Bulk Shrub Harvester and Related Methods
AssigneeBridgestone Corporation
InventorRussell Prock
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present disclosure provides systems and methods of harvesting a shrub from a base of the shrub proximate a ground surface utilizing a shrub harvester. The methods include dislodging the shrub from a base of the shrub proximate the ground surface via a shrub dislodging system on shrub harvester. The methods also include receiving the shrub via a shrub release system on the shrub harvester. The methods further include grasping the shrub via the shrub release system on the shrub harvester. The methods also include releasing the shrub via the shrub release system, which can include a plurality of catch members.
Claims20
A method of harvesting a shrub utilizing a shrub harvester, the method comprising:
- dislodging the shrub from a base of the shrub proximate a ground surface via a shrub dislodging system on the shrub harvester;
- receiving the shrub via a shrub release system on the shrub harvester with the shrub release system including a plurality of catch members;
- grasping the shrub via the shrub release system on the shrub harvester;
- and,
- releasing the shrub via the shrub release system for discharge from the shrub harvester.
A reel assembly for a shrub harvester, the reel assembly comprising:
- a first sidewall;
- a second sidewall disposed opposite the first sidewall;
- a forward reel disposed between the first sidewall and the second sidewall;
- an aft reel disposed aft of the forward reel and disposed between the first sidewall and the second sidewall;
- a plurality of catch assemblies extending from the aft reel to the forward reel, the plurality of catch assemblies including a plurality of catch members extending below an elongated support;
- and,
- a pass-through opening defined by the first sidewall and the second sidewall, the pass-through opening configured to receive a shrub.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.