Queen Bee Cage Holder Apparatus

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to relates to an apparatus for introducing a queen bee to a new or existing beehive. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a queen bee cage or cradle holder apparatus, which is adapted for holding various sizes and shapes of cages and which suspends the queen bee in her cage securely in an ideal position within the new beehive. The apparatus is designed to easily insert and remove the queen bee cage from the beehive.

Claims

1. An apparatus for securing a queen bee cage containing a new queen bee within a beehive comprises: a flat vertical base member having a top, a bottom, a front surface and a rear surface; a hook element extending from the top of the flat vertical base member; and a first queen bee cage receiving element extending from the front surface of the flat vertical base member, configured to hold a queen bee cage therein.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the hook element is configured to extend over an edge of a beehive frame.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first queen bee cage receiving element comprises a first receiving arm extending from a first position on the flat vertical base member to a second position on the flat vertical base member.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the first queen bee cage receiving element comprises a second receiving arm extending from a third position on the flat vertical base member to a fourth position on the flat vertical base member.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the first receiving arm comprises a first perimeter and the second receiving arm comprises a second perimeter, wherein the first perimeter of the first receiving arm is the same as second perimeter of the second receiving arm.

6. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the first receiving arm comprises a first perimeter and the second receiving arm comprises a second perimeter, wherein the first perimeter of the first receiving arm is larger that the second perimeter of the second receiving arm.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first queen bee cage receiving element is shaped to receive a first queen bee cage of a first shape and further wherein the first queen bee cage receiving element is shaped to receive a second queen bee cage of a second shape, wherein the first shape and the second shape are different.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: an extension arm extending from a side of the flat vertical base member, wherein the extension arm is configured to hold the queen bee cage in position within first queen bee cage receiving element.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a second queen bee cage receiving element disposed adjacent the first queen bee cage receiving element.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the second queen bee cage receiving element is disposed above the first queen bee cage element.

11. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the second queen bee cage receiving element comprises a first receiving arm extending from a first position on the flat vertical base member to a second position on the flat vertical base member.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the second queen bee cage receiving element comprises a second receiving arm extending from a third position on the flat vertical base member to a fourth position on the flat vertical base member.

13. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the first receiving arm has a first perimeter and the second receiving arm has a second perimeter, wherein the first perimeter is the same as the second perimeter.

14. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the first receiving arm has a first perimeter and the second receiving arm has a second perimeter, wherein the first perimeter is larger than the second perimeter.

15. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the first receiving arm and the second receiving arm are configured to hold a queen bee cage that has a tapered shape.

16. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising: an extension arm extending from a side of the flat vertical base member, wherein the extension arm is configured to hold the queen bee cage in position within second queen bee cage receiving element

17. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the first queen bee cage receiving element is shaped to receive a first queen bee cage of a first shape and further wherein the first queen bee cage receiving element is shaped to receive a second queen bee cage of a second shape, wherein the first shape and the second shape are different.

18. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first queen bee cage receiving element comprises an area of material thinner than the remainder of the first queen bee cage receiving element, wherein the area of material thinner than the remainder of the first queen bee cage receiving element is configured to be cut by a cutting device.

19. A method of using the apparatus of claim 1 comprising the steps of: placing a first queen bee cage of a first shape having a first queen bee therein within the first queen bee receiving element; and hooking the apparatus on a frame within a beehive.

20. The method of using the apparatus of claim 18 further comprising the steps of: removing the first queen bee cage from the first queen bee receiving element; placing a second queen bee cage of a second shape having a second queen bee therein within the first queen bee receiving element, wherein the second shape is different than the first shape.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus for receiving and securing a queen bee cage within a beehive according to the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus for receiving and securing an embodiment of a queen bee cage according to the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus for receiving and securing another embodiment of a queen bee cage according to the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus for receiving and securing yet another embodiment of a queen bee cage according to the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a queen bee cage holder apparatus for receiving and securing yet another queen bee cage in an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a queen bee cage holder apparatus being enlarged in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a queen bee cage holder apparatus holding a relatively larger queen bee cage in an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] The present disclosure relates to an improved apparatus for introducing a new queen bee to a new or established beehive. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a queen bee cage or cradle holder apparatus, which suspends the queen bee securely within her enclosure and in an ideal position within the new beehive. Additionally, the apparatus maintains the queen bee cage until the queen is accepted, and the queen is timely released into the hive. The acclimation period provided by the secure placement of the cage offers a better opportunity for the colony to accept and care for the new queen, while also ensuring the new queen remains with her new hive.

[0048] Now referring to the figures, FIGS. 1-4 illustrate an improved apparatus 10 for securing a queen bee cage within a beehive for introduction of a new queen bee to a new or existing hive. The apparatus can be constructed from any durable, non-toxic material, such as metal or plastic. The apparatus 10 provides for easy suspension of a queen bee cage within the beehive, as well as for easy removal when the queen has left the cage. Additionally, the apparatus 10 is designed to hold queen bee cages having a variety of configurations.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus 10 comprises a hook member 12, which allows the apparatus to be suspended from a frame 1 within the hive, and specifically to hook over the top 2 of the frame 1. The hook member 12 easily slips over the top 102 of the frame 1, without requiring removal of the frame from the hive enclosure. The hook member 12 also provides a secure attachment, without the need for any additional securing devices, such as a rubber band or another form of attachment.

[0050] Extending from the hook member 12 is a flat vertical base member 14 on which at least one, and preferably multiple, queen bee cage holders 20, 28 are positioned perpendicular to and extending from the surface 16 of the flat vertical base member 14. As shown in FIG. 1, multiple cage holders 20, 28 can be positioned one on top of the other, along a length 18 of the flat member 14. The queen bee cage holder 20 may have a generally U-shaped configuration formed by two opposing receiver arms 22 attached to the surface 16 of the flat member 14. Likewise, queen bee cage holder 28 may have a generally U-shaped or C-shaped configuration formed by two opposing receiving arm 30. As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the queen bee cage holders 20, 28 have different sizes and configurations for receiving and holding cages of different shapes and sizes. Regardless of the size or shape of the queen bee cage, each cage includes a sugar plug at one end of the cage. Additionally, each cage holder 20, 28 is designed to hold the cage in a horizontal position. In this manner, the cage is easily accessible to the worker bees, who care for the queen, and maintain the queen in a healthy position.

[0051] For example, as shown in FIG. 1, at the bottom 14a or end of the flat vertical base member 14 is a first cage holder 20 formed from two opposing receivers 22 having a generally three-armed rectangular shape. The bottom arm 23 of the first cage holder further includes a lip 24 or indentation, which permits the holder to accommodate rectangular cages 50, 52 of different lengths and widths. For instance, as shown in FIG. 2, the first cage holder 20 can receive a queen bee cage 50 having a larger width and longer length, while as shown in FIG. 3, the lip 24 on the bottom arm 23 of the first cage holder 20 is configured to receive a cage 52 having a smaller width and shorter length.

[0052] Additionally, in order to accommodate queen bee cages 50, 52 of different lengths, an extension arm 26 extends horizontally out from an outer edge of the flat member 14. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the extension arm 26 is designed to further secure the queen bee cage at one end.

[0053] As further shown in FIG. 4, there is a second cage holder 28 positioned above the first cage holder 20. The second cage holder 28 has two opposing receivers 30 having a slightly rounded, or C-shape configuration. This second cage holder 28 is sized to hold a special shape of queen bee cage, where the body of the queen bee cage 54 includes an extension 56 in which the sugar plug 51 is disposed. As described, the apparatus 10 of the present disclosure is meant to be universal, configured to hold nearly any type, shape and size of queen bee cage.

[0054] FIG. 5 illustrates an alternate apparatus 100 for securing one of a plurality of different sized and shaped queen bee cages within a beehive for introduction of a new queen bee to a new or existing hive. The apparatus 100 comprises a hook member 112, which allows the apparatus to be suspended from a frame within the hive, as described above with respect to apparatus 10, and specifically to hook over the top 102 of the frame 100. The hook member 112 easily slips over the top thereof, without requiring removal of the frame from the hive enclosure. The hook member 112 also provides a secure attachment, without the need for any additional securing devices, such as a rubber band or another form of attachment.

[0055] Extending from the hook member 112 is a flat vertical base member 114 on which at least one, and preferably multiple, queen bee cage holders 120 are positioned perpendicular to and extending from a front surface 116 of the flat vertical base member 114. As shown in FIG. 5, multiple cage holders 120, 128 can be positioned one on top of the other, along a length 118 of the flat member 114. The queen bee cage holder 120 has a generally U-shape confirmation formed by two opposing receiver arms 122 attached to and extending from the surface 116 of the flat vertical base member 114. As with apparatus 10 described above, apparatus 100 have queen bee cage holders 120, 128 of different sizes and configurations for receiving and holding queen bee cages of different shapes and sizes. Additionally, each cage holder 120, 128 is designed to hold a queen bee cage in a generally horizontal position. In this manner, the queen bee cage is easily accessible to the worker bees, who care for the queen, and attempt to free the queen via a sugar plug within the queen bee cage.

[0056] At the bottom 114a or end of the flat vertical base member 114 is first cage holder 120 formed from two opposing receivers 122 having a generally three-armed rectangular shape. The bottom arm 123 of the first cage holder further includes a lip 124 or indentation, which permits the holder to accommodate rectangular cages of different lengths and widths.

[0057] Second cage holder 128 positioned above the first cage holder 120. The second cage holder 128 has two opposing receiving arms 130a, 130b having a slightly rounded, or C-shape configuration, attached to and extending from the flat vertical base member 114. This second cage holder 128 is sized to hold a special shape of queen bee cage, where the body of the queen bee cage 154 includes an extension 156 in which the sugar plug 151 is disposed. The two opposing receiving arms 130a, 130b may be sized differently, to accommodate the shape and size of the queen bee cage 154, which may be tapered. Thus, receiving arm 130a may have a perimeter that is larger than the perimeter of receiving arm 130b, such that the queen bee cage 154, being tapered, may be frictionally held within the two receiving arms 130a, 130b, without requiring an extension arm that would aid in maintaining the queen bee cage in its proper position. As described, the apparatus 100 of the present disclosure is meant to be universal, configured to hold nearly any type, shape and size of queen bee cage.

[0058] The queen bee cage holder apparatus 10 and 100 may further allow for larger queen bee cages to be held therein. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the first cage holder 120 may be cut by a cutting device, such as scissors 140 so that the two opposing receiving arms 122 may be widened to accept a relatively larger queen bee cage 150, as illustrated in FIG. 7. To facilitate the cutting of the receiving arms 122, notches 132, as illustrated in FIG. 5, or areas of relatively thinner material may be disposed within the receiving arms 122 to allow for easier cutting of the receiving arms 122 via the cutting device.

[0059] It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. Further, references throughout the specification to “the invention” are nonlimiting, and it should be noted that claim limitations presented herein are not meant to describe the invention as a whole. Moreover, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.