Abstract
A berry harvester provides flexible cushioned elements and surfaces to limit bruising of the fruit harvested. A chassis defines a picking tunnel that passes over rows of plants. A picking system removes fruit from the plants as the harvester moves along the rows. A catching system configured to receive fruit removed from the plants. The catching system includes resilient catch assemblies on each side of the picking tunnel, each of the catch assemblies at least partially overlapping adjacent catch assemblies. Each of the catch assemblies has an upper surface oriented orthogonally to horizontal and flex upon impact by falling fruit.
Claims
1. An over the row fruit harvester, comprising: a chassis defining a picking tunnel; a picking system configured to remove fruit from plants; a catching system configured to receive fruit removed from the plants; the catching system comprising: a plurality of resilient catch assemblies on each side of the picking tunnel, each of the catch assemblies at least partially overlapping adjacent catch assemblies, each of the catch assemblies having an upper surface oriented orthogonally to horizontal, the catch assemblies flexing upon impact by falling fruit.
2. A fruit harvester according to claim 1, wherein flexibility of the catching assemblies is adjustable.
3. A fruit harvester according to claim 1, wherein each catching assembly comprises a trampoline element.
4. A fruit harvester according to claim 1, wherein the catch assemblies are rotational mounted.
5. A fruit harvester according to claim 1, further comprising flexible cushioning on exposed surfaces of the picking tunnel.
6. A fruit harvester according to claim 5, further comprising angled receiving assemblies providing a sloped surface along sides of the picking tunnel for deflecting falling fruit.
7. A fruit harvester according to claim 1, further comprising angled receiving assemblies providing a sloped surface along sides of the picking tunnel for deflecting falling fruit.
8. An over the row fruit harvester, comprising: a chassis defining a picking tunnel; a picking system configured to remove fruit from plants; a catching system configured to receive fruit removed from the plants; the catching system comprising: cushioning on exposed surfaces of the picking tunnel; angled receiving assemblies providing a flexible sloped surface along sides of the picking tunnel for deflecting fall fruit.
9. A fruit harvester according to claim 8, wherein the harvester comprises an over the row harvester.
10. A fruit harvester according to claim 8, wherein flexibility of the angled receiving assemblies is adjustable.
11. A fruit harvester according to claim 8, wherein each of the angled receiving assemblies comprise an upper flexible trampoline element.
12. A fruit harvester according to claim 11, wherein the trampoline element comprises materials supported at opposed edges, wherein tautness of the trampoline element is adjusted by pulling on or releasing the trampoline element.
13. A fruit harvester according to claim 12, wherein at least one edge of the trampoline element is wound on a roller and rotation of the roller in a first direction tightens the trampoline element and rotation of the roller in a second direction opposite to the first direction loosens the trampoline element.
14. A fruit harvester according to claim 8, further comprising a plurality of resilient catch assemblies at a lower portion of the picking tunnel, each of the catch assemblies at least partially overlapping adjacent catch assemblies, each of the catch assemblies having an upper surface oriented orthogonally to horizontal, the catch assemblies flexing upon impact by falling fruit.
15. A catcher assembly comprising: a planar framework forming a center opening; a retainer attached to the framework; a sheet clamped between the framework and the retainer and stretch across the center opening, the sheet being supported solely by the framework and retainer; a rotary mount for the mounting the catching assembly.
16. A fruit catching system, for a harvester, the fruit catch system comprising: a first row of overlapping catcher devices and a second row of overlapping catcher devices, the first row of overlapping catcher devices and the second row of overlapping catcher devices defining a passage for receiving plants to be harvested as the harvester travels; each of the catcher devices comprising: a planar framework forming a center opening; a retainer attached to the framework; a sheet clamped between the framework and the retainer and stretch across the center opening, the sheet being supported solely by the framework and retainer; and a rotary mount for the mounting the catching assembly.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference letters and numerals indicate corresponding structure throughout the several views:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a berry harvester according to the principles of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the berry harvester shown in FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the berry harvester shown in FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing the left side of the berry harvester shown in FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the right side of the berry harvester shown in FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the berry harvester shown in FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a first embodiment of a catch plate assembly for the berry harvester shown in FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the catch plate assembly shown in FIG. 7;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a catch plate assembly for the berry harvester shown in FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the catch plate assembly shown in FIG. 9;
[0025] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a catch plate assembly for the berry harvester shown in FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the catch plate assembly shown in FIG. 11;
[0027] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a catch plate assembly for the berry harvester shown in FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 14 is a side sectional view of the catch plate assembly shown in FIG. 13;
[0029] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a catch plate assembly for the berry harvester shown in FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the catch plate assembly shown in FIG. 15;
[0031] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a catch plate assembly for the berry harvester shown in FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 18 is a bottom perspective view of the catch plate assembly shown in FIG. 17;
[0033] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of a catch plate assembly for the berry harvester shown in FIG. 1;
[0034] FIG. 20 is a bottom perspective view of the catch plate assembly shown in FIG. 19; and
[0035] FIG. 21 is a sectional view of the catch plate assembly shown in FIG. 19.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0036] Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1-6, there is shown a berry harvester, generally designated (100). The berry harvester may be an over the row type harvester with a chassis (102) forming a picking tunnel (108), such as shown for example in FIG. 2. The chassis is supported on wheels (104). The harvester (100) may include three wheels as shown or also four wheels, depending upon the application and requirements for its use. The harvester (100) includes a driver's seat (124) at an upper front portion of the harvester (100). Controls (126) such as switches, a joystick and a steering wheel are easily accessible from the driver's seat (124).
[0037] The harvester (100) includes ladders (132) to access various areas on the machine. Racks (134) provide for storing containers to be filled with berries. Decks (120) are typically at the rear of the machine and provide an area for workers to fill containers at a filling station (122) at each side of the harvester (100). The decks (120) may fold or include portions that fold to decrease the width of the harvester (100) for transport or storage.
[0038] In the embodiment shown, the harvester includes a picking assembly (106) with rotary picking heads (116) having orbital shaking picking battens. The battens project radially and extend into the plants to agitate the berry bushes as well as rotating and moving in an orbital type motion. It has been found that such agitation/engagement with the plants is effective in removing ripe berries. It can be appreciated however that the present invention is also adaptable to harvesters with other types of picking systems such as rotary picking heads with horizontal shaking battens or sway shakers. The picking assembly (106) is generally configured with the rotary picking heads opposed on either side of the picking tunnel (108). As the harvester (100) advances along the row of plants, the plants pass through and along the tunnel (108) and are engaged by the picking assembly (106) to remove the ripe berries.
[0039] Forward of the picking tunnel (108), low profile nose cones (140) provide a transitional surface to help to guide the fruiting canes or branches into the harvester tunnel (108). Moreover, cane lifters (142) aid in positioning lower branches of plants and lift them to be engaged by the orbital picking heads (116) for more efficient plant engagement. The fruit removed by the picking assembly (106) falls onto a catching system (110). As shown, for example in FIG. 6, the catching system (110) includes an opposed line of overlapping catch plate assemblies, such as catch plate assemblies (1000), mounted on each side of the tunnel (108). The catch plate assemblies (1000) extend generally toward the center of the picking tunnel (108). The catch plate assemblies (1000) are generally configured as some planar catch plates that pivotally mount and are biased toward the extended positions, as shown in FIGS. 4-6. However, the rotational mounting allows the plate assemblies to rotate or pivot backward and inward to follow around the crown of the berry bushes as the harvester (100) advances. The catch plates (1000) generally pivot out of the way when engaging the crown and then are biased back to their overlapping position. The catch plate assemblies (1000) extend inward from a lower portion at each side of the picking tunnel (108) and are also angled slightly upward toward the center of the tunnel (108), forming a peak where the ends of the plates overlap in the center of the tunnel. With an upper slightly sloped surface, fruit that falls onto the catch plate assemblies (1000) rolls outward in the tunnel onto conveyors (118). The conveyors then transport the fruit to the filling station (122). In some embodiments, the harvester (100) may include additional conveyors or may include fans and/or a cleaning station to remove debris away from the harvested berries.
[0040] As shown most clearly in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, the picking tunnel (108) includes surfaces (158) and (114) that are composed of a soft cushioning material such as neoprene. The soft padded surfaces therefore provide a soft engagement surface (158) for fruit that is flung against the surfaces. The soft neoprene surfaces (158) reduce the impact from the fruit engaging the surfaces and therefore reduce bruising of the fruit. By minimizing bruising, the quality of the berries harvested with such a mechanical harvester (100) may be marketed as fresh fruit.
[0041] In addition to the hardness of the surface engaged by the fruit, creating an oblique angle at impact may also lessen the force from the fruit striking surfaces. As shown, for example, in FIGS. 4 and 5, the lower portion of the picking tunnel is a sloped surface (158). The upper surfaces (158) provide a degree of resiliency or elasticity and absorb some of the force of the impact. The soft surface combined with slanting of the surface reduce or eliminate bruising to the berries due to impact after being dislodged from the bushes and falling.
[0042] It can further be appreciated that the catch plate assemblies (1000) for the catching system (110) also may include upper surfaces that lessen the impact and therefore the damage to the fruit. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a first embodiment of the catch plate assembly (1000) includes a frame (1002) and a flexible trampoline type sheet (1004) stretched across the frame in a trampoline like arrangement. The frame (1002) defines central openings (1006) and connects to a retainer (1012), such as a ring that provides clamping the sheet (1004). The frame (1002) and retainer (1012) may be made of lightweight materials such as nylon or polycarbonate. The catch plate assembly (1000) also includes a pivotal mount (1008) allowing the assemblies to rotate, as occurs when engaging the crown of a plant. It can be appreciated that the upper surface of the catch plate assembly is slightly skewed from perpendicular to the axis of the mounting portion (1008) so that the catch plate assemblies (1000) form upper surfaces with a slight slope that facilitates fruit rolling onto the conveyors. Moreover, the catching plate assemblies (1000) are configured so that they may slightly nest adjacent assemblies and overlap one another, both along the center line and from front to rear over adjacent catching assemblies, as shown for example in FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0043] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the frame (1002) and retainer (1012) are attached by mounting hardware (1010) such as screws or bolts. The retainer (1012) has chamfered edges (1016) around the openings (1006) in the embodiment shown. The center openings (1006) allow the sheet to act as a trampoline and flex slightly when struck by falling fruit. The sheet (1004) acts as a trampoline is formed of a stretchable resilient material such as neoprene. The sheet mounting arrangement provides for resiliency of the sheet (1004) to minimize damage and bruising from impact from fruit. The trampoline like sheet (1004) is unsupported away from the edges and is able to deflect and stretch from the fruit to absorb some of the kinetic energy of the falling fruit and decrease the impact from falling onto the catch plates (1000). However, the sheet (1004) is preferably mounted to provide a receiving surface that has sufficient resiliency and tautness to allow fruit to roll off the catch plate assemblies (1000) to the conveyors. It can be appreciated that the shape may be varied somewhat as long as the upper surface absorbs some of the energy of the fruit lessens the damage from impact and provides overlap and directs fruit toward the conveyors. Moreover, having each sheet (1004) clamped at its edges allows the sheet to deflect and also to minimize tearing. The sheets (1004) are easily replaced if torn or permanently stretched by separating the frame (1002) and retainer (1012) and inserting a new sheet (1004).
[0044] Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, there is shown a second embodiment of a catch plate assembly, generally designated (2000). The catch plate assembly (2000) is similar to the catch plate assembly (1000). The assembly has a retainer (2012) mounted to a frame (2002) with hardware (2010 and forms an opening (2006). However, the assembly (2000) has a slightly different mounting arrangement as shown in FIG. 10. The frame (2002) includes a lip (2016) over which a trampoline sheet (2004) is stretched so that the sheet (2004) is flush with a retainer (2012) as opposed to the chamfered configuration shown in FIG. 8.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, there is shown a third embodiment of a catch plate assembly, generally designated (3000). The catch plate assembly (3000) again includes a trampoline sheet (3004) that is stretched and held by a frame (3002) and retainer (3012) connected by hardware (3010). In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the retainer (3012) is substantially thinner than in the other embodiments. The thinner retainer (3012) is therefore able to achieve satisfactory performance without a chamfer. Although not needed, a chamfer may be incorporated into the retainer (3012). A center opening (3006) allows the sheet (3004) to deflect when impacted. As shown in FIG. 12, the mounting arrangement has the retainer (3012) recessed from an edge of the frame (3002) sandwiching the trampoline sheet (3004). The catch plate elements (3002, 3010 and 3012) may be made of nylon, polycarbonate, stainless steel or other appropriate materials.
[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 13-14, there is shown a fourth embodiment if a catch plate assembly, generally designated (4000). It may be appreciated that the catch plate assembly (4000) includes a trampoline sheet (4004), a frame (4002) with a retainer element (4012) connected to the frame (4002) by hardware (4010). The frame (4002) defines a center opening (4006) to allow the sheet to deflect. The material of the sheet (4004) is again stretched and held by mounting elements (4012) and stretched over a lip (4016). Moreover, it can be appreciated that the materials might be formed of nylon, polycarbonate, stainless steel or other appropriate materials. It can further be appreciated that the frame (4002) and the retainer (4012) may be configured for snap engagement rather than using mounting hardware.
[0047] Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, there is shown a further embodiment of a catch plate assembly, generally designated (5000). In the embodiment shown, the frame (5002) connects to a retainer (5012) with hardware (5010) in a manner similar to other embodiments. However, the frame (5002) includes two ribs (5014) that define three separate openings (5006). It is also appreciated that other rib configurations are possible with different numbers and shapes of ribs and openings. As shown in FIG. 16, the mounting arrangement includes a pocket (5018) for neoprene material of the trampoline sheet (5004). The retainer (5012) clamps against the sheet (5004) to clamp the sheet into the pocket (5018). A pin (5020) allows the catch plate assembly (5000) to be rotationally mounted.
[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18, there is shown a sixth embodiment of a catch plate assembly, generally designated (6000). The catch plate assembly (6000) includes a frame (6002) with a stretched trampoline sheet (6004) in a manner similar to the catch plate assembly (3000). In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the frame (6002) includes ribs (6014) that define three openings (6006) and support the back of the trampoline sheet (6004). It is also appreciated that other rib configurations are possible with different numbers and shapes of ribs and openings. The catch plate assembly (6000) includes a top retainer (6012) connected to the frame (6002) with hardware (6010). The retainer clamps against the frame (6002) to sandwich and retain the sheet (6004). A pin (6020) provides for rotationally mounting the catch plate assembly (6000) and maintains an upper surface at the proper orientation. The frame (6000) may be made of a lightweight material such as Lexan and the retainer (6012) may be stainless steel.
[0049] Finally, referring to FIGS. 19-21, there is shown a seventh embodiment of a catch plate assembly, generally designated (7000). The catch plate assembly includes a frame (7002) and a trampoline type sheet (7004) in a manner similar to the catch plate assembly (4000). The frame includes a rib (7014) that defines two openings (7006). It can be appreciated that other rib configurations are possible with different numbers and shapes of ribs and openings. The catch plate assembly (7000) and includes a stainless steel ring type retainer (7012) that attaches to the frame (7002) with hardware (7010). In the embodiment shown, the frame (7002) extends inward from the retainer (7012) and includes a bump (7016) over which the trampoline sheet (7004) is stretched. The ring and frame may define one or more openings (7006). A mounting pin (7020) mounts to the lower side of the frame and provides for rotation and positioning of the upper surface to facilitate fruit rolling from the catch plate assembly (7000).
[0050] It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.
