Abstract: A hive for housing honey bees, including a substantially hollow hexagonal shaped structure including a three-side base forming one-half of the hexagon and a three-sided exterior roof forming the other half of a hexagon, the base and the roof configured to fit together with a front plate and an end plate to form the substantially hollow hexagonal structure to house the hive; and at least one interior bar in the shape of one-half of a hexagon configured to rest on top of the base and under the roof such that the half hexagonal shape of the interior bar approximately matches the half hexagonal shape of the roof, the interior bar having a plurality of openings extending through its cross-section for bees to travel through, the interior bar being configured to retain a honeycomb hanging therefrom, the honeycomb being able to hang down into the base.

Abstract: An observation hive includes a main frame including bottom and side frame members and glass front and rear walls which cooperate to define an open-top chamber in which two honeycomb frames are removably mounted. Front and rear top frame members interconnect the upper ends of the side frame members and respectively seat against the outer surfaces of the glass walls. A cover overlies the top and side frame members to close the chamber and has a depending insert portion which substantially completely occupies the portion of the chamber extending above the bottom edges of the top frame members so that bees cannot enter this space and be unobserved. Ventilation holes are formed vertically through the cover and the bottom frame member to allow vertical flow of air through the chamber, each ventilation opening being screened at its upper and lower ends. The bottom frame member is seated on pedestals to provide a clearance space therebeneath.

Abstract: A portable beehive is disclosed for use in transporting a population of bees between a beekeeper facility and an orchard or the like. The portable beehive includes a box formed from a folded, single-piece blank, and a removable top cover. The interior of the box has inner end walls which form ledges for suspending honeycomb frames within the box. An exit opening is formed through an end wall of the box, and the exit is closed or opened by a door flap. The door flap, when opened, functions as a mat upon which may be placed concentrated pollen for transfer to the bees. Pivotable carrying handles perform multiple functions including holding the top cover in place, limiting the movement of the honeycomb frames within the box, and holding a bee food container in place atop the cover. A space is formed between the rear inner end wall and the rear outer end wall in which bee food may be placed; openings are provided in the rear inner end wall through which bees may access the food.