RS20211566A1 - SYSTEM FOR GROWING BEE SOCIETY AND OBTAINING BEE PRODUCTS IN HOME CONDITIONS - Google Patents

Abstract

The system for growing a bee colony and obtaining bee products in home conditions without using beekeeping equipment consists of the basic element (77), which consists of transparent sides (13) and a double ring (1) in the form of an equilateral hexagonal prism, with main openings (2). which are used for the passage of bees to another basic element (77) or one of the auxiliary elements (78) entry/exit of bees, (79) obtaining pollen, (80) feeding bees, (81) obtaining honey and (82) propyla, (83) ) and (61) bee capture, (84) bee settlement. Auxiliary openings (3) are intended for modular connection of auxiliary elements, double slits (8) on the sides (13) are used for connecting cards (15) collects honey, (16) prevents the passage of bees and (17) queen grid, opening (9) for system cleaning, circular hole (14) for safety screws (6). The rings (1) are unscrewed with spacers (4), the inner ones prevent the passage of bees, the outer ones (11) are holders. Ring (1) is secured by connection (5), magnets (10), (12) are used for plates.

Description

SYSTEM FOR GROWING A BEE SOCIETY AND OBTAINING

BEE PRODUCTS AT HOME

Field of technology to which the invention relates

The invention, generally speaking, belongs to the field of agriculture, the broader field is animal husbandry, the narrower field is beekeeping. The subject of the invention has direct application in agriculture - beekeeping, medicine - apitherapy, scientific institutions - for the needs of experimental research and indirect application (through pollination, preservation of endangered bee breeds and ecosystems).

Technical problem

The benefits of each individual bee product are widely known. However, obtaining them requires a series of activities by a specialized person in the owned apiary, taking special measures and protective equipment. When obtaining fresh bee products, the following procedures are common: opening the hive, removing frames occupied by bees, using a smoker (as a means of calming the bees) and owning and using numerous special equipment. The above procedures are carried out in an open area, due to the real unsuitability of their implementation indoors with the current, known types of hives. The essence of the technical problem is based on the following: how to structurally provide a system for cultivating a bee colony and obtaining bee products indoors without using known specialized equipment? In order to implement the above, it is necessary to carry out a complete reconstruction and adaptation of the hive into an inventive system, which, while overcoming all the above-mentioned shortcomings, would enable the production of bee products as well as the services provided by the bee community.

The subject invention enables the cultivation and exploitation of a bee colony without the use of beekeeping protective equipment in an enclosed space (residential buildings, business premises, etc.). Given its multifunctionality, the subject invention, through its associated elements, enables the user to obtain bee products, including honey, pollen and propolis, without contact with bees, as well as services related to the implementation of apitherapy - through the process of apipuncture (injection of bee venom) and apiinhalation (inhalation of air originating from a bee colony).

State of the art

The state of the art is represented by the published patent application CN205993379U, and the similarity is reflected in the fact that the subject of the invention is a hexagonal observation beehive intended for urban environments with indoor use. It consists of a wooden frame, front and back sides made of transparent material. It has the ability to connect multiple hives so that the bee colony can expand as it grows. There is also an opening for fumigation, as well as an opening through which access to honey would be provided. The hive has an inlet/outlet in the form of a hose, which allows the hive to be connected to the outside environment.

Patent application CN209861969U also presents an observation hive with the possibility of rotational opening of the transparent part. The method of operation, shape and purpose are based on the previous patent. The body of the hive is hexagonal. The material of the frame is wood, and the front and back sides are made of plexiglass or glass. The invention does not have the possibility of safely obtaining bee products without the use of specialized equipment, nor apitherapy services through apipuncture and apiinhalation. As with the previous application, the design solution of this invention is limited exclusively to the observation of the bee community.

Published patent documents CN211910138U and CN210695498U are observation hives that also resemble a system for growing a bee colony and obtaining bee products in home conditions, but only in their shape. The design flaws are mostly related to use, because the options for using and exploiting the bee colony are unavailable to the user.

The shortcomings of the above-mentioned applications, which represent the closest state of the art, are reflected in the following:

a smoke vent is an incomplete solution, as the use of smoke in a closed space is not recommended;

- the use of smoke requires special equipment (smokers and similar devices) and an increased risk of fire in an enclosed space;

- the opening for fumigation is not securely secured, so there is an increased possibility of bees escaping and flying into the enclosed space; - obtaining honey through one opening of a wooden frame in an enclosed space is a risky procedure in conventional use without professional equipment; the inventions do not have feeders for feeding during the bee-free period; - the inventions do not have elements for collecting pollen;

- the inventions do not have elements for carrying out api-inhalation;

- the inventions do not have an element for seizing bees for performing apipuncture;

- the inventions do not have an element for settling and repopulating a bee community;

- the inventions do not have an element for obtaining honey;

- the inventions do not possess an element for obtaining propolis.

From the above state of the art, a common conclusion can be drawn that the system for cultivating a bee colony and obtaining bee products in home conditions exhibits similarity in comparison with all the above publications only through the shape (hexagon) and the possibility of observing the bee world through the transparent part of the hive, which normally communicates with nature through the outlet hose. However, in all known solutions and the above inventions, the collection and consumption of bee products is not available without opening the hive, using additional equipment and fumigating the bees, which is not recommended in home or other closed spaces. By virtue of the above, the current patent applications that most closely describe the state of the art can be collectively characterized as applications based on beekeeping in observation hives that are limited to observing the life and work of bees without adequate access to bee products and the application of apitherapy.

Exposition of the essence of the invention

The essence of the invention is reflected in the generation of a system for cultivating a bee colony and obtaining bee products in home conditions without the need to use specialized beekeeping equipment. The invention enables widespread use by people who do not have beekeeping experience. The novelty is based on a system made of transparent materials with associated elements also made of transparent materials for obtaining honey, pollen, propolis, api-inhalation and api-puncture services, provided that they are safe for the user. In addition to the above, the construction solutions provide the possibility of populating and repopulating the system with bee communities in closed space conditions, observation and exploitation, as well as its maintenance, feeding and modulation of basic and auxiliary elements.

Brief description of the draft images

- Figure 1 shows the basic element 77 of the system, front view; - Figure 2 shows the types of cards 15, 16 and 17 and fuse 18, front view;

- Figure 3 shows the basic element 77 of the system with added auxiliary elements (elements), side view;

- Figure 4 shows the input/output element 78, side view;

- Figure 5 shows an element 79 for obtaining pollen, front view; - Figure 6 shows an element 80 for feeding bees, front view; - Figure 7 shows an element 81 for obtaining honey, front view; - Figure 8 shows an element 82 for obtaining propolis, side view;

- Figure 9 shows the element 83 and 61 for catching bees, side view;

- Figure 10 shows a bee housing element 84, side view.

Detailed description of the invention

Basic element

The basic element 77 of the system forms the body, in Figure 1, and consists of a front and rear transparent side 13 and a transparent frame made of a double ring 1 in the form of an equilateral hexagonal prism. Both rings 1 have main openings 2 on all sides of the hexagon. These openings 2 serve for the potential passage of bees into the second basic element 77 or one of the auxiliary elements. In addition to the aforementioned, there are four smaller auxiliary openings 3 on each side 13 of the outer ring 1, intended for a modular connection system that allows interchangeability and a solid connection with the auxiliary elements. The rings 1 are separated from each other by four spacers 4, 11 on each side of the hexagon, of which the two inner spacers 4 serve as walls of the passage of the main opening where they prevent bees from passing between the double ring, while the two outer spacers 11 serve as holders for the clock base.

The double frame 1 provides the bees with better insulation and prevents heat loss, the outer frame from peeling, facilitates the addition of other elements to the basic element 77 and ensures greater safety for the user. The ends of the ring 1 of the basic element 77 are secured by a “dovetail” connection 5, and the front and rear sides 13 are secured by screws 6 for safety. The nuts of the screws 6 are designed to allow them to be screwed in by hand, and their dimensions and ergonomics prevent the use of great force when tightening. The design of the basic element 77 allows for the compatibility and modularity of all added elements on each of its sides. The clock base 7 is located in the central part of the base element 77. The sides 13 have double slots 8 for cards 15, 16 and 17 and circular openings 14 through which the security screws 6 pass. In addition to the double slots 8 for cards 15, 16 and 17, there are also slots 9 for cleaning the system. On the front side 13 and the outer ring 1 there are two magnets 10 and 12 that allow the placement of a plate with the name of the system, logo, hologram and QR code. The entire system can be placed on the wall using a suitable bracket, which rotates to allow for two-sided observation of all processes within the system.

Card types

Using the system for cultivating a bee colony and obtaining bee products in home conditions also involves the use of cards. Each page 13 has two slots 8 in front of each opening 2 where cards 15, 16 and 17 shown in Figure 2 can be inserted. The cards enable unhindered use of the system, as they prevent contact between bees and the user in places where there are openings 2. Card distribution:

- Cards 15 with perforations for pollen collection;

- Security cards 16 that prevent the passage of bees (prevent entry/exit);

- Cards 17 with slots through which bees can circulate while preventing passage for the queen (so-called queen grid);

- Cards 50 of the sliding system of the element 81 for collecting honey;

- Safety cards 57 code element 83 for catching bees.

If we want to add-subtract a certain element from the basic element 77 of the system, it is necessary to first install-remove the security card 16. The card 15 with perforations for collecting pollen is used when using the element 79 for catching pollen, during the process of its collection. The cards 17 with the queen grid are used in the case of preventing the birth instinct and excessive bee population, because they prevent the queen from laying eggs on both sides of the clock, given that the total area of the brood is limited to only one side of the clock base 7. The security cards 16, as well as the cards 15 with perforations, can be inserted through the slots 8 on both sides of all six sides of the basic element and have the possibility of securing them using a special square fuse 18.

Construction of additional elements

Given the complexity of the process of obtaining products in professional beekeeping, all auxiliary elements - accessories are specially designed to enable their simple and safe use in closed space conditions. Common to all auxiliary elements is their uniform attachment to the basic element 77 (body), modularity and scalability. The same principle of connection allows the user to effectively replace the elements as well as changes in their arrangement. In the same way, it is also possible to connect several basic elements 77 to each other, several additional elements to the basic element 77, as well as to connect the elements to each other. Each additional element contains four connectors that enter the four auxiliary holes 3 of the outer ring 1 and can be attached to each side of the basic element 77. All connectors on the auxiliary elements have one circular hole that is clearly visible on the connectors 22, and the position of the hole is common with the positions of the holes 14 on the sides 13 where the screws 6 pass. Screws 6 are placed through the holes 14 on the sides and the holes on the connectors, which have the role of fastening when connecting the auxiliary elements to the basic element 77.

1. Figure 3 and Figure 4 show an element 78 that allows bees to freely fly out and communicate with the outside environment from inside the basic element 77. It is composed of a stratification of surfaces 23 secured by screws 20 with an opening in the middle, a connector 22 for connection to the basic element 77, a hose 21 through which the bees circulate, as well as a slot 24 for the security card 16 in the event of blocking the bee activity or removing the system. Element 78 is secured by connectors 22 and secured by screws 6 on either side of the basic element 77 and allows bees to communicate with nature where the need of the bee community for excursion-gathering activity is satisfied.

2. Figure 3 and Figure 5 show the pollen collection element 79. It is composed of parallel transparent sides 26 that follow the shape of the trapezoidal frame 27, screws 28, a drawer 29 for receiving pollen and a horizontal grid 30. At the entrance part 32 and 31 of the element there are slots 31 for cards 15 with perforations that serve for the passage of worker bees, where during the passage there is a mechanical removal of pollen from the corbicula. In the same places it is possible to place safety cards 16 in case of removal of the same element. If the card 15 with perforations is placed, the pollen from the corbicula ends up in the drawer 29. The grid 30 separates the drawer 29 from the bees. The return of the drawer 29 to its place is additionally ensured by magnets 34. The connectors 33 are secured by screws 6 and allow the pollen collection element 79 to be secured to the side of the base element 77.

Figure 3 and Figure 6 show a bee feeding element 80. It is composed of transparent material sides, a stepped pyramid 36 with a cylindrical opening 37 in the middle that connects to the stepped corridors 38 of the pyramid 36. The laminar pyramid 36 prevents bees from exiting the interior of the feeder, limits access to the food by the bees, while the openings and corridors allow unhindered passage of the workers from the basic element 77. On the upper side there are sliding covers 39 that can be moved horizontally to add food, and on the laminar pyramid there are small openings 40 for capillary stimulation. The lower side of the feeder 80 is designed to provide a 2% drop, in order to avoid retention of the added liquid food. The scale 41 shows the level of added feed and is located on the front side of the element 80. The specially designed element 80 allows for easy feeding of bees during the non-bee-feeding periods of the year. On the underside of the feeder 80 there are connectors 42 which are secured by screws 6 and allow the feeding element 80 to be fixed on the upper side of the base element 77.

Figure 3 and Figure 7 show a honey storage element 81. It is composed of a frame 44, front and rear sides 45, a sliding system 46 and a clock base 47. The sliding system on the front side consists of a door 48, fuses 49 and cards 50. Removing the fuse 49 enables horizontal mechanical movement of the sliding system 46 in order to access the honeycomb 81. On the front side 45 there are slots 51 for placing cards 50 that block access by bees to the part of the comb from which honey will be consumed. In addition to the above, the element 81 has the possibility of attaching a feeding element 80 as shown in Figure 3 or another honey storage element 81. It is placed on the upper side of the base element 77 and is fastened with connectors 86 and secured with screws 6.

In Figure 8, the element 82 for collecting propolis is shown. It is composed of one perforated transparent surface 52 and four mutually parallel joints 53 through which it is connected to either side of the basic element 77 of the system itself and secured with screws 6. Due to the fact that the cranks seal the small holes with propolis, the surface has small hexagonal holes. When placing the attachment 82 on one or more independent holes 2 on the rings 1 of the basic element 77, on either side of it, and after removing the security card 16, the bee colony will begin the propolising process. The propolis is taken away after all the perforations have been filled, where the propolis is removed from the surface by simple scraping. In the case of removing the attachment 82, it is necessary to previously replace the security card 16.

The element 83 for catching bees is shown in Figure 9. It consists of a box with two partitions 54, magnetic rollers 55 and sliders 56, two cards 57 and a mesh with a frame 58. The said element 83 allows for easy isolation of an individual bee from the system, without the possibility of other bees escaping and facilitates the api-puncture process. The element 83 is attached to the basic element 77 of the system from any of its sides by means of connectors 59 which are secured with screws 6. The element 83 can also be placed on all six sides of the basic element 77. The entry of the bee into the additional element 83 is enabled by removing the main security cards 16 located on the basic element 77. After the card 16 is removed, the bee colony has access to the element 83, which facilitates the isolation of an individual bee. After its isolation in the main compartment 60, it is guided by means of movable slides 56 into the syringe-shaped element 61. In order to ensure the entry of the bees into the element 61, it is necessary to first pull out the card 57 from the slot 62. The security card 16 on the main element 77, after the bee enters the syringe 61, returns to its previous position in order to prevent more bees from getting out. On the underside of the element 61 there is a base 63 with magnets that corresponds to the mesh with the frame 58. The element 61 consists of an internal piston 64, a lever 65 for mechanically moving the piston 64, a cylinder 66, and upper and lower bases 67 with magnets. By mechanically moving the piston 64, the bee remains enclosed in the cylinder 66 until the cylinder 66 reaches its final position, where the frame 58 with the mesh and magnets is located on the lower base 63. For the purpose of applying the sting, the element 61 is placed at the site where the apipuncture therapy is to be performed, and the piston 64 stimulates the bee to sting. Numerous therapeutic treatments can be performed with api-toxin.

Figure 3 shows an api-inhaler 68. It consists of a base box 69 in which a fan 35, a door 70, an inhalation hose 71 and a medical mask for inhalation are located. This element 68 is used for inhalation in a closed space without direct contact with bees. During use, the fan 35 extracts air from the base element 77 and allows the inhalation of volatile substances and aromatic compounds of bee products. The element 68 is attached to the base element 77 on either side by means of connectors 87 and secured with screws 6.

Figure 10 shows an element 84 for populating and repopulating the system with a bee colony in the form of a square box. The element 84 contains slots 72 on all six sides, in order to ensure adequate ventilation and oxygen flow. The upper part (lid) 73 is vertically movable, contains a handle for easier carrying and manipulation. The lid has two semi-movable fuses 74, which serve to lock the lid into the two narrower sides of the box. In this way, the volume of the box is reduced depending on the height, i.e. the position of the lid. This system imitates the piston system that enters the box and, if necessary, stimulates the bees to exit more quickly into the base element 77. The box has its own security card 16, which is placed in the slot 75 only during transport, and after connecting to the base element 77 via connectors 76, it is removed. Element 84 is secured to the underside of base element 77.

Its use eliminates the need for the potential user to go to the apiary and carry the entire system into the field for colonization, as these operations would create new problems in conventional use. A box constructed in this way allows for the safe transfer of the bee colony, and safe settlement in a closed space without the possibility of the bees leaving the room where it is located. By occasional settlement, the number of bees and the vitality of the community within the system are maintained at the desired vitality.

Claims (10)

Patent claims 1. A system for cultivating a bee colony and obtaining bee products in home conditions, characterized in that the basic element (77), made of transparent materials, has a hexagonal shape, an inner and outer ring (1), a transparent front and back side (13), openings (14) through which screws (6) pass, slots (8) for security cards (16) and cards (17) for restricting the queen bee, while the interior of the basic element (77) is filled with a clock base (7), and on all six sides of the basic element there are openings (2) and slots (3) for universal joints (22) through which all auxiliary elements are fixed: element (78) for the entrance/exit of bees, element (79) for obtaining pollen, element (80) for feeding, element (81) for obtaining honey, element (82) for obtaining propolis, element (83) for catching bees and api-puncture, an element (68) for inhalation and an element (84) for populating the system, as well as two or more basic elements (77) with each other. 2. A system for cultivating a bee colony and obtaining bee products in home conditions, according to claim 1, characterized in that the associated element (78) for the entrance/exit of bees on one side has the shape of a hose (21), and on the other side, by stratifying surfaces (23) with a central opening connected by screws (20), it forms a trapezoidal shape with a slot (24) for the security card (16) and is connected to the basic element (77) on either side of it by means of connectors (22) and secured by means of screws (6). 3. A system for cultivating a bee colony and obtaining bee products in home conditions, according to claim 1, characterized in that the associated element (79) for obtaining pollen in the form of a trapezoidal box is composed of transparent materials connected by screws (28), with slots (31) for a perforated card (15) and a security card (16), sides (26), drawers (29), perforated grids (30) and connectors (33) by which it is fixed to the basic element (77) at the openings (2) of the side walls and secured by screws (6). 4. A system for cultivating a bee colony and obtaining bee products in home conditions, according to claim 1, characterized in that the feeding element (80) is of square shape, composed of transparent materials, a stepped pyramid (36) with a central cylindrical opening (37) that is connected to the stepped corridors (38), a scale 41 for the feeding level, sliding covers (39) and openings (40) for capillary stimulation and a connector (42) with which it is fixed to the basic element (77) on its upper side and secured with screws (6). 5. A system for cultivating a bee colony and obtaining bee products in home conditions, according to claim 1, characterized in that the element (81) for obtaining honey is rectangular in shape with rounded upper edges, composed of transparent sides (45), a frame (44), a clock base (47) in the central part and a sliding system (46) consisting of a pair of doors (48), fuses (49), cards (50) and card slots (51), which is fixed to the basic element (77) on its upper side by joints (86) and secured by screws (6). 6. A system for cultivating a bee colony and obtaining bee products in home conditions, according to claim 1, characterized in that the element (82) for obtaining propolis is composed of a transparent perforated plate (52) and connectors (53) by which it is fixed to the base element (77) on either side thereof and secured with screws (6). 7. A system for cultivating a bee colony and obtaining bee products in home conditions, according to claim 1, characterized in that the element (68) for inhalation of a square shape is composed of a transparent box (69) inside which is located a fan (35), and to which is attached an inhalation hose (71) and a medical mask, and which is fastened with connectors (86) on either side of the basic element (77) and secured with screws (6). 8. A system for cultivating a bee colony and obtaining bee products in home conditions, according to claim 1, characterized in that the element (83) for catching bees and api-puncture is of square shape, composed of a transparent box divided into partitions (54), where on the outer part there are sliders (56), an element in the form of a syringe (61), magnetic rollers (55), a mesh with a frame (58) and a card (57), and which is fixed on either side of the base element (77) by means of joints (59) and secured with screws (6). 9. A system for cultivating a bee colony and obtaining bee products in home conditions, according to claim 1, characterized in that the element (84) for settling bees is composed of a square box, with ventilation slots (72), a lid (73) with a handle, semi-movable fuses (74), a slot (75) for a security card (16) and connectors (76) with which it is fixed on the underside of the base element (77), where it is secured with screws (6). 10. A system for cultivating a bee colony and obtaining bee products in home conditions, according to claim 1, characterized in that the basic element (77) of hexagonal shape can have any other shape and that it has the possibility of combining a universal connection of several different elements, forming an independent entity of the complete system.