FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a rake assembly for raking purposes.

BACKGROUND

The list of prior arts or published information in this specification should not be taken as an acknowledgement that this present invention is common general knowledge or is part of the state of the art.

Palm circle raking or cleaning is essential for clearing debris around the oil palm tree trunk. Palm circles must be free of debris.

Purpose of circle cleaning is for ease of collection of oil palm loose fruits on the ground, harvesting of oil palm fresh fruit bunches (FFB) can be carried out quickly and efficiently and efficient application and use of fertilisers. Clean palm circle means that 1.5 m to 2.0 m from the oil palm trunk are completely weed-free and the palm circles are free of debris / rubbish / trash.

[Source: Smallholder Oil Palm Handbook Module 3: Plantation Maintenance]

Conventionally, palm circle cleaning is done manually using chisel / spade, bush knife, rake and others. For an example, the vegetation in the circle are cut out with a bush knife or scraped away using a spade. Manual raking usually takes about 4 days per hectare.

[Source: https://akvopedia.org/wiki/Sustainable__Oil___Palm___Farming __/___Circle__weeding]

Figures 1 and 2 illustrates an oil palm rake by Emdek Sendirian Berhad.

Chinese Utility Model Application CN206014715U (Figure 3) describes a deep round raketurning device, comprising a base frame, a turning round rake, left rake and right rake, double blade harrows, two sides of the base frame is provided with a track walking wheel; the track walking wheel driven by a walking speed reducer of the bottom of the base frame, the upper part of the base frame is provided with a rotary supporting seat, a turning supporting frame and a hydraulic pump station; the rotary supporting seat and turning supporting frame are rotatably connected, the turning supporting frame is provided with a lifting hydraulic cylinder; turning speed and turning round rake. The lifting hydraulic station is connected with the hydraulic pump by the hydraulic pipe, the turning round rake is provided with a cutter seat, the turning left cutter seats of the circular rake mounting left blade harrow, the turning round rake of the right cutter seat is provided with a right blade harrow middle cutter seat of the turning round rake mounting double-blade harrow, generally, the utility model has convenient exchanging, turning even and stable operation. This prior art does not describe the rake assembly of the present invention.

European Patent Application EP3892085A1 (Figure 4) describes a method for operating a multi-rotor rake (1) with the method steps: - Transferring the multi-rotor rake (1) into a state in which all four rake rotors (7, 12, 17, 22) are in a working position (9, 14, 19, 24); - Detection of the front rake gyro distance (43) by means of the front rake gyro distance sensors (44) and detection of the rear rake gyro distance (47) by means of the rear rake gyro distance sensors (48) and from this calculate a rake gyro overlap (49, 50) by means of the control (27). This prior art does not describe the rake assembly of the present invention.

Chinese utility model CN214206450U (Figure 5) belongs to the technical field of agricultural machinery, specifically relates to a liquid lifting type transverse raking machine, comprising a machine frame, a raking machine, a wheel shaft, a supporting jack, a middle beam, a left pulling angle steel I, a left pulling angle steel, a cross beam, a traction plate, a pin shaft, an adjusting square pipe device, an oil pipe, a right pulling angle steel, a right pulling angle steel I. The liquid-lift transverse raking machine of the utility model has reasonable structure design; convenient operation, convenient maintenance and maintenance; it has good use performance, high production efficiency; when the rake teeth for grass harvesting operation, it only needs to pull the tractor hydraulic handle to finish the raking operation; when the tractor hydraulic handle is pulled to the ascending position, the hydraulic oil cylinder provides power to lift the raking tooth beam; when the tractor hydraulic handle is pulled to the descending position, the raking device quickly descends to the raking position by self-weight, after the operation is finished, the machine can be converted from the working state to the transportation state by simple operation, which can well satisfy the requirement of the actual application. This prior art does not describe the rake assembly of the present invention.

Chinese utility model CN213755718U (Figure 6) relates to the technical field of agricultural equipment, specifically to a multifunctional rake, comprising: a rake rod; one end of the rake rod is provided with a first through hole extending in the radial direction; cross shaft; two ends of the cross shaft are provided with a first tooth-shaped bump; the second through hole and the third through hole; a rake seat; the rake seat is provided with a rake tooth and a fixing seat; the fixing seat is provided with a fourth through hole and a second tooth-shaped bump vertical to the fixing seat; a connecting pin; wherein the rake rod enters the transverse shaft through the third through hole; the connecting pin passes through the fourth through hole; the second through hole and the first through hole are connected with the rake seat; the transverse shaft and the rake rod; the first tooth-shaped bump is engaged with the second tooth-shaped bump, the beneficial effects of the utility model are as follows: the first tooth-shaped bump on the cross shaft is engaged with the second tooth-shaped bump on the fixing seat; the rake seat and the rake rod can be fixed; the included angle formed by the third through hole of the cross shaft and the rake seat can be changed; and the conversion of the rake and the fork can be realized. This prior art does not describe the rake assembly of the present invention.

The oil palm industry is very dependent on labour and requires many workers for its operations. Complete reliance on foreign workers is not an ultimate solution but only a temporary measure. In the face of raising labour issues such as labour costs, mechanisation and automation programmes are being ramped up by industry players to tackle the associated labour issues. The mechanisation of the oil palm sector is not considered as a luxury, but an imperative and is vital for industrial players to pursue further as the oil palm sector could be helped with more efficient use of labour and reduced dependence on foreign workers. [Source: theedgemarkets.com]

The labour shortfall is adding urgency to longstanding plans for industry mechanisation. Sime Darby Plantation (SDP), the world's biggest palm oil company by land size, is hastening development and trials to deploy light machines that will aid in field upkeep, removing harvested crops and applying fertiliser. It is also turning to remote sensing and artificial intelligence to drive precision farming, making the most efficient use of farm inputs and field workers. IOI said it has a revitalised mechanisation plan, and aims to mechanise fertilising and pesticide spraying as well as automate mill operations, while FGV Holdings plans to mechanise an extra 30,000 ha over the next three years. Malaysia on average allots one worker for every 8 ha, but the Malaysian Palm Oil Association (MPOA) wants a "quantum leap" in technology that would double the land area for each worker to 16 ha. This would reduce reliance on labour, which accounts for around 30 per cent of production costs. [Source: Malaysia's palm oil industry trying to hire local workers, 19 August 2020]

The labour shortage issue faced by the domestic plantation industry is expected to reduce productivity and harvesting even further during the peak cycle season at the end of the year 2020. MPOA states that local planters have already lost up to about 25% of potential yield throughout the series of Movement Control Orders (MCOs) right to the current Recovery MCO (RMCO) in the year 2020, without the services of some 37,000 foreign workers who had been sent home during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. [Source: Labour shortage heightens losses in palm oil yield, 14 September 2020]

The persistent Covid-19 situation continues to affect the rising crude palm oil (CPO) yields of the palm oil producers in the country due to labour shortage. The labour shortage issue remains unresolved and is getting worse, resulting in production losses. To-date, there has been a freeze on the intake of foreign workers since the first movement control order which was imposed on March 18 2020. CGS-CIMB Research pointed out that SDP’s workforce in Malaysia hovers between 75% and 80% of its total requirement. Meanwhile, FGV Holdings Bhd’s workforce stands at only 75% of requirement, which is a significant decline from 90% at the end of the third quarter last year, it added. According to a pre-MCO survey by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board, there was a shortage of 31,021 harvesters among its respondents, which represents 76% of the industry players. CGS-CIMB Research said it was estimated that the shortage of workers translated into a production loss of 3.4 million tonnes and 0.86 million tonnes of CPO and palm kernel, respectively.

[Source: Labour shortage getting worse in palm plantations, Star, 2 June 2021 ]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a rake assembly for raking purposes. More particularly, the present invention provides a mechanised means for performing circle cleaning or circle raking specifically for oil palm trees.

The present invention provides a rake assembly for raking, comprising a frame having a first end and a second end, a first linkage on the first end of the frame, wherein the first linkage is detachably coupled to a moveable apparatus, a second linkage on the first end of the frame, wherein the second linkage is pivotally coupled to at least one actuator which is coupled to the moveable apparatus, a third linkage on the first end and the second end of the frame coupled to a face of multiple rake blades.

The present invention further provides a method for making a rake assembly, comprising making a frame having a first end and a second end, detachably coupling a first linkage on the first end of the frame to a moveable apparatus, pivotally coupling a second linkage on the first end of the frame to at least one actuator which is coupled to the moveable apparatus and coupling a third linkage on the first end and the second end of the frame to multiple rake blades. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Above recited features of the present invention may have been referred by embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. The appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not considered limiting of its scope as the invention may perform effectively to other equally effective embodiments.

These and other features, benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the following figures:

Components of the rake assembly of the present invention are:-

• a frame (i);

• a first linkage (2);

• a moveable apparatus (3);

• a second linkage (4);

• at least one actuator (5);

• a third linkage (6);

• multiple rake blades (7);

• a rod (8); and

• multiple couplings (9).

Figures 1 to 2 illustrates the oil palm circle rake by Emdek Sendirian Berhad.

Figure 3 illustrates a deep round rake-turning device of Chinese Utility Model Application CN206014715U.

Figure 4 illustrates a multi-rotor rake of European Patent Application EP3892085A1.

Figure 5 illustrates a liquid lifting type transverse raking machine of Chinese utility model CN214206450U.

Figure 6 illustrates a multifunctional rake of Chinese utility model CN213755718U.

Figure 7 illustrates the top view of the rake assembly of the present invention detachably coupled to the moveable apparatus. Figure 8 illustrates the rake assembly of the present invention detachably coupled to the moveable apparatus.

Figure 9 illustrates the front view of the rake assembly of the present invention detachably coupled to the moveable apparatus.

Figure 10 illustrates the back view of the rake assembly of the present invention detachably coupled to the moveable apparatus.

Figure 11 illustrates the components of the rake assembly of the present invention.

Figures 12 to 13 illustrates the present invention being used in the oil palm estates.

Figure 14 illustrates the oil palm circle before cleaning or raking is done using the rake assembly of the present invention.

Figure 15 illustrates the oil palm circle after cleaning or raking is done using the rake assembly of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE

While the present invention is described herein byway of example using illustrative drawings and embodiments, it should be understood that the detailed description are not intended to limit the invention to embodiments of drawing or drawings described and are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed but in contrary the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention.

The present invention is described herein by various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing wherein reference numerals used in the accompanying drawing correspond to the features through the description. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to embodiments set forth herein. Therefore, embodiments are provided so that this disclosure would be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of invention to those skilled in the art. Numeric values and ranges and materials as provided in the detailed description are to be treated as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims of the present invention. Terminology and phraseology used herein is solely used for descriptive purposes and is not intended as limiting in scope. The words such as “including”, “comprising”, “having”, “containing” or “involving” and other variations is intended to be broad and cover the subject matter as described including equivalents and additional subject matter not recited such as other components or steps.

A. Background

Palm circle raking or cleaning is essential for clearing debris around the base of the oil palm tree trunk. Palm circles must be free of debris. Circle cleaning is important to ensure ease of collection of oil palm loose fruits on the ground, quick and efficient harvesting of oil palm fresh fruit bunches (FFB) and also for effective and efficient application of fertilisers. Clean palm circle means that 1.5 m to 2.0 m from the oil palm trunk are completely weed-free and the palm circles are free of debris / rubbish / trash.

[Source: Smallholder Oil Palm Handbook Module 3: Plantation Maitenance]

Conventionally, palm circle cleaning is done manually using chisel / spade, bush knife, rake and others. For an example, the vegetation in the circle are cut out with a bush knife or scraped away using a spade. Manual raking usually takes about 4 days per hectare.

[Source: https://akvopedia.org/wiki/Sustainable__Oil__Palm__Farming__ /__Circle__weeding]

The oil palm industry is labour-intensive which requires many workers for the various parts of operations in the oil palm estates. This present invention focuses on the mechanisation of circle raking or cleaning and clearing trash around the base of the oil palm tree. Main purpose for the present invention is to overcome high labour ratio due to labour shortage and to eliminate high number of workers for manual raking work.

B. Objectives of the Present Invention

One object of the present invention to provide a mechanised means for oil palm circle raking or cleaning which is a much efficient and effective means of palm circle cleaning in contrast or comparison to manual raking.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a rake assembly which is suitable for use at both coastal estates (which consist of flat and undulating terrains) and inland estates (narrow estates with difficult terrains). A further object of the present invention is to provide a rake assembly for efficient operations of palm circle cleaning or raking specifically at narrow estates with difficult terrains which ultimately is able to eliminate manual means of doing so.

Further, the object of the present invention is to provide palm circle cleaning or raking with a distance of 7 to 8 feet (2m to 2.5m) from the base of the oil palm tree trunk which is sufficient in maintaining good palm circle cleanliness.

Also, the object of the present invention to provide a mechanised means for palm circle cleaning or raking whereby 1 worker using 1 rake assembly per present invention is equivalent to a productivity of 8 to 10 workers per day (via manual raking) and is able to achieve 800 to 1,000 palms / day / ha.

Yet another object of the present invention which is to provide a rake assembly which is easy to maintain, safe to use, ergonomically friendly for the workers, stable, able to operate smoothly and is sustainable.

C. Benefits of the Present Inventio -

Based on the expertise, observation and testing by the inventors of the present invention to operate the rake assembly of the present invention in the most efficient way possible based on intended results, practicality of ground conditions and cost effectiveness, the following were observed: -

• Individual movement of each multiple rake blades (7) of the present invention allows for efficient cleaning of the palm circle area at the base of the oil palm tree trunk for any types of terrains of oil palm estates. Each of the multiple rake blades (7) are able to self-adjust based on the oil palm estate terrains and conditions and able to move independently, which provides a much neater and cleaner palm circle radius of about 7 to 8 feet (2.0 m to 2.5 m) as compared to any known rake used for palm circle cleaning so far in the oil palm industry. Conventional raking and/or current rakes being used in the industry focuses on a raking radius of about 1.5 m to 2.0 m. To the best of the inventors’ knowledge, there is no known rake which provides for individual movement of each rake blade being used in the oil palm estates to-date.

1 worker is sufficient to operate 1 rake assembly of the present invention which is equivalent to 8 to 10 workers / day / hectarage via conventional means. Ratio of workers / day / ha using the present invention (with eight rake blades (7) and mechanical buffalo as the moveable apparatus (2)) vs. manual raking is in a range of between 1: 8 to 1: 10.

• The productivity of the present invention is in a range of between 6 ha to 7 ha / worker / day which is equivalent to 800 to 1,000 palms (with eight rake blades (7) and using a mechanical buffalo as the moveable apparatus (3)) in contrast to the productivity for manual racking which is in a range of between 0.7 ha to 0.8 ha / worker / day, which is only equivalent to about 80 to 100 palms.

• The rake assembly of the present invention allows for efficient and effective palm circle raking or cleaning in less than 1 minute per palm.

• The rake assembly of the present invention works very well in both dry and wet conditions in the estates.

• The raking area or the palm circle at the base of the oil palm tree trunk is wider than conventional means of raking or cleaning with a wi dth of in a range of between 7 to 8 feet (2 m to 2.5 m) from the base of the oil palm tree trunk.

• The rake assembly of the present invention was tested in both coastal estates or estates with flat terrains and inland estates (where the terrains and field accessibility at the inland estates are more challenging than coastal estates) and is able to function effectively and smoothly at estates with difficult terrains, just as well at estates with flat terrains.

• Any types of movable apparatus (3) can be used with the rake assembly of the present invention depending on individual estates’ requirements. The rake assembly of the present invention is easy to move / manoeuvre in the oil palm estates - for both coastal and inland estates, focusing on smooth movement and operations at narrow estates with difficult terrains.

• The rake assembly of the present invention is safe, user friendly and ergonomic for use by the workers in the oil palm estates for palm circle raking or cleaning.

• Easy and cheap to manufacture the rake assembly of the present invention according to the needs and preference of the user of the present invention. D. The Present Invention

The components or parts of the rake assembly of the present invention are:

• a frame (i)

• a first linkage (2)

• a moveable apparatus (3)

• a second linkage (4)

• at least one actuator (5)

• a third linkage (6)

• multiple rake blades (7)

• a rod (8); and

• multiple coupling (9).

The present invention relates generally to a rake assembly for raking purposes. More particularly, the present invention provides a mechanised means for performing circle cleaning or raking specifically for oil palm trees. The present invention provides a rake assembly comprising a frame (1) having a first end and a second end, a first linkage (2) on the first end of the frame (1), wherein the first linkage (2) is detachably coupled to a moveable apparatus (3), a second linkage (4) on the first end of the frame, wherein the second linkage (4) is pivotally coupled to at least one actuator (5) which is coupled to the moveable apparatus (3), a third linkage (6) on the first end and the second end of the frame (1) coupled to a face of multiple rake blades (7).

Figure 7 shows the top view of the rake assembly of the present invention detachably coupled to the moveable apparatus (3). Figure 8 shows the rake assembly of the present invention detachably coupled to the moveable apparatus (3). Figure 9 illustrates the front view of the rake assembly of the present invention detachably coupled to the moveable apparatus. Figure 10 illustrates the back view of the rake assembly of the present invention detachably coupled to the moveable apparatus. Figure 11 illustrates the components of the rake assembly of the present invention. Figures 12 to 13 illustrates the present invention being used in the oil palm estates.

All prior arts as listed and referred to above do not specifically describe the rake assembly of the present invention. Apart from that, it is also not obvious by just reading the prior art documents or information as listed above for experts in the field of interest to derive the rake assembly of the present invention as the parameters for the rake assembly have been determined by the inventors based on numerous trials conducted, observations, discussions with combined expertise and experience in this field, which parameters and/or combination could not be determined without much efforts, testing and/or analysis or by just reviewing prior art documents in this field of interest. Hence, there remains a need in the art to provide a rake assembly per present invention with benefits and objectives as further described below which cannot be found from the prior art documents, hence, the inventors believe that this invention is novel and inventive.

The novel and unique aspects of the rake assembly of the present invention focuses on the multiple rake blades (7) which allows individual movement of each rake blade (7). This rake assembly is not like the conventional rake currently being used in the oil palm estates or industry which have tines and appears more like a comb all set in a fixed position. The rake assembly of the present invention allows the multiple rake blades (7) to move according to the individual estate terrain, hence, the cleaning can be done properly, cleanly, efficiently in the shortest time possible (less than 1 minute per tree as tested by the inventors of the present invention) without needing to go over the same area again and again till the palm circle is properly cleaned from debris or trash. Big blades are preferred over thin blades or thin tines per conventional rake for the cleaning to be done effectively in both wet and dry conditions in the shortest time possible. Also, the last rake blade (7) which is tilted at an angle less than 90° from the rod (8) or the elongated shaft (or the bottom edge of the at least one rake blade of the multiple rake blades (7) is tilted at an angle of between 20° to 30° from the ground of the estates) provides the widened cleaning area or radius around the base of the oil palm trunk. This permits for the rake assembly of the present invention suitable to be used in any types of terrains in the estates. The movable apparatus (3) is a three-wheeler or four-wheeler. A three- wheeler is preferred if it is in narrow estates with difficult terrains.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrates an oil palm rake machine by Emdek Sendirian Berhad for circle cleaning to clear trash from around the base of the oil palm tree trunk, closest prior art or rake apparatus to the rake assembly of the present invention. This oil palm circle rake is different from the rake assembly of the present invention as the rake blades are tines is in the form of a thin comb in a fixed form for racking purposes. The rake blades are in a stationary position hence no individual movement or motion happens with the racking comb of this prior art apparatus. The closest prior art to this rake assembly although a mechanised raking means but does not have the multiple rake blades (7) which allows individual movement per present invention. The closest prior art has the rake design per conventional means with tines (thin tines and not thick rake blades (7) per present invention) which appears such of a thin comb. The inventors of the present invention have tested and determined that bigger blades and not thin tines such as the conventional rake is suitable for efficient palm circle cleaning. Apart from that, the individual movement of each of the multiple rake blades (7) allows for use at any terrains in the estates with efficient cleaning around the base of the oil palm tree trunk.

Each of the multiple blades (7) are not thin tines per conventional means and are not fixedly secured together (side by side) and there is a gap which exists between each blade (7). The gap between each of the multiple blades (7) is in a range of between 30 mm to 100 mm. This allows for individual movement or motion of each blade (7) of the rake assembly of the present invention according to the oil palm estate terrains which provides for efficient cleaning of debris around the base of the oil palm tree trunk.

According to Figures 7 to 15, the present invention provides a rake assembly for raking, comprising:

A frame (1) having a first end and a second end. The frame (1) used for the rake assembly of this present invention is rectangular in shape.

A first linkage (2) on the first end of the frame (1), wherein the first linkage (2) is detachably coupled to a moveable apparatus (3). The first linkage (2) is detachably coupled to rear-end of the moveable apparatus (3).

A second linkage (4) on the first end of the frame, wherein the second linkage (4) is pivotally coupled to at least one actuator (5) which is coupled to the moveable apparatus (3). The second linkage (4) is pivotally coupled to the at least one actuator (5) by means of a plurality of connectors or fasteners, such as bolts and nuts.

The at least one actuator (5) is coupled to the rear-end of the moveable apparatus (3). The at least one actuator (5) is at least one hydraulic cylinder, preferably at least two hydraulic cylinders to provide unidirectional force for the liner movement of the rake assembly of the present invention. For the purposes of the present invention, 2 hydraulic cylinders are used to demonstrate the rake assembly. Hydraulic cylinders are preferred for this present invention as the rake assembly of this present invention is required for continuous and long hours of operations in the estates and hydraulic cylinders are sufficient to maintain constant and adequate pressure throughout.

A third linkage (6) on the first end and the second end of the frame (1) coupled to a face of the multiple rake blades (7). Each of the multiple rake blades (7) comprises the face on one end and a T-coupler on other end. The face of the multiple rake blades (7) extends outwardly from the moveable apparatus. The third linkage (6) is the multiple T-couplers of the multiple rake blades (7). The T-couplers of the multiple rake blades (7) are mounted on the first end and the second end of the frame (1). The T-couplers of the multiple rake blades are coupled to the second end of the frame (1) by means of a rod (8). Each individual multiple rake blades (7) are assembled together to create the braces and tines of a manual hand-held rake.

The rod (8) is disposed within the opening of the T-couplers and pivotably coupled by multiple couplings (9). For the purposes of the present invention, the multiple couplings (9) are multiple grease fittings such as grease nipples. Grease fittings such as grease nipples are preferred as these fittings are essential in maintaining proper lubrication for the components of the rake assembly of the present invention, which would indirectly prolong the lifespan of the components of the rake assembly. The rod (8) is an elongated shaft with diameter in a range of between 35mm to 45mm for the purposes of the present invention as determined and tested by the inventors for the purposes of the present invention.

The multiple rake blades (7) are in a range of between 5 to 15 rake blades. For the purposes to demonstrate the rake assembly of the present invention using mechanical buffalo as the moveable apparatus (3), a total of eight rake blades (7) are used. The number of rake blades (7) can be more than eight if a bigger moveable apparatus (3) is used for palm circle cleaning at estates with flat terrains. This would also depend on the preference and costing / budget by the user of the present invention. At least seven rake blades (7) is sufficient to provide efficient cleaning based on testing of the inventors of the present invention. Less than five is not preferred as not adequate to conduct efficient and effective palm circle cleaning in the shortest amount of time possible for the required radius width around the base of the oil palm tree trunk.

The proximal gap or space between each face of the multiple rake blades (7) is in a range of between 30 mm to too mm is determined to be the preferred range by the inventors of the present invention. This gap range as tested by the inventors is essential in ensuring all debris are cleared off from the palm circle. If the gap is more than 100mm, small d ebris will be missed out during the racking process and if the gap is less than 30mm, big debris will get stuck between the rake blades (7) which causes downtime to the raking operations as the operator of the present invention would need to clean the blades very often before resuming the racking process. The first blade of the multiple rake blades (7) is aligned in a straight line to a first rear wheel of the moveable apparatus (3). The first rear wheel is the outer wheel away from the tree trunk when the moveable apparatus (3) circles around the tree trunk. The first rear wheel of the moveable apparatus (3) can either be the left rear wheel or right rear wheel depending whether the circle cleaning is done clockwise or anti-clockwise based on the preference of the user of the present invention.

At least three (or more) of the multiple rake blades (7) are directly behind the rear-end of the moveable apparatus (3) depending on size of the moveable apparatus (3) used based on the preference of the user of the present invention. There are at least three (or more) of the multiple rake blades (7) extending horizontally beyond a second rear wheel of the moveable apparatus (3) depending on size of the moveable apparatus (3) used based on the preference of the user of the present invention.

For purposes of demonstrating the rake assembly of the present invention, the horizontal length (width range) of the multiple rake blades (7) from centre of the moveable apparatus (3) to second last rake blade which extends horizontally beyond the second rear wheel of the moveable apparatus (3) is in a range of between 1.3 m to 1.7 m. The horizontal length (width range) of the multiple rake blades (7) from the first rake blade to the second last rake blade which extends horizontally beyond the second rear wheel of the moveable apparatus (3) is in a range of between 1.8m to 2.4m. Mechanical buffalo as the moveable apparatus (3) and eight multiple rake blades (7) are used to demonstrate and illustrate the rake assembly of the present invention, specifically to show that this rake assembly can be efficiently used in estates with narrow terrains. Hence, horizontal lengths (width ranges) as mentioned are preferred as it is most efficient to move in and out of each palm circle for palm circle cleaning without having any downtime in between due to the spacing. The horizontal length or width range can be longer than mentioned if more than eight rake blades (7) and a bigger moveable apparatus (3) are used for the purposes of the present invention. However, it need not be too long (preferably not more than 3.0m) as palm circle cleaning is usually targeted for a circle radius in a range of between 7 to 8 feet (2m to 2.5m) from the base of the oil palm tree trunk, therefore the range of 1.8m to 2.4m is sufficient as tested and determined by the inventors of the present invention.

The multiple rake blades (7) excluding at least one rake blade of the multiple rake blades (7) on the end which extends horizontally beyond the second rear wheel of the moveable apparatus (3) are coupled at a right angle to the rod (8). The at least one rake blade of the multiple rake blades (7) on the end which extends horizontally beyond the second rear wheel of the moveable apparatus (3) is not coupled at a right angle to the rod (8). The at least one rake blade of the multiple rake blad es (7) is tilted at an angle less than 90° from the rod (8) or the edge of the at least one rake blade of the multiple rake blades (7) is tilted at angle of about 20 ⁰ to 30° from the ground of the estate for efficient implementation of the rake assembly of the present invention. The tilting of the at least one rake blade of the multiple blades (7) is the last rake blade on the end which extends horizontally beyond the second rear wheel of the moveable apparatus (3) for the purposes to demonstrate the rake assembly of the present invention.

Each face of the multiple rake blades (7) is a polygon, which is essentially a 2-dimensional shape with straight lines. Each face of the multiple rake blades (7) can be a quadrilateral, triangle or others as preferred by the user of the present invention. For the purposes of the present invention, each face of the multiple rake blades (7) is a quadrilateral. Quadrilateral is preferred for its simplicity in design and efficient raking mechanism which is more than sufficient for the purposes of the present invention. It is preferred that the size and dimension of each of the face of the multiple rake blades (7) is identical for each rake assembly of the present invention as detachably attached to a movable apparatus (3) which is a three-wheeler or four-wheeler.

As determined and tested efficient and sufficient for the purposes of the present invention, the length of one side of the face of the multiple rake blad es (7) is in a range of between 0.20 m to 0.30 m and length of other side of the face of the multiple rake blades (7) is in a range of between 0.25 m to 0.35 m. These ranges are preferred as bigger blades than this could cause access raking which could damage the oil palm trees by scraping the palm hair roots.

The thickness of each of the multiple rake blades (7) is in a range of between 3 mm to 10 mm. This thickness of the rake assembly of the present invention is sufficient because it is not too thin or flimsy or not too thick, hence, able to efficiently clean the area around the base of the oil palm tree trunk. If the rake blade (7) is thick, the individual movement of each rake blade (7) will be hindered - for an example, if the rake blade (7) hits an object on the ground (i.e. a stone) it can easily move to divert from the stone and continue with the raking process, therefore as tested by the inventors of the presentation the thickness range is preferably between 3 mm to 10 mm.

The multiple rake blades (7) of the present invention is a polygon with straight lines, preferably a quadrilateral with straight lines. The bottom edge of the multiple rake blades (7) which touches the ground for raking purposes can a straight line or uneven lines (in many designs such as zig-zag or criss-cross and others) to assist in the cleaning or raking process based on preference of the user of the present invention.

This present invention further provides a method for making a rake assembly, comprising making a frame (i) having a first end and a second end, detachably coupling a first linkage (2) on the first end of the frame (1) to a moveable apparatus (3), pivotally coupling a second linkage (4) on the first end of the frame to at least one actuator (5) which is coupled to the moveable apparatus (3) and coupling a third linkage (6) on the first end and the second end of the frame (1) to multiple rake blades (7).

The first linkage (2) is detachably coupled to rear-end of the moveable apparatus (3). The second linkage (4) is pivotally coupled to the at least one actuator (5) by means of a plurality of connectors or fasteners. The at least one actuator (5) is coupled to the rear-end of the moveable apparatus (3). The at least one actuator (5) is at least one hydraulic cylinder.

Each of the multiple rake blades (7) comprises the face on one end and a T-coupler on other end. The face of the multiple rake blades (7) extends outwardly from the moveable apparatus. The third linkage (6) is the multiple T-couplers of the multiple rake blades (7). The T-couplers of the multiple rake blades (7) are mounted on the first end and the second end of the frame (1). The T-couplers of the multiple rake blades are coupled to the second end of the frame (1) by means of a rod (8). The rod (8) is disposed within the opening of the T-couplers and pivotably coupled by multiple couplings (9). The rod (8) is an elongated shaft with diameter in a range of between 35mm to 45mm.

The multiple rake blades (7) are in a range of between 5 to 15 rake blades. The proximal gap or space between each face of the multiple rake blades (7) is in a range of between 30 mm to 100 mm. The first blade of the multiple rake blades (7) is aligned in a straight line to a first rear wheel of the moveable apparatus (3). The at least three of the multiple rake blades (7) are directly behind the rear-end of the moveable apparatus (3). The at least three of the multiple rake blades (7) extending horizontally beyond a second rear wheel of the moveable apparatus (3).

The multiple rake blades (7) excluding at least one rake blade of the multiple rake blades (7) on end which extends horizontally beyond the second rear wheel of the moveable apparatus (3) are coupled at a right angle to the rod (8). The at least one rake blade of the multiple rake blades (7) on the end which extends horizontally beyond the second rear wheel of the moveable apparatus (3) is not coupled at a right angle to the rod (8). The at least one rake blade of the multiple rake blades (7) is tilted at an angle less than 90° from the rod (8).

Each face of the multiple rake blades (7) is a quadrilateral. The dimension of each of the face of the multiple rake blades (7) is identical. The length of one side of the face of the multiple rake blades (7) is in a range of between 0.20 m to 0.30 m and length of other side of the face of the multiple rake blades (7) is in a range of between 0.25 m to 0.35 m. The thickness of each of the multiple rake blades (7) is in a range of between 3 mm to 10 mm.

Any type of moveable apparatus (3) can be used for the present invention. The movable apparatus (3) of the present invention can be a three-wheeler or four-wheeler and can be selected based on ground conditions, accessibility and affordability of individual estates based on needs and preference of the user of the apparatus of the present invention, such as the mechanical buffalo, tractor and others. The movable apparatus (3) are chosen based on the terrains of the oil palm estates as long the movable apparatus (3) does not cause any damage at the travelling path and also safe and stable with good manoeuvrability for use at the intended areas. Speed of the movable vehicle (1) is preferably in a range of between 4 km/h to 7 km/h which is enough to provide sufficient and efficient spraying to arrive at the claimed benefits and advantages of the present invention.

The challenge here is to access challenging / narrow and difficult terrains at inland estates and this rake assembly of the present invention proofs that it is efficient, effective, smooth and easy to manoeuvre at estates with difficult terrains. Mechanical buffalo is smaller than a tractor hence is more suitable to be used at the inland estates in contrast to using a tractor. Usage of the apparatus of the present invention is able to eliminate completely palm circle cleaning or raking using manual means at both the inland and coastal estates.

E. Summary

All prior arts as listed and referred to above do not specifically describe the rake assembly of the present invention. Apart from that, it is also not obvious by just reading the prior art documents or information as listed above for experts in the field of interest to derive the apparatus of the present invention as the parameters for the present invention have been determined by the inventors based on numerous trials conducted, observations, discussions with combined expertise and experience in this field, which parameters and/or combination could not be determined without much efforts, testing and/or analysis or by just reviewing prior art documents in this field of interest. Hence, there remains a need in the art to provide a rake assembly per present invention with benefits and objectives as further described below which cannot be found from the prior art documents, hence, the inventors believe that this invention is novel and inventive.

To the best of the knowledge of the inventors of the present invention and based on prior arts available, there is no known rake assembly per present invention being used in the industry at current. The novel and unique aspects of the rake assembly of the present invention focuses on the multiple rake blades (7) which allows individual movement of each rake blade (7). This rake assembly is not like the conventional rake currently being used in the oil palm estates or industry which have tines and appears more like a comb all set in a fixed position. The rake assembly of the present invention allows the multiple rake blades (7) to move according to the individual estate terrain, hence, the cleaning can be done properly, cleanly, efficiently in the shortest time possible (less than 1 minute per tree as tested by the inventors of the present invention) without needing to go over the same area again and again till the palm circle is properly cleaned from debris or trash. Big blades are preferred over thin blades or thin tines per conventional rake for the cleaning to be done effectively in both wet and dry conditions in the shortest time possible. Also, the last rake blade (7) which is tilted at an angle less than 90° from the rod (8) or the elongated shaft (or the bottom edge of the at least one rake blade of the multiple rake blades (7) is tilted at an angle of between 20° to 30° from the ground of the estates) provides the widened cleaning area or radius around the base of the oil palm trunk. This permits for the rake assembly of the present invention suitable to be used in any types of terrains in the estates. The movable apparatus (3) is a three-wheeler or four-wheeler. A three- wheeler is preferred if it is in narrow estates with difficult terrains.

The closest prior art to this rake assembly although a mechanised raking means but does not have the multiple rake blades (7) which allows individual movement per present invention. The closest prior art has the rake design per conventional means with tines (thin tines and not thick rake blades (7) per present invention) which appears such of a thin comb. The inventors of the present invention have tested and determined that bigger blades and not thin tines such as the conventional rake is suitable for efficient palm circle cleaning. Apart from that, the individual movement of each of the multiple rake blades (7) allows for use at any terrains in the estates with efficient cleaning around the base of the oil palm tree trunk.

It can be appreciated that the parameters for the present invention are not obvious for a person skilled in the art and have been tested and determined by the inventors based on numerous trials conducted, observations, discussions and combined expertise, which would not be able to be determined without much efforts and analysis. All prior arts as listed and referred to above do not specifically describe the rake assembly of this present invention.

Based on the knowledge of the inventors of the present invention, there is no known prior art or rake assembly of the present invention, hence the inventors believe that this present invention is novel. Apart from that, it is also not obvious by just reading the prior art documents or information as listed above for experts in the field of interest to derive the rake assembly of the present invention without much efforts, testing and/or analysis. The parameters for the present invention have been determined by the inventors based on numerous trials conducted, observations, discussions with combined expertise and experience in this field which parameters and/ or combination could not be determined without much efforts, testing and/or analysis or by just reviewing prior art documents in this field. Hence, to the best of knowledge of the inventors, the present invention is novel and inventive.

Various modifications to these embodiments as described herein are apparent to those skilled in the art from the description and the accompanying drawings. The description is not intended to be limited to these embodiments as shown with the accompanying drawings but is to provide the broadest scope possible as consistent with the novel and inventive features disclosed. Accordingly, the invention is anticipated to hold on to all other such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the present invention and appended claims.