Claims:
We Claim:
1. A wearable apparatus for assisting collection of plucked tea leaves, comprising:
a frame (101) including an open end (104) and a closed end (105);
wherein the frame (101) including a first vertical part (102) and a second vertical part (103) provided parallel to each other;
a plurality of horizontal members (106) connecting the first vertical part (102) and the second vertical part (103);
a plurality of clamps provided on the horizontal members (106);
characterized in that
a shoulder belt (107) connected to the clamps provided on one of the horizontal members (106) for attaching around shoulder of a wearer;
a hip belt (108) connected to the clamps provided on one of the horizontal members (106) for attaching around a body of the wearer; and
the horizontal members (106) movable vertically relative to the frame (101) for adjusting a position of the shoulder belt (107) and the hip belt (108).
2. The wearable apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shoulder belt (107) including a first extending portion (111) and a second extending portion (112) extending from shoulders of the wearer and attaching to the hip belt (108).
3. The wearable apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein an upper attachment (116) is affixed to the frame (101) for holding a bag 120 to collect the tea leaves; and
the upper attachment (116) including a first sliding leg (118) and a second sliding leg (118) sliding inside the first vertical part (102) and the second vertical part (103) at the open end (104) from above.
4. The wearable apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the upper attachment (116) includes a curved portion provided at an angle of 120 degrees with respect to the first sliding leg (118) and a second sliding leg (118) for easy accessibility to deposit leaves into the bag.
5. The wearable apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein a lower attachment (201) is affixed to frame (101) for supporting and transporting bag with collected tea leaves on a plane (203).
6. The wearable apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the lower attachment (201) including a first connecting portion (202) and a second connecting portion (202) for sliding inside the first vertical part (102) and the second vertical part (103) at the open end (104) from below.
7. The wearable apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame (101) is made of stainless steel tubes.
8. The wearable apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein a material of the shoulder belt (107) and the hip belt (108) includes a breathable cloth material and rexine for imparting comfort to the wearer.
9. The wearable apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein a bag (120) is provided including a top opening 122, and opening 124 at sides for depositing plucked tea leaves and a bottom opening 126 for emptying the collected tea leaves from the bag.
10. The wearable apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first vertical part (102) and the second vertical part (103) include a plurality of provisions for allowing fasteners.
, Description:A WEARABLE APPARATUS FOR ASSISTING COLLECTION OF PLUCKED TEA LEAVES
FIELD
[0001] The embodiments herein generally relate to an apparatus for assisting during tea harvesting. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a wearable apparatus for assisting tea plantation pluckers in collecting plucked leaves and transporting the collected leaves.

BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART
[0002] Tea cultivation is generally done in elevated areas and are set over the hill slopes for preventing water logging. Tea plants are pruned to allow growth of tender soft leaves up to a height of waist level for easy harvesting. During the process of harvesting, the tea plantation workers pluck two or three young tender leaves with a portion of stem from the shoot and drop them into a bag tied to their body.
[0003] Conventionally, methods of carrying the tea leaves during the harvesting process includes carrying a basket made of dried bamboo skin or cane on the back wherein the basket is suspended from the forehead using a rope made of cloth material. Layers of cloth sheets are placed on the head as a cushion. Also, few use a bag made of nylon net or cotton cloth sheet tied on their body making a hanging pouch at the back. One end of the cotton cloth sheet is placed around the head and another end is tied around the hip, leaving two side pockets into the hanging pouch.
[0004] The tea plantation pluckers deposit the plucked leaves into the basket or to the cloth bag by accessing them sideways. Also, the leaves are deposited to the basket from a top, if the basket opening is near or above their shoulder level.
[0005] In these conventional methods, the load is primarily supported by the head directly or indirectly through the strap/rope running around the forehead. Moving through the steep hilly terrain with the collection bag or basket around the head, with increasing weight is very strenuous on the tea plantation workers. The process of tea harvesting causes a bent posture due to the load being carried on a daily basis.
[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an apparatus to assist tea plantation workers in collecting plucked tea leaves. Moreover, there is a need for a wearable apparatus for assisting in collecting plucked tea leaves and reducing load on the wearer.

OBJECTS
[0007] Some of the objects of the present disclosure are described herein below:
[0008] The main objective of the present disclosure is to provide a wearable apparatus for assisting in collection of plucked tea leaves.
[0009] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a wearable apparatus reducing load on the wearer while collecting tea leaves.
[00010] Still another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a reconfigurable wearable apparatus for assisting tea plantation workers during harvesting.
[00011] Yet another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a cost effective and ergonomical wearable apparatus for assisting in collecting plucked tea leaves.
[00012] The other objectives and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated for illustration of preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope thereof.

SUMMARY
[00013] In view of the foregoing, an embodiment herein provides a wearable apparatus for assisting collection of plucked tea leaves.
[00014] In accordance with an embodiment, the apparatus comprises a frame including an open end and a closed end, wherein the frame includes a first vertical part and a second vertical part provided parallel to each other. A plurality of horizontal members connects the first vertical part and the second vertical part and a plurality of clamps is provided on the horizontal members. A shoulder belt is connected to the clamps provided on one of the horizontal members for attaching around shoulder of a wearer and a hip belt is connected to the clamps provided on one of the horizontal members for attaching around a body of the wearer. The horizontal members are movable vertically relative to the frame for adjusting a position of the shoulder belt and the hip belt.
[00015] In accordance with an embodiment, the shoulder belt includes a first extending portion and a second extending portion extending from shoulders of the wearer and attaching to the hip belt.
[00016] In accordance with an embodiment, an upper attachment is affixed to the frame for holding a bag to collect the tea leaves and the upper attachment includes a first sliding leg and a second sliding leg sliding inside the first vertical part and the second vertical part at the open end from above. In an embodiment, the upper attachment includes a curved portion provided at an angle of 120 degrees with respect to the first sliding leg and a second sliding leg for easy accessibility to deposit leaves into the bag.
[00017] In accordance with another embodiment, a lower attachment is affixed to the frame for supporting and transportation of bag with collected tea leaves on a plane. In an embodiment, the lower attachment include a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion for sliding inside the first vertical part and the second vertical part at the open end from below. In an embodiment, the frame is made of stainless steel tubes.
[00018] In accordance with an embodiment, a material of the shoulder belt and the hip belt includes a breathable cloth material and rexine for imparting comfort to the wearer.
[00019] In accordance with an embodiment, a bag is provided including a top opening, and opening at sides for depositing plucked tea leaves and a bottom opening for emptying the collected tea leaves from the bag.
[00020] In accordance with an embodiment, the first vertical part and the second vertical part include a plurality of provisions for allowing fasteners.
[00021] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[00022] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items.
[00023] Fig.1a illustrates a configuration of an apparatus for assisting collection of plucked tea leaves, according to an embodiment herein;
[00024] Fig.1b illustrates a configuration of a bag for assisting collection of plucked tea leaves, according to an embodiment herein;
[00025] Fig.2a illustrates another configuration of an apparatus for assisting transportation of the collected leaves, according to an embodiment herein; and
[00026] Fig.2b illustrates a bag in another configuration of the frame for transportation of the collected tea leaves, according to an embodiment herein.

LIST OF NUMERALS
101 - Frame
102 - First vertical part
103 - Second vertical part
104 - Open end
105 - Closed end
106 - Horizontal member
107 - Shoulder belt
108 - Hip belt
109 - First shoulder strap
110 - Second shoulder strap
111 - First extending member
112 - Second extending member
116 - Upper attachment
118 - First and second sliding leg
120 - Bag
122 - Top opening
124 - Opening at sides
126 - Bottom opening
201 - Lower attachment
202 - First and second connecting portion
203 - Plane

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[00027] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[00028] As mentioned above, there is a need there is a need for an apparatus to assist tea plantation workers in collecting plucked tea leaves. In particular, there is a need for a wearable assistive apparatus for collecting plucked tea leaves and reducing load on the wearer.The embodiments herein achieve this by providing “A wearable apparatus for collecting plucked tea leaves”. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Fig.1a through Fig.2b, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments.
[00029] Fig.1a illustrates a configuration of an apparatus for assisting in collecting plucked tea leaves. In an embodiment, the apparatus 100a includes a frame 101, having an open end 104 and a closed end 105. The frame 101 includes a first vertical part 102 and a second vertical part 103. The first vertical part 102 and the second vertical part 103 are provided parallel to each other. A plurality of horizontal members 106 is provided connecting the first vertical part 102 and the second vertical part 103. A plurality of clamps is provided in each of the first vertical part 102 and the second vertical part 103.
[00030] In an embodiment, the horizontal members 106 are vertically movable relative to the first vertical part 102 and the second vertical part 103 of the frame 101. In an embodiment, the horizontal members 106 slide relative to the frame 101 using conventional sliding mechanisms.
[00031] In an embodiment, a shoulder belt 107 is connected to the clamps of the horizontal member 106 near the open end 104. The shoulder belt 107 is provided for attaching around shoulders of a wearer. In an embodiment, a hip belt 108 connected to the clamps of the horizontal member 106 and the frame 101 near the closed end 105. In an embodiment, the hip belt 108 includes a belt for attaching around a body of a wearer. The shoulder belt 107 and the hip belt 108 are adjustable by a wearer based on comfort. In an embodiment, position of the shoulder belt 107 and the hip belt 108 is variable based on position of the horizontal members 106 relative to the frame 101. In an embodiment, nylon straps are used for connecting the shoulder belt 107 and the hip belt 108 to the horizontal members 106.
[00032] In an embodiment, the shoulder belt 107 includes a first shoulder strap 109 and a second shoulder strap 110 provided for resting on shoulders of a wearer. In an embodiment, the first shoulder strap 109 includes a first extending member 111 and the second shoulder strap 110 includes a second extending member 112. The first extending member 111 and the second extending member 112 extend and connect to the hip belt 108. The connection of first extending member 111 and the second extending member 112 of the shoulder belt 107 with the hip belt 108 prevents contact of the frame 101 with a body of the wearer, thereby improving comfort.
[00033] In an embodiment, material of the shoulder belt 107 and the hip belt 108 includes a breathable cloth material and rexine to ensure comfort while wearing the apparatus.
[00034] In an embodiment, an upper attachment 116 is provided for holding a bag for collecting tea leaves. The upper attachment 116 includes a first sliding leg 118 and a second sliding leg 118 for sliding inside the first vertical part 102 and the second vertical part 103 at the open end 104 from above. The first vertical part 102 is fastened to the first sliding leg 118 and the second vertical part 103 is fastened to the second sliding leg 118 at a position using a plurality of fasteners. The first vertical part 102 and the second vertical part 103 include provisions or holes for allowing fasteners provided at various positions. In an embodiment, position of the first sliding leg 118 and the second sliding leg 118 is variable across the first vertical part 102 and the second vertical part 103, based on the position of the fasteners. The first sliding leg 118 and the second sliding leg 118 include provisions or holes corresponding to size of the provisions or holes provided on the first and second vertical part 102, 103 for allowing fasteners. In an embodiment, the fasteners include but not limited to a nut and bolt.
[00035] The upper attachment 116 includes a curved portion provided at an angle of 120 degrees with respect to the first sliding leg 118 and the second sliding leg118. In an embodiment, a bag is allowed through the curved portion of the upper attachment 116. The bag is fixed at an angle of 120 degrees relative to the frame for providing ease of access to the wearer to deposit the plucked leaves.
[00036] Fig. 1b illustrates a configuration of a bag attached to the frame for tea harvesting. In an embodiment, a bag 120 is provided for collecting tea leaves. The bag 120 is fixed around the upper attachment 120. The bag 120 includes a top opening 122 for allowing deposition of tea leaves by the wearer. The top opening 122 of the bag 120 is positioned behind the wearer’s head at an angle of 120 degrees with respect to the frame 101 for allowing depositing of the tea leaves without any effort. In an embodiment, material of the bag 120 is nylon mesh sheet.
[00037] In an embodiment, an opening 126 is provided at two sides (only one side shown in figure) of the bag 120 for allowing easy accessibility for depositing of the tea leaves.
[00038] In an embodiment, a bottom opening 126 is provided in the bag 120 for emptying the collected tea leaves from the bag 120. The bottom opening 126 is closed while collecting leaves in the bag 120 and opened while unloading the collected leaves from the bag 120. In an embodiment, a rope is used for tying and closing the bottom opening 126.
[00039] Fig.2a illustrates another configuration of the frame for assisting transportation of the collected tea leaves. In an embodiment, the open end 104 is positioned at a lower side and the closed end 105 is positioned at an upper side. The shoulder belt 107 is provided connecting to the clamps of the horizontal member 106 near the closed end 105. The hip belt 108 is connects to the clamps of the horizontal member 106 near the open end 104.
[00040] In an embodiment, a lower attachment 201 is provided for supporting bags filled with collected tea leaves. The lower attachment is connected to the first vertical part 102 and the second vertical part 103 at the open end 104 from below. The lower attachment 201 including a first connecting portion 202 and a second connecting portion 202 provided for sliding inside the first vertical part 102 and the second vertical part 103. The first vertical part 102 is fastened to the first connecting portion 120 and the second vertical part 103 is fastened to the second sliding portion 120 using a plurality of fasteners.
[00041] In an embodiment, the lower attachment includes a plane 203 provided at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the first connecting portion 202 and the second connecting portion 202. The plane 203 is provided for supporting a bag filled with collected tea leaves.
[00042] Fig. 2b illustrates a bag in another configuration of the frame for transportation of the collected tea leaves. The lower attachment 201 supports a plurality of bags 120 filled with the collected tea leaves. The frame 101 reduces load distributed on to the wearer.
[00043] A main advantage of the present disclosure is that the wearable apparatus reduces load on a wearer while collecting tea leaves in steep hilly regions.
[00044] Another advantage of the present disclosure is that the wearable apparatus is an ergonomical structure for assisting the wearer in collection of plucked tea leaves.
[00045] Still another advantage of the present disclosure is that the wearable apparatus provides a reconfigurable structure for assistance during collection of plucked tea leaves.
[00046] Yet another advantage of the present disclosure is that the wearable apparatus is provided for assisting tea plantation workers to collect tea leaves and transport the collected tea leaves in hilly regions.
[00047] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.