CA2973064A1

CA2973064A1 - Bee hydration station

Info

Publication number: CA2973064A1
Application number: CA2973064A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Tracie Coyne; Debbie Hoffele; Vanessa Bilsborough; Jacob Cheung; Crystal Coyne; Mason Defazio; Alexander Rubino; Laura Schaefer; Sarah Schaefer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-07-12
Filing date: 2017-07-12
Publication date: 2019-01-12

Abstract

A Bee Hydration Station system and methods are disclosed. The bee hydration station has a flower basin or landing pod for bees to land and to collect water for bees to gather. The flower basin member has at least a first hole and a second hole; a stem member coupled to a bottom portion of the flower basin member; an inflow tube coupled to the first hole of the flower basin member; and an overflow tube coupled to the second hole of the flower basin member.

Description

TITLE
BEE HYDRATION STATION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a garden accessory and method of assembling the garden accessory. Particularly, the disclosure relates to a bee hydration system and method.
BACKGROUND

[0002] The honeybee population is in trouble. Typically, the loss of 5-10 /o of bees over the winter is considered normal and sustainable. However, over the past 12 years that has risen dramatically and even reached 58% in 2015. It is believed that there are four main reasons for this: loss of habitat, disease and mites, pesticides, and climate change.

[0003] Bees are very important to the human population for many more reasons than just making honey and pollinating our flowers. Bees also pollinate the plants humans eat. They are responsible for pollinating 1 in every 3 bites of our food. It is estimated that if bees disappeared the human race would not survive more than 4 years.

[0004] The overall health of bees can be improved to counter the loss of habitat and harm from the pesticides by helping to provide clean water for the bees so they can continue to supply pollen and nectar.

[0005] A bee requires its weight in water every day. The average beehive of bees therefore requires approximately 3 gallons of water each day. Bees need help to get clean water which is not contaminated with pesticides such as neonicotinoids from farm fields or chlorine from local pools.

SUMMARY

[0006] In various examples disclosed herein, the present disclosure describes a bee hydration station for providing water to bees. In example aspects, a flower basin is designed with multiple landing places for bees with a controlled depth to allow bees to safely receive water without drowning.

[0007] In one example aspect there is provided a bee hydration station comprising: a flower basin member, the flower basin member defining at least a first hole and a second hole; a stem member coupled to a bottom portion of the flower basin member; an inflow hose coupled to the first hole of the flower basin member; and an overflow hose coupled to the second hole of the flower basin member.

[0008] Methods of assembling the bee hydration station are also provided.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings which show example embodiments of the present application, and in which:

[0010] Figure 1 is a cross sectional view of the bee hydration station;

[0011] Figure 2 perspective view of a bee hydration station bee landing pod or flower basin;

[0012] Figure 3 is a side cross sectional view of the embodiment of the bee hydration station bee landing pod or flower basin shown in figure 2;

[0013] Figure 4 is a bottom view of the embodiment of the bee hydration station bee landing pod or flower basin shown in figures 2-3;

[0014] Figure 5 is a perspective view of bee hydration station shown in Figure 1 connected to a rain barrel;

,

[0015] Figure 6 is an image of the bee hydration station;

[0016] Figure 7 is an image of the bee hydration station;

[0017] Figure 8 is an image of the bee hydration station connected to a rain barrel;

[0018] Figure 9 is an image of the bee hydration station connected to a rain barrel;

[0019] Figure 10 is an image of the bee hydration station connected to a hose.

[0020] Figure 11 is a side view of the bee hydration station connected to a hose.

[0021] Figure 12 is a top view of the bee hydration station bee landing pod or flower basin shown in Figures 2-3;

[0022] Figure 13 is a side view of the bee hydration station bee landing pod or flower basin shown in Figure 12;

[0023] Figure 14 is a bottom view of the bee hydration station bee landing pod or flower basin shown in Figure 12-13;

[0024] Figure 15 is a side view of a micro-tubing compression adapter;

[0025] Figure 16 is an end view of the micro-tubing compression adapter shown in Figure 15;

[0026] Figure 17 is the opposite end of the micro-tubing compression adapter shown in Figure 16;

[0027] Figure 18 a side view of a shutoff valve;

[0028] Figure 19 is a top view of the shutoff valve shown in Figure 18;

[0029] Figure 20 is a end view of the shutoff valve shown in Figures 18-19;

[0030] Figure 21 is a top view of a micro-tubing;

[0031] Figure 22 is a side view of micro-tubing shown in Figure 21;

[0032] Figure 23 is a side view of a pipe;

[0033] Figure 24 is a top view of the pipe shown in Figure 23;

[0034] Figure 25 is a side view of the bee hydration station bee landing pod or flower basin;

[0035] Figure 26 is a bottom view of the bee hydration station bee landing pod or flower basin;

[0036] Figure 27 is a top view of the bee hydration station bee landing pod or flower basin.
DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0037] Referring to Figure 1, the present disclosure provides a bee hydration station 1. The bee hydration station 1 includes a flower basin 4 connectable to a pipe or stem member 6 and overflow tube 20 and inflow tube 8. Inflow tube 8 is connectable to intake hose 22, which may be connected to a rain barrel or hose.
The stem member 6 may be elongated and can be inserted into the ground. In example aspects, the flower basin 4 is designed with multiple landing places 26 for bees with a controlled depth to allow bees to safely receive without drowning.

[0038] In example embodiments of the bee hydration station 1, flower basin 4 has enough space for the bees to land on but still has space for water; the bee hydration station flower basin 4 has a steady flow of water to prevent black mold and mosquito breeding; and water collection area 24 is shallow enough to prevent bees from drowning, for example, a basin depth of between 0.1-10.0 mm.

[0039] Bees tend to prefer flowers that open upward. In that regard, in an example embodiment the bee hydration station flower basin 4 opens upwards with a gradual slope or incline so bees have places to land, as shown in Figures 1 and 3.

The slope or incline of flower basin 4 also allows for water to collect in a centre portion.
Bee Hydration Station Assembly

[0040] Referring to Figures 1-5, in example aspects, the bee hydration station 1 flower basin 4 includes at least two holes, inflow hole 2 and overflow hole 10.
Inflow hole 2 may release water into flower basin 4, and overflow hole 10 may allow for water removal from flower basin 4. Inflow hole 2 is connectable to inflow tube 8 and overflow hole 10 is connectable to overflow tube 20.

[0041] Flower basin 4 may further include water collecting area 24, bee landing area 26, and inserts 28 (see Figure 26) for receiving stem member 6. A
centre of flower basin 4 may be raised to resemble a flower. In the example shown in Figure 2, an outer portion of flower basin 4 may be constructed to have a plurality of outer rounder portions to resemble flower petals, providing multiple areas for bees to land on landing area 26.

[0042] As disclosed in Figures 1 and 5, in example aspects, the bee hydration station 1 comprises a water intake hose 22 connectable to inflow tube 8.
Intake hose 22 may have a valve 12 for controlling water flow. In example embodiments, intake hose 22 connects to inflow tube 8, which connects to bee hydration station flower basin 4 inflow hole 2 through stem member 6. Inflow tube 8 can be positioned through stem member 6, which can be hollow, as shown in Figure 24.

[0043] Stem member 6 may have side holes 18 and 19 for inflow tube 8 and overflow tube 20 to respectively pass through. Alternatively, inflow tube 8 and overflow tube 20 may pass through a bottom portion of stem member 6.

[0044] Pipe or stem member 6 may be connectable to flower basin member 4 via slits or inserts 28 for receiving stem member 6. Stem member 6 may also be connected to flower basin 4 by, for example, glue or any suitable adhesive, with or without inserts 28. Stem member 6 can be inserted into the ground or earth outside.

[0045] In example aspects, the bee hydration station 1 comprises a connector element (mircrotubing compression adapter) 14 with a filter to attach to a rain barrel or hose which is attached to intake hose 22. In an example embodiment the intake hose 22 is 1/4" tubing.

[0046] In example aspects valve 12 controls the rate of flow of water through inflow tube 8, connected to inflow hole 2. The valve 12 is connected to inflow tube 8 which can feed up the pipe or stem member 6 or the "stem of the flower". In an example embodiment inflow tube 8 is 1/8" hose.

[0047] Referring to Figures 1 and 5, the bee hydration station 1 further comprises an overflow tube 20. In example aspects, overflow tube 20 is connected to overflow hole 10 through stem member 6.

[0048] In example aspects, overflow tube 20 is further connectable to hose 30. Overflow tube 20 is usable for controlling a water level of flower basin 4 and carries excess water of flower basin 4 to hose 30.

[0049] Referring to Figure 5, in example aspects, hose 30 has a plurality of holes of increasing frequency, which are usable to release water into, for example, the ground or earth, and usable for maintaining relatively constant water pressure throughout at least a portion of hose 30. In further example aspects, hose 30 is usable for watering bee attracting flowers which can be planted near to the bee hydration station 1.

[0050] Referring to Figures 6-7, bee hydration station 1 is assembled and positioned so that flower basin 4 opens upwards. In other words, an outer portion of flower basin 4 may decline towards a centre of flower basin 4.

[0051] Referring to Figures 8-11, the bee hydration station can be positioned or inserted in the ground. In example aspects, a bottom portion of stem member connects to the ground and can be positioned outdoors for attracting bees.
Example of Water Flow through the Bee Hydration Station

[0052] Referring to Figures 1 and 5, in an example aspect, water flows from a rain barrel or hose (rain barrel shown in Figures 8-9; hose not shown) through intake hose 22 connectable to rain barrel or hose via connector element 14.
Intake hose 22 is connectable to inflow tube 8. Inflow tube 8 is connected to inflow hole 2.

[0053] Water can flow from inflow tube 8 out of inflow hole 2, for example as a waterfall or miniature fountain. Inflow hole 2 can be located in a centre portion of the flower basin 4. Water can trickle down from inflow hole 2 to water collecting area 24, a location where bees can collect water. Bees can land on the outer edges of flower basin 4, i.e. landing area 26 of flower basin 4, and collect water from water collecting area 24.

[0054] Referring to Figures 1 and 5, in an example aspect, the overflow or excess water collected in flower basin 4 is drained through an overflow hole 10, which is connectable to overflow tube 20.

[0055] In an example embodiment, overflow tube 20 is positioned inside pipe or stem member 6. In an example embodiment overflow tube 20 is 1/4" tubing for draining water through stem member 6.

[0056] Referring to Figure 5, in an example embodiment, overflow tube 20 is connectable to hose 30. Hose 30 can be positioned in a radial or circular pattern around the bee hydration station 1, for example, at about 1 foot or 30 cm out from the stem. Hose 30 may have one or more holes 16 at increasing frequency to equalize water flow through the hose 30. This is an example of a "Soaker-style hose". Hose 30 can be used to water flowers or vegetation that may be planted near bee hydration station 1.

[0057] In example aspects, flowers or vegetation can be positioned or planted near tubing 30. Further, flowers or vegetation that bees are attracted to can be positioned near tubing 30 to encourage bees to use the bee hydration station 1 and land on flower basin 4. Additionally, water that flows through tubing 30 can be used to water flowers that are growing nearby.
Various uses for the Bee Hydration Station

[0058] One use of the bee hydration station 1 is a watering station for bees, to help improve the overall health of the bee colony(s) by providing clean water from a rain barrel or hose. The bee hydration station 1 could be used for: (1) Cooling. In the heat of the summer, some bees create a breeze by flapping their wings as the water evaporates to control hive temperature. (2) Humidity.
Worker bees use water to adjust the humidity of the bee hive. (3) Use stored food.
Bees need to dilute stored food in order to use it as edible food (4) Larvae food.
The Nurse Bees use water to make a jelly to feed the larvae.

[0059] Other uses of the bee hydration station 1 are: A water source for other pollinators and insects including butterflies, moths, beetles; water source for birds and other animals; plant watering system; and a garden decoration.
Construction Variations of the Bee Hydration Station

[0060] Example materials for constructing bee hydration station 1 will now be disclosed.

[0061] In an example embodiment, the flower basin 4 can be 3D printed with Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic. The produced flower basin 4 can be made out of a 2 part plastic resin poured into a mold with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) gift cards recycled as filler within the plastic.

[0062] The flower basin 4 could also be made out of: full fill plastic resin (no filler), injection molded plastics, glass, ceramic or molded cement, or post-consumer products such as glass plate and bowls or plastic bottles or jars cut and reshaped into flower basin 4.

[0063] The stem member 6 could be made from 1-1/4" ABS pipe. The stem member 6 could also be made from a pipe of different diameter and different material such as PVC, steel, copper or other such materials. A wooden dowel or branch could also be used.

[0064] In an example embodiment the plumbing or inflow tube for 8, overflow tube 20 and intake hose 22 are constructed from 1/4" and 1/8"micro-irrigation tubing. This tubing can be made from vinyl or polyethylene. Copper or other materials could also be used.

[0065] The corresponding shutoff valve 12 and connector (3/4" to 1/4"
is used to connect to a rain barrel or hose) can be used.

[0066] In one example the flower basin 4 is shaped like a flower, but it can also be other shapes such as square shaped, rectangular or triangular, circular or oval.

[0067] In one embodiment, the bee hydration station 1 flower basin 4 is made of plastic resin with a silicone mold because it is easy to make and durable.
The bee hydration station flower basin 4 can also be made of clay or plastic or any other suitable material.

[0068] The bee hydration station 1 improves on existing home made solutions and fills a market gap providing value to farmers, gardeners and bee keepers who depend on a strong and healthy bee population for their food production.

[0069] The bee hydration station 1 prevents black mold growth and mosquito breeding with continual water flow.

[0070] The embodiments of the present disclosure described above are intended to be examples only. The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms. Alterations, modifications and variations to the disclosure may be made without departing from the intended scope of the present disclosure.
While the systems, devices and processes disclosed and shown herein may comprise a .. specific number of elements/components, the systems, devices and assemblies could be modified to include additional or fewer of such elements/components.
For example, while any of the elements/components disclosed may be referenced as being singular, the embodiments disclosed herein could be modified to include a plurality of such elements/components. Selected features from one or more of the above-described embodiments may be combined to create alternative embodiments not explicitly described. All values and sub-ranges within disclosed ranges are also disclosed. The subject matter described herein intends to cover and embrace all suitable changes in technology.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A bee hydration station comprising:
a flower basin member, the flower basin member defining at least a first hole and a second hole;
a stem member coupled to a bottom portion of the flower basin member;
an inflow tube coupled to the first hole of the flower basin member;
and an overflow tube coupled to the second hole of the flower basin member.

2. The bee hydration station of claim 1, wherein an outer portion of the flower basin member is declined toward a centre portion of the flower basin member.

3. The bee hydration station of claim 1, wherein the inflow tube is connectable to an intake hose.

4. The bee hydration station of claim 3, wherein the intake hose is connected to a rain barrel.

5. The bee hydration station of claim 3, wherein the intake hose is connected to a second hose.

6. The bee hydration station of claim 3, wherein the intake hose comprises a valve configurable for controlling water flow rate.

7. The bee hydration station of claim 1, wherein the overflow tube is connectable to a hose comprising at least one hole.

8. The bee hydration station of claim 7, wherein the at least one hole comprises a plurality of holes positioned at increasing frequencies.

9. The bee hydration station of claim 1, wherein the flower basin member further comprises inserts at the bottom portion of the flower basin member for inserting the stem member.

10.The bee hydration station of claim 1, wherein the inflow tube is receivable through the stem member.

11. The bee hydration station of claim 1, wherein the overflow tube is receivable through the stem member.

12. The bee hydration station of claim 1, wherein the first hole is positioned in a centre portion of the flower basin member.

13. The bee hydration station of claim 1, wherein the second hole is position in an outer portion of the flower basin member.

14. The bee hydration station of claim 1 wherein the stem member is an elongated stem member.

15. A method of assembling a bee hydration station comprising:
connecting a flower basin member to a stem member;
connecting an inflow tube to a first hole on the flower basin member;
and connecting an overflow tube to a second hole on the flower basin member.