APPARATUS, METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR HARVESTING, HANDLING AND PACKING BERRIES PICKED DIRECTLY FROM THE PLANT

摘要

Method for packing harvested berries directly into clamshell packages during hand harvesting by a harvester. The harvester utilizes a new open-topped harvesting apparatus that has a plurality of bottom assemblies for supporting a shipping tray that contains a plurality of clamshell packages. The open-topped harvesting apparatus further includes a plurality of front and rear end wall assemblies affixed perpendicular to the bottom assembly. A first side wall assembly is affixed perpendicular to the bottom assemblies and affixed to the plurality of end wall assemblies. A second side wall assembly is affixed perpendicular to the bottom assemblies and affixed to the end wall assemblies. The second side wall has two belt notch-like loops for allowing the carrier to be secured on a harvester's belt; and the second side wall further including an arch-shaped side supporter for maintaining the bottom assemblies substantially horizontal to the ground when worn by the harvester.

主权项

1. An open-topped ha sting apparatus for packing harvested berries directly into clamshell packages during hand harvesting by a harvester, said apparatus comprising:
a carrier having a plurality of bottom assemblies for supporting a shipping tray; a plurality of front end wall assemblies affixed perpendicular to the plurality of bottom assemblies; a plurality of rear end wall assemblies affixed perpendicular to the plurality of bottom assemblies; a plurality of middle wall assemblies affixed perpendicular to the plurality of end wall assemblies; a first side wall assembly affixed perpendicular to the plurality of bottom assemblies and affixed to the plurality of the end and middle wall assemblies; and a second side wall assembly affixed perpendicular to the plurality of bottom assemblies and affixed to the plurality of the end and middle wall assemblies, wherein the second side wall includes at least two belt notch-like loops for allowing the harvesting apparatus to be worn on a harvester's belt.