The coconut sector plays a significant part in the country’s economy- placing the Philippines among the leading coconut-producing countries worldwide. However, Filipino coconut farmers face significant challenges, including dangerous harvesting methods like climbing coconut trees without proper safety precautions, which can result in severe injuries or fatalities. To address these pressing challenges, the University of Southeastern Philippines has developed the Mechanical Coconut Climber, patented under Patent No. 1/2021/050293, granting exclusive rights for the next 20 years.
The invention created by Dr. Roger C. Montepio, Engr. Ryan M. Abenoja, Engr. Ruel F. Tuyugon, Engr. Roland R. Bayron, and Engr. Lourenze Karl Lanticse offers a safer, and more efficient method for coconut harvesting. Currently, the technology is undergoing pre-commercialization phases through KTTD’s Technology Business Incubation Unit and Technology Transfer Unit to further increase its market value. Let’s celebrate this breakthrough in agricultural invention signifying the
University’s commitment to excellence in research.
ABSTRACT. The present invention relates to a tree climbing device, particularly a device for climbing coconut. A mechanical coconut climber comprising of a left assembly and a right assembly collectively as a climber assembly, a cable assembly operably connected to a footrest assembly by a thimble and ferrule snapped into a carabiner disposed at one end of said footrest assembly, characterized in that said cable assembly having a single roller disc which rolls upon vertical movement carrying the cable assembly and keeping a cable wire from ensnaring to the tree’s notch, said cable assembly upon stepping on the footrest assembly provides tension in the cable wire, thus, providing a grip on the tree while transitioning to make another step by pulling a handle to move upward or pushing said handle to move downward either way, leads the cable wire to loosen.
