Floating Dowel Bee Feeder
20260053119 ยท 2026-02-26
Inventors
Cpc classification
International classification
Abstract
A bee feeder designed to prevent bee drowning and minimize inter-hive fighting. The feeder comprises a long rectangular container, optimally 2 to 6 feet in length, with taller walls (4 to 10 inches) to contain a significant volume of bee syrup. Floating wooden dowels, approximately inch in diameter and slightly shorter than the width of the container, are placed side by side atop the syrup, creating a safe bee feeding surface. The dowels are light enough to float as bees land on them, enabling access to the syrup. High-sugar concentration syrup used in the feeder creates an osmotic preservation effect, protecting the dowels from decay. This invention provides an efficient and safe method for feeding large numbers of bees, with advantages over smaller or bucket-style feeders, particularly in terms of surface area and ease of use. It allows bees to feed without crowding and requires fewer refills.
Claims
1. A bee feeder, comprising: a rectangular or square container, a plurality of wooden dowels (4), arranged side by side and floating on a bee syrup (5) within the container.
2. A bee feeder, of claim 1 comprising: a rectangular container (1) ; longer walls (2) and shorter walls (3) forming the structure of the container; a plurality of wooden dowels (4), that are a honey bee body length shorter than the width of the container, arranged side by side and floating on a bee syrup (5) within the container.
3. A bee feeder, of claim 2 comprising: a rectangular container (1) having a length of 2 to 6 feet, a width of 4 to 6 inches, and a height of 4 to 8 inches; longer walls (2) and shorter walls (3) forming the structure of the container; a plurality of wooden dowels (4), each approximately inch to 1 inch in diameter and slightly shorter than the width of the container, arranged side by side and floating on a bee syrup (5) within the container.
4. The bee feeder of claim 1, wherein the dowels (4) are configured to float and allow slight movement when bees land on them, providing a stable landing surface (7) that prevents bees from slipping beneath the dowels during descent for feeding, thereby ensuring safety and accessibility to the bee syrup (5).
5. The bee feeder of claim 2, wherein the container (1) is designed to accommodate various lengths, up to and exceeding 6 feet, while maintaining the functional advantages of preventing bee drowning and reducing inter-hive fighting.
6. The bee feeder of claim 1, wherein the bee syrup (5) has a high sugar concentration, creating an osmotic preservation effect (6) that protects the wooden dowels (4) from decay.
7. The bee feeder of claim 1, wherein the dowels (4) are made from a material that is resistant to warping and degradation when exposed to prolonged contact with high-sugar syrup.
8. The bee feeder of claim 1, wherein the container (1) includes a removable or adjustable divider (11) within the container, allowing the feeder to be adapted for different colony sizes or to segregate different types of bees.
9. The bee feeder of claim 1, wherein the container (1) is equipped with a sloped bottom surface designed to direct any remaining syrup toward one end of the feeder for easier cleaning and refilling.
10. The bee feeder of claim 1, wherein the dowels (4) have varying diameters mixed and distributed evenly across the surface to provide a more stable floating platform and to accommodate bees of different sizes.
11. The bee feeder of claim 1, wherein the container (1) is constructed with a transparent or semi-transparent material allowing beekeepers to easily monitor the syrup level and the feeding activity without disturbing the bees.
12. The bee feeder of claim 1, wherein the feeder is designed with modular connectors on the sides, enabling multiple feeders to be linked together to create a larger continuous feeding surface.
13. An enclosed bee feeder of claim 1 for attachment to a hive body, comprising: a container with a rectangular or square base, configured with a snap-on lid designed to securely cover the top of the container to protect the feed from contaminants and prevent spillage, wherein the lid is easily removable for quick access to the interior of the container for cleaning or inspection; a sliding refill door integrated into the snap-on lid, enabling beekeepers to refill the feeder by sliding the door open to add feed and then closing it, thereby maintaining the integrity of the enclosure without the need to remove the entire lid; a spacer attached to the base of the container, structured to maintain a predefined distance between the feeder and the beehive, positioning the feeder such that it aligns with the hive opening and allows sufficient space for bees to enter the feeder without obstruction, while also serving as a barrier to other insects; an opening between the feeder and the hive body, sized and shaped to facilitate easy and safe passage for bees, thereby allowing them access to the feed while minimizing exposure to external elements and pests; a surface within the feeder, formed by a plurality of floating wooden dowels arranged to create a stable and accessible platform that supports bee landing and feeding activities, wherein the dowels are dimensioned to cover the width of the container, ensuring no gaps that would allow bees to slip into the feed; alignment tabs located on the exterior of the container, designed to interface with corresponding features on the hive body, ensuring that the feeder is correctly positioned and secured against the hive, preventing misalignment that could hinder bee access and feeder functionality.
14. The bee feeder of claim 13, wherein the snap-on lid incorporates a sliding refill door equipped with a mechanical locking mechanism that secures the door in both opened and closed positions, facilitating the addition of bee syrup without necessitating the removal of the entire lid.
15. The bee feeder of claim 14, wherein the sliding refill door includes a slide-lock mechanism that engages with a catch on the lid to prevent unintended opening.
16. The bee feeder of claim 13, wherein the spacer comprises adjustable mechanical sliders that extend or retract to set the distance between the feeder and the beehive from two to six inches, accommodating various hive designs.
17. The bee feeder of claim 13, wherein the passage between the feeder and hive includes a mesh gate that permits bees to pass while blocking larger insects, constructed from a durable polymer material.
18. The bee feeder of claim 13, wherein the alignment tabs feature graduated markings to visually indicate alignment with the hive entrance, with each tab locking into corresponding slots on the hive to secure the feeder's position.
19. The bee feeder of claim 13, wherein the surface area within the enclosed bee hive feeder is coated with a polyurethane non-slip finish to enhance traction for bees during feeding.
20. The bee feeder of claim 13, wherein each dowel is surface-treated with a textured pattern of concentric rings, molded directly into the wood to provide improved grip for bees.
21. The bee feeder of claim 13, wherein the feeder incorporates an electronically controlled heating element that maintains the bee syrup at a constant temperature of 35C. (95F), regulated by an integrated thermostat.
22. The bee feeder of claim 13, wherein the container is fitted with electronic level sensors that monitor syrup volume and a Wi-Fi module to transmit data to a beekeeper's device.
23. The bee feeder of claim 13, wherein the feeder is designed with interlocking tabs and slots allowing for complete disassembly for cleaning, each component made from stainless steel to prevent corrosion.
24. The bee feeder of claim 13, wherein all components are manufactured from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET), certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for environmental sustainability.
Description
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MATERIALS
Materials Used
[0016] Container Walls and Dowels: The feeder's walls and dowels are primarily constructed from high-grade, durable polyethylene, known for its resistance to environmental degradation and chemical stability, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the bee syrup. The wooden dowels are treated with a food-safe, anti-fungal sealant to prevent decay and mold buildup, extending their usability and safety in bee feeding applications.
Mechanical Details
Sliding Refill Door and Locking Mechanism:
[0017] The sliding refill door is crafted from reinforced polycarbonate, offering transparency for easy monitoring of syrup levels. The door integrates a stainless-steel slide-lock mechanism, designed to withstand repetitive use and environmental wear. This lock includes a fail-safe catch that prevents accidental openings, securing the door against vibrations or when handled during maintenance.
Adjustable Spacer
[0018] The spacer utilizes a telescopic design made from aluminum, allowing it to expand or contract to fit various hive sizes. This adjustment is facilitated by a simple twist-lock mechanism that securely holds the spacer at the desired length, ensuring the feeder remains at an optimal distance from the hive entrance to minimize bee traffic congestion.
Operational Workflow
Refilling Process:
[0019] Refilling the feeder involves sliding the refill door open using an ergonomically designed handle that minimizes disturbance to the bees. The door slides smoothly on a set of precision-engineered rails that ensure a quiet and gentle operation to prevent startling the bees.
Integration with Hive Setups
[0020] The feeder is designed to attach seamlessly to existing hive structures using universal mounting brackets. These brackets are adjustable and include soft silicone pads to avoid damaging the hive. The alignment tabs are marked with visible indicators for correct positioning, ensuring that the feeder aligns perfectly with the hive entrance every time.
Environmental Considerations
Use of Recycled Materials:
[0021] All plastic components of the feeder are manufactured from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET), reducing the carbon footprint of production. This material choice not only supports sustainability but also ensures that the feeder remains lightweight and resistant to UV degradation.
Safety Features
Non-Slip Surface and Edge Design:
[0022] The top surface of the dowels features a non-slip texture, achieved by micro-etching the sealant to create a grip-friendly finish. The edges of the container are rounded and coated with a soft-touch material to prevent injuries to both bees and beekeepers during interaction with the feeder.
Maintenance and Durability
Maintenance Procedures:
[0023] The feeder is designed for easy maintenance, requiring only periodic cleaning with mild soap and water. The components can be quickly disassembled without tools, thanks to snap-fit connections that simplify the process of taking apart and reassembling the unit.
Durability and Lifespan
[0024] Expected to last for at least 10 years under normal conditions, the feeder's materials and construction methods were chosen for their longevity and resistance to typical stresses encountered in outdoor environments.
Quantifiable Improvements
[0025] Field tests indicate that the new feeder design reduces the need for refills by 40% compared to traditional designs, thanks to its larger capacity and efficient syrup consumption rates. This improvement not only saves time but also decreases the stress placed on bee colonies during maintenance activities.
BENEFITS OF THE INVENTION
[0026] Prevents Bee Drowning: The floating dowels create a safe surface for bees to land on, significantly reducing the risk of bees drowning in the syrup. In the embodiment described in claim 3, there have been no instances of bee drownings or deaths due to fighting in the first six months of use.
[0027] Reduces Inter-hive Fighting: the extended feeding surface area allows bees to spread out while feeding, minimizing aggressive behavior and reducing inter-hive conflicts. By providing ample space and multiple feeding points, the feeder reduces competition among bees, which significantly lowers instances of inter-hive fighting. The design of the floating dowels ensures that bees have safe landing spots, drastically reducing the risk of drowning by preventing bees from falling into the syrup. In the rectangular embodiment, there is reduced contention among bees as the feeding distances are spaced further apart.
[0028] Efficient Feeding: The larger container design allows for the feeding of more bees at once, reducing the need for multiple feeders and saving time on refills.
[0029] Osmotic Preservation of Dowels: The high-sugar concentration in the syrup creates an osmotic effect that preserves and protects the wooden dowels from decay, extending the life of the feeder.
[0030] Optimized Surface Area: The design provides more surface area for bees to feed compared to traditional bucket-style feeders, making it more efficient for large colonies.
[0031] Safe and Comfortable Feeding: The floating dowels are light enough for bees to walk on and spin, ensuring they can comfortably and efficiently collect syrup.
[0032] Less time-consuming maintenance: the larger capacity reduces the frequency of refilling, making it more convenient for beekeepers.
[0033] Prevents Overcrowding: The long, rectangular design helps prevent overcrowding at the feeding area, leading to a calmer and more productive feeding environment.
[0034] Versatile Length: The container can be designed in various lengths while maintaining its functional advantages, allowing customization based on the needs of different beekeepers.
[0035] Cost-Effective: Reduces the need to purchase multiple small feeders, as one large feeder can service a large number of bees.
[0036] Much Faster Consumption: The large surface area allows bees to consume the syrup up to 100 times quicker compared to traditional feeders. It is absolutely amazing to watch.
[0037] Bee Feeder Can Be Refilled Even While Bees Are Actively Feeding: Another advantage is that the bee feeder can be refilled even while bees are actively feeding. By slowly pouring the syrup into a specific spot on the floating surface, the liquid seamlessly flows between a few of the dowels without disrupting the others, allowing the bees to continue feeding undisturbed.
[0038] Provides a Visual Representation of the Hive's Population: Another benefit is the psychological impact of witnessing the sheer number of bees actively feeding on the larger surface area. The sight of so many bees and the collective hum they create is truly mesmerizing. Additionally, this setup provides a visual representation of the hive's population using the feeder, offering insights that might otherwise go unnoticed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0039] The bee feeder of the present invention is designed to offer a safer, more efficient feeding method for honeybees. The feeder consists of a long rectangular container that can hold a significant volume of syrup, allowing for fewer refills and longer feeding times. The floating dowel system prevents bees from drowning by providing a safe landing surface.
[0040] The dowels, made of wood and treated with a high-sugar concentration syrup, are resistant to decay due to the osmotic preservation effect. This feeder design reduces inter-hive fighting by offering an expansive feeding surface, minimizing crowding. Compared to traditional small feeders and bucket-style feeders, this invention offers significant advantages, particularly in terms of feeding efficiency, safety, and ease of use.
REFERENCE NUMBERS IN THE DRAWINGS
[0041] Container (1): The feeder comprises a long rectangular container made from durable material. The container can vary in length but is optimally between 2 to 6 feet long. The height of the walls ranges from 4 to 8 inches to contain a significant volume of bee syrup (5). The width of the container is approximately 4 to 6 inches.
[0042] Longer Walls (2): The longer walls of the container provide structural integrity and maintain the syrup's containment.
[0043] Shorter Walls (3): The shorter walls connect the longer walls and help contain the syrup.
[0044] Wooden Dowels (4): Wooden dowels are placed side by side within the container, floating on the surface of the syrup. Each dowel is approximately inch in diameter and slightly shorter than the container's width, allowing them to move slightly when bees land on them.
[0045] Bee Syrup (5): The container holds a bee syrup mixture with a high concentration of sugar, which not only feeds the bees but also creates an osmotic preservation effect (9) on the wooden dowels, protecting them from decay.
[0046] Sliding Refill Door (6): Integrated into the snap-on lid, the sliding refill door allows beekeepers to refill the feeder effortlessly by sliding the door open, adding feed, and then closing it.
[0047] Bee Landing Surface (7): The floating dowels create a stable surface for bees to land and feed. The close arrangement of the dowels ensures that bees do not fall into the syrup.
[0048] Bee Entry Points (8): Bees can enter and exit the feeder from any direction along the container's open top.
[0049] Spacer (9): The spacer is a crucial component that maintains the appropriate distance between the feeder and the beehive. It positions the feeder in front of the hive opening, ensuring there is enough space for bees to enter the feeder without obstruction.
Opening Between the Feeder and Hive (10): The space between the feeder and the hive serves as a passageway for bees to access the feeder. It is dimensioned to facilitate easy entry for bees while protecting the feed from external elements and pests.
[0050] Alignment Tabs (11): Designed to aid in the correct positioning of the feeder at the front of the bee hive, the alignment tabs help ensure that the feeder matches the hive's dimensions. This alignment secures the feeder in place and prevents any misalignment that could impede bee access.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
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