Agricultural harvesting basket, agricultural harvesting basket system and agricultural product harvesting basket

Abstract

An agricultural harvesting basket, an agricultural harvesting basket system and an agricultural product harvesting basket optimized for potato harvesting, transportation and storage are provided. A rectangular container made of food grade plastic has a size of about 57.1 inches x 41.2 inches x 27.3 inches. The grid pattern design on its sides and bottom allows for about 80% ventilation, which facilitates the drying process of just harvested potatoes. The basket can contain up to about 60 pounds of potatoes, and the weight is only 0.86-0.88 KG when the basket is vacant. The unique resin composition of the plastic provides a balance of softness and durability to minimize agricultural product damage. The tapered sides allow for efficient stacking, while the raised bottom element allows for stability. The size and capacity of the basket is optimized for ergonomic operations by workers and seamless integration with harvesting machinery.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] There are no previously submitted applications anywhere in the world, nor are there any currently pending applications. Technical Field

[0003] This utility model generally relates to agricultural harvesting equipment, and more specifically, to a special harvesting basket designed for efficient harvesting, transportation and storage. Background Technology

[0004] In agriculture, particularly in cultivation, the processes of harvesting, transporting, and storing agricultural products have long presented numerous challenges. Depending on the crop, various methods are used to obtain the product. While grain harvesting can be highly mechanized, for most vegetable crops and some tuber crops (i.e., sweet potatoes), traditional harvesting methods typically involve the use of various containers, from wooden crates to metal baskets or ordinary plastic buckets. These conventional solutions present several problems:

[0005] Damage to produce is a significant problem because many existing containers have hard or rough surfaces that can bruise or damage the delicate skin of potatoes during harvesting and transportation. This damage not only affects the market value of produce but also leads to increased spoilage.

[0006] Inefficient drying is another problem. Again using potatoes as an example, freshly harvested potatoes need proper ventilation to dry and harden. Many traditional containers lack sufficient airflow, leading to moisture buildup, which can cause rot or fungal growth.

[0007] Conventional harvesting containers often present ergonomic problems. Their weight and design can lead to worker fatigue and potential injuries, reducing overall productivity and posing discomfort or health risks to farm workers.

[0008] Inefficient storage is common because many existing containers are not designed for efficient stacking or storage, resulting in wasted space in warehouses and during transport.

[0009] The lack of versatility is a persistent problem because most containers are not optimized for the entire harvest-to-storage process, requiring multiple transfers of produce between different containers, which increases handling time and the risk of damage.

[0010] Traditional materials present durability and cleaning issues. Wooden crates can crumble and are difficult to clean, while metal baskets will rust over time. Both pose potential food safety risks.

[0011] Heavy containers present weight and transportability issues; they are difficult to move when full and inefficient to transport when empty, thus increasing labor costs and logistical challenges.

[0012] Incompatibility with modern agricultural equipment is common, as many traditional containers cannot be well integrated with modern harvesting machinery, resulting in inefficient harvesting processes.

[0013] These issues collectively lead to increased labor costs, decreased quality of produce, rising spoilage rates, and overall inefficiency in potato harvesting and storage. The agricultural industry has long needed a solution that addresses these multiple challenges, improves the entire workflow from field to warehouse, and simultaneously maintains produce quality and worker well-being. Utility Model Content

[0014] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to provide an improved harvesting basket that addresses the multiple challenges in potato harvesting, transportation, and storage.

[0015] Another objective of this invention is to provide a harvesting basket that maximizes efficiency while minimizing damage to agricultural products throughout the harvesting process.

[0016] Another objective of this invention is to provide a harvesting basket that improves worker ergonomics and is seamlessly integrated with modern agricultural equipment.

[0017] This invention provides a specialized harvesting basket and agricultural harvesting basket system optimized for potato harvesting and storage. In a preferred embodiment, the basket of this invention includes: a rectangular container made of food-grade plastic with a unique resin composition; a grid pattern design that allows 80% ventilation; dimensions and capacity optimized for ergonomic operation and equipment integration; and features that allow for efficient stacking and storage.

[0018] The agricultural harvesting basket of this invention also includes a raised element at the bottom of the container to improve stability.

[0019] This utility model provides an agricultural product harvesting basket, comprising: a body formed of food-grade low-density polyethylene (LDPE), the body defining a cavity configured to receive harvested agricultural products, the body having a plurality of vents to facilitate airflow within the cavity, and at least one handle integrally formed with the body, the handle being configured to allow a user to carry the basket, wherein the food-grade LDPE material is selected to minimize bruising to the harvested agricultural products and to provide resilience to the user's body during transport.

[0020] In the agricultural product harvesting basket of this utility model, the main body has a generally rectangular shape with rounded corners to further reduce the potential damage to the harvested agricultural products.

[0021] In the agricultural product harvesting basket of this utility model, ventilation openings are evenly distributed around the sides and bottom of the main body to enhance airflow and reduce moisture accumulation.

[0022] In the agricultural product harvesting basket of this utility model, the Shore D hardness of food-grade LDPE is between 40 and 55 to balance flexibility and durability.

[0023] In the agricultural product harvesting basket of this utility model, the handle is ergonomically designed to distribute the weight evenly in the user's hand.

[0024] In the agricultural product harvesting basket of this utility model, the main body includes reinforcing ribs formed into the side to enhance structural integrity while maintaining flexibility.

[0025] The advantage of this invention is that, due to its uniquely formulated soft and durable plastic material, the basket reduces damage to the potato skin during harvesting and transportation.

[0026] Another advantage of this invention is that, through its 80% open mesh design, the basket significantly improves the drying process of freshly harvested potatoes, thereby improving the quality of agricultural products and reducing spoilage.

[0027] The advantage of this invention is that the basket optimizes ergonomics by matching its size and capacity to the capabilities of an adult harvester and the operation of the harvesting equipment.

[0028] The advantage of this invention is that the baskets can be stacked efficiently both when empty and full, thereby maximizing storage and transportation efficiency.

[0029] The advantage of this invention is that its lightweight design reduces worker fatigue and the risk of injury during operation.

[0030] Another advantage of this invention is that the basket is made of food-grade plastic, thus ensuring food safety and easy cleaning.

[0031] The advantage of this invention is that the basket provides a durable and reusable solution, thereby reducing agricultural waste and environmental impact.

[0032] Another advantage of this invention is that the design of the basket allows for a continuous supply of high-quality potatoes from the field to the market.

[0033] Further features of this invention will become apparent in the course of the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0034] The advantages and features of this invention will be better understood by referring to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which similar elements are identified by similar symbols, and in the drawings:

[0035] Figure 1 This is a top perspective view of the agricultural harvesting basket according to the present invention.

[0036] Figure 2 This is its bottom perspective view;

[0037] Figure 3 This is its front front view, and the rear front view is its mirror image;

[0038] Figure 4 This is its left front view, and the right front view is its mirror image;

[0039] Figure 5 It is its top plan; and

[0040] Figure 6 This is its bottom plan view. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The preferred embodiments of the present invention depicted herein with reference to the accompanying drawings present the best mode for carrying out the present invention. It should be understood that the legal scope of this specification is defined by the wording of the claims set forth at the beginning of this patent, and the detailed description should be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment, as describing every possible embodiment, even if not impossible, would be impractical. Many alternative embodiments may be implemented using current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, and these alternative embodiments will still fall within the scope of the claims. Finally, unless the elements of the claims are defined by stating the word "means" and function without describing any structure, it is not intended that the scope of any element of the claims be interpreted based on the application of 35 U.S.SC §112(f).

[0042] The preferred embodiments of the present invention, as depicted in the accompanying drawings, present the best mode for carrying out the present invention.

[0043] 1. Detailed description of the attached drawings

[0044] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, which run through several views and the same reference numerals indicate the same parts, an agricultural harvesting basket, generally designated 10, is shown according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] The basket 10 preferably has a rectangular shape with slightly tapered sides 12, allowing for efficient stacking when empty. A rectangular base 14 with rounded corners 16 is attached to the lower edge of the side 12 and forms an upper opening, thus creating an open top without a cover. The mesh grid structure 20 includes each of the four sides 12. The grid 20 is formed by intersecting vertical plastic ribs 22 and horizontal plastic ribs 24. The ribs 24 have a square or rectangular cross-section. The grid openings 26 formed between the ribs 22 and 24 form a square or rectangular shape. A raised lip or edge 30 terminates at the upper opening around the top perimeter and forms a structural reinforcement. The grid pattern design allows for approximately 80% ventilation, a crucial feature for improving the drying process of freshly harvested produce.

[0046] The overall rectangular shape has a length slightly greater than its width, with the height preferably being about 1 / 2 to about 2 / 3 of the side length. The container measures approximately 57.1 inches × 41.2 inches × 27.3 inches, optimized for ergonomic operation by adult workers and integration with harvesting machinery.

[0047] The base 14 has a smooth inner base surface and forms a recessed channel 32 that surrounds and encloses a slightly upwardly positioned central platform 34. This design incorporates raised elements at the bottom to improve stability.

[0048] Basket 10 is made of food-grade plastic, preferably low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The unique resin composition provides a balance of softness and durability to minimize damage to the potato skin during harvesting and transportation. LDPE was chosen to minimize bruising on the harvested produce and to provide resilience to the user's body. The Shore D hardness of food-grade LDPE is between 40 and 55 to balance flexibility and durability.

[0049] The container can hold up to approximately 60 pounds of potatoes, while weighing only between 0.86 and 0.88 kg when empty. This lightweight yet durable construction ensures the basket can withstand repeated use and exposure to agricultural conditions. The tapered sides facilitate efficient stacking of the baskets when empty.

[0050] At least one ergonomic handle is integrally formed with the main body to allow the user to comfortably carry a full basket. The handle is designed to distribute the weight evenly in the user's hand.

[0051] Reinforcing ribs are molded into the sides of the body to enhance structural integrity while maintaining the overall flexibility of the LDPE material. Food-grade LDPE can be treated with antimicrobial agents to further reduce the risk of contamination of harvested agricultural products.

[0052] The Basket 10 is designed to be reusable and recyclable, thereby reducing agricultural waste. Its durable construction ensures a long service life, making it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for farmers.

[0053] 2. Operation of the preferred implementation scheme

[0054] The operation of an agricultural harvesting basket can be described as follows:

[0055] During harvest, workers or automated equipment can easily fill baskets with freshly dug potatoes. The baskets (57.1 inches × 41.2 inches × 27.3 inches) are specifically designed to match the physical capabilities of an adult harvester and integrate seamlessly with harvesting machinery.

[0056] The unique resin composition of the food-grade plastic material provides a soft yet durable surface that minimizes damage to the potato skin during collection and transportation. This feature is particularly important for maintaining the quality and market value of agricultural products.

[0057] When the basket is full, the grid pattern design, which allows for 80% ventilation, immediately initiates the critical drying process for freshly harvested potatoes. This feature significantly reduces the risk of moisture-related problems such as rot or fungal growth.

[0058] Once full, the basket can hold preferably about 50 pounds, or up to about 60 pounds of potatoes. This capacity is optimized to allow adult workers to operate efficiently without the risk of strain or injury.

[0059] Fully loaded baskets can be easily transported from the fields to warehouses or processing facilities. The tapered design of the baskets allows them to be stacked efficiently on pallets, maximizing space utilization during transport and storage.

[0060] At the storage facility, the baskets continue to provide optimal ventilation for the potatoes, thus maintaining their quality over an extended period. The stackable nature of the baskets (stackable both full and empty) allows for efficient use of storage space.

[0061] When emptying, the basket's lightweight design (0.86-0.88KG) makes it easy to handle and transport back to the field for reuse, thereby reducing labor costs and physical strain on workers.

[0062] The harvesting basket's durable construction ensures a long service life, making it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for potato growers. The food-grade plastic material is easy to clean and maintain, further contributing to food safety standards.

[0063] For illustrative and descriptive purposes, the foregoing description of specific embodiments of the present invention is presented. The title, background art, utility model description, description of drawings, and abstract of this disclosure are hereby incorporated in this disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples rather than as limiting descriptions. It should be understood upon filing this disclosure that the title, background art, utility model description, description of drawings, and abstract are not intended to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, in the detailed description, it can be seen that illustrative examples are provided, and various features are grouped together in various embodiments to simplify the disclosure. This approach of the disclosure should not be construed as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than those expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the appended claims, the subject matter of the present invention lies in all features of fewer than those in a single disclosure configuration or operation. The appended claims are hereby incorporated in the detailed description, wherein each claim is independently claimed as a separate subject matter.

[0064] The claims are not intended to limit the aspects described herein, but are to be given the full scope consistent with the language of the claims and to cover all legal equivalents. Nevertheless, none of the claims are intended to cover, nor should they be construed as, subject matter failing to meet the requirements of 35 U.S.SC § 101, 102, or 103. Any unintentional inclusion of such subject matter is hereby rejected. They are not intended to be exhaustive, nor to limit the invention to the exact form disclosed, and it will be apparent that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the foregoing teachings. These embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and its various embodiments with various modifications as appropriate for the particular uses covered. The scope of the invention is intended to be broadly defined by the drawings and accompanying description and their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of this utility model is not limited by any adverse inferences made under the decisions of Warner-Jenkinson Company, v. Hilton Davis Chemical, 520 US17 (1997) or Festo Corp. v. Shoketsu Kinzoku Kogyo Kabushiki Co., 535 U.S. 722 (2002), nor should any other similar precedent be made if any future claims are added or amended after this patent application. At least one specification title is required.

Claims

1. An agricultural harvesting basket, characterized in that, The agricultural harvesting basket includes: Rectangular containers made of food-grade plastic; The container measures approximately 57.1 inches × 41.2 inches × 27.3 inches. The container has a grid pattern design on its sides and bottom that allows for approximately 80% ventilation; The container described above can hold up to approximately 60 pounds of potatoes; and The container weighs between 0.86 and 0.88 kg when unloaded.

2. The agricultural harvesting basket as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes tapered sides to facilitate stacking when unused.

3. The agricultural harvesting basket as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a raised element at the bottom to improve stability.

4. The agricultural harvesting basket as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The dimensions and capacity are optimized for ergonomic operation by adult workers and for integration with harvesting machinery.

5. An agricultural harvesting basket system, characterized in that, The system includes: Multiple baskets as described in claim 1; The baskets described herein are stackable both when full and empty; and The basket is designed to integrate with existing agricultural equipment.

6. A harvesting basket for agricultural products, characterized in that, The agricultural product harvesting basket includes: The main body is made of food-grade low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The main body defines a cavity configured to receive harvested agricultural products. The main body has multiple ventilation openings to facilitate airflow within the cavity. At least one handle integrally formed with the main body, the handle being configured to allow a user to carry the basket. The food-grade LDPE material was chosen to minimize bruising on the harvested produce and to provide resilience to the user's body during transport.

7. The agricultural product harvesting basket as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The main body has a generally rectangular shape with rounded corners to further reduce potential bruising on the harvested agricultural products.

8. The agricultural product harvesting basket as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The vents are evenly distributed around the sides and bottom of the main body to enhance airflow and reduce moisture buildup.

9. The agricultural product harvesting basket as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The food-grade LDPE has a Shore D hardness between 40 and 55 to balance flexibility and durability.

10. The agricultural product harvesting basket as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The handle is ergonomically designed to distribute weight evenly in the user's hand.

11. The agricultural product harvesting basket as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The main body includes reinforcing ribs formed into the sides to enhance structural integrity while maintaining flexibility.

Images