Claims:I/We Claim:
1. A grain collecting apparatus (100), wherein the apparatus (100) comprising:
a frame (102) provided at a backside of the apparatus (100), to provide a rigid support to components of the apparatus (100);
side plates (106a-106b) provided at both sides of the frame (102), to collect grains spread on a left side and a right side of the apparatus (100);
handles (112a-112b) provided at a top backside of the frame (102), to move the apparatus (100) towards the grains spread over a floor;
a hopper (114) provided at a front side of the apparatus (100), to collect the grains spread on the floor;
a lifter (116) adapted to lift the grains collected by the hopper (114) into a bag (120) placed at a bottom plate (104) of the apparatus (100); and
a weighing unit (122) installed on the bottom plate (104) of the frame (102), to measure and display a weight of the bag (120) placed on the bottom plate (104).
2. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bottom plate (104) is welded to the frame (102) of the apparatus (100).
3. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising wheels (108a-108b) attached to the frame (102), to move the apparatus (100) from a first location to a second location.
4. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the wheels (108a-108b) are fiber wheels.
5. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handles (112a-112b) are equipped with a lock (110) to restrict a movement of the apparatus (100).
6. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising hooks (118a-118b) provided at edges of the frame (102), to hold the bag (120) until a pre-defined weight of the bag (120) is reached.
7. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a data logger (124) connected with the weighing unit (122), to provide a count of bags (120) collected with the grains.
8. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a battery (126) installed within the weighing unit (122) to operate the weighing unit (122) at a voltage of 5 Volts.
9. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the side plates (106a-106b) are adjustable by moving up and down based on a required length for collecting the grains.
10. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the components of the apparatus (100) are made up of iron material.
Date: 03 March 2022
Place: Noida
Nainsi Rastogi
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2372)
Agent for the Applicant
, Description:BACKGROUND
Field of the invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a grain collecting apparatus and particularly to the grain collecting apparatus for collecting grains spread over a floor.
Description of Related Art
[002] After a long process of growing and harvesting crops, a resultant product obtained is crop grains. These grains are a final state after which the grains are cooked and consumed, but before doing so there remains a step of processing the grains. Grain processing is done to eliminate foreign elements from the crops. This process also ensures quality control of the grains before publishing them to a marketplace. The grain processing is a physical process comprising steps such as winnowing, sieving, drying, visual inspection, and so forth. The grains are usually spread on a ground to carry out required procedural steps. After successful execution of the steps involved, the grains are collected and packaged in a baggage.
[003] However, collecting and packaging of the grains in the baggage is a tedious task and requires manpower along with time invested. Traditionally, it is done by utilizing a shovel which is not very efficient as it leaves a substantial percentage of the grains on the floor leading to inorganization and wastage. Later, various substitute methods such as vacuum has been used for collecting the grains. However, using the vacuum for the collecting the grains is not user-friendly. Additionally, operating the vacuum machine requires electrical power, leading to an increase in a cost of the grains.
[004] There is thus a need for a grain collecting apparatus that can overcome the aforementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[005] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a grain collecting apparatus. The grain collecting apparatus includes a frame provided at a backside of the apparatus, to provide a rigid support to components of the apparatus. The grain collecting apparatus further includes side plates provided at both sides of the frame, to collect grains spread on a left side and a right side of the apparatus. The grain collecting apparatus further includes handles provided at a top backside of the frame, to move the apparatus towards the grains spread over a floor. The grain collecting apparatus further includes a hopper provided at a front side of the apparatus, to collect the grains spread on the floor. The grain collecting apparatus further includes a lifter adapted to lift the grains collected by the hopper into a bag placed at a bottom plate of the apparatus. The grain collecting apparatus further includes a weighing unit installed on the bottom plate of the frame, to measure and display a weight of the bag placed on the bottom plate.
[006] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on its particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a grain collecting apparatus for collecting grains spread over a floor.
[007] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a grain collecting apparatus that solves a problem of a labor shortage as the apparatus requires a single person for operating the apparatus.
[008] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a grain collecting apparatus that takes less time for grain collecting and sacking.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a grain collecting apparatus that is operated manually.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a grain collecting apparatus that requires no fuel and electricity utility.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a grain collecting apparatus that efficiently collects all types of small-sized grains.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a grain collecting apparatus that is lightweight and easy to handle.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a grain collecting apparatus that has a simple construction.
[0014] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a grain collecting apparatus that reduces hard work and minimizes manpower.
[0015] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a grain collecting apparatus that is a one-time investment with a long-term validity.
[0016] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a grain collecting apparatus that is efficient, easy to use, and user-friendly.
[0017] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0018] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a grain collecting apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0021] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method for collecting grains in a bag by using the grain collecting apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0024] "In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "comprises”, and the like (which are synonymous with "including", "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of", “consists essentially of", and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of", "consists of”, the like.
[0025] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a grain collecting apparatus 100 (hereinafter referred to as the apparatus 100), according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus 100 may be configured to enable a user to collect grains spread over a floor. According to embodiments of the present invention, the user may be, but not limited to, a farmer, a worker, a labor, a grain merchant, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any user. According to embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus 100 may be designed to be used at various places such as, but not limited to, a factory, a farm house, a warehouse, a storage house, a granary, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any place where the apparatus 100 may be used.
[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus 100 may comprise a frame 102 that may be provided at a backside of the apparatus 100. The frame 102 may provide a rigid support to components of the apparatus 100, in an embodiment of the present invention. The components may be, but not limited to, a bottom plate 104, side plates 106a-106b (hereinafter referred to as the side plates 106), wheels 108a-108b (hereinafter referred to as the wheels 108), a lock 110, handles 112a-112b (hereinafter referred to as the handles 112), a hopper 114, a lifter 116, hooks 118a-118b (hereinafter referred to as the hooks 118), a bag 120, a weighing unit 122, a data logger 124 and a battery 126. According to embodiments of the present invention, the frame 102 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, a wooden material, a hard plastic material, a casted material, a High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) material, a Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) material, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the frame 102 may be constructed of an iron material. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material of the frame 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. In an embodiment of the present invention, the bottom plate 104 may accommodate the bag 120 while grains are being filled in it. The bottom plate 104 may be welded to the frame 102 of the apparatus 100, in an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the bottom plate 104 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, the wooden material, the hard plastic material`, the casted material, the High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) material, the Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) material, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bottom plate 104 may be constructed of the iron material. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material for the bottom plate 104, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the side plates 106 may be provided at both sides of the frame 102. The side plates 106 may collect the grains spread on a left side and a right side of the apparatus 100, in an embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the side plates 106 may be adjustable by moving up and down based on a required length for collecting the grains. According to embodiments of the present invention, the side plates 106 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, the wooden material, the hard plastic material, the casted material, the High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) material, the Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) material, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the side plates 106 may be constructed of the iron material. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material for the side plates 106, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the wheels 108 may be attached to the frame 102. The wheels 108 may move the apparatus 100 from a first location to a second location, in an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the wheels 108 may be constructed of material such as, but not limited to, a plastic material, a rubbery material, a cushioned material, a metallic material, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the wheels 108 may be constructed of a fiber material. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material for the wheels 108, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, the lock 110 may activate a braking mechanism connected to the wheels 108 that may restrict a movement of the apparatus 100. The lock 110 may be activated when the grains are being filled into the bag 120 from the hopper 114, that may increase an accuracy and prevent spillage of the grains, as the apparatus 100 may be stabilized by the braking mechanism, in an embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the braking mechanism may further be activated by the lock 110 when the apparatus 100 is not being used.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the handles 112 may be provided at a top backside of the frame 102. The handles 112 may enable the user to hold and move the apparatus 100 towards the grains spread over the floor, in an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the handles 112 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, the wooden material, the hard plastic material, the casted material, the High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) material, the Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) material, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the handles 112 may be constructed of the iron material. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material for the handles 112, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. In another embodiment of the present invention, the handles 112 may further have a grip for providing comfortable control and better manoeuvrability of the apparatus 100. According to embodiments of the present invention, the grip may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, a foam material, a soft plastic material, the casted material, the High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) material, the Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) material, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material for the grip of the handles 112, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, the hopper 114 may be provided at a front side of the apparatus 100. The hopper 114 may collect the grains spread on the floor, in an embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the hopper 114 may have a broad inlet for collecting and ingesting the grains. The hopper 114 may further have a narrow outlet for precise dispensing of the grains into the bag 120, in an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the grains may be, but not limited to, wheat, pulses, peas, maize, seeds, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the grains may be paddy grains. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the grains. According to embodiments of the present invention, the hopper 114 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, the wooden material, the hard plastic material, the casted material, the High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) material, the Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) material, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hopper 114 may be constructed of the iron material. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material for the hopper 114, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, the lifter 116 may be adapted to be lifted by the user that may further lift the hopper 114 filled with grains in an upward direction to dispense the grains into the bag 120. The lifter 116 may impart a rotating force to the hopper 114, which may rotate the hopper 114 upside down, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, upon being rotated, the narrow outlet of the hopper 114 may point towards the bag 120. The grains may get dispensed into the bag 120 by a gravitational effect, in an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the lifter 116 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, the wooden material, the hard plastic material, the casted material, the High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) material, the Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) material, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lifter 116 may be constructed of the iron material. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material for the lifter 116, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, the hooks 118 may be provided at the edges of the frame 102. The hooks 118 may hold the bag 120 until a pre-defined weight of the bag 120 is reached, in an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the hooks 118 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, the wooden material, the hard plastic material, the casted material, the High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) material, the Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) material, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hooks 118 may be constructed of the iron material. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material for the hooks 118, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0035] In an embodiment of the present invention, the bag 120 may receive the grains from the hopper 114. The bag 120 may further be packed to prevent spillage and spoilage of the grains stored in them, in an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the bags 120 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, a jute material, a polyethylene material, a plastic material, the High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) material, a fabric material, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material for the bags 120, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. According to embodiments of the present invention, the bags 120 may be of any capacity such as, but not limited to, 500 grams (g), 1 kilogram (kg), 5 kilogram (kg), 10 kilograms (kg), 20 kilograms (kg), and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any capacity of the bag 120.
[0036] In an embodiment of the present invention, the weighing unit 122 may measure and display a weight of the bag 120 placed on the bottom plate 104. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the weighing unit 122 may be arranged underneath the bottom plate 104 of the apparatus 100. In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the weighing unit 122 may be arranged anywhere within a contractual proximity of the bottom plate 104 of the apparatus 100. According to embodiments of the present invention, the weighing unit 122 may be of any type such as, but not limited to, a mechanical weighing unit, a spring scale weighing unit, a hanging weighing unit, a digital weighing unit, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the weighing unit 122, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. In an embodiment of the present invention, the weighing unit 122 may further be connected to the data logger 124.
[0037] In an embodiment of the present invention, the data logger 124 may provide a count of the bags 120, as well as the weight of each of the corresponding bag 120 filled with the grains. According to embodiments of the present invention, the data logger 124 may be of any configuration such as, but not limited to, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) data logger, a Bluetooth enabled data logger, a web-based systems data logger, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any configuration of the data logger 124, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. According to embodiments of the present invention, the weighing unit 122 may be of any type such as, but not limited to, a digital weighing unit, an analog weighing unit, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the weighing unit 122, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0038] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the weighing unit 122 and the data logger 124 may further be operated using the battery 126. The battery 126 may supply an operational voltage of 5 volts (V), in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the battery 126 may be a rechargeable battery. In another embodiment of the present invention, the battery 126 may be a non-rechargeable battery. According to embodiments of the present invention, the battery 126 may be of any composition such as, but not limited to, a Nickel-Cadmium battery, a Nickel-Metal Hydride battery, a Zinc-Carbon battery, a Lithium-Ion battery, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any composition of the battery 126, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0039] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method 200 for collecting the grains in the bag 120 using the apparatus 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] At step 202, the apparatus 100 may be rolled at a location of operation using the wheels 108.
[0041] At step 204, the apparatus 100 may be pushed by using the handles 112 in a forward direction that may collect and accumulate the grains in the hopper 114.
[0042] At step 206, the apparatus 100 may enable the user to lift the lifter 116 in the upward direction to transfer the grains collected from the hopper 114 into the bag 120.
[0043] At step 208, the apparatus 100 may enable the weighing unit 122 to weigh the bag 120 filled with the grains placed on the bottom plate 104.
[0044] At step 210, the apparatus 100 may enable the data logger 124 to log count of the bags 120, as well as weight of each of the corresponding bag 120.
[0045] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
[0046] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.