# US 4,395,788 A · Apparatus for separating beehive boxes

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- Number: US 4,395,788 A
- Document ID: US4395788A
- Status: Granted
- Kind: A
- Application number: 06/420,815
- Filed: 1982-09-21
- Granted: 1983-08-02
- Earliest claimed: 1981-10-09
- Inventors: Norman K. Crichton; Clive Farley-Smith
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US4395788A

## CPC

- A01K 55/00: Bee-smokers; Bee-keepers' accessories, e.g. veils
- A01K: ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS

## Abstract

An apparatus for separating beehive boxes for removal of honey frames in the boxes. The apparatus includes a rectangular framework which fits over the beehive with one end of the framework engaging against an upper box in the hive at one end thereof and a pivotally mounted other end of the framework engaging against the next lower box in the hive at the other end thereof. The pivotally mounted framework end is provided with a handle which on actuation slides the top box over the lower box with a shearing action to break the seal between the boxes and allow removal of the top box.

## Claims

### Claim 1

Apparatus for separating beehive boxes, comprising a rectangular framework adapted to fit over and engage between two superimposed beehive boxes, said framework comprising two spaced-apart side members connected at their ends by transverse members, said side members at one end thereof including pivotal link members having the transverse member attached between the outer ends of said link members, and handle means connected to said link members between their pivotal point and said transverse member, the transverse member at the other end of said side members being adapted to engage against one end of the top box, and the transverse member at the said one end being adapted to engage against the opposite end of the lower box, such that pivotal movement of said handle means slides said top box over said lower box to break the seal between the boxes.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

An apparatus according to claim 1 and including vertically adjustable positioning members attached to and extending above and inwardly of said side members adjacent the other end thereof, said positioning members being adapted to engage above and over the sides of the top box.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said positioning members comprise bar members having a chisel edge at one end for separating honey frames in said boxes and a transversely extending member at the other end for engaging over and against the top of the said top box.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said transversely extending members are provided with key means at their outer free ends for engaging under the ends of honey frames in said boxes so as to loosen same.

### Claim 5 (depends on 3, 4)

An apparatus according to claim 3 or claim 4 wherein said positioning members are accommodated in sockets on said side members and wherein said sockets are provided with means for adjustably locating said positioning members in relation to said side members.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

An apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the locating means comprises spring loaded detent means engageable in indentations in said positioning members.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1, 2)

An apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein each side member comprises pivotal link members forming a parallelogram.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1, 2)

An apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein each side member comprises a single bar member having a pivotal link member attached thereto at said one end thereof.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1, 2)

An apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein said handle means are adjustably connected to said link members for sliding movement between an extended operating position and non-extended carrying position.