An effective yet simple rain flap canopy
Author of solution (idea): Ondřej Hercog (inspired by Eva Kalčíková)
Tested in practice: FROM season 2020
Testing results: verified, safe when adhering to manufacturing recommendations and usage methodology
The group of breeders for whom the tool is suitable: unrestricted
Justification Solutions for occasional problems with classic protective flaps caused by rainfall, frequent breakage of the plexiglass protective canopy.
Note: The solution was approved by the author and Čmeláci PLUS and adopted by one of the protective flap manufacturers, and according to all indications, it will soon be commercially available (info 11/2020).
A simple rain shelter protecting the hive entrance and landing board.
Commercially manufactured canopies but sometimes they have the following shortcomings:
- They are small and don't cover what they should, even light rain will wet the flap
- it breaks and cracks easily
- when they are fitted into the groove in the flap they can be removed easily, but they sometimes don't hold well in the groove and the wind blows them away
- when they are fitted into the groove in the flap, water gets into the groove and the flap body then deforms
- The price of a new cover starts from 40 CZK and up (+ postage).
That's why designed a canopy, which has the following advantages:
- You can easily make it yourself
- It's bigger and better, it covers the flap and the grating.
- water runs off it easily
- It is firmly attached to the hive, but by loosening one screw, you can easily separate it from the hive.
- It's made of a flexible material that won't break easily with handling or accidental contact, yet it holds its shape well.
- It's transparent and doesn't obstruct the view or photography of the entrance hole
Bumblebees PLUS – Rain Cover
Photo O. Hercog
Try it yourself and see – it's a doddle 🙂
Bumblebees PLUS – Roof over the flap
Photo O. Hercog 6/2020
Roof made according to the Čmeláci PLUS instructions
Bumblebees PLUS – Roof over the flap
Photo O. Hercog 6/2020
Fitting a canopy over a commercially manufactured flap with canopy dimensions as per our instructions
Adapt the dimensions according to the mounting of the damper on your hive!
Bumblebees PLUS – Covers for flaps located on the wall
Photo O, Hercog 6/2020
Bumblebees PLUS – Covers for flaps located on the wall
Photo O, Hercog 6/2020
How To make a roof canopy
Please consider the following procedure as a proven solution. Feel free to adapt it to your needs and production capabilities.
Material
- A sheet of clear polycarbonate up to 1mm thick, so the material can be cold-bent.
(A thickness of 0.75mm was used here) - A cutting board made from quality wood, or boards made from quality plywood up to a thickness of around 20mm (do not use plywood, OSB board, or other materials that will not withstand the weather).
- At least 3 small wood screws around 10mm in length
- 1 countersunk screw 30-40mm length
- Acrylic exterior paint
- Quality adhesive tape
Proceed
- make your own Canopy bracket – adjust the chopping board into the shape according to the attached sketch – adjust the dimensions according to your workspace so that it does not exceed its outline
- Choose the radius of the top side according to your own discretion and taste. A large radius will mean a practically flat cap that won't hold its shape; a small radius may hinder the movement of bumblebees.
- In our model, a radius of 95mm is used, which has proven itself in practice.
Ensure the edges are straight, as the polycarbonate roof will rest on them. - we deliver try cut-out shape on the ulcer and, if applicable, dimensions edit
- Drill a hole (or two) in the centre for attaching the roof to the hive body
- If you use a countersunk screw (recommended), enlarge the hole with a larger drill bit so that the head fits into it.
- Smooth the surface with fine sandpaper | (do not round the edges)
- Apply 2 coats of acrylic paint
- of polycarbonate cut out the canopy
- The depth of the canopy for a standard model of a commercially available damper should be at least 150mm+.
- Choose the width of the board so that it covers the entire radius of the canopy holder and simultaneously creates an overhang of at least 5mm.
- If you use a sheet of paper and hold it against the canopy holder, you will quickly and easily obtain such a dimension.
- on the clipped roof Glue the outer corners and round them. / trim - this will prevent injury when moving around the ulcer; at the same time, the tape will mark the edge of the canopy so that neither you nor the bumblebees will miss it
- Fasten the tape only to the underside of the canopy – it won't peel off in the rain and will last the entire season
- Mark the centre of the cap as it will be fitted to the bracket, place the cap against it and drill a hole
- Insert the first small screw into this hole and screw the canopy onto the bracket.
- Press the cover with your fingers so that it follows the radius on the cover holder, drill another hole and attach the cover on one side and then on the other.
- Check yes, that
– the canopy has an overhang to protect the canopy bracket from rainwater running off
– that the canopy will be horizontal after being mounted on the hive, and water will not run onto the hive (the canopy's radius will generally prevent this)
Bumblebees PLUS – Roof holder – drawing
O. Hercog 6/2020
Adjust the dimensions according to your purpose before carrying out the final surface test.
Polycarbonate canopy – dimensions
Photo O. Hercog 6/2020
Adjust the dimensions according to your task and the bracket you have made.
Bumblebees PLUS - Roof mounted on bracket
Photo O. Hercog 6/2020
Don't forget the overhang that covers the canopy bracket.
Bumblebees PLUS - Roof mounted on bracket
Photo O. Hercog 6/2020
Bumblebees PLUS - Roof mounted on bracket
Photo O. Hercog 6/2020
Bumblebees PLUS – Polycarbonate Roof – Rounding or Chamfering of a Corner
Photo O. Hercog 6/2020
Don't forget to round or bevel the edge of the roof so you don't injure yourself on it when moving the hive!
Installation of the canopy
Zde platí známé „Measure twice, cut once“. Therefore, take your time and try the correct position of the canopy!
Proceed
- Find a suitable height for mounting the canopy.
– if you have a commercially available flap and use the dimensions we recommend, place the canopy directly above the flap
– if you raise it, you will see the flap better, but it will then be less protected from the weather
– if you set it lower, the flap will be better protected, but you won’t be able to open it beyond the horizontal position and it will be harder to handle; however, the flap will be better protected - Mark with a drill bit and drill a hole in the housing (choose a suitable drill bit, approximately 0.8 times the screw diameter).
- Attach the canopy
And that's it! 🙂
Bumblebees PLUS – Roof over the flap
Photo: O Hercog, June 2020
Canopy made according to the PLUS Bumblebees instructions – side view
Bumblebees PLUS – Roof over the flap
Photo O, Hercog 6/2020
Canopy made according to the Čmeláci PLUS instructions – latch in the open position,
Choose the height of the canopy so that the latch can be easily lifted and reaches the flap – for example, for cleaning
If the flap (the movable part of the shutter) is protected from the elements, it will serve you better and prolong its lifespan.