US 6,282,878 B1 · Produce catcher

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. Similarly, a second tarp is adapted to be suspended between the third tarp pole and the fourth tarp pole. Produce falling from the tree is received on the first or second tarp. The produce catcher can be attached to a forklift, a forklift attachment on a tractor, or equivalent motivation means. Damage to produce is minimized, and the manual gathering of the produce after it has fallen is eliminated.

Claims18

Dependent claims

A produce catcher comprising:

a support frame including a support member, a first extending arm and a second extending arm, the first extending arm being substantially parallel to and extendible from the support member, and the second extending arm being substantially parallel to and extendible from the support member in a direction opposite and away from the extension of the first extending arm;
a first tarp pole pivotally attached to the first extending arm;
a second tarp pole affixed to the support member;
a third tarp pole pivotally attached to the second extending arm;
a fourth tarp pole affixed to the support member;
the second tarp pole and the fourth tarp pole being spaced apart from one another at a distance sufficient to allow the positioning of a trunk of a tree therebetween;
a first tarp adapted to be suspended between the first tarp pole and the second tarp pole;
and
a second tarp adapted to be suspended between the third tarp pole and the fourth tarp pole.

6 more elements

A produce catcher comprising:

support frame including a support members a first extending arm and a second extending arm, the first extending arm being substantially parallel to and extendible from the support member, and the second extending arm being substantially parallel to and extendible from the support member in a direction opposite and away from the extension of the first extending arm;
a first tarp pole pivotally attached to the first extending arm, and extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom;
a second tarp pole affixed to the support member and extending substantially perpendicularly;
a third tarp pole pivotally attached to the second extending arm, and extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom;
a fourth tarp pole affixed to the support member, and extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom;
the first, second, third and fourth tarp poles substantially parallel to one another, and the second tarp pole and the fourth tarp pole being spaced apart from one another at a distance sufficient to allow the positioning of a trunk of a tree therebetween;
a first tarp adapted to be suspended between the first tarp pole, and the second tarp pole;
and
a second tarp adapted to be suspended between the third tarp pole and the fourth tarp pole.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Produce catcher

Life of this patent

Produce catcher

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18