CLEARER BOARD

Abstract: A clearer-board for beehives of the type which can also function as a queen excluder including at least two sheets (1, 2) each having a plurality of apertures (3) said sheets (1, 2) being in juxtaposition between two enclosures for bees, the sheets (1, 2) being adapted to be relatively and progressively moveable between two end or limiting operating positions, a first end position wherein said apertures on the sheets are in substantial alignment and a second end position wherein said apertures are out of alignment to allow control of the passage of bees between the two enclosures.

Description: CLEARER BOARD The present invention relates, in general, to an improved form of clearer board for beehives, being of a form which can function also as a queen-excluder. In general terms a beehive can be said to consist of a number of principal components, including a so-called brood chamber and a super. The purpose of a clearer board in accordance with the present invent¬ ion is to allow for and assist in harvesting of honey from the super, and more specifically to make the clearance of bees from that super easier to achieve, safer to both people and the bees themselves, and cheaper to operate with a minimum of fuss and distur¬ bance both to the bees and people thereby ultimately resulting in the production of more honey. In accord¬ ance with the present invention, and in contrast to the known prior art, no smoking, shaking, brushing or use of chemicals is required. With existing clearer boards, in order to allow for harvesting of honey from the hive it is first necessary to smoke the colony, then lift the super from the hive and. perhaps rest it beside the hive, then smoke away any bees from the top of the brood chamber or queen-excluder, place a clearer board in position and finally replace the super on top, invariably squashing a few bees and also disturbing the colony in general. The clearer board will then be left in position for twenty-four hours or more and, at the end of that period, the cleared super can be removed from the hive for purposes of harvesting honey therefrom. In order to replace the empty super (once honey is removed) it is again necessary to smoke the colony, then to remove the clearer board, smoke the top of the hive and finally replace the super, once again disturbing the colony and most probably killing more bees. The clearer board, once removed, can be stored until such time as harvesting of honey is again necessary, at which time the abovementioned procedures must be repeated. In contrast to the prior art, with the present invention the clearer board/queen-excluder is located substantially permanently on the top of the brood chamber within the hive. For the majority of the year the clearer board will function as a queen-excluder but, when it is time to harvest the honey, all that is necessary is to adjust the board, preferably by means external of the hive, to its clearer position. Some twenty-four hours or more later the cleared super can be removed, in that period all bees having passed through the clearer board, the honey can be harvested and the super located in its original position in the hive, and finally the clearer board in accordance with the invention can be re-adjusted to its queen-excluder position whereby to allow the bees access to the super for purposes of replacing honey. The colony of bees in accordance with the present invention requires no smoking or the use of chemicals and is much simpler in operation when compared to the prior art. Furthermore the clearer board minimises, if not removes altogether, disturbance to the colony and unwanted killing of bees. In accordance with the present invention, there¬ fore, there is provided an improved clearer board for a beehive, said board including at least two sheets each having a plurality of apertures therein, said sheets being adapted, in use, to be in juxtaposition between two enclosures for bees or the like, said sheets being relatively and progressively movable bet¬ ween two end or limiting operating positions, a first end position wherein said apertures on the respective sheets are in substantial alignment and a second end position wherein said apertures are out of alignment, whereby to allow for control of the passage of bees or the like between said enclosures. In order that the invention may be more clearly understood and put into practical effect there shall now be described in detail a preferred embodiment of a clearer board in accordance with the present invent¬ ion. The ensuing description is given by way of non- limitative example only and is with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 is a perspective view, from above, of a typical beehive showing the principal components thereof and with an improved clearer board in accord¬ ance with the present invention located between the super and the brood chamber; Fig. 2 is a top plan view of a clearer board in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 3 is a bottom plan view of the board of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a view of an enlargement from a section of Fig. 2 showing the slots of the two juxta¬ posed sheets in their first, open or aligned condition; Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4 but showing the slots or apertures in their second, overlapping or closed condition; Fig. 6 is a plan view of a clearer board in accordance with the present invention; and Fig. 7 is a vertical cross-section of a clearer board in accordance with the present invention taken along the line A-A of Fig. 2. In the preferred embodiment illustrated a clearer board in accordance with the present invention consists of two sheets 1,2 of a suitable material, such sheets 1,2 being of a configuration similar to sheets conventionally employed as queen-excluders by apiarists. In the preferred embodiment illustrated the sheets 1,2 are adapted to be located one on top of the other within the hive. It should be understood that, whilst preferably the sheets should be made of a metallic material, such as for example stainless steel or zinc, it would be equally possible to have such sheets made of a suitable plastics material. The sheets 1,2 each include a multiplicity of perforations or apertures 3 therein, such apertures 3 preferably being of a size to allow for passage of a worker bee therethrough but to prevent passage of the queen bee therethrough. The sheets 1,2 are relat¬ ively and progressively movable between two end or limiting operating conditions or positions, namely a first position wherein the apertures 3 in the respect¬ ive sheets 1,2 are in substantial alignment, whereby the board functions as a more or less conventional queen-excluder for a beehive, and a second condition or position wherein the respective perforations 3 on the sheets 1,2 are out of alignment, whereby the board functions as a clearer board to allow for and assist in harvesting of honey from the hive. In an especially preferred embodiment the lower¬ most sheet 2 may be fixed in a suitable frame 4, as for example constructed of timber, whilst the other sheet 1 will also be located within such a frame 4 but will be adapted for selective movement therein and relative to the lowermost fixed sheet 2. It should be understood, however, that whilst the description given herein specifically refers to a clearer board including merely two such sheets, in accordance with the present invention it would be equally possible to have the clearer board consist of more than two sheets, again all adapted for relative and progressive movement bet- ween the aforementioned two end or limiting conditions or positions. In the preferred embodiment illustrated at least the uppermost or movable sheet 1 is provided, along one edge thereof, with projecting tabs Bl and Cl adapted to protrude through slots (of a complement¬ ary shape) provided in the frame 4. Preferably these tabs Bl and Cl are formed integrally of the sheet 1 and constitute extensions thereof. The tabs Bl and Cl allow for movement of the sheet 1 within the frame 4 and relative to the sheet 2, as for example by the application of a suitable force to those tabs. In an especially preferred embodiment of the invention, as illustrated, the lowermost sheet 2 is also provided with similar tabs B2 and C2. Again in the preferred embodiment illustrated the sheets 1,2 are adapted, in use, to be placed one on top of the other and held together in any known manner. In a particularly preferred embodiment, as illustrated, the lowermost sheet 2 is of a somewhat larger size than the uppermost sheet 1 and has at least one edge portion thereof turned back on itself whereby to provide a form of channel for receiving the uppermost sheet 1 therein. In such a way there is provided a clearance allowing for relative movement of the sheets 1,2, the top or uppermost sheet 1 being capable of sliding perhaps through a distance of a few millimetres relative to the lowermost sheet 2, in the directions of the arrows shown in Fig. 6. Preferably the lowermost or fixed sheet 2 will have associated therewith, and on the underside there¬ of, one or more so-called bee escapes 5, with suitable access holes above, of the type commonly employed in the art. It should be understood that the form of escape 5 employed is not of the essence of the invent- ion and that any known type may in fact be used. There are in existence and use many types of bee escapes 5, those illustrated in Figs. 3 and 7 consisting of a channel provided by two substantially parallel strips of wood or the like material located on, and prefer- ably affixed to, the underneath surface of the lower sheet 2 and being bridged with fly-wire or the like material (preferably a mesh material). As stated earlier the entire unit, consisting of the sheets 1,2 and one or more escapes 5, is loc- ated within a grooved frame, preferably of timber material. The frame 4 will provide insulation and the necessary crawling space for bees and for the bee escapes. In addition the bee escapes 5 resting on the frames on top of the brood chamber provide support against sagging for the sheets 1,2. In use the said sheets 1,2 are placed one on top of the other and located within the frame 4 in any known manner. As stated earlier one of the sheets, preferably the lowermost sheet 2, is fixed within the frame 4, whilst the other sheet 1 is adapted to be movable, as by sliding through for example a few millimetres, relative to the fixed sheet 2. At least two distinct operating conditions are thus possible, namely a first so-called queen- excluder condition, wherein the slots or apertures 3 on the respective sheets 1,2 are in substantial align¬ ment, as shown for example in Fig. 4, whereby to provide access only for worker bees, and a second clearing condition wherein force is applied to the strips Bl and Cl whereby to move the uppermost sheet 1 relative to the lowermost sheet 2 to a position wherein the slots or apertures on the respective sheets are out of alignment, as illustrated for example in Fig. 5, wherein all the apertures on one sheet are overlapped by unpunched metal (or the like material) between the apertures of the other sheet. As best illustrated on Fig. 6, both sheets have one or more enlarged holes Dl and D2 located thereon, adapted to remain open when the sheets are in their aforementioned second operating condition, whereby to afford constant and permanent access to escapes 5 (see Fig. 7) of any known type, whereby to allow for passage of bees out of the super of the beehive. Alternat¬ ively, as shown in Fig. 2, holes Dl and D2 may be formed only in one of the sheets 1,2 leaving the slots in the other sheet uncovered and, as such, there is no possibility of a queen bee being able to pass there¬ through. In yet another alternative, -means may be provided for altering the size of the apertures Dl and D2 for selective screening of worker bees, drones and queens. In accordance»with a further preferred feature of the present invention, by making the apertures 3 of a sufficient size to allow for passage of a queen bee therethrough, a third operating condition or posit¬ ion may be achieved and a further purpose served. The three possible conditions for operation are, therefore, firstly with the apertures in the respective sheets in alignment to allow the queen bee to go through when desired, secondly with the slots 3 of the respective sheets partially overlapped so that only worker bees can pass therethrough, and thirdly, with all apertures 3 closed or out of alignment, except that is those with one way passage, whereby to allow for clearing of bees from the super. In this way the construction in accordance with the present invention satisfies those apiarists who believe that the queen should also have access to the super, and also assists in the introduc¬ tion of new queens. In practical terms some propolisation may take place and, in order to avoid any problems likely to be associated therewith, the sheets 1,2 should be so designed and shaped, and of a sufficient strength, as to fit together as closely as possible. To assist in this regard the apertures 3 should be well spaced, regularly spaced and, to all intents and purposes, free of burrs. As seen for example in Fig. 6 the folded-over edges at the sides of the lowermost sheet 2 are cut to be wider towards one side of that sheet such that, if propolised, the top and the sides will "break free" as soon as force is applied to the tabs Bl, Cl. In an especially preferred embodiment, not illustrated, the bottom side may be protected by a strip of paper or the like material, affixed to the folded edges in any known manner. Alternatively a suitable lubricant may be employed. In a further preferred embodiment the sliding sheet can be movable between upper and lower fixed sheets. In order to assist in retaining the board in its first so-called queen-excluder condition, the tabs Bl, Cl, B2 and C2 may each be provided with at least one hole therein for receiving therethrough a means allowing for the application of a force to those tabs.' In an especially preferred embodiment slots may be provided in the tabs for engagement by a screw-driver or the like implement. It should be understood, how- ever, that any suitable means of adjustment of the relative positions of the sheets 1,2 may be employed. In another alternative the tabs may be provided with suitable handles whereby to allow for simple manual operation. Insofar as the bee escapes 5 are concerned, the openings provided therein may be adjustable whereby to allow for selective passage of worker bees, drones or queens. In order to operate the clearer board in accordance with the present invention the board is located within a hive between the brood chamber and the super and, by operation of the tabs, the sheets 1,2 are brought into a position wherein all the slots are in substantial alignment. When in such a position or condition, and left there for the majority of the year, the board operates as a queen-excluder. When it is time to harvest honey, the application of force to the tabs result in movement of the sheet 1 relative to sheet 2 to a position wherein all the apertures 3, except those associated with the bee escapes 5, are closed. When left for a period of twenty-four hours or more the super will be substantially free of bees, thereby allowing for removal thereof for purposes of harvesting honey. Finally it is to be understood that the afore¬ going description refers merely to preferred embodi- ments of the present invention, and that variations and modifications are possible thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the ambit of which is to be determined from the following claims.

Claims: The claims defining the invention are as follows: 1. An improved clearer board for a beehive, said board including at least two sheets each having a plurality of apertures therein, said sheets being adapted, in use, to be in juxtaposition between two enclosures for bees or the like, said sheets being relatively and progressively movable between two end or limiting operating positions, a first end position wherein said apertures on the respective sheets are in substantial alignment and a second end position wherein said apertures are out of alignment, whereby to allow for control of the passage of bees between said enclosures. 2. The clearer board as claimed in claim 1, having at least one escape for bees associated therewith. 3. The clearer board as claimed in claim 2, where¬ in the size of openings provided to the or each escape for bees is adjustable whereby to allow for selective screening of drones, queen bees and/or worker bees, or to block access to said escape altogether. 4. The board as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, having at least 2 distinct operating positions or conditions, a first position allowing worker bees to pass freely through said apertures, and a second position wherein all said apertures are substantially closed such that worker bees have access only through the or each bee escape. 5. The board as claimed in claim 4, wherein said apertures are of a size sufficient to allow for passage of a queen bee therethrough, and including a third, operating condition or position wherein a queen bee can pass through said apertures. 6. The board as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein, when said apertures on said sheets are in substantial alignment, said board allows for passage of a queen bee from said hive, wherein when said aper¬ tures are in an intermediate, partially aligned con¬ figuration said board acts as a queen-excluder, and wherein when said apertures are out of alignment said board acts as a clearer board for assisting harvesting of honey from the hive. 7. The board as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, adapted for location within a beehive, including respective upper and lower sheets adapted for location within a frame, wherein said lower sheet is fixed within said frame and said upper sheet is relatively movable therein. 8. The board as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, adapted for location within a beehive, including respective upper, middle and lower sheets' adapted for location within a frame, wherein said upper and lower sheets are fixed within said frame and said middle sheet is relatively movable therebetween. 9. The board as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said apertures are of substantially the same dimensions and are disposed in a uniform array on and throughout said sheets. 10. The board as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including at least one tab, handle or the like means projecting from one side of at least one of said sheets whereby to allow for relative movement of said sheets in response to the application of force to the or each said tab, handle or the like means. 11. An improved clearer board for a beehive, sub¬ stantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. 12. A method of assisting in the handling of bees, using a clearer board as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

Inventors: KONSTANDAKOS NICHOLAS, KONSTANDAKOS, NICHOLAS
Applicants: KONSTANDAKOS NICHOLAS, KONSTANDAKOS, NICHOLAS
Application year: 1985
Main classification: A01K47
IPC codes: A01K47