Abstract: An over the row 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 groups of catch assemblies with soft surfaces 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 a lightweight frame with an aperture and a membrane over molded to bond to the frame and extend across the aperture. The harvest also includes soft surfaces assemblies with membranes stretched between edge frame elements.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a flexible sheet of material having a perimeter edge and a central opening forming a discharge chute, and first and second clips coupled to the flexible sheet for securing an open end of a bag around an outer circumferential surface of the discharge chute, wherein the first and second clips are spaced apart about the outer circumferential surface of the discharge chute. With the discharge chut inserted into the bag and the bag secured to the clips, the flexible sheet is laid on the group and debris or other solid materials may be raked, shoveled, or otherwise placed on the flexible sheet. Raising the flexible sheet, such as by lifting with handles around a perimeter edge, causes the debris to pass through the discharge chute and into the bag. The size of the apparatus may be adapted for the application, such as leaf collection or sandbag preparation.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing and using a five-device-in-one multi-function and multi-orientation carapace system comprises the steps of: Sewing at least one first three-dimensional contour-conforming carapace dome panel and at least one second three-dimensional contour-conforming carapace dome panel together such that at least one water-directing ball-directing fruit-directing dome-bisecting transverse seam and at least one water-directing-and-ejecting ball-directing-and-ejecting fruit-directing-and-ejecting cross-cutting seam are formed; Attaching the at least one first and the at least one second three-dimensional contour-conforming carapace dome panels to the interchangeable splines, respectively; Attaching the at least one first and the at least one second outer edges of the at least one first and the least one second three-dimensional contour-conforming carapace dome panels to the spline ends of the interchangeable splines, respectively; Adjusting the angle of the carapace-supporting angled arm; and Locking

Abstract: Described herein are functionalized garments that can be worn on the torso of a subject and can be configured with varying zones or areas of compressions and can provide increased signal-to-noise ratios and reduced motion artifacts in areas while allowing a substantially unimpeded freedom of motion.

Abstract: A mat may be transitioned into at least three different operational configurations: (1) a substantially flat work surface configuration, for using the mat as a work or play surface; (2) a funnel like collection configuration, for facilizing collection and/or clean-up of articles upon a top of the mat; and (3) a folded configuration, for storage of the mat. The mat may have a removably sealable trapdoor for emptying of articles collected above the trapdoor. The trapdoor may be utilized in the funnel like collection configuration. Straps and/or handles may be used to transition from the substantially flat work surface configuration to the funnel like collection configuration.

Abstract: A physically-impaired-assisting multi-function sail comprises: a stanchion, a hoisting navigator for allowing an arthritic to deploy and retract the sail without the need to bend the fingers, a hoisting teeter totter secured to the navigator, a teeter-totter hook-lock secured to the teeter totter for automatically locking and unlocking the teeter totter to deploy and retract the sail, a cable secured to a camber, a cable canal formed into the teeter totter for hiding and protecting the cable within, a pivoting pulley housing secured to the teeter totter, a pivoting pulley hub swingingly attached to the pivoting pulley housing, sail-buttresses hingedly attached to the pivoting pulley hub, a sail canopy secured to the sail-buttresses, multiple cable pulleys rotatably secured at multiple locations within the pivoting pulley housing and pivoting pulley hub, a central tube attached to the pivoting pulley hub, sail-buttress-supporting arms hingedly attached to the sail-buttresses, and a shuttling hub attached to th

Abstract: Pneumatic cushions for soft reception of harvested fruit on mechanized fruit harvesters, comprise an assembly that includes a reception tray and a rubber membrane, wherein the whole assembly has a polygonal shape. The rubber membrane is stretched over the upper side and side edges of the reception tray, and attached to the side surfaces of the tray. The membrane is glued around the entire side perimeter of the tray and may be secured by means of a safety tape. On the part opposite to the sides, on the bottom of the tray, are fitted blow-holes for release of air from underneath the membrane. On the corner of the tray, formed by sides, is fitted a mechanism for revolving connection of the tray to the support and to air supply pipe.

Abstract: A scale and a fruit collector with connected rows of scales is provided. The rows of scales extending between an intake and an outlet of the collector parallel to a median axis of the collector, scales including respectively a succession of scales with overlap, mounted as pivots on a support with a return to a resting position, each scale presenting a longitudinal median scale axis extending from the proximal to distal end of the scale and forming, in the resting position, an acute angle of aperture with the median axis, relative to the collector intake, and in which each scale presents a capability to pivot relative to the support, between the resting position and at least one bent-back position towards the outlet of the collector, reducing the angle of aperture. At least one hindrance limits an amplitude of divergent displacement, respectively between two successive scales of a row of scales.

Abstract: A pivot pin assembly for a tree shaker pivotally attaches the clamping arm to the stationary arm. Each end of the cylindrical pivot pin extends outside of a cylindrical bore of the clamping arm. A longitudinal load member extends through an aperture in the stationary arm and into an aperture in the cylindrical pivot pin. An axial load may be applied to the longitudinal load member which compresses a plate of the stationary arm against the cylindrical pivot pin, but without compressing the stationary arm against the clamping arm. This configuration allows substantial torque to be applied to the longitudinal load member, which reduces play between the stationary arm and the clamping arm without inhibiting the free rotation of the clamping arm. Application of this torque eliminates radial and vibratory movement in the shaker head, which otherwise cause damage to the components of the shaker head.

Abstract: In a shaker head for a tree shaker, a hydraulically actuated ram is mounted between the clamping arm and frame of the shaker head with a pin assembly which extends into a spherical bearing disposed within an aperture of the shaker head. The spherical bearing allows a certain amount of misalignment and provides a through-hardened and lubricated wear point which prevents or reduces structural failure in the shaker head components.

Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting small fruit detached from fruit trees or bushes has a tarpaulin, a winding shaft fastened to a proximal end of the tarpaulin, a first bearing structure supporting the winding shaft, a rotary drive motor coupled to the winding shaft, at least one band having bending and shape memory, a winding drum connected to one end of the band, and a second bearing structure supporting the winding drum. The band has an end connected to the distal end of the tarpaulin. A distal end of the band pushes the distal end of the tarpaulin so as to move the tarpaulin away from the winding shaft so as to deploy the tarpaulin above the ground.

Abstract: A device for staking a tree into the earth has a ring suitable for extending around the trunk of the tree. A plurality of brackets are connected to the ring. The plurality of brackets have aperture formed therethrough suitable for receipt of stakes, which secure the ring to the earth. A support is connected to the ring and extends upwardly therefrom. A collar is connected to the support and positioned in spaced relation to the ring. The collar also has a diameter suitable for extending around the trunk of the tree.

Abstract: An expansion device for a bulk goods container includes a frame, a plurality of wall panels that are connected to the frame in an articulated manner to pivot outwardly such that a pivoted-out position delimit an interior space of the expansion device, connecting elements that are connected in an articulated manner to the wall panels at two edges of the connecting elements and first expansion elements that are connected in an articulated manner to an upper edge of the wall panels and are configured to pivot between a position resting against the wall panels and a position that extends the wall panels. The position extending the wall panels, flexible membrane elements are tensioned between the first expansion elements.

Abstract: A scale for a collecting pass-through table used in a small fruit harvesting machine has a plate and a stop rim affixed to the plate and extending upwardly above an upper face of the plate. The stop rim has a flexible lip that is elastically deformable. The stop rim extends in a direction outwardly of a free distal end of the plate. The stop rim has height that prevents the small fruit from moving beyond the free distal end of the plate. The stop rim has a forward end portion that is stiff. The stop rim is removably fastened to the plate at the free distal end thereof.

Abstract: A tree fruit or nut harvesting apparatus includes first and second sheets. A pair of clamps is provided for each tree and traps overlapped side edges of the first and second sheets adjacent an upper end of a tree trunk. Opposite side edges of the first and second sheets are disposed at a downward and outward acute angle to the tree trunk to form the first and second sheets in an inverted V-shape. The side edges of the first and second sheets opposite from the tree trunk form collection trays. Each clamp may be coupled by a tape to tree branches. An intermediate support using the first and second overlapped clamps members is supported by tapes or ties to tree branches or on a ground mounted stake supporting an intermediate location of the first and second sheets between two adjacent trees.

Abstract: A device for the cleanup of dirt or soil removed when forming a hole in the earth including a base member, a first side member attached to a first side of the base member, a second side member attached to a second side of the base member, an aperture positioned within the base member, wherein the first side member is movable to an upright position and the second side member is movable to an upright position for directing dirt or soil off of the base member.

Abstract: A tree mounted shelter assembly secures a shelter to a tree to prevent damage to an object under the tree due to material falling from the tree. The assembly includes a tarp having an interior edge and an exterior edge. The interior edge defines an aperture through the tarp configured for encircling a trunk of a tree. Each of a plurality of lines has a first end coupled to the tarp and a second end configured for coupling to the tree wherein the tarp is suspended under limbs of the tree.

Abstract: A decelerator apparatus for mounting at the end of a pneumatic or gravity-fed fruit harvesting or delivery tube. The decelerator comprises a housing with a moving decelerator body aligned with a fruit-receiving inlet connected to the delivery tube. The decelerator body, for example a padded rotating wheel, moves at a speed slower than the speed at which the fruit is delivered into the housing, includes multiple depressions or indentations for receiving and separating fruit, and further defines a compressive deceleration path that moves the fruit in a compressive but protective fit toward a housing exit, releasing the fruit after the fruit has been decelerated to the speed of the moving body.

Abstract: A tree fruit or nut harvesting apparatus includes first and second sheets. A pair of clamps are provided for each tree and trap overlapped side edges of the first and second sheets adjacent an upper end of a tree trunk. Opposite side edges of the first and second sheets are disposed at a downward and outward acute angle to the tree trunk to form the first and second sheets in an inverted V-shape. The oppose side edges of the first and second sheets form a collection tray. The clamps may be coupled by a tape to tree branches. An intermediate support using the first and second overlapped clamps members is supported by or tapes ties to tree branches on a ground mounted stake supporting an intermediate location of the first and second sheets between two adjacent trees.

Abstract: A mechanical berry harvester and a method for harvesting berries in the field is provided. The mechanical harvester includes a framework, collectors, spring elements, pulleys and belts. The collectors are configured to collect berries fallen from branches of the berry bush. Each spring element is connected to the framework and a collector. Each pulley is connected to a spring element and a collector. Each belt has an inner face and an outer face, and the inner faces of the belts are in contact with the pulleys. When the trunk of a berry bush comes in contact with a portion of the adjacent belts, the spring element(s) connected to the portions of the adjacent belts in contact with the trunk are each configured to independently compress and create a gap between the adjacent belts.

Abstract: A scale for a traversable collecting table for machines for harvesting small fruits is disclosed. The scale has an upper face and a lower face arranged between a fixing end or proximal end and a free end or distal end provided with a stop rim rising above the plane containing the upper surface. The scale is characterised in that said stop rim consists of a flexible lip having an elastic deformation capacity.

Abstract: A decelerator apparatus for mounting at the end of a pneumatic or gravity-fed fruit harvesting or delivery tube. The decelerator comprises a housing with a moving decelerator body aligned with a fruit-receiving inlet connected to the delivery tube. The decelerator body, for example a padded rotating wheel, moves at a speed slower than the speed at which the fruit is delivered into the housing, includes multiple depressions or indentations for receiving and separating fruit, and further defines a compressive deceleration path that moves the fruit in a compressive but protective fit toward a housing exit, releasing the fruit after the fruit has been decelerated to the speed of the moving body.

Abstract: An apparatus to prevent a pet climbing up a Christmas tree includes a screen member having a first predetermined shape and a first predetermined size. The screen member is formed from a pre-selected material. An aperture, having a second predetermined size, is formed through the screen member at a predetermined location for receiving therein a trunk of such Christmas tree. A slit is formed through the screen member beginning at an outer edge thereof and extending to an edge of a perimeter of such aperture to enable placing the screen member around the trunk. There is further a mechanism engageable with each of the screen member and a bottom branch of the Christmas tree for connecting such screen member to such Christmas tree beneath bottom the bottom branches thereof.

Abstract: A foliage skirt is a device which encircles a trunk of a tree for collecting foliage clippings during trimming and subsequently removed and emptied. The device comprises a circular or ovular format comprising two halves, each provided with a lightweight and flexible plastic frame that conforms around the foliage at ground level and to any adjacent obstructions in the vicinity. Each frame half is covered by a flexible and durable mesh platform. The two halves and conjoined at a first side by a flexible hinge and at an opposing second side by a detachable hinge, thereby allowing the halves to swing open when being placed around the foliage and secured in a closed position. Foliage is trimmed using trimming tools and when completed, the device along with the clippings, are slid away from the foliage and folded upwardly and closed to contain the clippings for transport and disposal to a suitable location or into a container.

Abstract: A crop-catching apparatus for use in a crop harvesting machine includes one or more plate members and one or more fluid conduits. The plate member(s) each have a surface adapted for catching falling crops, a front end and a back end, and a leading edge. The back end(s) are configured to pivotally mount on the crop harvesting machine. The front end(s) are configured to rest at a higher elevation with respect to the pivotally mounted back end(s). The conduit(s) are defined within at least one of the plate member(s) for carrying one or more fluids, and include one or more fluid inlets defined on the at least one of the plate member(s) for receiving the one or more fluids; and one or more fluid outlets defined on the at least one of the plate member(s) running at least partially along the leading edge(s) of the at least one of the plate member(s). The fluid outlet(s) are configured such that the one or more fluids exit therefrom to divert a direction of fall of the crops.

Abstract: A crop-catching apparatus for use in a crop harvesting machine is disclosed, including one or more plate members and one or more fluid conduits. The plate member) each have a surface adapted for catching falling crops, a front end and a back end, and a leading edge. The back end(s) are configured to pivotally mount on the crop harvesting machine. The front end(s) are configured to rest at a higher elevation with respect to the pivotally mounted back end(s). The conduit(s) are defined within at least one of the plate member(s) for carrying one or more fluids, and include one or more fluid inlets defined on the at least one of the plate member(s) for receiving the one or more fluids; and one or more fluid outlets defined on the at least one of the plate member(s) running at least partially along the leading edge(s) of the at least one of the plate member(s). The fluid outlet(s) are configured such that the one or more fluids exit therefrom to divert a direction of fall of the crops.

Abstract: A scale or leaf for a berry picking machine and a collector scale assembly including the scale. A freely rotating circular disc on the free end of the scale when attached to a rail of the machine is the most distinctive feature of the comma shaped scale.

Abstract: A machine is provided for harvesting produce such as fruit from a pair of adjacent, generally parallel rows of trees. The machine includes a land vehicle for being driven between the adjacent rows of trees. The land vehicle includes a chassis that supports a fruit collection receptacle. There are at least one pair of selectively extendible and retractable lift arms pivotably mounted to the chassis. Each arm in each pair supports proximate a distal end thereof a carrier for holding a person. Each arm is adjustable to position the carrier such that a person in the carrier is able to manually collect fruit form a respective one of the rows of trees. There are plurality conduits, each of which is attached proximate an upper end thereof to a respective one of the carriers such that an entrance of the conduit is accessible to a person in a respective carrier.

Abstract: Removable scale for articulated receiving platform equipping small fruit machines such as for example, grape harvesting machines. The removable scale is made of two parts, namely a first anchor and articulation part. The first part has a fastening lug attached onto the carrying boom of a row of scales and a flexible articulation and assembling lug attached to the fastening lug. There is a second flat part forming the scale itself. The first and second parts are provided with additional quick assembly and disassembly device formed by an automatic locking device in an assembling position, accessible from the top of the removable scale.

Abstract: A tree fruit collection device includes a plurality of individual freestanding supports for arrangement radially extending from a tree trunk. At least one net element is suspended between the supports and secured at a proximal circumference of the net element around the tree trunk. The net element provides a frustoconical surface to catch dropped fruit from the tree. Hook and loop fasteners or similar attachment devices are provided for removably securing the net element to the supports.

Abstract: A lawn care device includes a first generally flat member. A second generally flat member is hingedly connected along a first predetermined side edge thereof to a first predetermined side edge of such first generally flat member. A third generally flat member is hingedly connected along a first predetermined side edge thereof to a second predetermined side edge of such first generally flat member. An aperture is formed closely adjacent to a predetermined top edge of such first generally flat member and disposed therethrough. A first cut out portion is formed along a second predetermined side edge of such second generally flat member for alignment with such aperture. A second cut out portion is formed along a second predetermined side edge of such third generally flat member for alignment with such aperture.

Abstract: Systems, including apparatus and methods, for harvesting a product with a mobile harvester so as to minimize the amount of product lost during harvesting. The disclosed systems include an array of catcher plates designed to surround a plant to be harvested, in a manner that minimizes the possibility of harvested product dropping through the plates to the ground and thus being lost. These systems may be useful for harvesting a wide variety of products that grow on plants such as trees or bushes, including without limitation berries, fruit, and coffee beans.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for use with a fruit-bearing tree, the device being adapted to be mounted to a tree trunk and when mounted the device includes; a catching means which in use has an upper perimeter and an aperture through which a tree trunk passes; a support means having a collar attachable around the tree trunk, a support ring and at least two support members, wherein the support ring is mounted to the catching means at a location spaced inwardly from the upper perimeter, the collar is located above the catching means and the support members extend between the collar and the support ring.

Abstract: A method and a system for collection of harvested tree-fruit having a collection device mounted on a hauled cart. For fruit collection, two arms are extended under the foliage of a tree to spread an apron hung between them, in a fruit receiving position. After harvesting is completed, and the apron contains the harvested fruit, the arms draw the apron away from under the tree, and swing through an arc of a circle to stop in a fruit discharge position, where fruit is discharged by gravity into the open top opening of the cart. Then, the arms are returned back from the discharge position to the fruit receiving position.

Abstract: A fruit collection apparatus is for collecting fruit as the fruit is shaken from a tree, and may include a vehicle, and a fruit collector carried by the vehicle. The fruit collector may include a collection conveyor with opposing first and second ends and an exterior conveyor surface extending therebetween for collecting fruit as the fruit is harvested from the tree and advancing the fruit to the second end of this conveyor. The fruit collector may also include an intermediate conveyor having opposing first and second ends and an exterior conveyor surface extending therebetween for receiving fruit from the second or upper end of the collection conveyor. The fruit is advanced to the second end of the second conveyor. In addition, the fruit collector may also include a lifting conveyor which may have lower and upper ends and an interior conveyor surface extending therebetween.

Abstract: A device (11) for catching fruit from a fruit-bearing tree. The device (11) has a catching means (10) formed from at least one wall so as to define a catching zone (9). A collecting zone (17) is located within or near a lowermost region of the catching zone (9) so that fruit falling into catching zone (9) is guided by the wall towards the collecting zone (17).

Abstract: When searching for a tool to pick fruit from my back yard grapefruit tree I was disappointed to find that the only ones available either pulled the fruit from the tree removing the stem from the fruit in the process, or cut the stem and let the fruit fall on the ground. My fruit picker is designed to both cut the stem from the branch leaving it attached to the fruit and catch the fruit in a basket. It is also designed with a two piece handle and rope assembly making it easy to use and light weight.

Abstract: An article retrieving device for gathering and storing nuts that allows the user to maintain an erect posture during use, comprises a retaining element and a housing. The retaining element is adapted to retrieve nuts from the ground and includes a plurality of resilient pieces arranged in rows on a sleeve. The retrieved nuts are stored in the housing and dispensed from the housing via a dispensing opening.

Abstract: A manual fruit harvesting tool having a handle which carries a head. The head has a U-shaped member which is generally perpendicular to the handle. The U-shaped member has a long arm and a shorter arm connected by a bight. The user manipulates the head directing the fruit stem into the bight where the fruit may be severed by applying a sharp downward jerk motion to the pole.

Abstract: A produce catcher is provided that includes a support frame having a support member, a first extending arm and a second extending arm. The first extending arm is substantially parallel to and extendible from the support member, and the second extending arm is substantially parallel to and extendible from the support member. The first extending arm extends in a direction substantially opposite from the extension of the first extending member. A first tarp pole pivotally attaches to the first extending member and a second tarp pole is affixed to the support member. A third tarp pole pivotally attaches to the second extending member, and a fourth tarp pole is also affixed to the support member. The second tarp pole and the fourth tarp pole are spaced apart from one another at a distance sufficient to allow the positioning of a trunk of a tree between the second tarp pole and the fourth tarp pole. A first tarp is adapted to be suspended between the first tarp pole and the second tarp pole.

Abstract: An extendable arm has a first arm portion, a second arm portion extendable and retractable relative to the first arm portion to extend and contract the arm, and a flexible elongated pulling element having opposite ends connected to the second arm portion and passing around a rotatable spool secured in position on the first arm portion. Rotation of the spool causes the second arm portion to extend or retract relative to the first arm portion.

Abstract: A universal hand held tool for harvesting fruit and nuts. Harvesting is accomplished by a plurality of specially shaped spring wire tines. Tines are covered with plastic to minimize fruit and tree damage. Passing through a guide bracket secured to a handle, tines are held by a retainer that slides along the handle. Moving the retainer along the handle adjusts the tine spacing to accommodate different sizes and shapes of fruit. Retainer can be locked in any of a number of selected positions. Extension handles of various or adjustable length can be attached to harvest the crop safely from the ground. Fruit, such as olives that will be used to make olive oil, can be stripped from the branches using a raking motion into a tarp or container on the ground. To harvest for edible fruit without allowing it to fall to the ground a removable container is easily attached under the tines to capture the fruit. The container is made from a pliable material with a resilient aperture to reduce bruising or damage to the fruit.

Abstract: A blueberry harvester comprising a platform mountable behind an agricultural tractor. The platform has a post near the harvesting side thereof with a jib-boom crane mounted on that post. There is also provided a blueberry picking head having riggings connected to the jib-boom crane and a pair of conveyors connected to the picking head for conveying the blueberries withdrawn from blueberry plants, from the picking head to a region over the platform. A hinged frame is pivotally mounted on the post, and connected to the conveyors for supporting the conveyors. The hinged frame with the conveyors supported thereon are movable from a harvesting position alongside the harvesting side of the tractor to a stowed position over the platform near the harvesting side. The jib-boom crane is movable with the picking head suspended thereto from a position along the harvesting side of the tractor, to a space over the platform between the stowed position of the conveyors and the harvested side of the platform.

Abstract: A fruit harvesting machine is provided which may mechanically harvest fruit from fruit trees. Means are provided for a transport assembly to carry an arm housing member which has installed thereon a plurality of arms. The arm housing member provides for repetitive displacement of the arms into and out of a canopy of the fruit trees. Means are provided for arms to deflect during insertion and withdrawal relative to the arm housing member in the event that the respective arm encounters a deflecting obstruction. Means are provided for arms to yield during insertion relative to the arm housing member in the event that the respective arm encounters an impacting obstruction. These actions, both the deflecting and the yielding, act to prevent damage to either the fruit tree or the machine. A plurality of picking fingers, each having unique engaging qualities, extend from each arm.

Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting food from plants comprising a housing with drive mechanisms. Such mechanisms are provided with at least one shaft rotatable with respect to the housing about a first axis, each shaft having a plurality of fingers mounted thereon. Further provided are components for linearly reciprocating each shaft along a second axis generally perpendicular with respect to the first axis.

Abstract: A fruit harvester comprising a plurality of oscillating fruit removal heads to selectively engage and vibrate the periphery of selected fruit-bearing sections of a fruit tree canopy thereby causing the fruit to break away from the fruit tree canopy wherein the oscillating fruit removal heads are pivotally coupled to an articulated telescoping boom mounted on a self propelled chassis including a plurality of fruit collection aprons and an internal fruit storage bin such that manipulation of the articulated telescoping boom permits engagement of isolated areas of the outer peripheral fruit-bearing sections of the fruit tree canopy by the oscillating fruit removal heads, each oscillating fruit removal head comprising a plurality of agitation wands rotatably and eccentrically coupled to a drive shaft of a motor such that rotation of the drive shaft is translated into lateral orbital motion of the oscillating fruit removal heads and a corresponding periodic motion of the isolated area of the peripheral fruit-beari

Abstract: A harvester for tree borne fruit is disclosed wherein a power driven vehicle is provided for following a course adjacent and parallel to a row of fruit trees. The vehicle carries a vibratory brush having tines for engaging and shaking the tree's fruit bearing branches. The brush is yieldably held in engagement with the fruit bearing branches and is adjustable in three aspects, elevation, tilt angle and lateral position, to assume an optimum position relative to the row of trees. A brake is provided to control a net rotation speed of the vibratory brush within the branches. A resilient screen deflects randomly projected harvested fruit toward a harvested fruit catch apparatus. The tines are covered with an optimally designed resilient cover for reducing cullage in the harvested fruit.

Abstract: A fruit catcher has a trolley with ground-engaging wheels to enable the catcher to be moved over the ground, and a pair of side-by-side catcher portions pivotally mounted on the trolley for lateral opening and closing movement to enable the trolley to be moved, when the catcher portions are in a laterally opened position, to position the catcher portions on opposite sides of a tree, whereby the catcher portions can subsequently be pivoted to a closed position in which the catcher portions surround the tree. Each catcher portion has a series of radial arms which are extendable and contractible and which carry a flexible catcher sheet portion. Each catcher portion also has an actuator connected to each radial arm thereof for extending and contracting the arms simultaneously and, when the arms are extended, the flexible sheet portions provide an annular catcher array surrounding the tree for catching fruit falling therefrom.

Abstract: A product and method for increasing the yield of quality fruits and vegetables by gathering fallen produce above the ground in a simply constructed enclosure thereby reducing the incidence of spoilage. A plurality of arms having holes therein and hooks, a stake and a step as parts thereof, said stakes being forced into the earth surrounding the plant by stepping on said step. A net is hooked onto the arms in an imaginary frustoconical shape so that fallen fruit can be held in place where fallen and can be urged to the stem of the plant where a shield encircling the plant surrounds the stem for collecting the fallen produce. Tying means threaded into the holes of the arms encircles the net to provide support therefor and to ensure that all fallen fruit is gathered on the shield for subsequent collection. A method for the assembly of the fruit and vegetable saver is presented.

Abstract: A collection tarpaulin is comprised of top and bottom sheets. The top sheet partially overlies the bottom sheet. Contiguous portions of their respective peripheries are joined together to form a pouch and an exposed portion of the bottom sheet. Trimmings from a tree or bush fall onto the exposed portion of the bottom sheet. By lifting the free end of the bottom sheet, the trimmings slide by gravity into the pouch for disposal. The collection tarpaulin may be made from a single sheet or from two separate sheets. The collection tarpaulin may be rectangular or circular in shape. For trimming long hedges, the collection tarpaulin can be much longer than it is wide.