AU2005201804A1 - Method and Apparatus for Harvesting Bananas - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT Name of Applicant: Actual Inventors: Address for Service: Invention Title: Australian Banana Harvesting Company Pty Ltd Robert Borsato, Allan Mario Dotti, Mark Norman Bufi and William Edward Seawright CULLEN CO Patent Trade Mark Attorneys 239 George Street Brisbane QId 4000 Australian Method and Apparatus for Harvesting Bananas Details of Associated Provisional Application 2004902255 29 April 2004 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it, known to us: i. 2

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0 K ~METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HARVESTING BANANAS Field of the Invention N This invention relates to a method and apparatus for harvesting bananas. One aspect of the invention concerns a hydraulic banana harvester that is omanoeuvrable within small spaces between adjacent banana plants. Another 0 aspect of the invention concerns a banana harvester comprising a stalk gripper ofor releasably holding a stalk of a banana plant, a cutter for severing the stalk from the banana plant, and a holder for holding a banana bunch of the stalk.

Background of the Invention Bananas are normally harvested by hand. Usually, a worker uses a knife to sever a fruit-laden stalk from a banana plant, and then a worker carries the fruitladen stalk to another location for processing.

Problems with harvesting bananas by hand include that it is backbreaking and time-consuming work, as a banana bunch can weigh as much as 100 kg. Another problem with harvesting bananas by hand is that bananas can be readily damaged during harvesting, by way of rubbing against one another and bruising or suffering neck injuries.

The present inventors have now invented a method and apparatus for harvesting bananas that minimises a problem referred to above.

Detailed Description of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a banana harvesting attachment for a hydraulic vehicle, said attachment comprising: a body attachable to a hydraulic arm of the hydraulic vehicle; a stalk gripper supported by the body for releasably holding a stalk of a banana plant and/or a holder supported by the body for holding a banana bunch of the stalk; and O6 0 l a cutter supported by the body for severing the stalk of the banana plant.

The body can be of any suitable size, shape and construction. The body can be Cl made of any suitable material or materials, such as steel.

The body can comprise a mount to facilitate attachment to the hydraulic arm.

0 Any suitable type of mount can be used. Examples of suitable mounts include a obracket, a quick-hitch arrangement and an adapter plate. Preferably, the mount is pivotable relative to a boom of the hydraulic vehicle by way of a hydraulic arm cylinder of the hydraulic vehicle.

The body can comprise an upper portion movable relative to the lower portion and the stalk gripper, holder and cutter can be supported by the upper portion.

Preferably, the body is telescopic and the stalk gripper, holder and cutter can be raised and lowered relative to the lower portion. Raising and lowering of the upper portion relative to the lower portion can be achieved in any suitable way.

For instance, the lower portion can comprise a sleeve, the upper portion can comprise an elongate member extending within the sleeve, and the elongate member can be extended and retracted relative to the sleeve. The body can comprise a hydraulic cylinder for extending and retracting the elongate member.

A housing of the hydraulic cylinder can be mounted to the sleeve and a piston of the hydraulic cylinder can be mounted to the elongate member.

The stalk gripper can be of any suitable size, shape and construction. The stalk gripper can comprise at least one pair of opposed jaws that are movable between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position the jaws can grip the stalk and in the open position the jaws can release the stalk. Preferably, the stalk gripper includes two pairs of opposed jaws that are moveable in unison between the open and closed positions.

The jaws can be moved between the open and closed positions in any suitable way. The stalk gripper can comprise a hydraulic cylinder for moving the jaws between the open and closed positions. When a piston of the hydraulic cylinder N extends relative to a housing of the hydraulic cylinder, the jaws can move to the open position and when the piston retracts relative to the housing, the jaws can omove to the closed position. A non-gripping end of each jaw can have a guide 00 slot, the piston can have a transition pin that engages each slot, and the pin can opush the jaws open and pull the jaws closed when moved by the piston.

S 10 The stalk gripper can comprise teeth (holding spikes) for biting into the stalk when the jaws are in the closed position. The teeth can be of any suitable size, shape and construction. The teeth can extend from the jaws. Alternatively, or additionally, the teeth can be situated between the jaws.

If desired, the jaws can be extended, retracted as well as rotated relative to the body. One or more hydraulic cylinders can be used to manoeuvre the jaws in this manner.

The cutter can be of any suitable size, shape and construction. The cutter can sever the stalk adjacent a region of the stalk held by the stalk gripper. The cutter can comprise at least one blade and the blade can be rotated or extended to sever the stalk. The cutter can be rotated in more than one plane relative to the body so that the blade can be positioned to cut cleanly through the stalk. The cutter can be rotated in any suitable way, for instance, by way of one or more hydraulic cylinders.

The cutter can comprise at least one pair of opposed blades that are movable between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position the blades can sever the stalk.

CThe opposed blades can be moved between the open and closed positions in any suitable way. The cutter can comprise a hydraulic cylinder for moving the opposed blades between the open and closed positions. When a piston of the N hydraulic cylinder extends relative to a housing of the hydraulic cylinder, the blades can move to the open position and when the piston retracts relative to the o housing, the blades can move to the closed position. A non-cutting end of each 00 blade can have a guide slot, the piston can have a transition pin that engages oeach slot, and the pin can push the blades open or pull the blades closed when moved by the piston.

In one embodiment of the invention, the stalk gripper and cutter are one and the same, wherein in an initial mode of operation the jaws of the stalk gripper hold the stalk, and in a subsequent mode of operation, the jaws continued to close and to sever the stalk from the banana plant.

The holder can be of any suitable size, shape and construction. The holder can comprise a cradle extending from the body for cradling the banana bunch.

Preferably, the cradle comprises a pair of opposed arms extending from the upper portion of the body. The arms can be padded so as to lessen the likelihood of damaging bananas of the bunch.

The holder can comprise a support table extending from the body on which the banana bunch can rest. Preferably, the support table can be raised and lowered relative to the body. The support table can comprise a collar extending around the sleeve of the lower portion and a table extending perpendicularly of the collar.

The holder can include a hydraulic cylinder for raising and lowering the table. A housing of the hydraulic cylinder can be mounted to the sleeve and a piston of a hydraulic cylinder can be mounted to the collar.

In another embodiment of the invention, the holder can comprise at least one pair of opposed jaws pivotally connected to the body and movable between open and closed positions relative to the body. The holder can comprise at least one hydraulic cylinder for opening and closing the jaws. The jaws can be extended and retracted relative to the body and the jaws can be rotated relative to the N body. One or more hydraulic cylinders can be used to maneuver the jaws in this manner. The jaws can be of any suitable shape, such as arms or panels o extending along opposed sides of the banana bunch. The holder can further 0 comprise an additional pair of opposed jaws pivotally connected to the body and omovable between open and closed positions relative to the body. The additional 1 pair of jaws is preferable when harvesting bananas weighing between 10 and 100 kg.

The banana harvesting attachment can comprise a harvesting head that is pivotally connected to the body such that the head can be moved relative to the body. The jaws of the stalk gripper and the opposed blades of the cutter can be mounted to the head for pivotal movement relative to the head. Preferably, the head is pivotally connected to the upper portion of the body, and the head can be raised, lowered and/or rotated relative to the upper portion. The harvesting head can be of any suitable size, shape and construction. One or more hydraulic cylinders can be used to pivot the head. A piston of a hydraulic cylinder can be mounted to the head and a cylinder housing of a hydraulic cylinder can be mounted to the upper portion.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a banana harvester comprising: a hydraulic vehicle; a body attached to a hydraulic arm of the hydraulic vehicle; a stalk gripper supported by the body for releasably holding a stalk of a banana plant and/or a holder supported by the body for holding a banana bunch of the stalk; and a cutter supported by the body for severing the stalk of the banana plant.

0 0 C' The hydraulic vehicle can be of any suitable size, shape and construction.

Preferably, the banana harvester is manoeuvrable within a minimum space of about 0.5 m to 3.5 m between adjacent banana plants. More preferably, the C banana harvester is manoeuvrable within an about 0.5 m space between adjacent banana plants.

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00 The hydraulic vehicle can be a mini-loader, such as a DINGO TM or KANGA TM omini-loader. A suitable loader is the G-624 KANGA TM loader. Details of such 0loaders can be found at the website of Jaden Kanga Group Plc at the URL S 10 http://www.kanqa-loader.com. The mini-loader can have a track-drive system or a skid-steer system. The mini-loader can have a cabin, seat or standing platform (or none of these) for an operator of the vehicle. Preferably, the vehicle has controls for operating the hydraulic cylinders of the attachment. The controls can be in any suitable form, eg. levers and/or panel.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of harvesting bananas, said method comprising the steps of: manoeuvring a hydraulic banana harvester between at least an about m space between adjacent banana plants; manoeuvring a banana harvesting arm assembly of the banana harvester so as to hold a stalk and/or banana bunch of a said adjacent banana plant; and servering the stalk of the banana plant.

The method has the advantage in that the mechanical banana harvester can move between rows of banana plants as well as across rows of banana plants.

Preferably, the mechanical banana harvester can be manoeuvred within an about m to 3.5 m space between adjacent banana plants. More preferably, the harvester can be manoeuvred within an about 1.0 m to 2.0 m space.

The banana harvester can be of any suitable size, shape and construction. The banana harvester can comprise a hydraulic vehicle as described in respect of the Csecond aspect of the invention. The harvesting arm can be an attachment for an arm of the hydraulic vehicle as described in respect of the first aspect of the invention.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of o example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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00 oBrief Description of the Drawings 1 Figure 1 is a side elevation view of a banana harvesting attachment attached to a hydraulic (mini-loader) vehicle, in the process of harvesting bananas from a banana plant, according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 relates to schematics of different banana plantations B and C) and indicates typical spacings between banana plants as well as the manoeuvrability of the vehicle shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the attachment shown in Figure 1 in a particular configuration; Figure 4 is a front elevation view of the attachment shown in Figure 1, in a configuration similar to that shown in Figure 3; Figure 5 is a side elevation view of the attachment shown in Figure 4; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the attachment shown in Figure 4; Figure 7 is a top plan view of the attachment shown in Figure 4; Figure 8 is a perspective view of the attachment shown in Figure 1, in a particular configuration; 0 0 l Figure 9 is a front elevation view of the attachment shown in Figure 1, in a configuration similar to that shown in Figure 8; Cl Figure 10 is a side elevation view of the attachment shown in Figure 9; o Figure 11 is a perspective view of the attachment shown in Figure 9; 00 oFigure 12 is a top plan view of the attachment shown in Figure 9; S 10 Figure 13 is a front elevation view of the attachment shown in Figure 1, in a particular configuration; Figure 14 is a side elevation view of the attachment shown in Figure 13; Figure 15 is a perspective view of the attachment shown in Figure 13; Figure 16 is a top plan view of the attachment shown in Figure 13; Figure 17 is a perspective view of part of the attachment shown in Figure 1, in a particular configuration; Figure 18 is a perspective view of part of the attachment shown in Figure 17, in a particular configuration; Figure 19 is a perspective view of part of the attachment shown in Figure 17, in a particular configuration; Figure 20 is a perspective view of part of the attachment shown in Figure 1, in a particular configuration; 0 0 ci

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cO 0 00 0 Figure 21 is a perspective view particular configuration; Figure 22 is a perspective view particular configuration; Figure 23 is a perspective view particular configuration; and Figure 24 is a perspective view particular configuration.

of part of the attachment shown in Figure 1, in a of part of the attachment shown in Figure 1, in a of part of the attachment shown in Figure 1, in a of part of the attachment shown in Figure 1, in a Description of the Preferred Embodiment In the figures, like reference numerals refer to like features.

Figure 1 shows a banana harvesting attachment 1 for a hydraulic vehicle 2 such as a DINGOTM or KANGATM mini-loader (track-drive system or a skid-steer system). The attachment 1 comprises a body 3, 4, 5, a harvesting head 6, a stalk gripper 7, a cutter 8 and a holder 9, The vehicle 2 comprises an arm 11, a boom 12, as well as hydraulic arm 13 and boom 14 cylinders.

The body comprises an upper portion 5, a lower portion 4 and a mount 3 for attaching to the hydraulic arm 11 of the vehicle 2.

Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, the mount 3 comprises an adapter plate 15, a pair of hooks 16 extending from the plate 15 and a pair of bolts 17 extending through the plate 311 As seen in Figure 3, the lower portion 4 of the body comprises a sleeve 20 of rectangular cross-section and a pair of connector plates 21 that extend from either side of the sleeve 20 to the adapter plate 15. A fixture 22 for a hydraulic N cylinder 40 extends from one of the connector plates 21 and a fixture (not shown) for another hydraulic cylinder 28 extends from the sleeve 20 between the connector plates 21.

00 oThe upper portion 5 includes an elongate member 25 of rectangular crosssection which extends from within the sleeve 20. A fixture 26 for a hydraulic cylinder 28 extends from the elongate member 25. A forked mounting bracket 27 extends from a top of the elongate member The body comprises a hydraulic cylinder 28 for raising and lowering the elongate member 25 relative to the sleeve 20. A piston 29 of the hydraulic cylinder 28 is pinned to the fixture 26 of the elongate member 25 and a housing 30 of the hydraulic cylinder 28 is pinned to the fixture (not shown) of the sleeve 20. Figure 3 shows the elongate member 25 in the raised position. Figure 8 shows the elongate member 25 in the lowered position.

As seen in Figures 3 and 8, the holder has a cradle 9 comprising a pair of opposed arms 35 that extend from the elongate member 25. The arms extend partway around the banana bunch, as shown in Figure 1. The arms are padded such that damage to bananas of the bunch can be minimised.

The holder further comprises a table support 10. The table support 10 comprises a collar 36 that extends over the sleeve 20, a round table 37 that extends perpendicularly of the sleeve 20, and a pair of opposed arcuate brackets 38 that extend between the collar 36 and the table 37. A fixture 39 for the hydraulic cylinder 40 extends from the collar 36.

The holder includes a hydraulic cylinder 40 for raising and lowering the table 37 relative to the sleeve 20, such that the banana bunch can rest on the table 37.

As seen in Figure 8, a piston 41 of the hydraulic cylinder 40 is pinned to the N fixture 39 of the collar 36 and a housing 42 of the hydraulic cylinder 40 is pinned to the fixture 22 of the connector plate 21. Figure 8 shows the table 37 in the raised position. Figure 3 shows the table 37 in the lowered position.

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oReferring now to Figures 17-24, the stalk gripper 7 comprises two pairs of opposed jaws 45, 46 (best viewed in Figure 24) that are movable in unison between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position (as seen in Figures 18 and 19) the jaws 45, 46 can grip the stalk and in the open position (as seen in Figure 17) the jaws 45, 46 can release the stalk. Spacers 47 extend between the pairs of jaws 45, 46, as seen in Figure 24. A non-gripping end of each jaw 45 has a guide slot 50 and the slots 50 are aligned with one another, as seen in Figure 24.

As seen in Figures 17, 22 and 23, the stalk gripper 7 comprises a hydraulic cylinder 55 for moving the jaws 45, 46 between the open and closed positions.

The hydraulic cylinder 55 has a piston 56, a forked head 51 and a housing 57, as seen in Figure 22. A transition pin 54 extends through the guide slots 50 of the jaws 45 and within the head 51, as seen in Figure 22. The pin 54 pushes the jaws 45 open when the piston 56 extends relative to the housing 57 and pulls the jaws 45 closed when the piston 56 is retracted within the housing 57.

As seen in Figures 17-19, the stalk gripper 7 further comprises teeth 58 for biting into the stalk when the jaws 45, 46 are in the closed position. The teeth 58 are situated between the jaws 45, 46. An arcuate plate 59 extending between the jaws 45, 46 supports the teeth 58, as seen in Figure 22. A bottom of the arcuate plate 59 flares away from the jaws 45, 46, as seen in Figure 18.

CReferring now to Figures 17-21, the cutter 8 comprises a pair of opposed blades that are movable between an open position (as seen in Figures 17 and 18) and a closed position (as seen in Figures 19-21). In the closed position the N blades 60 can sever the stalk. A non-cutting end of each blade 60 has a guide slot 61, as seen in Figures 19-21.

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00 As seen in Figures 17, 20 and 23, the cutter 8 comprises a hydraulic cylinder 62 ofor moving the opposed blades 60 between the open and closed positions. The n hydraulic cylinder 62 has a piston 63, a forked head 64 and a housing 65. A transition pin 66 extends through the guide slots 61 of the blades 60 and within the head 64, as seen in Figures 20 and 21. The pin 66 pushes the blades open when the piston 63 extends relative to the housing 65 and pulls the blades closed when the piston 63 is retracted within the housing Referring now to Figures 17-19, the harvesting head 6 comprises a top plate and a support plate 71 extending perpendicularly of the top plate 70. A T-shaped portion 73 of the support plate 71 (see Figure 20) is bolted to the top plate 70, as seen in Figure 17. A bearing 72 is located at a lower region of the support plate 71. A bolt extends through the mounting bracket 27 of the elongate member and through the bearing 72 such that the head 6 can pivot relative to the mounting bracket 27 (as seen in Figure The body 3, 4, 5 includes a hydraulic cylinder 75 for raising (as seen in Figure 3) and lowering (as seen in Figure 8) the head 6 relative to the body 3, 4, 5. A piston 76 of the hydraulic cylinder 75 is pinned to the support plate 71 (as seen in Figure 8) and a housing 77 of the cylinder 75 is pinned to the fixture 26 of the elongate member Referring now to Figures 17-24, the head 6 includes four anvil plates 80-83, spacers 85-87 (see Figures 21 and 24) and bolts 88 that extend through the top plate 70, anvil plates 80-83 and spacers 85-87 to hold these components together. The arcuate plate 59 extends from the anvil plates 81-83.

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CReferring now to Figure 23, the housings 57, 65 of the hydraulic cylinders 55, 62 of the stalk gripper 7 and blade cutter 8 are pinned to the support plate 71. The head 6 has a bottom guide block 90, a top guide plate 91 and side guide plates C 92 (only one of which is shown) for the piston head 51 (see Figures 17-24). The head 6 also has side guides 95 (only one of which is shown) for the piston head o 64 (see Figures 17-20 and 23).

00 0Hydraulic hoses (not shown) extend from each hydraulic cylinder 25, 28, 40, I62, 75 to the hydraulic vehicle 2 and the cylinders 25, 28, 40, 55, 62, 75 are controlled from the vehicle 2.

In use, the hooks 16 of the mount 3 are made to engage slots in the hydraulic arm 11 of the hydraulic vehicle 2. The bolts 17 are used to fasten the adapter plate 15 to the hydraulic arm 11. In order to harvest a bunch of bananas from a banana plant, an operator drives the vehicle 2 in close proximity of a banana plant. The vehicle 2 can be manoeuvred within a 0.5 m space between adjacent banana plants. Preferably, there is a 3.5 m space between adjacent plants.

Typical spacings of banana plants in different banana plantations are depicted in Figures 2 A, B and C.

The hydraulic cylinders 28, 75 are then extended (see Figure 1) such that the jaws 45, 46 are situated to grab a stalk of the plant and the blades 60 can sever the stalk. Correct positioning of the jaws 45, 46 may also involve extending or retracting the hydraulic arm cylinder 13 and hydraulic boom cylinder 14 of the vehicle 2.

The stalk gripper hydraulic cylinder 55 is retracted such that the jaws 45, 46 grip the stalk, at which point the cutter hydraulic cylinder 62 retracts such that the blades 60 sever the stalk. The hydraulic cylinder 75 may then be extended or retracted so that the bunch of bananas of the stalk is cradled by the arms 35 of the holder 9. The hydraulic cylinder 40 of the holder 10 is then extended such 7that the bunch of bananas comes to rest on the table 37. The boom 12 and arm 13 of the vehicle 2 may then be lowered and the vehicle 2 driven to, say, a banana trailer for processing.

In order to release the banana bunch, the attachment 1 is tilted such that the banana bunch comes to rest on the banana trailer (with or without the assistance O 00 of workers) and the jaws 45, 46 are opened to release the stalk.

0 The present invention provides the advantage in that the banana harvester is S 10 manoeuvrable within small spaces between adjacent banana plants. The space can be as small as 0.5 m. Since the banana harvester can move between rows of banana plants (typically 4 m 6 m in width) as well as across rows of banana plants (typically 0.5 m 3.5 m in width), bananas need not be harvested from only one row at a time, banana plants can be planted at a greater density, and the time taken to harvest fruit from a banana plantation may be reduced.

Another advantage of the present invention is that fewer fruits are damaged during harvesting, as the banana harvester supports the weight of the banana bunch, and the holder of the harvester holds the banana bunch in such a way as to reduce rubbing, bruising and neck injuries to the fruit of the bunch.

Yet other advantages of the present invention include that there is reduced manual lifting and carrying of heavy banana bunches, there is reduced contact with chemical residue on banana bunches, there is reduced contact with vermin or their excrement on banana bunches, and the chances of banana sap coming into contact with the eyes of the operators is reduced.

The term "comprise", or variations of the term such as "comprises" or "comprising", are used herein to denote the inclusion of a stated integer or stated integers but not to exclude any other integer or any other integers, unless in the context or usage an exclusive interpretation of the term is required.

'n 16 0 0 SWhilst the above has been given by way of illustrative example of the invention, many modifications and variations may be made thereto by persons skilled in the C art without departing from the broad scope and ambit of the invention as herein set forth.

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Claims (14)

1. A banana harvesting attachment for a hydraulic vehicle, said attachment I comprising: a body attachable to a hydraulic arm of the hydraulic vehicle; o a stalk gripper supported by the body for releasably holding a stalk of a 00 banana plant and/or a holder supported by the body for holding a banana bunch oof the stalk; and 1a cutter supported by the body for severing the stalk of the banana plant.

2. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the body is telescopic.

3. The attachment of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the body comprises a mount to facilitate attachment to the hydraulic arm.

4. The attachment of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stalk gripper comprises at least one pair of opposed jaws that are movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position the jaws grip the stalk. The attachment of claim 4, wherein the stalk gripper comprises teeth for biting into the stalk when the jaws are in the closed position.

6. The attachment of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cutter comprises at least one pair of opposed blades that are movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position the blades sever the stalk.

7. The attachment of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the holder comprises a cradle extending from the body for cradling the banana bunch. 01 O O

8. The attachment of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the holder comprises a support table extending from the body on which the banana bunch can rest.

9. The attachment of claim 8, wherein the support table can be raised and lowered relative to the body. 00 The attachment of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body Icomprises an upper portion movable relative to the lower portion and the stalk gripper, holder and cutter are supported by the upper portion.

11. The attachment of claim 10 further comprising a harvesting head that is pivotally connected to the body such that the head can move relative to the body, and the stalk gripper and the cutter are mounted to the head.

12. The attachment of claim 11, wherein the harvesting head can be raised and lowered relative to the body.

13. A banana harvester comprising: a hydraulic vehicle; a body attached to a hydraulic arm of the hydraulic vehicle; a stalk gripper supported by the body for releasably holding a stalk of a banana plant and/or a holder supported by the body for holding a banana bunch of the stalk; and a cutter supported by the body for severing the stalk of the banana plant.

14. The banana harvester of claim 13, wherein the banana harvester is manoeuvrable within an about 0.5 to 3.5 m space between adjacent banana plants. A method of harvesting bananas, said method comprising the steps of: manoeuvring a hydraulic banana harvester between an about 0.5 to 3.5 m space between adjacent banana plants; manoeuvring a banana harvesting arm assembly of the banana harvester N so as to hold a stalk and/or banana bunch of a said adjacent banana plant; and servering the stalk of the banana plant. O 00 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the hydraulic banana harvester is omanoeuvrable within an about 0.5 m space between adjacent banana plants. S 10 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the hydraulic banana harvester comprises a hydraulic vehicle and the banana harvesting arm assembly, and the banana harvesting arm assembly is in the form of an attachment for the hydraulic vehicle.

18. A banana harvesting attachment for a hydraulic vehicle as defined in claim 1 and substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying figures.

19. A banana harvester as defined in claim 13 and substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying figures. A method of harvesting bananas as defined in claim 15 and substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the invention. Australian Banana Harvesting Company Pty Ltd By the patent attorneys for the applicant CULLEN CO. Date: 29 April 2004