NOVEL APICULTURE BOXES FOR APIS MELLIFERA

Abstract

This invention provides a novel apiculture box with multiple chambers and pest-resistant features for Apis mellifera. The box’s design, incorporating rubber fittings, a step-down chamber configuration, and a wire mesh lid, prevents pest entry and supports optimal hive conditions. This structure offers a reliable, durable, and sustainable solution for commercial and small-scale beekeepers.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to beekeeping technology and apiculture equipment, specifically focusing on a novel apiculture box designed to support the growth and health of Apis mellifera colonies. The invention incorporates structural features that improve pest prevention, hive stability, and environmental suitability for honey bees, enhancing productivity and colony health.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Apiculture, or beekeeping, requires specialized equipment to house and protect honey bee colonies. Traditional beehive designs often face challenges in preventing pest infestation and ensuring environmental control, both critical for the health and productivity of Apis mellifera colonies. Pests such as mites, beetles, and wax moths enter hives through structural gaps, damaging the colony and reducing honey yield. Existing designs also struggle to maintain optimal conditions, with inconsistent protection against environmental fluctuations. This invention addresses these limitations by introducing an apiculture box with enhanced pest prevention and stable structural design. The novel box features multiple chambers with dimension-specific configurations and airtight fittings, creating an effective barrier against pests while allowing controlled ventilation and temperature regulation. This design supports a healthier environment for honey bees, promoting colony strength, disease prevention, and increased honey production.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention.
This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
The invention provides a novel apiculture box designed to enhance the health and productivity of honey bee colonies. The box comprises a bottom board, brood chamber, queen excluder, three super chambers, an inner cover, and a lid. Each chamber has specific dimensions, with a step-down size from the brood chamber to the top super chamber, facilitating an airtight fit that prevents pest entry. Rubber fittings between chambers create an airtight seal, while a wire mesh in the lid provides ventilation without compromising pest prevention. This modular structure is easy to assemble and allows for colony expansion or reduction based on seasonal needs, making it suitable for commercial and small-scale beekeeping.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a"," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes" and/or "including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", "third", and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
The Novel Apiculture Boxes for Apis mellifera are designed with multiple chambers, each with tailored dimensions to minimize pest entry and improve environmental control. The box includes a bottom board, brood chamber, queen excluder, three super chambers, inner cover, and lid. The bottom board, measuring 48 cm by 44 cm by 2 cm, supports the entire structure, providing a stable base for the stacked chambers. The brood chamber, with dimensions of 46 cm by 42 cm by 32 cm, is designed to house the queen and larvae, with adequate space for colony expansion and protection from environmental stresses.
Each super chamber progressively decreases in size from the brood chamber to the top, creating a step-down fit that ensures stability and prevents pest infiltration. The first super chamber measures 44 cm by 42 cm by 32 cm, the second 42 cm by 40 cm by 32 cm, and the top super chamber 40 cm by 38 cm by 32 cm. This design allows each chamber to securely nest within the one below it, while rubber fittings along the edges of each chamber enhance the airtight seal, further preventing pests such as mites and beetles from entering.
The queen excluder, measuring 42 cm by 40 cm by 1 cm, is placed between the brood and first super chambers. This excluder allows worker bees to access the super chambers while preventing the queen from spreading brood into honey storage areas, preserving the honey's purity. The lid features a wire mesh shelf to allow ventilation while keeping pests out, maintaining a balanced internal environment for the colony. Additionally, a 4 cm by 2 cm slit at the front of the box serves as an entry and exit point for the bees, designed to optimize airflow and accessibility for foraging.
The frames within each chamber are dimensioned according to the chamber size, with the brood chamber containing frames measuring 43 cm by 28 cm by 4 cm, and the first, second, and top super chambers housing frames of progressively smaller sizes. These frames allow for organized honey storage and brood placement, maximizing space and improving colony management. The overall structure provides beekeepers with a functional, pest-resistant, and efficient environment to raise healthy honey bee colonies, supporting sustainable apiculture practices.
, Claims:1. An apiculture box for housing Apis mellifera colonies, comprising a bottom board, brood chamber, queen excluder, three super chambers, inner cover, and lid, designed to minimize pest entry and optimize environmental control for honey bee health.
2. The box as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the chambers progressively decrease in size from the brood chamber to the top super chamber, facilitating a step-down fit that enhances stability and pest resistance.
3. The box as claimed in Claim 1, wherein rubber fittings along the chamber edges create an airtight seal, preventing pest infiltration and environmental fluctuations within the box.
4. The box as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the queen excluder allows worker bees access to the super chambers while restricting the queen's movement, maintaining honey purity in the super chambers.
5. The box as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the lid features a wire mesh for ventilation and a 4 cm by 2 cm slit for controlled bee entry and exit, ensuring adequate airflow and pest prevention.
6. A method for constructing an apiculture box as claimed in Claim 1, involving the stepwise arrangement of chambers, rubber fittings, and ventilation features to provide a stable, pest-resistant beekeeping environment.

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