a sharp knife, such as a utility knife, if necessary.

[0024] 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.

[0025] It is obvious that such a base increases versatility. Various bases can be created with just a few different and relatively small end elements. The side walls remain essentially the same. Therefore, the two parallel side walls can be connected by perpendicular webs. Generally, only two widths are needed to create a base with the footprint of a full frame and a base with the footprint of a half frame.

[0026] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the schematic drawing. It shows: Fig. 1. The perspective view of a floor according to the invention in an expanded representation, Fig. 2 a - f different designs of the front end wall for the floor according to Fig. 1, Fig. 3 the perspective view of the ground in mounted position.

[0027] The in Fig. The base 11 shown has two side walls 12, 13, which are connected to each other by two webs 14 running perpendicular to them. The length of the webs 14 between the side walls 12, 13 is dimensioned such that a base can be formed for either a full frame or a half frame.

[0028] Furthermore, the base 11 has a front end wall 15 and a rear end wall 16. These are detachably joined via lateral recesses 17 at the side edge of the end walls 15, 16 and projections 19 extending away from the end surfaces 18 facing the end walls 15, 16 as extensions of the side walls 12, 13. The interacting surfaces of the recesses 17 and projections 19 run parallel to each other, so that the end wall 15, 16 can be pulled off perpendicular to the upright wall surface 20.

[0029] Furthermore, the side walls 12, 13 and the end walls 15, 16 each have an upward-pointing collar 21 at their upper edge. In the assembled position, a circumferential projection is formed onto which a frame with a corresponding underside can be fitted in a form-fitting manner. This securely holds the individual wall elements 12, 13, 15, 16 of the base 11 together. From above, the base 11 can be closed either directly or with interposed frames by a cover (not shown).

[0030] The assembled base 11 has one side open at the top and one side open at the bottom. The open underside is bounded by the webs 14 and the side walls 12, 13. The side walls 12, 13 may have inwardly projecting projections 22 in their lower region, which are flush with the webs 14. This forms a support, for example, for a ventilation grille 43. The grille is dimensioned such that it is larger than the opening 23 bounded by the projections 22 and the webs 14, and smaller than the opening formed by the vertical wall sections of the assembled wall elements 12, 13, 15, 16.

[0031] As a rule, the entrance slit 24 for the incoming and outgoing bees is located in the front end wall 15 of the floor 11. In the case of the Fig. The bottom shown in Figure 1 is the front end wall 15 with a flight slot with an internal flight board 25.

[0032] The detachable connection allows different variants of a floor 11 to be provided simply by replacing the front end wall 15. In the Fig. Figures 2a to 2f show different designs of an end wall.

[0033] In the Fig. Figure 2a shows a closed front wall 26. This is structurally identical to the also closed rear front wall 16. A closed front wall is needed, for example, for transporting prey.

[0034] The front wall 27 according to Fig. 2b has an opening 28 at each of its outer edges, into which a drone barrier fits. This end wall 27 is required if the housing has two compartments for two separate queen bees.

[0035] The front wall 29 according to Fig. 2c has a central opening 30. This end wall 29 can then be used if the housing only has a dwelling for one queen bee.

[0036] It is also possible to use the front wall 27 as the front end wall 15 according to Fig. 2b and as rear end wall 16 the end wall 29 according to Fig. 2c to be used for forming the base 11. Then, in one housing, three separate dwellings for three queen bees, accessible through separate and relatively widely spaced openings 28, 30, can be provided.

[0037] The front wall 31 according to Fig. 2d has an outer opening 32. This front wall 32 can be used if the housing only contains one queen bee. It is also possible to use this front wall 31 additionally as a rear front wall. In this case, two separate queen bees can also be housed in one housing, and the corresponding openings are then a large distance apart.

[0038] Openings 28, 30, and 32 can be fitted with so-called drone barriers (not shown) to restrict access to the hive via these adjustable openings to worker bees, worker bees and queen bees, or worker bees, queen bees, and drones. The opening can also be completely closed or closed except for a few ventilation openings. Such drone barriers are well-known and therefore require no further explanation.

[0039] In Fig. 2e is the front wall 15 according to Fig. 1 shown in isolation. The landing board 25 for the bees is located in a front recess 33 of the front wall 15.

[0040] The front wall 34 according to Fig. 2f is provided with a flight slot 35 for the bees. The landing board 36 is formed here as a projection of the front wall 34.

[0041] It may be necessary to provide a feeding trough for the bees and the queen bee within the housing. Therefore, a feeding trough 37 is provided, which is inserted into the base 11. Specifically, the arrangement is such that the feeding trough 37 is open at the top and has a tray 38 for the food. On each of its lower side sections 39, there is at least one outwardly projecting projection 40, which fits into a corresponding recess or groove 41 on the inwardly projecting projections 22 of the side walls 12, 13. This secures the feeding trough 37 against displacement within the base 11. The tray 38 fits between the inner walls of the opposing side walls 12, 13 and is larger than the distance between the lower projections 22 of the opposing side walls 12, 13. Thus, the tray 38 rests securely on the projections 22 and the rear web 14.

[0042] On its front surface 41 in the lower area of ​​the feed trough 37, there is a forward-pointing projection 42 which, in the assembled position, lies in a plane with the lateral projections 22 of the side walls 12, 13 and the web 14. This creates a continuous, plane-like support rim when the feed trough 37 is inserted, on which a ventilation grille 43 can be placed.

[0043] As can be seen in particular from the Fig.As shown in Figures 2a-f, a variety of different variants for forming different hive housings can be provided using such a designed base 11. Only different end walls 15, 16, 26, 27, 29, 31, 34 are connected to the always identical base assembly 12, 13, 14, and a feeding trough 37 is optionally inserted. The base assembly 12, 13, 14 can also be formed as a single piece. Furthermore, only two sizes of ventilation grilles need to be kept on hand: a large one for using the base 11 without a feeding trough 37 and a small one for using the base 11 with a feeding trough 37 inserted. Storage is thus simplified. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 20 2023 101 620 U1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Base (11) for a prey shell, comprising at least the base and a lid, the base (11) comprising two opposite side walls (12, 13) and two opposite end walls (15, 16), characterized by , that the front and rear end walls (15, 16) can be detachably connected to the side walls (12, 13) to form a rectangular frame, and that at least one ventilation grille (43) or a closed base plate can be inserted into the assembled frame to close it from below. [2] Soil (11) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the side walls (12, 13) are connected via webs (14) which are attached to the side walls (12, 13) in the lower area, and that the end walls (15, 16) each have an inwardly pointing projection (22) on their inner sides at their lower area, which in the assembled position form a circumferential step as a support for the ventilation grille. [3] Soil according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the wall element forming one end wall (27) has two external openings (28) to two adjacent dwellings for one queen bee each. [4] Soil according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the wall element forming a front wall (29) has only a central opening (30) to the dwelling of a queen bee. [5] Soil according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the wall element forming a front wall (31) has only one outer opening (32) to the dwelling of a queen bee. [6] Soil according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the wall element forming the front end wall (15) has two outer openings (28) to two dwellings located on the outside of the housing for one queen bee each, and that the wall element forming the rear end wall (16, 29) has a middle opening (30) to a dwelling located between the two other dwellings. [7] Soil according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the wall elements forming the end walls (15, 16, 26, 27, 29, 31) have been manufactured in a mold which has removable inserts in the area of ​​the openings to be formed (28, 30, 32) in order to form the various openings (28, 30, 32) in the end wall in one mold such that in the finished end wall (15, 16, 26, 27, 29, 31) either two adjacent openings or the middle opening or the two outer openings are closed. [8] Soil according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized bythat the openings are designed as drone barriers or have a drone barrier. [9] Soil according to claim 1, characterized by , that the wall element forming one end wall (26) is designed to be closed. [10] Soil according to claim 1, characterized by , that the wall element forming an end wall (34) is provided with a projection running horizontally parallel to the lower edge, forming a flight board (34), above which a flight slot (35) extends in the upright end wall. [11] Soil according to claim 1, characterized by , that the wall element forming an end wall (15) has a depression (33) extending along its longitudinal extent while leaving lateral edges, the lower horizontal boundary wall of which forms a flight board (25) and the rear vertical boundary wall of which has a flight slot (24). [12] Soil according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by, that the wall elements forming the front and side walls (12, 13, 15, 16) each have an upwardly pointing projection (21) on their upper side, leaving an external ledge, which projections in the assembled position form an essentially completely circumferential collar on which a frame for forming the housing of the prey is held in a form-fitting manner. [13] Soil according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by , that the side walls (12, 13) have on their upright inner sides a vertically extending groove (41) open from above and / or below or a projection extending from top to bottom, into which corresponding projections (40) or grooves of a feed trough (37) fit in order to hold it in a form-fitting manner in the area of ​​the floor (11) opposite an opening (28, 30) in an end wall (27, 29). [14] Soil according to claim 1, characterized by, that the wall elements forming the side walls (12, 13) and end walls (15, 16) are designed to be closed in order to form a frame extension in the assembled position.

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