FI129198B

FI129198B - Beeswax foundation and beekeeping structure

Info

Publication number: FI129198B
Application number: FI20185080A
Authority: FI
Inventors: Terho Erkintalo; Ukri Takala
Original assignee: Umotec Oy
Priority date: 2018-01-30
Filing date: 2018-01-30
Publication date: 2021-09-15
Also published as: WO2019149998A1; FI20185080A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a beeswax foundation (2) and to a beekeeping structure for a beehive. The beeswax foundation (2) comprises a base plate (4) having a top edge (6), a bottom edge (8), a first side edge (10) extending between the bottom edge (8) and the top edge (6), and a second side edge (12) extending between the bottom edge (8) and the top edge (6). The beeswax foundation (2) further comprises a bottom edge flange (32, 34) provided to the bottom edge (8) of the base plate (4), the bottom edge flange (32, 34) extending along the bottom edge (8) of the base plate (4).

Description

BEESWAX FOUNDATION AND BEEKEEPING STRUCTURE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a beeswax foundation to be used in a beehive, and more particularly to a beeswax foundation according to preamble of claim 1. The present invention further relates to a beekeeping structure to be used in a beehive, and more particularly to a beekeeping structure according to preamble of claim 8.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Beekeeping is typically carried out in beehives comprising a stack of — boxes with internal hanging foundation frames. The stacked boxes usually have between eight and ten foundation frames in each box, and the boxes are stacked one on top of another. The foundation frames are usually provided with a beeswax foundation having a base plate onto which bees draw out a beeswax honeycomb, which is used by the bees to store honey. Therefore, the beeswax foundation is — supported to the foundation frame and the foundation frame is supported to the box of the beehive. The foundation frames are conventionally peripheral frames having a top frame part, bottom frame part and side frame parts extending between the top and bottom frame parts such that a rectangular and peripheral foundation frame is formed. The beeswax foundation is arranged inside the peripheral foundation frame and supported to the peripheral foundation frame with wires extending between the side frame parts or the top and bottom frame parts such that the beeswax foundation is inside the foundation frame. Each wire must be manually set to the foundation frame for supporting the beeswax foundation. N When honey is harvested from the beehive the foundation frames S 25 together with the beeswax foundations are removed from the beehive. Honey is O then extracted from the beeswax foundations in the foundation frames with an n extractor. After harvesting the honey, the used beeswax foundation must be ° removed from the foundation frame and also the wires must be removed from the & foundation frame. Then the foundation frame is cleaned to be used again by 2 30 installing a new beeswax foundation inside the foundation frame and setting new 3 wires. = Installing a new beeswax foundation to the foundation frame is manual N work and takes 10 to 15 minutes time per foundation frame. Accordingly, it is very time consuming and limits efficiency in beekeeping. Prior art beeswax foundations and beekeeping structures are disclosed from example in patent documents KR1008861753B, CN20526662U, US4234985, CA1176109, US1323870 and W02004112472.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a beeswax foundation and a beekeeping structure so as to solve or at least alleviate the prior art disadvantages. The objects of the invention are achieved by a beeswax foundation which is characterized by what is stated in claim 1. The objects of the present invention are also achieved by a beekeeping structure which is characterized by what is stated in claim 8. The preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

The invention is based on the idea of providing a beeswax foundation for a foundation frame of a beehive. The beeswax foundation comprises a base plate having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge extending between the top edge and the bottom edge, and a second side edge extending between the top edge and the bottom edge. According to the present invention the beeswax foundation comprises a bottom edge flange provided to the bottom edge of the base plate. The bottom edge flange extends along the bottom edge of the base plate. The bottom edge flange makes the beeswax foundation rigid and provides necessary support — for the beeswax foundation such that it may be a self-supporting structure.

The bottom edge flange may be attached to the bottom edge of the base plate. The attachment may be provided with mechanical fasteners, such as rivets, or with adhesive material or by welding or some other bonding method. The bottom edge flange may be an integral part of the bottom edge of the base plate or N 25 an integral part of the base plate. Term integral means that the bottom edge flange N may not be removed from the bottom edge or from base plate without breaking or S damaging the base plate. The bottom edge flange may also be formed from same I material as the base plate and provided by forming the base plate at the bottom I edge. This means that the bottom edge flange is formed by forming the base plate & 30 — or the material of the base plate and the bottom edge flange is formed from the 2 base plate. O According to the above mentioned, the bottom edge flange is a fixed or o integral part of the beeswax foundation which enables providing the structural N characteristics to beeswax foundation. Further, it means that the bottom edge flange is not intended to be removed or detached from the beeswax foundation during the lifetime of the beeswax foundation.

The bottom edge flange may be provided such that it extends transversely or perpendicularly from the bottom edge of the base plate or from the base plate. The bottom edge flange may extend transversely or perpendicularly in onedirection from the bottom edge of the base plate or from the base plate. This means that the bottom edge flange forms an angle in relation to the base plate. Alternatively, the bottom edge flange may extend transversely or perpendicularly in opposite directions from the bottom edge of the base plate or from the base plate. This means that the bottom edge flange extends in two directions from the — bottom edge in relation to the base plate. These two directions may be parallel or at an angle relative to each other. It should be noted that the base plate has a plate surface, or two plate surfaces on opposite sides of the plate, and the directions transversely and perpendicularly mean directions relative to the plate surface(s).

The base plate may be made of metal sheet, such as steel or aluminium, — or of plastic sheet or synthetic material, such as some fibrous material. In a preferred embodiment the material of the base plate is material which may be molded, bent, press shaped or worked in some other manner for providing the bottom edge flange.

In one embodiment the base plate is made of magnetic stainless steel.

Examples of magnetic stainless steel comprise martensitic, ferritic, duplex or precipitation hardening stainless steels.

Thickness of a base plate made of stainless steel may be 0.1 - 0.6 mm, or 0.2 - 0.5 mm, or preferably 0.25 - 0.4 mm. In one embodiment, the thickness of the base plate made of stainless steel may be 0.3 mm.

The bottom edge flange may extend along the whole length of the N bottom edge between the first and second side edges of the base plate. Thus, the N bottom edge flange is continuous between the first and second side edges of the S base plate. Alternatively, the bottom edge flange may extend along part of the S length of the bottom edge between the first and second side edges of the base plate. E 30 In this case, the bottom edge flange may be provided for example only to a central > portion of the bottom edge between the first and second side edges of the base 8 plate. Yet, alternatively, the bottom edge of the base plate may be provided with 3 two or more separate bottom edge flanges spaced apart from each other along the > bottom edge of the base plate. In that case, there may be for example separate bottom edge flanges extending a predetermined distance along the bottom edge from the first and second side edges, and possibly one or more separate bottom edge flanges in the central portion of the bottom edge.

The base plate may comprise one or more reinforcements. The base plate may comprise one or more longitudinal reinforcements extending along plate surface(s). The base plate may comprise one or more first longitudinal reinforcements extending parallel to the top and bottom edges of the base plate and one or more second reinforcements extending parallel to the first and second side edges of the base plate. The reinforcements provide additional rigidity to the beeswax foundation and further enable forming a self-supporting structure.

The one or more reinforcements may be provided by forming the base plate, for example by press forming, embossing, die cutting or the like shaping or forming method. Alternatively, the one or more reinforcements may be attached to the base plate or on the base plate. In that case, the reinforcements may be reinforcement ribs or the like which may be glued, welded or attached in another known manner to or on the base plate.

The present invention further relates to a beekeeping structure in a beehive. The beekeeping structure comprises a beeswax foundation and a foundation frame to which the beeswax foundation may be or is installed. According to the present invention, the beekeeping structure comprises a foundation frame consisting of a top frame part, a first side frame part and a second side frame part. The first and second side frame parts extend from the top frame part such that the top frame part forms together with the first and second side frame parts a U-shaped foundation frame. It should be noted that the top frame part, the first side frame part and the second side frame part may be separate parts attached to each other or, alternatively, two of them or all of them may be provided — asa single part. The top frame part and the first and second side frame parts may N be longitudinal elements or bars.

N The foundation frame may further comprise an attachment mechanism S arranged to removably attach the beeswax foundation to the foundation frame S between the first and second side frame parts. The attachment mechanism is E 30 provided to the foundation frame for locking or securing the beeswax foundation > to the foundation frame.

8 The attachment mechanism may comprise at least one first attachment 3 mechanism provided to the first side frame part and at least one second attachment > mechanism provided to the second side frame part. Alternatively, the attachment mechanism comprises a first attachment mechanism provided to first distal end of the first side frame part in relation to the top frame part and at least one second attachment mechanism provided to second distal end of the second side frame part in relation to the top frame part. Term distal end means the end of the first or second side frame part which is away from the top frame part. Further, the term distal end covers the end face and the vicinity of the end of the first and second side 5 frame parts away from the top frame part.

The attachment mechanism may comprise at least one mechanical joint arranged to form an openable attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism may comprise at least one mortise-and-tenon joint arranged to form an openable attachment mechanism. Alternatively, the attachment mechanism may comprise at least one latch joint arranged to form an openable attachment mechanism. The mechanical and openable attachment mechanism allows the beeswax foundation to be installed easily into the foundation frame and locked or secured to the foundation frame. The mechanical and openable attachment mechanism further allows a used beeswax foundation to be released and removed from the foundation frame easily. Term openable means that the attachment mechanism may be set to a closed position in which the beeswax foundation is secured or locked to the foundation frame and to an open position in which the beeswax foundation is released from the foundation frame such that it may be installed to or removed from the foundation frame.

The beekeeping structure may further comprise a beeswax foundation arranged or installed to the U-shaped foundation frame. The beeswax foundation may comprise a base plate having a bottom edge, a top edge, a first side edge extending between the top edge and the bottom edge, and a second side edge extending between the top edge and the bottom edge. The beeswax foundation may —bearranged to be removably attached to the foundation frame with the attachment N mechanism. Accordingly, the beeswax foundation may be installed to the U-shaped N foundation frame and secured or locked to the foundation frame with the S attachment mechanism.

S The beeswax foundation may comprise a bottom edge flange provided E 30 — to the bottom edge of the base plate, the bottom edge flange extending along the > bottom edge of the base plate. The bottom edge flange may be arranged against the 8 first and second side frame parts at the first and second distal ends of the first and 3 second side frame parts, respectively, such that the bottom edge flange of the > beeswax foundation forms a bottom frame for the foundation frame. Accordingly, — the beeswax foundation and the bottom edge flange of the base plate of the beeswax foundation provide a structural part for the foundation frame such that the foundation frame becomes a peripheral frame with increased structural rigidity.

The first side frame part may comprise a first inner surface facing the inside, or toward the second side frame part, of the U-shaped foundation frame.

The firstinner surface may be provided with a first groove extending from the first distal end of the first side frame part in relation to the top frame part towards the top frame part. Additionally or alternatively, the second side frame part may comprise a second inner surface facing the inside, or towards the first side frame part, of the U-shaped foundation frame. The second inner surface may be provided with asecond groove extending from the second distal end of the second side frame part in relation to the top frame part towards the top frame part. The first side edge of the base plate may be arranged into the first groove and the second side edge of the base plate may be arranged into the second groove such that the base plate extends between the first and second side frame parts.

Furthermore, the top frame part may be provided with a top groove on the bottom surface thereof. The first side frame part may comprise a first inner surface facing the inside, or towards the second side frame part, of the U-shaped foundation frame. The first inner surface may be provided with a first groove extending from the first distal end of the first side frame part in relation to the top frame part towards the top frame part. The second side frame part may comprise a second inner surface facing the inside, or towards the first side frame part, of the U-shaped foundation frame. The second inner surface may be provided with a second groove extending from the second distal end of the second side frame part in relation to the top frame part towards the top frame part. Further, the top frame part may comprise a top inner surface facing the inside of the U-shaped foundation N frame, meaning the bottom surface of the top frame part. The top inner surface may N be provided with a top groove extending along the top inner surface of the top S frame part between the first and second side frame parts. The first side edge of the S base plate may be arranged into the first groove, the second side edge of the base E 30 plate may be arranged into the second groove and the top edge of the base plate > may be arranged into the top groove of the top frame part such that the base plate 8 extends from the top frame part between the first and second side frame parts.

3 The beeswax foundation of the present invention provides an easy to > use reusable beeswax foundation. The rigid and durable structure of the beeswax foundation enables easy cleaning of the beeswax foundations after use and the cleaning may also be carried out in a forced manner, for example with pressurised water. The beekeeping structure of the present invention provides a foundation frame enabling quick installation and removal of the beeswax foundation without weakening the structure of the beekeeping structure. In the beekeeping structure of the present invention the beeswax foundation forms part of the foundation frame such that the overall construction of the foundation frame is simple.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is described in detail by means of specific embodiments with reference to the enclosed drawings, in which Figure 1 shows one embodiment of a beeswax foundation according to — the presentinvention; Figures 2a and 2b show details of different embodiments of the beeswax foundation according to the present invention; Figure 3 shows a three-dimensional view of the beeswax foundation of figure 1; Figure 4 shows a foundation frame in an assembled form; Figure 5 shows installing the beeswax foundation to the foundation frame according to the present invention; and Figure 6 shows the foundation frame with the beeswax foundation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figure 1 shows a beeswax foundation 2 for a foundation frame of a beehive. The beeswax foundation 2 comprises a base plate 4 having a top edge 6, a bottom edge 8, a first side edge 10 extending between the bottom edge 8 and the N top edge 6, and a second side edge 12 extending between the bottom edge 8 and S 25 the top edge 6. The base plate 4 further comprises first and second side surfaces on O opposite sides of the base plate 4. The shape of the first and second side surfaces is co defined by the top edge 6, bottom edge 8, first side edge 10 and second side edge r 12. The general shape of the base plate 4 is rectangular. The base plate has a width & Wi between the first and second side edges 10, 12. 2 30 In the embodiment of figure 1, the base plate 4 has a first extension 14 3 provided to the first side edge 10 and protruding from the first side edge 10 away = from the base plate 4. The first extension 14 further extends a predetermined N distance from the bottom edge 8 towards the top edge 6. The base plate 4 further hasa second extension 16 provided to the second side edge 12 and protruding from — the second side edge 12 away from the base plate 4. The second extension 16 further extends a predetermined distance from the bottom edge 8 towards the top edge 6. The extensions provide an extended width W? for the base plate 4, which is greater than the width Wy.

Accordingly, the base plate 4 has greater width in the vicinity of the bottom edge 8, or at the bottom edge 8, of the base plate 4, and at the predetermined distance from the bottom edge 8. The first extension 14 further provides a first support edge 15 facing towards the top edge 6 and a first extension side edge 13 facing away from the base plate 4. Similarly, the second extension 16 further provides a second support edge 17 facing towards the top edge 6 and a second extension side edge 19 facing away from the base plate 4. The first and second extensions 14, 16 are provided with securing elements 28, 29 for securing or locking the beeswax foundation 2 to a foundation frame.

In the embodiment of figure 1, the securing elements are securing holes 28, 29 provided to the first and second extension 14, 16, respectively.

In an alternative embodiment, the securing elements may also be notches, grooves or the like provided to the first and second extensions 14, 16, or to the first and second support edges 15, 17 or the first and second extension side edges 13, 19, respectively.

It should be noted that the extensions may also be omitted from the base plate 4, and the securing elements 28, 29 may be provided to the base plate 4 in some other location, preferably close to an edge 6, 8, 10, 12 of the base plate.

Therefore, the base plate 4 may be provided with securing elements 28, 29, such as securing holes 28, 29, for securing or locking the beeswax foundation 2 to the foundation frame.

The base plate 4 may be further provided with one or more auxiliary holes 18. In the embodiment of figure 1, the auxiliary holes 18 are provided to the N corners, or in the vicinity thereof, of the base plate 4. However, the one or more N auxiliary holes 18 may also be provided to any other location of the base plate 4, S preferably close to the edges 6, 8, 10, 12. The auxiliary holes 18 may be utilized in S handling of the beeswax foundation 2, or during harvesting honey from it, or during E 30 cleaning of the beeswax foundation 2. Furthermore, the auxiliary holes 18 may be > formed for stiffening the base plate 4. It should be noted that the auxiliary holes 18 8 may also be omitted. 3 The base plate 4 comprises one or more reinforcements 20, 22, 24, 26 > for stiffening the base plate 4 or providing increased structural rigidity to the base — plate 4 and the beeswax foundation 2. The reinforcements 20, 22, 24, 26 are longitudinal reinforcements, as shown in figure 1.

The base plate 4 may comprise one or more first longitudinal reinforcements 20, 22 extending parallel to the top and bottom edges 8, 6 of the base plate 4 and one or more second reinforcements 24, 26 extending parallel to the first and second side edges 10, 12 of the base plate 4.

In figure 1, the base plate 4 comprises one first longitudinal reinforcement, top reinforcement, 20 extending parallel to the top edge 6 and in the vicinity of the top edge 6, and one first longitudinal reinforcement, bottom reinforcement, 22 extending parallel to the bottom edge 8 and in the vicinity of the bottom edge 8. The base plate 4 further comprises one second longitudinal reinforcement, first side reinforcement, 24 extending parallel to the first side edge 10 and in the vicinity of the first side edge 10, and one second longitudinal reinforcement, second side reinforcement, 26 extending parallel to the second side edge 12 and in the vicinity of the second side edge 12.

The reinforcements may also be provided in any other manner to the — base plate 4 or they may be of some other shape.

The one or more reinforcements may be provided by forming or shaping the base plate 4, for example by press forming, embossing, die cutting or the like shaping or forming method. Alternatively, the one or more reinforcements 20, 22, 24, 26 may be attached to the base plate 4, or to the plate surface(s) of the base plate 4. In the latter case, the reinforcements 20, 22, 24, 26 may be material strips or the like attached to the plate surface(s), such as metal strips.

The base plate 4 may be made of metal sheet, or sheet metal or thin sheet, such as steel, stainless steel, aluminium or some other suitable metal. Alternatively, the base plate 4 may be made of plastic material or some other synthetic material, such as fibrous material or composite material capable of N forming the base plate 4.

N The plate surface(s) of the base plate 4 may be smooth or they may be S patterned, as in figure 3. The patterned plate surface(s) may be provided by S forming the base plate, for example by die cutting embossing or press forming. In E 30 some embodiments the pattern is a polygonal pattern or a hexagonal pattern > suitable as groundwork for honeycombs formed by the bees.

8 Furthermore, in some embodiments the base plate 4 and the plate 3 surface(s) may be coated with a beeswax layer.

> In the present invention, the beeswax foundation 2 comprises a bottom — edge flange provided to the bottom edge 8 of the base plate 4. The bottom edge flange extends along the bottom edge 8 of the base plate 4. Figures 2A and 2B show two different embodiments of the top edge flange in the detailed view of the detail part A of figure 1.

Figure 2A shows an embodiment in which the top edge flange 32, 34 is formed by bending the base plate 4 at the bottom edge 8. The bottom edge flange comprises a first flange part 32 extending in a first direction transversely or perpendicularly from the bottom edge 8 of the base plate 4 and from and relative to the base plate 4 or the plate surface. The first flange part 32 provides a first flange edge 36 extending substantially parallel to the bottom edge 8. The bottom edge flange comprises a first flange part 32 extending in a second direction transversely or perpendicularly from the bottom edge 8 of the base plate 4 and from and relative to the base plate 4 or the plate surface. The second flange part 34 provides a second flange edge 38 extending substantially parallel to the bottom edge 8. Preferably, the first and second directions are perpendicular to the direction of the plate surface(s) of the base plate 4, and extend in opposite directions. In other words, the bottom edge flange 32, 34 extends in two directions from the bottom edge 8 and forms a T-shaped cross-section.

In one embodiment, the bottom edge flange is formed by bending or shaping the base plate 4 such that the base plate 4 is first bent in the first direction to the first flange edge 36 for forming the first flange part 32 and then bent in the second direction past the base plate 4 to the second flange edge 38. The first and second flange parts 32, 34 preferably have the same length in the first and second directions from the base plate 4. Furthermore, the first and second flange parts 32, 34 preferably form an angle of 90 degrees with the base plate 4 or the plate surface(s). Figure 2B shows an alternative embodiment, in which the bottom edge N flange 32 extends transversely or perpendicularly in one direction, in the first N direction, from the bottom edge 8 of the base plate 4 and from and relative to the S base plate 4 or the plate surface(s). Thus, the bottom edge flange 32 forms an L- S shaped cross-section with the base plate 4. E 30 In this embodiment, the bottom edge flange 32 is formed by bending or > shaping the base plate 4 such that the base plate 4 is bent in the first direction to 8 the first flange edge 36 for forming the flange part 32. The bottom edge flange 32 3 preferably forms an angle of 90 degrees with the base plate 4 or the plate > surface(s). It should be noted that the bottom edge flange may be provided in various ways such that it extends from the base plate 4 in the thickness direction of the base plate 4 at the bottom edge 8. The bottom edge flange 32, 34 may be a flange, lip, collar or any kind of structural element extending in the thickness direction of the base plate 4 at the bottom edge 8. Furthermore, in figures 2A and 2B the bottom edge flange 32, 34 is formed by shaping the base plate 4 such that the bottom edge flange 32, 34 is provided as an integral part of the base pate 4. This is preferable as manufacturing the beeswax foundation becomes simple. However, the bottom edge flange 32, 34 may also be attached fixedly or removably to the bottom edge 8 of the base plate 4. When the bottom edge flange 32, 34 is attached fixedly to the base plate 4, itis also an integral part of the base plate 4. The bottom edge flange 32, 34 may be attached to the bottom edge 8 with mechanical fasteners, such as rivets, staples, screws or the like. Alternatively, the bottom edge flange 32, 34 may be attached to the bottom edge 8 by bonding, such a gluing with adhesive material or welding or fusing or some other bonding method. Also, an attached or bonded bottom edge flange 32, 34 may extend transversely or perpendicularly from the base plate 4 or the plate surface(s) in one direction or in two directions.

It should be noted that according to the present invention the bottom edge flange 32, 34 and the base plate together form the beeswax foundation 2, also when the beeswax foundation 2 is separated or apart from the foundation frame.

Thus, the bottom edge flange 32, 34 is part of the beeswax foundation 2 and the base plate 4.

In the embodiments shown in figures 1 to 6, the bottom edge flange 32, 34 extends along the whole length of the bottom edge 8 between the first and second side edges 10, 12 of the base plate 4. This is preferable as the bottom edge flange 32, 34 provides rigidity along the whole length of the base plate 4 between N the first and second side edges 10, 12. However, the bottom edge flange 32, 34 may N also extend along only part of the length of the bottom edge 8 between the first and S second side edges 10, 12 of the base plate 4, or the bottom edge 8 may be provided S with two or more bottom edge flanges 32, 34 spaced apart from each other along E 30 — the bottom edge 8 of the base plate 4. In that case, there may be for example one > bottom edge flange 32, 34 extending a predetermined distance from the first and 8 second side edges 10, 12 along the bottom edge 8. 3 Figure 3 shows a three-dimensional view of the beeswax foundation 2, > and the bottom edge flange 32, 34 extending along the bottom edge 8. The base plate 4 is formed from artificial solid plate material having structural strength and rigidity.

Figure 4 shows a beekeeping structure for a beehive.

The beekeeping structure comprises a foundation frame 50 and a beeswax foundation 2, when the beeswax foundation is installed into the foundation frame 50. According to the present invention the foundation frame 50 comprises a top frame part 52, a first — side frame part 60, and a second side frame part 70, as shown in figure 4. The first and second side frame parts 60, 70 extend from the top frame part 52 in same direction such that the top frame part 52 forms together with the first and second side frame parts 60, 70 a U-shaped foundation frame 50. The top frame part 52 has a first top frame end 51 and a second top frame end 57. The first side frame part 60 is attached to the first top frame end 51 or to the vicinity thereof, and the second side frame part 70 is attached to the second top frame end 57 or to the vicinity thereof.

Therefore, the U-shaped foundation frame 50 is formed.

The first side frame part 60 comprises a first proximal end 61 connected to the top frame part 52, or arranged towards the top frame part 52, and a first distal end 62 away or distal from or in relation to the top frame part 52. The second side frame part 70 comprises a first proximal end 71 connected to the top frame part 52, or arranged towards the top frame part 52, and a second distal end 72 away or distal from or in relation to the top frame part 52. As shown in figure 4, the first and second side frame parts 60, 70 may be attached to the top frame part 52 with frame connections.

The frame connection may be a fixed frame connection which cannot be opened and the first and second side frame parts cannot be detached from the top frame part 52 without breaking the foundation frame 50. Alternatively, the frame connection may be an openable or releasable frame connection which may be opened and the first and second side frame parts may be detached from the top frame part 52 without breaking the N foundation frame 50, as in figure 4. N The first side frame part 60 comprises a first inner surface 69 facing S the inside of the U-shaped foundation frame 50 or towards the second side frame S part 70. The first inner surface 69 is provided with a first groove 66 extending from I 30 the first distal end 62 of the first side frame part 60 towards the top frame part 52 > and the first proximal end 61. Preferably the first groove 66 extends from the first 8 distal end 62 to the first proximal end 61 or to the top frame part 52. The second 3 side frame part 70 comprises a second inner surface 79 facing the inside of the U- > shaped foundation frame 50 or towards the first side frame part 60. The second inner surface 79 is provided with a second groove 76 extending from the second distal end 72 of the second side frame part 70 towards the top frame part 52 and the second proximal end 71. Preferably the second groove 76 extends from the second distal end 72 to the second proximal end 71 or to the top frame part 52. The top frame part 52 comprises a top inner surface 59 facing the inside of the U- shaped foundation frame 50, or in the direction in which the first and second side frame parts 60, 70 extend from the top frame part 52. The top inner surface 59 is a bottom surface of the top frame part 52. The top inner surface 59 is provided with atop groove 58 extending along the bottom side of the top frame part 52 between the first and second side frame parts or between the first and second top frame ends 51, 57. The foundation frame 50 further comprises an attachment mechanism 67, 68, 77, 78, 80, 82 arranged to removably attach the beeswax foundation 2 to the foundation frame 50 between the first and second side frame parts 60, 70. The attachment mechanism comprises a first attachment mechanism 67, 68, 80 provided to the first side frame part 60 or to the first distal end 62 of the first side frame part 60 or to the vicinity thereof.

The attachment mechanism also comprises a second attachment mechanism 77, 78, 82 provided to the second side frame part 70 or to the second distal end 72 of the second side frame part 70 or to the vicinity thereof.

The attachment mechanism or the first and second attachment mechanisms are provided as mechanical joints 67, 68, 77, 78, 80, 82, or mortise- and-tenon joints, and arranged to form openable attachment mechanisms 67, 68, 77,78, 80, 82. The first attachment mechanism comprises a first slot 67 provided to the first distal end 62 of the first side frame part 60 and a first mortise 68 extending through the first slot 67 and the first side frame part 60. The second attachment N mechanism comprises a second slot 77 provided to the second distal end 72 of the N second side frame part 70 and a second mortise 78 extending through the second S slot 77 and the second side frame part 70. S The first and second slots 67, 77 are arranged such that they extend E 30 — through the first and second side frame parts 60, 70, respectively, in a direction = between the first and second side frame parts 60, 70, or in the direction of the base 8 plate 4 of the beeswax foundation 2. The first and second slots 67, 77 are further 3 open at the end faces of the first and second distal ends 62, 72 of the first and > second side frame parts 60, 70, respectively.

The beekeeping structure further comprises the beeswax foundation 2 arranged to the U-shaped foundation frame 50. Figure 5 shows installing the beeswax foundation 2 according to the present invention into the foundation frame

50. The beeswax foundation 2 is arranged to be removably attached to the foundation frame 50 with the first and second attachment mechanisms 67, 68, 77, 78, 80, 82. The base plate 4 of the beeswax foundation 2 is slit into the foundation frame the top edge 6 first and starting from the first and distal ends 62, 72 of the first and second side frame parts 60, 70 such that the first side edge 10 is arranged into the first groove 66 and the second side edge 12 is arranged into the second groove 76. Thus, the base plate 4 is secure between the first and second side frame parts 60, 70. At the end of the installation, the first extension 14 is arranged into the first slot 67 at the first distal end 62 such that the first securing hole 28 in the first extension 14 is aligned with the first mortise 68 in the first side frame part 60. Similarly, the second extension 16 is arranged into the second slot 77 at the second distal end 72 such that the second securing hole 29 in the second extension 16 is aligned with the second mortise 78 in the second side frame part 70. When the first and second mortises 68, 78 and the first and second securing holes 28, 29, respectively, are aligned, tenons 80, 82 may be pushed through the first and second mortises 68, 78 and the first and second securing holes 28, 29, respectively, for locking the beeswax foundation 2 to the foundation frame 50. The first extension 14 is thus arranged into the first slot 67 and inside the first side frame part 60 and the second extension 16 is thus arranged into the second slot 77 and inside the second side frame part 70. It should be noted, that the foundation frame 50 of the present invention comprises the top frame part 52, the first side frame part 60 and the second side frame part 70 and the bottom frame part is omitted, as the bottom edge N flange 32, 34 of the beeswax foundation 2 forms the bottom frame part for the N foundation frame 50 when the beeswax foundation 2 is installed to the foundation S frame 50. S In some embodiment, the foundation frame 50 may be provided with a E 30 foundation guide (not shown) for guiding or supporting the beeswax foundation 2 > between the first and second side frame parts 60, 70. The foundation guide may be 8 arranged between and connected to the first and second side frame parts 60, 70 3 such that it supports the beeswax foundation 2 at the plate surface(s) of the base > plate 4 or at the bottom edge flange 32, 34 when the beeswax foundation 2 is installed to the foundation frame 50. The foundation guide may extend between the first and second side frame parts 60, 70, and it may be a batten or two battens.

The foundation guide may also form a guide slit through which the base plate 4 of the beeswax foundation 2 is arranged when it is installed to the foundation frame

50. Figure 6 shows the beeswax foundation 2 installed and locked to the foundation frame 50. In this installed state the bottom edge flange 32, 34 is arranged against the first and second side frame parts 60, 70 at the first and second distal ends 62, 72, or the end faces thereof, of the first and second side frame parts 60, 70, respectively, such that the bottom edge flange 32, 34 of the beeswax foundation 2 forms a bottom frame for the foundation frame 50. The attachment mechanism, or the first and second attachment mechanisms, locks the beeswax foundation 2 to the foundation frame 50. Furthermore, the first side edge 10 is arranged into the first groove 66, the second side edge 12 is arranged into the second groove 76 and the top edge 6 is arranged into the top groove 58. The invention has been described above with reference to the examples shown in the figures. However, the invention is in no way restricted to the above examples but may vary within the scope of the claims.

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Claims

1. A beeswax foundation (2) for a foundation frame (50) of a beehive, the beeswax foundation (2) comprising a base plate (4) having a top edge (6), a bottom edge (8), a first side edge (10) extending between the bottom edge (8) and the top edge (6), and a second side edge (12) extending between the bottom edge (8) and the top edge (6), characterized in that the beeswax foundation (2) comprises a bottom edge flange (32, 34) provided to the bottom edge (8) of the base plate (4), the bottom edge flange (32, 34) extending along the bottom edge (8) of the base plate (4) and that the bottom edge flange (32,34) is integral part of the bottom edge (8) of the base plate (4) making the beeswax foundation (2) rigid.

2. A beeswax foundation (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the bottom edge flange (32, 34) is: - same material as the base plate (4) and provided by forming base plate (4) at the bottom edge (8).

3. A beeswax foundation (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: - the bottom edge flange (32, 34) extends transversely or perpendicularly from the bottom edge (8) of the base plate (4); or - the bottom edge flange (32, 34) extends transversely or perpendicularly in one direction from the bottom edge (8) of the base plate (4); or - the bottom edge flange (32, 34) extends transversely in opposite directions from the bottom edge (8) of the base plate (4); or - the bottom edge flange (32, 34) extends perpendicularly in opposite 2 directions from the bottom edge (8) of the base plate (4). 7

4. A beeswax foundation (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, S characterized inthat: E 30 - the base plate (4) is made of metal sheet; or o - the base plate (4) is made of plastic sheet; or 3 - the base plate (4) is made of synthetic material. 00 N

5. A beeswax foundation (2) according to claim 4, characterized inthat:

- the bottom edge flange (32, 34) extends along the whole length of the bottom edge (8) between the first and second side edges (10, 12) of the base plate (4); or - the bottom edge flange (32, 34) extends along part of the length of the bottom edge (8) between the first and second side edges (10, 12) of the base plate (4); or - the bottom edge (8) of the base plate (4) is provided with two or more bottom edge flanges (32, 34) spaced apart from each other along the bottom edge (8) of the base plate (4).

6. A beeswax foundation (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: - the base plate (4) comprises one or more reinforcements (20, 22, 24, 26); or - the base plate (4) comprises one or more longitudinal reinforcements (20, 22, 24, 26); or - the base plate (4) comprises one or more first longitudinal reinforcements (20, 22) extending parallel to the bottom and top edges (8, 6) of the base plate (4) and one or more second reinforcements (24, 26) extending parallel tothe firstand second side edges (10, 12) of the base plate (4).

7. A beeswax foundation (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that: - the one or more reinforcements (20, 22, 24, 26) are provided by forming the base plate (4); or © - the one or more reinforcements (20, 22, 24, 26) are attached to the 9 base plate (4). a

8. A beekeeping structure in a beehive, characterized in that O 30 the beekeeping structure comprises a foundation frame (50) consisting of: = -a top frame part (52); 3 - a first side frame part (60); and 3 - a second side frame part (70), 5 the first and second side frame parts (60, 70) extending from the top N 35 frame part (52) such that the top frame part (52) forms together with the first and second side frame parts (60, 70) a U-shaped foundation frame (50), and that the beekeeping structure comprises a beeswax foundation (2) arranged to the U- shaped foundation frame (50), the beeswax foundation (2) comprising a base plate (4) having a top edge (6), a bottom edge (8), a first side edge (10) extending between the bottom edge (8) and the top edge (6), and a second side edge (12) extending between the bottom edge (8) and the top edge (6), and that the beeswax foundation (2) comprises a bottom edge flange (32, 34) provided to the bottom edge (8) of the base plate (4), the bottom edge flange (32, 34) extending along the bottom edge (8) of the base plate (4), and that the bottom edge flange (32, 34) is integral part of the bottom edge (8) of the base plate (4) making the beeswax foundation (2) rigid, and that the bottom edge flange (32, 34) is arranged against the first and second side frame parts (60, 70) at the first and second distal ends (62, 72) of the first and second side frame parts (60, 70), respectively, such that the bottom edge flange (32, 34) of the beeswax foundation (2) forms a bottom frame part for the foundation frame (50), and the foundation frame (50) comprises an attachment mechanism (67, 68, 77, 78, 80, 82) arranged to removably attach a beeswax foundation (2) to the foundation frame (50) between the first and second side frame parts (60, 70), and the beeswax foundation (2) being arranged to be removably attached to the foundation frame (50) with the attachment mechanism (67, 68, 77,78, 80, 82).

9. A beekeeping structure according to claim 8, characterized in that: - the attachment mechanism comprises at least one first attachment mechanism (67, 68, 80) provided to the first side frame part (60) and at least one second attachment mechanism (77, 78, 82) provided to the second side frame part © (70); or > - the attachment mechanism comprises a first attachment mechanism < (67, 68, 80) provided to a first distal end (62) of the first side frame part (60) in a relation to the top frame part (52) and at least one second attachment mechanism O 30 (77,78,82) provided to a second distal end (72) of the second side frame part (70) = in relation to the top frame part (52). > 3

10. A beekeeping structure according to claim 8 or 9, = characterized in that the attachment mechanism (67, 68, 77, 78, 80, 82) N 35 comprises: - at least one mechanical joint (67, 68, 77, 78, 80, 82) arranged to form an openable attachment mechanism (67, 68, 77, 78, 80, 82); or - at least one mortise-and-tenon joint (67, 68, 77, 78, 80, 82) arranged to form an openable attachment mechanism (67, 68, 77, 78, 80, 82); or - at least one latch joint arranged to form an openable attachment mechanism (67, 68,77, 78, 80, 82).

11. A beekeeping structure according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that: - the first side frame part (60) comprisesafirstinner surface (69) facing the inside of the U-shaped foundation frame (50), the first inner surface (69) being provided with a first groove (66) extending from the first distal end (62) of the first side frame part (60) in relation to the top frame part (52) towards the top frame part (52), and the second side frame part (70) comprises a second inner surface (79) facing the inside of the U-shaped foundation frame (50), the second inner — surface (79) being provided with a second groove (76) extending from the second distal end (72) of the second side frame part (70) in relation to the top frame part (52) towards the top frame part (52); or - the first side frame part (60) comprises a first inner surface (69) facing the inside of the U-shaped foundation frame (50), the first inner surface (69) being provided with a first groove (66) extending from the first distal end (62) of the first side frame part (60) in relation to the top frame part (52) towards the top frame part (52), the second side frame part (70) comprises a second inner surface (79) facing the inside of the U-shaped foundation frame (50), the second inner surface (79) being provided with a second groove (76) extending from the second distal end (72) of the second side frame part (70) in relation to the top frame part (52) © towards the top frame part (52), and the top frame (52) comprises a top inner > surface (59) facing the inside of the U-shaped foundation frame (50), the top inner < surface (59) being provided with a top groove (58) extending along the top frame a part (52) between the first and second side frame parts (60, 70). © 30 = 12. A beekeeping structure according to any one of claims 8 to 10, 3 characterized in that: 3 - the first side edge (10) of the base plate (4) is arranged into the first 5 groove (66) and the second side edge (12) of the base plate (4) is arranged into the N 35 second groove (76) such that the base plate (4) extends between the first and second side frame parts (60, 70); or

- the first side edge (10) of the base plate (4) is arranged into the first groove (66), the second side edge (12) of the base plate (4) is arranged into the second groove (76) and the top edge (6) of the base plate (4) is arranged into the top groove (58) of the top frame part (52) such that the base plate (4) extends from the top frame part (52) between the first and second side frame parts (60, 70).

13. A beekeeping structure according to claim 12, characterized in that the beeswax foundation (2) is a beeswax foundation according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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