Abstract:
A harvesting system for harvesting stemmed plants having elongated stems and including bulbous growth disposed at the top of the sterns. The harvesting system includes a harvesting unit having a plurality of gripping elements; a cutter for harvesting the plants; and a divergent zone defined by gripping elements for vertically aligning the harvested plants. The harvesting unit further includes a transfer zone defined by gripping elements having another cutter for cutting the harvested plants to selected size, and includes a rotating brush for removing unwanted foliage from the harvested plants, a pair of belts disposed aft of the transfer zone for receiving selectably sized, harvested plants from the transfer zone and a belt-like table disposed aft of the pair of belts for receiving the selectably sized harvested plants from the pair of belts for packing and shipping the plants from the field.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
       [0001]    This non-provisional application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/115,550, entitled “A Harvesting Apparatus for Harvesting Rapini or Similar Type Plants having Elongated Sterns including Florets Disposed at the Top of the Stems”, filed on Aug. Feb. 12, 2015. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The invention relates generally to a harvesting apparatus suited for harvesting plants having elongated stems that include florets comprising any of the tight branched clusters of flower buds that together form the head of produce such as rapini, broccoli and the like, which are disposed at the top of the stem. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    In general, harvesting of produce, including in particular vegetables such as rapini and other similar type vegetables, involves the manual removal of produce from the field. Usually, a farmworker walks through a field with a cutting tool such as a harvesting knife and manually detaches the exposed produce from its root. The produce is then delivered for further processing, perhaps to a conveyor belt on a self-propelled harvester travelling through the field alongside the worker. 
         [0004]    There are drawbacks with the prior art methods, however. They are very labor-intensive, often requiring more workers than are readily available when the plants are ready for harvest. In addition, because of the use of sharp cutting implements used by workers, there is a risk of injury. A need therefore exists to reduce the labor-intensity of the produce harvesting process, to make that process safer and more cost effective. Preferably, account should also be taken of other steps necessary in the harvesting process beyond the removal of the produce from the ground, including inspection, packaging and packing for distribution to the marketplace directly from the field. The present invention satisfies all of the objectives and provides other related advantages such as cutting the rapini or similar type plants into even lengths for convenient packing and shipping, and for enhanced presentation at retail outlets. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    One aspect of the present invention is to provide a harvesting apparatus for harvesting rapini or similar type plants having elongated stems that include florets disposed at the top of the stems. Moreover, one of the primary goals of the harvesting apparatus is to provide rapini or similar type plants harvested with even lengths for packing and shipping with desired appearance in the marketplace. 
         [0006]    Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a harvesting apparatus that reduces the need for manual labor, especially when the plants are prime for harvest. 
         [0007]    In another aspect of the present invention the harvesting apparatus comprises a first gripping element for gripping the plants as the apparatus advances forward through a row of unharvested plants, the first gripping element comprising opposed belts disposed adjacent one another and being driven by forward and aft spindles along a first track. The harvesting apparatus also includes a first pair of cutters coupled to the bottom of the forward spindles of the opposed belts of the first gripping element for cutting the stems of the plants below the florets. 
         [0008]    One aspect of the invention includes a second gripping element having opposed belts arranged in similar fashion to the first gripping element disposed at an acute angle directly above and aligned with the first gripping element for defining a divergent zone along the first track, and for receiving, gripping and transporting the harvested plants from the first gripping element. 
         [0009]    The gripping force of the second gripping element on the plant stem is less than the corresponding force of the first gripping element. Thus, as the first and second gripping elements transport harvested plants along the first track, the acute angle of the divergent zone causes the first gripping element to pull the plants vertically downward with respect to the second gripping element until the bottom of the floret contacts the top of the second gripping element. This arrangement of grippers provides substantially uniform vertical alignment of the plants while traveling along the first track for further processing downstream. 
         [0010]    Another aspect of the invention, includes a third gripping element having opposed belts disposed in similar fashion to the first gripping element mounted near the aft end of the second gripping element and having forward and aft drive spindles for receiving, gripping and transporting the harvested plants along the first track. In addition, the invention includes a blower for blowing air over the plants to spread out the excess foliage on the sterns for later removal downstream. 
         [0011]    Optionally, the present invention includes a second pair of cutters coupled to the bottom of the aft spindles of the third gripping element for trimming excess stems and foliage off the plants. 
         [0012]    The harvesting apparatus of the present invention also includes a fourth gripping element of design similar to that of the first, second and third gripping elements, mounted near the aft end of the third gripping element for receiving the plants from the third gripping element and advancing the plants along the first track, and for defining a transfer zone. The transfer zone also includes at least one spinning brush disposed near the bottom of the fourth gripping element for removing unwanted foliage from the plants and a third pair of cutters coupled to the bottom of the aft spindle of the fourth gripping element for cutting the plants to substantially uniform length for packaging, packing and shipping size. The gripping force of the fourth gripping element on the plant stem is less than the corresponding force of the first and third gripping element. Finally, the transfer zone further includes a pair of twisted belts for receiving and rotating the substantially uniformly cut plants approximately 90 degrees for transfer to a packaging and packing station. 
         [0013]    Another embodiment of the present invention includes a second track comprising the elements of the first track disposed on a chassis in parallel with the first track for harvesting plants growing in parallel rows at a preselected distance apart. In a further embodiment, the present invention can be used in sets of three, four, five, six, seven, eight or other configuration as convenient for any given planting and harvesting requirement. Each such additional track includes the elements of the first track, and is typically mounted on a single chassis for harvesting plants growing in parallel rows at preselected distances apart. 
         [0014]    An additional embodiment of the invention includes harvesting alignment guides located at or near the bottom of the first gripping element. The alignment guides help to keep the harvesting apparatus properly lined up with the exact row of plants to be harvested as the apparatus advances forward. 
         [0015]    Another embodiment of the invention further includes at least two helix-like guides located at or near the bottom of the first gripping element. As the harvesting apparatus advances forward, the helix-like guides help to lift up the stocks/stems of plants that are bent or leaning over in a non-vertical position due to wind or other conditions that may have pushed them down. 
         [0016]    Another embodiment of the invention additionally includes a height adjustment controller for allowing a field operator to adjust the height of the first gripping element. As the harvesting apparatus advances forward, the field operator manually adjusts the height of the first gripping element so that the stems of the plants are gripped approximately 10″ below the height of the florets. 
         [0017]    Another embodiment of the invention further includes an onboard water tank. The onboard water is used to keep all the pinch belts wet. Thus, the harvesting apparatus also includes water nozzles that are operated by a water spray controller for spraying water on the opposed pinch belts to keep them wet or moist during the harvesting process. 
         [0018]    A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for harvesting rapini or similar type plants having elongated stems that include florets disposed at the top of the stems. The method comprising the steps of gripping the plants with a first gripping element as a harvesting apparatus advances forward through a row of unharvested plants; cutting the plants along the stems below the florets with a first pair of cutters; receiving, gripping and transport the harvested plants along a second gripping element; defining a divergent zone, the second gripping element being disposed at an acute angle above the first gripping element, wherein the acute angle causing the first gripping element to pull the plants vertically downward with respect to the second gripping element until the bottom of the florets contact the top of the second gripping element, thereby enabling substantial vertical alignment of the plants; receiving, gripping and transporting the harvested plants along a third gripping element; blowing air over the plants to spread out the excess foliage on the stems for removal downstream; receiving, gripping and advancing the plants along a fourth gripping element for defining a transfer zone; removing unwanted foliage from the plants with at least one spinning brush disposed near the bottom of the fourth gripping element; and cutting the plants with a third pair of cutters to substantially uniform length for packaging, packing and shipping size. 
         [0019]    Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for harvesting rapini or similar type plants having elongated stems that include florets disposed at the top of the stems comprising a first gripping element for gripping the plants as the apparatus advances forward through a row of unharvested plants, said first gripping element being driven by forward and aft spindles; a first pair of cutters coupled to spindles disposed at the bottom of the forward spindle of the first gripping element for cutting the plants along the stems below the florets; a second gripping element for receiving and transporting the harvested plants received from the first gripping element, wherein the second gripping element having a predetermined gap disposed in the middle thereof, thereby enabling the plants to slide vertically downward; and the second gripping element being disposed at an acute angle directly above and aligned with the first gripping element for defining a divergent zone between the first gripping element, wherein the acute angle of the divergent zone causing the first gripping element to pull the plants vertically downward with respect to the second gripping element until the bottom of the florets contact the top of the second gripping element, thereby enabling substantial uniform vertical alignment of the plants. 
         [0020]    Consequently, for a better understanding of the present invention, its functional advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, claims and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  is a side perspective view and a partial bottom view of the harvesting apparatus. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the first gripping element and the second gripping element defining a divergent zone. 
           [0023]      FIG. 3 a    is a zoomed in perspective view showing the third gripping element, the fourth gripping element including at least one spinning brush located at the bottom thereof, and the slow moving conveyor belt-like table. 
           [0024]      FIG. 3 b    is a zoomed in perspective view showing the fifth gripping element, and the slow moving conveyor belt-like table. 
           [0025]      FIG. 4 a    represents a picture of unharvested rapini plants. 
           [0026]      FIG. 4 b    represents another picture of unharvested rapini plants. 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of the harvesting apparatuses in use. 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  is a top perspective view of the harvesting apparatuses configured into a harvesting unit for use condition. 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  represents an execution diagram for the method of harvesting rapini or similar type plants having elongated stems containing florets disposed at the top of the stems. 
           [0030]      FIG. 8  represents a complete and detailed listing of the execution diagram for the method of harvesting rapini or similar type plants having elongated stems containing florets disposed at the top of the stems. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0031]    The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made for at least the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims. 
         [0032]    The present invention is an apparatus used for harvesting rapini or similar type plants having elongated stems containing florets disposed at the top of the stems. One of the main goals of the harvesting apparatus is to provide rapini or similar type plants harvested with even lengths for packing and shipping. Additionally, the apparatus can be self-powered or towed by a tractor which is not illustrated or described herein since tractors come in a large variety of configurations and are common farm equipment. 
         [0033]    Referring now to the drawings.  FIGS. 1-2  refer to one embodiment of a harvesting apparatus  200  for harvesting rapini type plants. The harvesting apparatus  200  includes a first gripping element  10  for gripping the plants as the apparatus  200  advances forward through a row of unharvested plants  11  as illustrated in  FIGS. 4 a  and 4 b   . To be more specific, the plants vary in height, ranging from approximately 36″ to 48″ tall during harvest season. In addition, the first gripping element  10  is driven by forward  15  and aft  17  spindles along a first track  40 . Furthermore, the first gripping element  10  includes a pair of opposed pinch belts being adjacent to one another for gripping the plants in between thereof with pressure as the apparatus advances forward through a row of the unharvested plants. 
         [0034]    Referring still to  FIGS. 1-2 , the apparatus  200  also includes a first pair of cutters  20  coupled to spindles located at the bottom of the forward spindle  15  of the first gripping element  10  used for cutting the plants approximately 10″ below the florets. second gripping element  30  is included for receiving, transporting and registering the harvested plants  12 , along the first track  40 . The second gripping element  30  is located at an acute angle above the first gripping element  10  for defining a divergent zone  50  between the first gripping element  10  and the second gripping element  30 . The second gripping element  30  also includes a pair of opposed pinch belts being driven by forward  35  and aft  37  spindles. 
         [0035]    Referring still to  FIGS. 1-2 , the second gripping element  30  has a predetermined gap  43  located in the middle thereof for allowing the plants to slide vertically downward to allow the florets and the associated foliage to rest on the top of the second gripping element  30 . The gap  43  can be adjusted by a field operator with respect to the size of the plant stems to be harvested. Further, the first gripping element  10  and the second gripping element  30  work in cooperation for defining the divergent zone  50 , where the first gripping element  10  squeezes the stems of the plants between the pinch belts more firmly than the second gripping element  30 . The second gripping element  30  generally does not provide an initial force between the pinch belts due to the predetermined gap  43 . 
         [0036]    The plants are received, gripped and initially transported along the first gripping element  10  until the florets and associated foliage reach the second gripping element  30 . The florets and the associated foliage are wider than the gap  43 , allowing the florets to rest on the top of the second gripping element  30 , causing the rubber of the pinch belts to deform increasing the gripping force on the second gripping element. The force of the second gripping element dominates, and the stems of the plants start to slip out of the first gripping element  10  as the first and second gripping elements advance forward. 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 3 ( a ), an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a third gripping element  60  that is mounted near the aft end  37  of the second gripping element  30  and having forward  65  and aft spindles  67  for receiving, gripping and transporting the harvested plants  12  along the first track. Also, the third gripping element  30  includes a pair of opposed pinch belts that hold the plants in between thereof for gripping the plants with pressure as the apparatus advances forward. Also, one embodiment of the invention includes an air blower  73  disposed directly above the third gripping element  60  for blowing air over the plants as depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 3 ( a ) for spreading out the excess foliage on the stems of the plants for removal downstream. Likewise, the harvesting apparatus  200  may include an optional pair of second cutters  80  coupled to the bottom of the aft spindle  67  of the third gripping element  60  as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , which are used for trimming excess foliage off the plants. 
         [0038]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 ( b ), the preferred embodiment of the invention is also comprised of a fourth gripping element  90  mounted near the aft end  67  of the third gripping element  60  for receiving and advancing the plants along the first track  40  and for defining a transfer zone  100  as illustrated in  FIG. 3( b ) . Similarly, the fourth gripping element  90  includes a pair of opposed pinch belts that are driven by forward  67  and aft spindles  68 . Further, the fourth gripping element  90  also includes a predetermined gap  44  located in the middle thereof for allowing the florets and the associated foliage to rest on the top of the fourth gripping element  90  as illustrated in  FIG. 3( b ) . The gap  44  can be adjusted by a field operator with respect to the size of the plant stems to be harvested. 
         [0039]    Another embodiment of the invention is also comprised of at least one spinning brush  110  located near the bottom of the fourth gripping element  90  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 3 ( a ) and  3 ( b ). The spinning brushes  110  are used for removal of unwanted foliage from the plants as the fourth gripping element  90  advances forward with the plants being disposed on the first track  40 . Similarly, the harvesting apparatus  200  includes a pair of third cutters  83  coupled to the bottom of the aft spindle  68  of the fourth gripping element  90  disposed near the transfer zone  100  as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , which are used for cutting the plants to substantially uniform length for packaging, packing and shipping size. 
         [0040]    As illustrated in  FIG. 3( b ) , one embodiment of the invention includes a slow moving conveyor belt-like table  130 . In addition, another embodiment of the invention includes a fifth pair of belts  120  that have a 90 degree twist to them for rotating the plants and transporting them to the packaging and packing station comprising the slow moving belt-like table  130 . 
         [0041]    The transfer zone  100  is located substantially at the end of the fourth gripping element  90  as depicted in  FIG. 3( b ) . As the plants advance forward along the first track  40 , they are transported to the fifth pair of belts  120 , which rotate the harvested plants  12  approximately 90 degrees from a substantially vertical orientation to a substantially horizontal orientation for delivery to the belt-like table  130  for packaging and packing for shipping. As the plants advance forward on the belt-like table  130 , field workers bundle the harvested plants  12  into a burial (about 25 plants), tie them together and place the bunches into a carton for shipping. The cartons used for shipping contain about 20 bunches weighing about 18-22 pounds. Lastly, all the spindles/cutters are powered by an onboard motor. 
         [0042]    Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , one embodiment of the invention includes harvesting alignment guides  2  located at or near the bottom of the first gripping element  10 . The alignment guides  2  help to keep the harvesting apparatus  200  properly lined up with the exact row of plants to be harvested as the apparatus advances forward. The alignment guides are powered by an onboard motor. 
         [0043]    Referring still to  FIGS. 1, 5 and 6 , one embodiment of the invention includes at least two helix-like guides  3  located at or near the bottom of the first gripping element  10 . As the harvesting apparatus advances forward, the helix guides  3  help to lift up the stocks/stems of plants that are bent or leaning over in a non-vertical position due to wind that has pushed them down. The helix-like guides are powered by an onboard motor. 
         [0044]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , one embodiment of the invention includes a height adjustment controller  7  for allowing a field operator to adjust the height of the first gripping element  10 . As the harvesting apparatus advances forward, the field operator manually adjusts the height of the first gripping  10  element so that the plants are gripped substantially below the height of the florets. The field operator adjusts the height of the first gripping element  10  since the height of the plants range between 36″ to 48″ tall during harvest season. The manual height adjuster controller is powered by an onboard motor. 
         [0045]    As further shown in  FIG. 5 , one embodiment of the invention includes an on board water tank  87 . The on board water tank  87  is used to keep the pinch belts wet. For example, the harvesting apparatus  200  includes water nozzles that are manually operated by a water spray controller  9  used to spray water on all the pinch belts that are used for forming the gripping elements in order to keep them wet or moist. The water spray controller is powered by an onboard motor. 
         [0046]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , one embodiment of the invention includes a plurality of the harvesting apparatuses  200  mounted to a frame  305 , which comprises a harvesting unit  300 . In effect, the unit  300  can be used in sets of two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight or other configuration as convenient for any given harvesting requirement. Similarly, the harvesting apparatus  200  or the harvesting unit  300  can be towed by a tractor which is not illustrated or described herein since tractors come in a large variety of configurations and are common farm equipment. 
         [0047]      FIG. 7  represents an execution diagram for the method of harvesting rapini or similar type plants having an elongated stem that includes a floret disposed at the top of the stem. In area 1, the method comprises he step of gripping the plants  185  as a harvesting apparatus advances forward through a row of unharvested plants and then cutting the plants  190  along the stems below the florets with a first pair of cutters. 
         [0048]    In area 2, the method comprises the step of receiving and transporting the harvested plants along the second gripping element  30  for registering the plants  205 , and for defining a divergent zone  210  where the first gripping element pulls the plants vertically downward with respect to the second gripping element until the bottom of the floret contacts the top of the second gripping element. In area 3, the method comprises the step of receiving, gripping and transporting the plants  300  along a third gripping element, blowing air over the plants  305  to spread out the excess foliage on the stems for removal downstream, and trimming off the excess foliage  310  with an optional second pair of cutters. 
         [0049]    In area 4, the method comprises the step of receiving and advancing the plants  400  along the first track and for defining a transfer zone, removing unwanted foliage from the plants  405  with at least one spinning brush disposed near the bottom of the fourth gripping element, and cutting the plants  410  to packing and shipping size. 
         [0050]      FIG. 8  represents a complete and detailed listing of the execution diagram for the method of harvesting rapini or similar type plants having elongated stems that include florets disposed at the top of the stems. 
         [0051]    It should be understood that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It should also be understood that the present invention is not limited to the designs mentioned in this application and the equivalent designs in this description, but it is also intended to cover other equivalents now known to those skilled in the art, or those equivalents which may become known to those skilled in the art in the future.