WO1999034660A1 - Fruit harvesting device - Google Patents

Abstract

The fruit harvesting device is comprised of an elongate telescopic structure consisting of light material elements. The device is provided at its distal end with gripping means (2) which are actuated from the proximal end by appropriate means (3). The prehension means (2) are comprised of various equidistant extensions which are hinged to one common extremity. The actuation means (3) intended to actuate the various extensions or fingers of the prehension means (2) are comprised of a lever connected to a cable (4) which extends longitudinally inside the structure (1).

Description

 DEVICE FOR FRUIT COLLECTION

D E S C R I P C I Ó N

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention relates to a device for the collection of fruit, which contributes to the function to which it is intended, several advantages that will be reported later, apart from others inherent in its organization and constitution.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The current known procedures for collecting the fruit directly from the tree date back to ancient times, and basically consist of approaching stairs to the tree so that operators can access the glass and tall branches.

This method is preferred for the collection of fruit in optimal conditions, intended for table consumption, there are other systems applicable in the canning industry or juices, based on vareo, trunk vibration, disgrace to the tree and fruit , which is caught on canvases spread on the ground, around the tree.

In accordance with the above, it is evident that the current collection processes are uneconomic, due to the excessive staff they require and due to their slowness, in the first case and at the same time risky for the operators that must be perched on the stairs and work in conditions of precarious balance. In the second of the cases reviewed, that produce irreparable damage to the tree and the fruit, so the destiny of the latter is limited to specific markets in which a premium fruit is not necessary.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The petitioner of the present invention has conceived a device for harvesting fruit directly from the tree, which advantageously supplements the known manual methods, does not damage the tree, and provides the fruit with an optimal treatment, equivalent in its delicacy to the manual.

In general, the device that is recommended consists of a tube of lightweight and optionally telescopic material, provided at its distal end with prehensile means of the fruit, connected with actuating means located at the proximal end of said tube, which in turn it is the grip end of the device.

The described organization is applicable to pick fruit from tall trees or that are located in places of difficult access, not requiring the use of stairs, which simplifies the process and eliminates the risk of operator falls.

The present invention offers the advantages that have been described above, in addition to others that will be easily deduced from the exemplary embodiment described in more detail below to facilitate the understanding of the characteristics set forth above, making it known various details and accompanying herein, for this purpose, drawings in which only by way of example and not limiting the scope of the present invention, a practical case of the object thereof is represented.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1.- Represents the fruit collecting device in longitudinal view, with the prehensile means in the open position.

Figure 2.- It is a view similar to the previous one, in which the device presents the prehensile means in a closed position.

REALIZATION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the figures, a device for the collection of fruits, consisting of an elongated structure, generally designated by (1), and composed of one or more tubes of light material, optionally telescopic, can be seen in order to adapt its length at the height or distance of the fruit.

One of the ends of its structure (1), presents the prehensile means of the fruit, consisting of several fingers (2), of plastic material, provided with a convenient shape and size, depending on the use to which the tool is intended.

The said fingers (2), open or close as a lever (3), located at the other end of the structure (1) is operated. This lever (3) and fingers (2), are related by a tow (4), which transmits the movements of the lever to the fingers. The tow (4), is guided inside the tubular structure (1).

The structure (1) has two handles for gripping, designated by (5) and (6).

The actuation of the lever (3), produces the closing of the fingers (2), on the chosen fruit, holding it sufficiently to allow its start.

The maneuver of actuation of the lever (3), is carried out with the own hand of subjection of the handle (5), whereas the other hand is applied on the handle (6), that allows the balance of the structure (1 ), during work.

When the manual pressure on the lever (3) ceases, it automatically returns to its resting position, producing the opening of the fingers (2), which release the fruit.

The present invention, within its essentiality, can be carried out in other embodiments that differ in detail from that indicated by way of example in the description, and to which the protection sought will also be achieved. It may, therefore, be constructed in any shape and size with the most appropriate materials, as all of this is included in the spirit of the claims.

Claims

1.- Device for the collection of fruit, essentially characterized by being constituted by an elongated telescopic structure (1), composed of one or more tubes of light material, provided at its distal end with prehensile means (2), for the grip and starting the fruit, while at the proximal end, there are drive means (3), of the above, and fastening means (5) and (6), of the structure (1). 2. Device for the collection of fruit, according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the prehensile means (2), are constituted by a common end, which have an open resting position that determines a receiving cavity of the fruit, and a functional position closed around said fruit. 3. Device for harvesting fruit, according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the means for actuating the fingers (2), are constituted by a lever (3), related to the aforementioned fingers through a serpent ( 4), which extends longitudinally and internally to the tubular structure (1). 4. Device for collecting fruit, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the gripping means of the structure (1) are constituted by two handles (5) and (6), located in succession on the proximal end of said structure (1), being arranged adjacent to the handle (5), the support for the lever articulation (3), which extends over it.