PH12014000305A1 - Elastic device and method for improving the growth of the fruit for the musaceae family plants by such device - Google Patents

Abstract

An elastic device (11,13) to improve the plants fruit growth of the musaceae family with the following chemical composition: natural rubber, synthetic polyisoprene, silicon dioxide, polyethylene glycol, stearic acid, paraffin wax, sulfur, paraffinic oil, Vaseline, cyclohexylbenzothyazil sulfonamide, tetramethyl thiuram monosulfide, zinc diethyl dithiocarbamate.

Description

ELASTIC DEVICE AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING THE

GROWTH OF THE FRUIT FOR THE MUSACEAE FAMILY

PLANTS BY SUCH DEVICE.

Description

TECHNOLOGICAL SECTOR

This invention is located on the agro industrial sector, especially in the stage of musaceae family plants cultivation , such as plantain and bananas export quality type.

PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION

This invention is related to the development of an elastic device of modified chemical composition and a method to improve the growth of the musaceae family plants fruit by such device.

With these inventions it is sought to eliminate completely the problem of stains and other undesirable defects on fruits being cultivated and harvested. This purpose is achieved by the development of an elastic device whose composition is harmless both chemically and biologically, and by the development of a harmless method both physically and mechanically.

Considering the chemical nature of the invention elastic device, it is sought to eliminate the additional maintenance stages within the fruits production process, since such device is self- breakable and presents ecological compatibility attributes due to its biodegradability when it falls on the ground with no pollutant risks.

Regarding the method of the invention, it is sought to improve the growth of the musaceae family plants fruits, in such a way that prevents or reduces to the maximum possible, the risks of friction among such clusters and the excess of fruits movement, more over in the harvesting process, obtaining a uniform composition of hands of clusters of plantains and the bananas cluster itself.

STATE OF THE ART

The improvement of production methods of the musaceae family plants fruits particularly bananas and plantains with export type quality, is a matter of special interest in the agro industrial sector.

It is desirable the protection of fruits during all stages of the production process.

Specifically, during the growth of fruits glomeruli (or hands of the bananas or plantain plant), it is common to see the separate growth of each plantain, which may cause friction or shocks among them, originating malformations and scars affecting the final product quality. This causes the rejection of the product for export purposes and the consequent increase in the loss of the fruit.

Besides, in post-harvesting stages, it is also common to identify product losses due to its incorrect handling.

To solve the problems above, hundreds of elements have been identified. Some examples of these elements may be seen in the documents: TWM301519, TWM335926, TWM353631,

TWM362600, CN201393439, AU2009202882, US1838702, [ES2124671, ES2076115, FR2759539, WO02004106166 and J

US6061954.

he -

These documents disclose packing, bags, structures and protective covers some of which are incorporated during the crop stage or during post-harvesting as necessary. Additionally, they present protection methods for fruits requiring human intervention for their placement and withdrawal.

Notwithstanding the above, none of such documents disclose an elastic device or a method to improve growth of the musaceae family plants fruits as those herein described and with the advantageous and unexpected technical effects they bear.

Now then, there is a natural rubber composition in the market to make an elastic tape, which was developed by the inventor. Such tape was patented under the No. MXNLO5000050, and it can be consulted as reference.

However, sometime after the commercialization of the elastic tape hereinabove mentioned some clients started to see some stains profusion problems on the bananas where the tape was used, causing economic loses.

Given the above, a research was initiated and it was found that undesirable stains appeared only on areas where the tape was used, while in other zones, where the tape was not used, stains were practically inexistent. Besides, stains appeared only on the points of contact of the banana with the tape, while such stains did not appear in points where the tape did not have any contact with the banana (internal face of the cluster).

Microbiological analysis were also carried out in areas affected by the stains without detecting microorganisms, reason why it was concluded that something in the tape chemical composition must be the direct and sole cause for such stains.

To find the cause for the problem identified a deep review of different formula components with which the tape is made was carried out, as well as the manufacturing process analysis, which led to conclude that the natural rubber proteins were the responsible for undesirable stains on the bananas.

Due to the above, arose the need to develop an elastic device made of natural rubber with a modified composition allowing overcoming the problems found.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In the figures accompanying this document is illustrated, as an example, a performance of the invention without limiting its scope. In such Figures the reference numbers indicate identical or similar elements without limiting the invention scope.

Figures 1 and 1A illustrate opportune moments to reach to the plant acorn beginning with the method of the invention.

Figure 2 illustrates the so called double fingers or Siamese fingers, which are undesirable in the bananas hand, which must be eliminated.

Figure 3 illustrates the so called comb fingers or fan fingers which are undesirable in the bananas hand, which must be eliminated.

Figure 4 illustrates an undesirable intruder finger in the bananas cluster, which must be eliminated.

Figure 5 illustrates lateral double fingers which may be optionally eliminated from the bananas hand.

Figures 6 and 6A illustrate examples of the elastic devices in the invention, the transversal assurance of hands by such devices and the exact point where it has to be placed taking as reference one operator’s finger.

Figure 7 illustrates the example of a wide cluster, which merits to be divided into two for assurance with elastic brackets

Figures 7A and 7B illustrate the proper assurance of bananas into wide divided hands

Figure 8 illustrates the ideal position for the cluster hands to strengthen their attachment by an elastic brake.

Figure 8A illustrates the upward maximum parallel position of hands in the cluster to strengthen their attachment by an elastic brake.

Figure 8B illustrates the minimum allowed position downward of hands in the cluster to strengthen their attachment by an elastic brake.

Figure 9 illustrates the way how to strengthen the hands attachment in the cluster by an elastic brake.

Figure 10 illustrates examples of anchoring points for the strengthen with the elastic brake.

Figure 11 illustrates a general view of hands in the cluster treated with the method of the invention. Figure 12 illustrates a general view of the final result obtained with the treatment to a cluster by the method of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION.

This invention relates to an elastic device (11, 13) with improved chemical composition and to a method to improve the growth of the musaceae family plants fruits, specially developed to produce export quality plantain or bananas.

The elastic device may be a band, tape, or any other flexible material arranged as an elastic clamp (11) or elastic brake (13) on the musaceae family plants fruits.

The elastic device (11, 13) has the following chemical composition:

Natural rubber.

Synthetic Polyisoprene

Silicon Dioxide

Polyethylene Glycol

Stearic Acid

Paraffin Wax

Sulfur

Paraffinic Oil

Vaseline

Cyclohexylbenzothyazil Sulfenamide

Tetramethyl Thiuram Monosulfide

Zinc diethyl dithiocarbamate

The invention is also related to a method to improve the plants fruit growth (1) of the musaceae family, which consists of:

Inspecting preliminarily the acorn (2) on the plant and selecting the bananas hands (3) to be treated on the growing plant.

Eliminating undesirable fingers, which will not produce the expected quality result such as Siamese fingers (7) fingers forming “combs or fans” (8), intruder or hindrance fingers (9) and optionally lateral fingers (10).

Strengthening selected clusters hands transversely by at least one elastic device as elastic bracket (11) around such hands

Strengthening lower or apical hands of clusters by at least one elastic device acting as elastic brake (13).

DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION.

Below there is a detailed description on how the invention works and such description does not limit the scope of the invention.

I Elastic Device of Improved Composition

Pursuant to a first aspect of this invention, an elastic device (11, 13) is given whose chemical composition is the following:

Natural rubber.

Synthetic Polyisoprene

Silicon Dioxide

Polyethylene Glycol

Stearic Acid

Paraffin Wax

Sulfur

Paraffinic Oil

Vaseline

Cyclohexylbenzothyazil Sulfenamide

Tetramethyl Thiuram Monosulfide

Zinc diethyl dithiocarbamate

It is understood as “Natural Rubber” the natural polyisoprene cis-1,4-polyisoprene or latex obtained from vegetal sources, including the Hvea brasiliensis. It is understood as “Synthetic Polyisoprene” the same polymer of the polyisoprene but obtained from oil derivatives. Distinction between the two components is made just because one of them is made from natural sources and the other one is made synthetically.

Regarding the election of natural rubber, as discussed in the

State of the Art, it was very important to determine the most suitable polymer to manufacture the product, according to service ; requirements thereof.

The selected polymer was the TSDL natural rubber due to the following set of properties:

Co - i ° Excellent elastic properties allowing it to be subject to long deformation by extension periods with scarce loss of tension by relaxation.

It is very sensitive to the effects of temperature, solar radiation, oxygen and ozone which allows it to regulate its aging time casing the causing the elastic device breakdown in the suitable period. e Refraction index allowing obtaining translucent vulcanizates. e Enough enzymatic battery so that microorganisms can perform the biodegradation process within an acceptable time. This is fundamental since all international bananas companies are certified by the ISO 14000 standard and they are obliged to respect internal norm on such regard. (see example 2 on rubbers technically specified TSR)

The efficiency of measures to solve the technical problem was demonstrated by the fact that from the intend of its implementation, there were no stains on the fruits.

Below there are the analysis made which were developed to detect stains on bananas and the study for the different solution alternatives.

Ist Example. Skim rubber characteristics:

The rubber known within the technical environment as “skim” is defined as a residual product derived from the coagulation of the solids remaining which are in the discarded serum of latex in the centrifugation process.

Natural latex contains approximately 30% of solids and 70% of water and by centrifugation the amount of solids is increased up to 60% decreasing the water to 40%.

However, discarded serum has between 6% and 10% of rubber solids and variable amounts of other organic substances.

A low quality rubber is obtained from such residue by coagulation, which has a high percentage of proteins, which are calculated between 2.5% and 5% of dry rubber. Such rubber is used to substitute whether totally or partially the standardized natural rubber to make low cost products with no technical requisites. 2nd Example. Characteristics of the technically specified rubber TSR

Around 1965, natural rubber producers the natural rubber producers introduced the classification scheme TSR (Technically

Specified Rubber), which corresponds in Spanish to Cauchos

Tecnicamente Especificados, in order to assess their quality by lab essays. Besides, such classification allows quantifying the product quality ion a more objective manner than visual classification.

Characteristics of Technically Specified Rubber are regulated by international standards (for instance the ASTM D 2227-96 (2007)) standard specifying the origin of raw materials, processing method, content of materials which are not rubber, color, viscosity, identification codes and even size and weight of packs.

In the table below are listed the specifications for the different grades:

Impurities (% 0.03 0.05 0.10 0.20 0.50

RE

Volatile material|{ 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 oom LT

Feber imax] | 050 | 080 | 075 | 100 | 10

Fieger mar) | 080 _| 0550 | 060 | 060 | 00

Lovibond color NR NR NR NR wo” LT

As it can be seen, grades are different in impurities, ashes, plasticity retention index PRI and Lovibond color contents, while 5S contents of volatile materials and nitrogen, which indicated the proteins content, is the same for all grades.

Now then, while for the rest of grades attention to nitrogen levels is not a priority, in the case of TSRL good products try to keep the lowest possible such levels, around 0.25% 3rd Example. Deproteinized rubber characteristics

Natural rubber proteins produce allergic episodes, in some individuals, especially those which are sensible to them, which are manifested as irritation, redness, and rashes, on the contact zones, and sometimes, more serious problems.

To avoid such inconveniences, techniques have been developed eliminating from rubber most of the proteins presented.

There are several deproteinization methods, which are different

RN Sr among them in some aspect of the process, but all of them are based on the use of a generally alkaline protease and two or more ionic and anionic surfactants, generally derived from the sulfonic acids, carboxylics, phosphoric or ialuric.

S

The main application for the deproteinized rubber is to manufacture surgical gloves, probes, catheters and condoms, in in a lower degree to manufacture industrial products working in environments which have huge amount of microorganisms, since due to their scarce enzymatic charge are a lot more resistant to biodegradation. 4th Example. Spotted Bananas Test

As verified in the 2rd Example the natural rubber composition is not only the polymer, isoprene, but also includes other organic substances such as higher fatty acids, lipids, polysaccharides and proteins. Fromm all of them just proteins could be responsible for the technical problem found and to confirm that, a field essay was carried out which consisted on the following: a. Manufacturing a number of conventional elastic devices with a composition equal to the commercial composition, but with a rigorous quality control on ingredients and process. b. Manufacturing three more lots of elastic devices where part of the TSRL rubber was substituted by 20%, 30% and 40% respectively of skim rubber, which has an elevated percentage of proteins (See 1st Example)

C. Installing from each lot of the elastic devices in clusters of ten banana plants duly identified in an area not greater than 1.200 m2 to ensure a homogeneous soil, climate, quality and crop technique.

Result:

Clusters of two (2) weeks before cutting were reviewed, finding that those clusters which had installed the elastic device whose composition included only TSRL rubber, did not have stains, while on the other clusters the number of spots was greater with the increase of the proportion of skim rubber.

Therefore, it was demonstrated, without any doubt, the harmful effect from a quantity of proteins, above certain limit, on the appearance of undesirable stains on bananas.

In view of results obtained from the test hereinabove mentioned, to get a technically and commercially feasible solution, two alternatives were analyzed:

Ist Alternative: Incorporating deproteinized rubber in the elastic device chemical composition, whose maximum content of proteins, in the commercial types, is the fifth part of maximum values in a TSRL (see 34 Example).

Such alternative was not admissible due to its excessive increase of costs, which would make commercially unfeasible the project, but above all due to undesirable effect it may have on its biodegradation capacity, as well as on the aging period.

, Ser —— 2nd Alternative. Incorporating in the elastic device chemical composition TSRL natural rubber, with the lowest possible content of proteins, below the maximum admitted, by the establishment of quality commitments with suppliers.

S

It was chosen to use TSRL rubber establishing a rigorous quality control system, both internal and external, guaranteeing the suitability of the product.

Now then, the modified composition elastic device in the invention, which has been sufficiently described, is meaningless simple individual element because it has been developed to improve growth of the musaceae family plants fruits with no defects during the fruits treatment in the crop.

Therefore the modified elastic device in the invention solves just the technical problem while associated to the method allowing to improve growth of the musaceae family plants fruits, because without such method, the expected technical effects will not be obtained regarding the fruit quality reducing economic losses due to rejected bananas, because clients expect the fulfillment of high quality standards for their acceptance.

Below there is a detailed description on the use of the method of the invention and this description does not limit the scope of the invention. !

II Method to improve growth of fruits of the musaceae family plants.

Pursuant to a second aspect of the invention, a method is given to improve growth of fruits of the musaceae family plants especially bananas and plantains, which is characterized by the following steps: -

Inspecting preliminarily the acorn (2) on the plant (1) and selecting the bananas hands (3) to be treated on the growing plant.

Eliminating undesirable fingers, which will not produce the expected quality result such as Siamese fingers (7) fingers forming “combs or fans” (8), intruder or hindrance fingers (9) and optionally lateral fingers (10).

Strengthening selected clusters hands transversely by at least one elastic device as elastic bracket (11) around such hands

Strengthening lower or apical hands of clusters by at least one elastic device acting as elastic brake (13).

The detailed description for each step in the method is presented below as follows:

Inspecting preliminarily the acorn (2) on the plant (1) and selecting the bananas hands (3) to be treated on the growing plant.

Conditions to be complied by the plant fruit to be submitted to the invention method are the following:

) A ~~ . The acorn (2) must have more than 3 to 5 hands (3) exposed or open, whether without bracts (4) or with lifted bracts (see

Figures 1 and 1A) . The bananas hand (3) must present a perpendicular position with respect to the rachis or pin (5) that is, forming an angle between 15] to 20| regarding the horizontal level of soil. . Hand fingers must be even completely united among them and totally straight.

In order to ensure that the worker is able to reach all clusters, before some of the hands get the minimum separation of their fingers and before commencing the natural curvature thereof, especially extreme or lateral fingers (10) is recommended to fix hands with the elastic bracket preferably in three weekly cycles in case two cycles are not enough to find always the hands of all clusters with the ideal condition demanded.

Such method is a preventive method, reason why, should be avoided at all costs that the natural disorder of formation of fingers and hands in every cluster preventing that all fingers and hand take advantage and the only way to do it is to make the adjustment with the elastic bracket when fingers are totally straight and completely joined among them.

In case is determined to make two weekly cycles, is possible to find some clusters which hands have their fingers far apart. If that happens it is recommended to make a careful massage to joint and organize the hands fingers; before, during and immediately after the incorporation of the elastic bracket.

This is a necessary corrective action and it can be presented just in some hands on some clusters. It must be an exception and not a condition.

To prevent hands on clusters, which have their fingers separated before the elastic bracket is put on, it can be chosen to put the bracket to hands of the cluster when hand are still united to the bracts (4) slightly raised, in such a way that they can be introduced into the bracket without forcing them. This is an effective manner to do the job.

It only must be ensured that in the next cycle or during the next visit to the cluster the elastic device placed on the bract (4) is carefully raised, when it has been detached from the hand (3) or from the pin or rachis (5), remove the detached bract (4) placing directly the elastic device on the corresponding hand, on the exact point. This practice is normally recommended when the placement of the bracket is carried out in two weekly cycles. When it is placed in 3 weekly cycles is not worth it.

Eliminating the undesirable fingers which shall not cause the quality result expected, such as united or Siamese fingers (7), finger forming “comps or fans” (8) and intruder fingers (9).

This step consists of eliminating carefully all those fingers which due to their condition and formation, will never be admitted pursuant to quality specifications provided by the trader.

These fingers are: . United or Siamese fingers (7) (see Figure # 2)

Ce — . Fingers, which are forming the so called “combs or fans” (8) (see Figure # 3) o Intruder or clogs fingers (9) (see Figure # 4) are those fingers which were born in the middle of the two normal lines of fingers in some basal and sub-basal hands.

The elimination of undesirable fingers must be carried out on the most possible premature stage to prevent that some hands in the cluster are stained with latex.

The method of the invention does not include the elimination of lateral fingers (10) among its criteria; therefore, such practice is the free will of the administration or technical direction in each farm, company or partnership.

However, if the elimination of these fingers is carried with the intention to prevent the risk of overlaps in the packing line of the box (as main cause generating packing scars), such risk factor can be significantly reduced eliminating only the double lateral fingers (10) found during the first 2 or 3 hands of the cluster. (see Figure 5)

Strengthening transversely hands in the selected clusters by at least one elastic device used as elastic bracket (11) around such hands. (3).

At least one elastic device has to be placed with precision, at a distance between one inch (2.54 cm) and one inch and a half ((3.81 cm), measured from the tip of the two extreme fingers, towards their peduncles. Such distances must not be exceeded or - reduced. (see Figures 6 and 64).

: Sr ~

From the side where lateral fingers are eliminated (10) by instructions from the administration, and there is not a defined finger which could be considered as extreme, the most extreme finger in the lower line of the hand has to be taken as mandatory reference. (For this case, one and a half inch (3.80 cm) is equivalent to a phalanx and a half and one inch (2.54 cm) is equivalent to a phalanx of the index finger in any worker’s hand)

Broad hands division

Hands, which due to the number of their fingers or the premature thickness thereof, are too wide, (12) must be divided into two equal sections exactly by the middle, putting on each section an elastic device following the indications stated below as follows (see Figures 7, 7A and 7B)

Hands deserving this treatment are the following: . Hands numbers 1 and 2 of the cluster, which have 12 fingers or more on the lower row of fingers (including always in counting their lateral or extreme fingers (10)) . Hands numbers 3, 4, 5 or 6 in the cluster, which have 13 fingers or more on the lower row ((including always in counting their lateral or extreme fingers (10))

The technique to verify if a hand deserves to be divided due to its number of fingers is the following:

The correct manner to verify if a hand deserves to be divided or not, it is enough to count just to half of the minimum fingers required in both cases, that is, up to 6 on the broad hands No. 1 or 2 or up to 7 on broad hands from the No. 3 to the No. 6

S respectively.

If the final finger in this counting is in the middle or before the middle of the hand with respect to the side where the counting started, it is an irrefutable indicator that he hand has to be divided always in half into two equal sections.

If the final finger in such counting is after half of the hand, regarding the side where counting started, that is an indicator that the hand does not deserves to be divided; therefore, just one elastic device has to be placed.

At the time of dividing a broad hand, make sure, that fingers where the division is made, are aligned pair fingers, that is, finger of the lower line, with its couple of the upper line or vice versa). It is incorrect to make the division on odd fingers or on those diagonal fingers.

It is important to keep in mind that spaces formed on the lower line of fingers of hand being verified, due to eliminated fingers (for instance double fingers), have to be included in counting as if the finger was not eliminated, whenever the elimination of such finger has left the space just on the lower line without affecting the upper line.

But if the eliminated finger is a double finger, which left a “tunnel” or space in both rows if fingers in the hand, in such case the space shall not be taken into account, and it will not be included within the counting of 6 or 7 fingers at the time of verification, as appropriate.

Procedure to divide broad hands

Place both elastic bands of the elastic device at a distance not greater than 1 cm from the tip of the internal extreme fingers of each cluster conformed when dividing such hand. Even, to make sure that the elastic band does not slip, it is recommended to place it hooked on the internal edge of the shortest fingertip between the two internal extreme fingers (whether the finger on the upper line or the lower line) of each section in which the broad hand was divided and exactly on the middle on the middle of the external extreme finger of each section, towards the peduncle, of such fingers.

Such division may be carried out during the first cycle or visit made to the cluster taking into account that the correct procedure to put the elastic device shall be from the inside out introducing only the elastic band and never his/her own fingers between the sections, preventing to prevent soiling or cause any type of damage to fruits.

If during the first cycle or visit to the cluster, fingers of the hand to be divided, are too close, in such a way that they represent any degree of difficulty to the worker to make the division, which may cause dirt or damage to the hand, it is recommended for the worker to place just one elastic band temporarily around the hand making the division on the next visit to the cluster. 30, :

-

In such case, the device placed to the hand during the first cycle must be used, on one of the sections using a new elastic band to conform the other section, applying instructions specified for wide hands in the cluster, which require to be divided (see Figures 5S 7A and 7B).

The worker has to introduce the elastic band carefully, exactly on the middle of the selected hand, whether directly or supporting with one of his/her fingers of each of his/her hands to make a small opening in the middle of the hand to be divided, allowing him/her to introduce the device easily without risking the fruit quality. It is hereby reiterated that the elastic band must not be placed never with his/her own fingers between the two sections being conformed.

If due to underdevelopment of the fingers on a broad hand, even if they are basal or sub-basal with 12 fingers on the lower line or intermediate hands with 13 fingers on their lower line, if any of the sections in which it has to be divided, does not hold the elastic device, with the minimum possible tension, that is, it is loose or with no tension, when hugging the section, it has to be understood that such hand does not deserve to be divided, reason why only one elastic band shall be applied applying the placement procedure for just one device for one hand, as described in this manual.

It has to be prevented that the elastic device is excessively twisted after being placed on hands of the cluster, since it may lose its minimum resistance and blow out before it exercises the desired effect. Such situation may also generate the risk to damage the fruits, such as scars.

— ~

The main cause for the elastic device is twisted on hands in the cluster, is when the worker pulls out the band from his/her forearm and place it without releasing it from his/her hand. Due to the above, in order to prevent this situation, it is imperative that when the worker pulls out the brand from his/her forearm, to release it from his/her hand during one instant so that it is untwisted before it is placed on the hand of the cluster. ,

The other cause for this situation is present when the worker is trying to correct his/her incorrect location, slides it with his/her hand or his/her fingers attached to the fruit. If the worker has to change the undesired placement of the elastic device, the correct form to do it is to pick up carefully the elastic band on the side where it was misplaced, using his/her index and thumb fingers putting it back in the correct manner.

Strengthening the attachment of the lower or apical hands in the cluster by at least one elastic device as an elastic brake. (13)

The ideal position to be presented by hands to which this procedure will be applied, is when fingers on the upper line present a perpendicular position with respect to the flat level of the land forming an angle between -25° to -15° with such level (to be verified) See Figure 8).

The maximum allowed tolerance of this position upwards is when fingers on the upper line of the hand in the cluster, have a parallel position with respect to the flat level of the land (see Figure 8A).

The minimum allowed tolerance of this position downwards, is when fingers on the upper line of the hand present a position of

. » Ls an angle between -26° to -35° with respect to the flat level of the land (see Figure 8B).

The step of reinforcing lower or apical hands in the clusters with an elastic brake consists in anchoring the selected hands one by one, in order, from top downwards, with an elastic brake (13) as reinforcement to the adjustment stage through the elastic bracket (11). The elastic brake (13) is placed as a taut around each hand, anchoring it on the hand crown located exactly just below it. We shall call this point the anchoring point (15) (see Figures 10 and 10A)

Since such treatment is recommended for the apical hands in the cluster, the anchoring point (15) shall not be the crown of a complete hand but a finger or a peduncle which must be left in each dissected hand (see Figure 10).

First the elastic brake (13) is anchored on the finger peduncle or just the peduncle left on the crown of the dissected hand, located exactly below the hand to be pulled as an anchor (15). Then the elastic band is stretched carefully upward and at the same time it is opened and expanded according to the hand to be anchored, putting it softly on its upper surface.

In case the anchoring point (15) is the crown of a complete hand, simply the elastic device should be introduced into such hand up to its crown (see Figure 104). ]

If the finger or peduncle to be left is eliminated by mistake, then, it recommended making an indent on the lower part of the crown scar as an anchoring point to hook the elastic brake (13).

Continuing with the reinforcement of the attachment by strengthening with the elastic brake to the hands of the cluster, the exact point where to fix the elastic band is at a distance of not more than 1 cm from the extreme fingers tips of the hand in the cluster being anchored, making sure that to the width of the hand the elastic brake is located the closest possible from the tips of the other fingers in such a way that the maximum distance of 1 cm is not altered, which is the distance between the elastic band and the tips of the extreme fingers (see Figures 10 and 11).

To achieve that, the elastic brake (13) must be incorporated carefully with a movement from the tips to the crown of such hand.

On the hand side where there is a lateral finger, such finger shall be considered as the most extreme finger. On the side where lateral fingers (10) are eliminated, pursuant to instructions by the administration, and there is not a lateral finger identifying the most extreme finger whether of one or both sides of the hand, the most extreme finger of the upper line of the hand to be anchored must be taken as mandatory reference. (1 cm is equivalent to the length of the worker’s pinkie fingernail, when cut at finger level)

The securing reinforcement by the elastic device as elastic brake on apical hands of the cluster has to be done at the time of sectioning.

When this stage of assurance by the elastic brake (13) is completed the worker has to accommodate carefully the fingers of the anchored hand in such a way that both lines of fingers are ordered.

In Figure 11 we can see an example of totally secured and reinforced cluster with the brackets and the elastic brakes. On its part, the Figure 12 shows the final desired result on treated bananas quality.

Treated bananas have a healthy, uniform and free of stains and/or undesirable scars external appearance.

Final Recommendation to perform the method of this invention.

In order to optimize human resources, the performance of the invention method on the hands in the cluster being cultivated, may be performed in a combined and simultaneous manner with other similar works on the crop, which require the use of a ladder, more specifically with the deflowering works.

However, when workers intervening in the crop have acquired skills to manage the method of the invention, it can be considered to make this work in a combined and simultaneous manner with other similar works such as: 1. Pouching or sheathing 2. Rope lashing or shoring

II. Invention Method Quality

The 5th Example described below indicates how to assess the quality for the performed method, since such method requires human intervention during the fruits growth. This method must be i assessed to guarantee the technical effects expected.

5th Example. Method Quality Assessment.

The method quality for the invention must be assessed in sectioned clusters and not before, with maximum two weeks of age.

The method quality for the invention may be measured by the quality index on field ICC according to the following assessment table:

Acceptable 2 90% and < 95%

The prudent period of the learning curve and acquisition of skills to the correct implementation of the method for the invention by the worker must not surpass 2 weeks and the quality grade for the procedure during such period must not be less than “ACCEPTABLE” according to the Quality Index on Filed (ICC acronym in Spanish).

Follow up and feedback by supervision must be constant to guarantee the program success. Therefore, from the third week, a grade under “EXCELLENT” must not be admitted. (95% to 100%).

From the quality with which the method is performed, will depend definitely the effect of the device and therefor, the final results of the method.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION

Regarding the manufacture of the elastic device for the invention, any person with ordinary skills on such matter shall understand that it can be performed considering teachings 5S disclosed in the document PIO705406-8 from the same inventor.

The method to improve growth of the musaceae family plants fruits has been implemented on the field; for instance, in cultivating plantains and bananas with export quality. It is clear that this method is conformed by a series of steps and operational conditions which produce the transformation of matter (feminine flowers of the plantain plant) in order to obtain uniform, homogeneous, well-formed, free of scars and defects fruits with export quality.

Based on exercises hereinabove described, it can be seen that modifications of the exercises environments hereinabove described, as well as the exercise environments shall be considered as evident for the person with normal skills on such matter.

Therefore, it is contemplated that claims cover such modifications and alternatives which are within the scope of these inventions or their equivalent.

INVENTION SUMMARY

This invention is referred to an elastic device (11, 13) with an improved chemical composition and a method to improve the musaceae family plants fruits, specially developed to produce bananas or plantains with sport quality

The elastic device (11, 13) has the following chemical composition:

Natural rubber.

Synthetic Polyisoprene

Silicon Dioxide

Polyethylene Glycol

Stearic Acid

Paraffin Wax

Sulfur

Paraffinic Oil

Vaseline

Cyclohexylbenzothyazil Sulfenamide

Tetramethyl Thiuram Monosulfide

Zinc diethyl dithiocarbamate

The invention is also related to a method to improve the plants fruits growth (1) of the musaceae family, which consists of:

Inspecting preliminarily the acorn (2) on the plant and ; selecting the bananas hands (3) to be treated on the growing plant.

Eliminating undesirable fingers, which will not produce the expected quality result such as Siamese fingers (7) fingers forming “combs or fans” (8), intruder or hindrance fingers (9) and optionally lateral fingers (10).

Strengthening selected clusters hands transversely by at least one elastic device as elastic bracket (11) around such hands

Strengthening lower or apical hands of clusters by at least one elastic device acting as elastic brake (13).

Claims (5)

CLAIMS:

1. An elastic device (11, 13) to improve the plants fruits growth of the musaceae family with the following chemical 5) composition: Natural rubber. Synthetic Polyisoprene Silicon Dioxide Polyethylene Glycol Stearic Acid Paraffin Wax Sulfur Paraffinic Oil Vaseline Cyclohexylbenzothyazil Sulfenamide Tetramethyl Thiuram Monosulfide Zinc diethyl dithiocarbamate

2. The elastic device according to claim No. 1 where natural rubber is technically specified grade L (TSRL)

3. The elastic device according to the Claim 1 or 2 where natural rubber has a percentage of proteins equal or less than 0.25%

4, The elastic device according to any of the Claims 1 to 3, where such device may be an elastic band, elastic tape elastic stripe, or flexible material sheet arranged as an elastic ; bracket (11) or elastic brake (13) on fruits of the musaceae family plants.

5. A method to improve the plants fruits growth of the musaceae family, especially bananas or plantains characterized by the following steps:

Inspecting preliminarily the acorn (2) on the plant and selecting the bananas hands (3) to be treated on the growing plant.

Eliminating undesirable fingers, which will not produce the expected quality result such as Siamese fingers (7) fingers forming “combs or fans” (8), intruder or hindrance fingers (9) and optionally lateral fingers (10). Strengthening selected clusters hands transversely by at least one elastic device as elastic bracket (11) around such hands.